A closer look
Overnight sleeper trains in Europe are frequently romanticized as a glamorous and incredibly efficient way to traverse the continent, but the reality often involves severe sleep deprivation and a shockingly high risk of petty theft. While you are gently rocked to sleep by the rhythmic clatter of the tracks, highly organized syndicates of train thieves are known to quietly slide open compartment doors and relieve exhausted tourists of their passports and cash. The majestic idea of waking up fully refreshed in a completely new country is usually replaced by the harsh reality of trying to sleep on a paper-thin mattress while a stranger aggressively snores in the bunk above you. You will inevitably arrive at your destination smelling like stale diesel fuel, desperately clutching your remaining valuables, and vowing to just book a cheap flight next time
