I will be travelling in Switzerland in August, and would like to make a trip to Venice for 3 nights. I would like to take a day train so I can stare out the window and take in the big picture. I am a woman going solo. Would it be safe? Would I need to buy tickets in advance or can I do it once I am in Switzerland? Would going 2nd class in Italy be ok? Also, I read a lot of advice on how to be vigilant on a train in Italy, but wonder how the heck I am going to go to the bathroom with the luggage? Take it with me? I listen to Rick's advice to pack light, but even if I have only one roll-on piece, how can I go to the bathroom with it?
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
473 posts
Not having travelled in that area during August, I couldn't say if you would be better off buying ahead of time. One thought is to buy your ticket as soon as you get to Switzerland. 2nd class in Italy is safe for a solo woman. Except for the condition of some of the bathrooms, which can be a bit interesting. Bring a little bit of your own TP, just in case. Regarding your luggage, you could take a small bicycle cable and lock and secure it to the overhead rack.
Posted by
Detroit, MI, USA
16 posts
I am also going solo to Switzerland in August via flying in and out of Milan. I am very nervous about the main train station in Milan as I read of so much pick pocketing and stealing of bags on trains. Friends will pick me up in Milan but I'm toying with taking the bus from Swizterland directly to Malpensa airport rather than the train and making changes to a cab or bus there. I will travel with one bag I carry on. Am I being overly nervous about the main train station in Milan? The small bike lock, I have added to my list to pack.
Posted by
OP
Concord, California
138 posts
Ok, friends, I will get a small lock, too, but I wonder if this really would deter some quick Italian ragazzo::)) I might just have to hold it from the Swiss border to Venezia;)
Posted by
Albuquerque
2 posts
On April 15, I went by train from Lausanne to Venice. The scenery is gorgeous--the Alps, lakes. I bought the ticket ahead of time through a travel agency just because I didn't have time to buy it on line. You should buy ahead. First class is not that much more and is worth it because the trip takes several hours. I found the train perfectly safe. It is called "Transalpino". The bathroom is in the same car. You can either put your bag above your head or at the back of the car. I didn't secure my bag or pull it around with me, nor did I see anyone else doing so. You can carry your passport and money in a purse and keep your purse with you.
Posted by
Albuquerque
2 posts
The train between Lausanne and Venice is called the "Cisalpino" not "Transalpino".
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
Agree with the above. I travel solo too and I tend to prebook as I am usually wanting to get a specific train. Venice is super popular at any time and so if you don't pre book you may have trouble getting the train you want. I always go 1st class as I travel alone and it is more comfortable and I feel a little safer. I put my luggage either above me in the rack or in the luggage bay at the end of the train and it's always been fine. Always keep valuables with me though. Stay aware of your surroundings but don't get too paranoid. The trip should be lovely.