We have used trains within Europe for day trips and wonder how easy it is to travel from cities like Prague to Krakow and then Krakow to Warsaw.
We had a tough time schlepping our luggage inside the trains in Israel and vowed never to do that again. These were more like commuter trains without seat assignments and storage. I vowed to get easier to handle luggage for our next trip. I realize there are no porters to handle luggage, so any advice for an active 70+ woman would be appreciated.
No one knows more than the man in seat 61
Prague to Krakow https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/prague-to-krakow-by-train.htm
https://www.seat61.com/Poland.htm#Buying%20train%20tickets%20within%20Poland
It is in general very easy. Just don't pack more than you can carry yourself. Low floor trains are getting more and more common, but a lot of long distance trains still have a few steps up from the platform.
Can't help with Prague but we recently traveled by train within Poland, using trains to travel between five cities with no real issues.
We bought our tickets online, one month before each departure as they are less costly. We did not buy 1st class. We always had seat assignments. The seats are strangely numbered, skipping numbers but that was not a problem, once we understood it was normal. There were often places for luggage at the back of the car and also overhead, an issue for we who are in our late 70s. If we needed the overhead storage we sometimes asked a young person for help.
One issue is that no one knew exactly where the train would stop so there often were people on the platform walking in both directions looking for their car number, we among them. Not an issue for those used to train travel.
I hope this information helps.
Unfortunately, I don’t see a direct overnight train where you can sleep in a sleeper car or couchette (share a car with other sleepers) but there are direct trains from Prague to Krakow (7h 15m). From Krakow to Warsaw takes 2h 45m and is also direct meaning no transfers are needed.
"I vowed to get easier to handle luggage for our next trip."
From one active 70+ woman to another....yes, this is the key.
For my trip this Fall I was determined to get my luggage down to a weight I could comfortably lift overhead. I was also worried that one leg of my flight would weigh and/or measure my luggage and wanted to keep it well under 20#. I wound up with 16.1 pounds when I left home which was good for me to carry on the plane plus manage on trains.
I recommend starting with the lightest weight 21 or 22 inch suitcase that fits your budget and work from there. Weigh every item including packing cubes, toiletry bags, ziplock bags. We can help you pare down your packing list, lol!
I will add that I have not traveled on trains in Czech Republic or Poland.
I used a 40 liter Osprey backpack for women and I will only use it from now on for the very reasons you state.
We were on the BOEE tour this fall. From past experience, we knew there would be cobbles, steps and we would be using trains 2x for our pre and post tour adventures. Also, getting on and off the train can be an issue. Huge gaps or a big first step.
I was an over packer and always checked a bag. This year checking a bag could be a big mistake so we went carryon. I also had a broken arm and the backpack was much easier. I’ve used my backpack on another trip, my bag weighed about 20-22 pounds (same as the Europe trip) and I had no problem lifting it into the overhead bin. The backpack is actually easier to lift than my roller bag.
It was liberating to travel light and not schlepping a bag along the cobbles and stones. Stairs- easy. Running for a tight train connection- easy. Getting from the bus to hotel- easy. I observed people in train stations- where there are many stairs- struggling with bags. Also, we did not have to wait for slow elevators or had to wait in line for the escalators.
We are pretty athletic and young at heart. We were nervous at first- could we do it? Yup!
We took trains around Poland a few years ago. There is storage but at a few of the stations the elevators weren’t working and we had to carry our bags up the stairs. In Poland, go for the first class tickets. Not much more and a nice comfortable ride. We also work to keep our bags under 25 lbs., the limit I can carry/pick up. like others, I starting weighing items. I found sneakers that only weigh in at 9oz. We cut down on our toiletries too. My goal on our next trip is to cut down on my day bag items, especially what we bring on the plane. Packing light is always a work in progress. BTW, we are 65.
"I vowed to get easier to handle luggage for our next trip."
From one active 70+ woman to another....yes, this is the key.
What Pam said. I am in my late 60's and spend a month in Germany schlepping bags from train to train, and I will definitely be doing things differently next time. First, as Pam said, make sure your luggage is as light as possible. Start with a light suitcase and keep the contents as light as possible. If you use a backpack as a secondary item, keep it light, too. I thought a backpack would be easier than a tote, but mine was too heavy and it can affect your balance when you're trying to climb up onto the train while maneuvering your suitcase.
When you pack, just keep thinking that most of the people you meet will be strangers and do not care what you are wearing. Limit your outfits to no more than 3-4 and wear them over and over (merino wool garments are great for this). Wash them in the sink when needed and occasionally stop at a laundromat (or book a hotel or apartment with a washer).
Don't be afraid to ask for help. I found that many Europeans are more than happy to help someone who is struggling to get their suitcase up onto the train. Get to the train station early enough so that you don't have to rush around with bags, and make sure you download any available apps for the railway company you are using to check on last minute track changes and late trains.
"I thought a backpack would be easier than a tote, but mine was too heavy and it can affect your balance when you're trying to climb up onto the train while maneuvering your suitcase."
Yes, yes, yes to Mardee's point. I do better with a cross-body tote which I can position in front of myself if needed. I used to use a day pack for my personal item but hte last few trips have done a tote and for myself that works better. I also go for a lightweight tote (and yes, a VERY lightweight one is to be delivered tomorrow, lol!!) and weigh it as I go as well.
I also switched from a backpack type suitcase after I got mine so heavy I could not lift it to swing around to my back a the end of a trip. I literally had to sit on the bed and don the backpack, then stand up. WAY too heavy for my strength level.
IF you need stocking stuffers for yourself, get a hand held luggage scale (Bed Bath and Beyond usually has them in the store) AND a small digital kitchen scale. The big one is for your suitcase. The small one is for weighing each item/packing cube/etc.
The first trip my sister and I did together was a week in England followed by a one week tour where we were based in Dublin. As typical for a first trip like this, we took too big of suitcases and too much stuff. The England part was hard but since we lodged in one place, Ireland was doable until we went to the airport.
On subsequent trips, we have pared back considerably. Now, we both use wheeled backpacks. These were purchased with the vision of hoisting them up when there were puddles and/or rough roads or gangplanks. I have the Rick Steves one which has worked well. Hers is more backpack-like and came with a smaller backpack that zips to it. Mine is a little heavier because it has more structure. If we have something fragile, it gets packed there. Hers can be stuffed with more. It isn't recommended that the bag be checked with the small backpack attached. Unfortunately, her backpack hasn't stood the test of time. She had a zipper break and if not buttoned up and tightened properly, the straps have gotten caught different places. She's looking for a new one. As much as I love my RS bag, I wish it had four wheels. My bigger "visit the grandkids" bag is a glider that can be pushed upright. I feel like when you don't have to pull a bag, you have a tighter travel bubble and can move through crowds better.
We've been staying around 20 pounds. Philosophically, I think the hardest thing was getting used to having one pair of shoes. Next, is slimming town toiletries, meds and supplements. Good luck!
