10 ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR TRAIN JOURNEY

It is travel season and while there are many ways you can travel from city to city, train travel is a unique journey from the train stations to the uncomfy beds, a long journey by train is filled with beautiful views and will cause a lot of back pain. So, if you have a one-day trip or a train trip lasting a few days, here are 10 travel essentials you need to have on hand.

1. LUGGAGE LOCKS
This one is self-explanatory, but your luggage isn't safe on the train even if you have your personal compartment. It is important to keep your valuables such as money and even electronic devices in your luggage or carry-on bags and lock them up. This will keep your valuables safe when you are asleep or going to the bathroom or on a stroll. Just remember the lock’s code and don't lose the key.

2. A BASIC HYGIENE KIT

Let's be real, train bathrooms aren't the most pleasant and sometimes you don't feel like going in there. So, to keep yourself cool and clean without needing to take multiple trips to the bathroom, keep a hygiene kit in your carry-on. This should include things like makeup wipes, rehydrating face mists, and perfume amongst other things. These things will help you freshen up without constantly needing to go to the bathroom. Other things you can carry are pads and mints, etc. Pack your hygiene kit depending on your needs and the duration of your trip.

3. SILICONE EARPLUGS

Trains can be very loud because of the constant background noise of people talking nearby and the sound of the engines as you go along your journey, this can be really detrimental to a good night's sleep. You might be just taking a power nap and are not able to sleep because of all the background noise, but these earplugs are perfect for you because they will block all the noise. If you don't like putting in silicone earplugs, you can also use noise-cancelling headphones if you have them. These will reassure that you don't have a sleepless journey.

4. A LIGHT CARDIGAN OR SHAWL

A light cardigan or shawl is perfect for when you need a cover-up over your pyjamas or for when it gets a bit chilly at night due to the area you are in or because of the air conditioning in your compartment. A light shawl can also serve as a thin blanket if you need it.

5. PLASTIC SLIPPERS 

Train floors aren’t always the cleanest and let's be real, it is never a good idea to be walking around barefoot outside. So be sure to carry lightweight plastic slippers in your carry-on that you can slip on and off easily. These are perfect for going to the bathroom or walking outside to stretch your legs. These slippers are also perfect for when you need to visit the station to get a nice cup of tea and stock up on snacks.

6. EYE MASK

Again, if you can't sleep due to the fluorescent lights on the train then you need to carry an eye mask that can block out all the light, whether that be sunlight or the lights in trains. Most of the time you can turn off the lights in your cabin, but it is still better to keep an eye mask on standby if you need it for the whole night or for a quick power nap during the day.

7. POWERBANK

This one is self-explanatory. Some train cabins do have outlets, but in case there aren’t enough, or you don't have access to one. Carry a fully charged power bank to keep your phone charged throughout your journey. Even if you do have access to an outlet, it would be wise to keep it as a backup.

8. PORTABLE WI-FI DEVICE OR HOTSPOT

A portable WI-FI device or data is important so, you can last through a long train journey without being bored to death. Internet will give you access to social media as well as help you stay entertained throughout your journey.

9. PLENTY OF ENTERTAINMENT

Sometimes due to the route your train takes, you might not always have signals hence data or a portable WIFI device would not work so, it is better to download movies on your phone or laptop and have some games downloaded as well as some board games and books. All of these things will help keep you entertained for long periods, and you won't necessarily need a WI-FI connection.

10. TRAVEL PILLOW

The pillows trains provide you with can be very uncomfortable so, instead carry a travel neck pillow to keep you comfortable throughout your train journey and avoid all those neck pains you can get from sleeping on flat train pillows.