Never Underestimate the Protection of Chaining Your Luggage
While traveling through India, my luggage was always chained to the under-seat links. At first, I didn’t realize how much protection they provided until one day my chain broke and my belongings were stolen – so always be safe and lock your items so as not to get any unpleasant surprises later on. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to luggage security; make sure all items are secured securely on board so as not to risk losing them during transit.
Plan ahead and order your food in advance!
Indian Railways provides food service on all trains and they do a fantastic job catering to large groups of passengers. Unfortunately, there aren’t many options. Travel Khana offers an online ordering platform where you can order fresh meals prepared at local restaurants and have them delivered right to your station. Choose from various meal options like thalis or dosa, as well as biryani.
Be prepared for noisy neighbors.
Though I enjoy getting as much sleep as possible while on trains, my neighbors don’t share this sentiment. To block out noise, you can wear earplugs and an eye mask for uninterrupted sleeping so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Always pack extra food
Train journeys may take longer than anticipated or make unexpected stops in remote places. In case of an unforeseen delay or issue, you might want to bring along extra water and snacks in case they become necessary. A cup of hot tea is the perfect accompaniment, and I always carry some biscuits and nuts with me for added sustenance.
Take time for yourself.
Even though train rides can be lengthy, especially for those traveling alone, it is possible to enjoy uninterrupted time doing nothing. This time can be put towards things you might not normally have the chance to do in daily life. I always bring a large book along for these journeys – it’s an excellent chance to read through it completely, catch up on old movies, meet new people or simply gaze out the windows and take in all that India has to offer.
Additional Resource:
https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/ce2gz914l5mt
https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/
https://www.gwr.com/