Meal in a Hungarian restaurant car
 

The civilised way.  Lunch in the restaurant car.  Courtesy of Kevin Coumbe

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      Click here for journeys starting in another city

      Ljubljana station guide

      Recommended hotels in Ljubljana

This page explains how to travel from Ljubljana to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2024.

small bullet point  Train travel within Slovenia

small bullet point  Trains between Ljubljana & Zagreb

small bullet point  Trains from Ljubljana to Pula

small bullet point  Trains from Ljubljana to Lake Bled

bullet pointBefore you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

 

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

 

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

 

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

 

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

 

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...


Buying train tickets for journeys within Slovenia

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Ljubljana to Pula for €19

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Ljubljana to Lake Bled for €7

View over Lake Bled

View over Lake Bled near Bled Jezero station.  Photo courtesy of Steve Mason.

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Ljubljana to Zagreb from €9
Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

Great scenery as the train snakes along the Sava between Ljubljana & Zagreb.

  2nd class seats on the Munich-Zagreb train

More scenery along the Sava river in Slovenia.  Now across the border in Slovenia, the EuroCity train runs along the pretty River Sava all the way to Ljubljana and Zagreb.

 

Comfortable seats:  The 2nd class seats in the Slovenian cars are arranged 2+1 abreast, the same as 1st class!

Scenery between Ljubljana, Zagreb & Belgrade

More scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb along the river Sava.

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Ljubljana to Rijeka

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Ljubljana to London, Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg, Amsterdam

Option 1, using comfortable daytime trains with an overnight stop in Munich

Option 2, using the comfortable sleeper train Lisinski from Ljubljana to Stuttgart

The 'Lisinski' sleeper train from Zagreb to Munich, at Zagreb main station   Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb

The Lisinski from Zagreb to Stuttgart.  This is sleeping-car on the Lisinski at Zagreb.  The modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car of the Lisinski has 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth room, with toilets at the end of the corridor, see the Croatian sleeper video.

4-berth couchettes on Munich to Zagreb train   Couchette car on Munich to Zagreb train, at Munich

The couchette car on the Lisinski has modern air-conditioned 6-berth and 4-berth compartments.  Above right, the westbound train is seen boarding at Zagreb. See panorama photo.

Option 3, using a comfortable sleeper train from Ljubljana to Zurich.

The 'Lisinski' sleeper train from Zagreb to Munich, at Zagreb main station   Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb

The Zagreb-Zurich sleeping-car is a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car like this with 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth room, toilets at the end of the corridor.  It's identical to the Zagreb-Munich sleeper.  See larger sleeper photo.

Scenery in Switzerland from the Zagreb to Zurich sleeper train

Wake up in Switzerland to scenery like this.  Taken from the Zagreb-Zurich sleeper, courtesy of John Richards.

Option 4, using a Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam

Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

Vienna to Cologne, Dusseldorf, Brussels or Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper train.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet train.

Option 5, using the Nightjet sleeper train from Salzburg to Paris & Brussels

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam

Step 2, Salzburg to Paris by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Brussels-Vienna sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car.

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Ljubljana to Nice & the South of France

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Ljubljana to Zurich & Switzerland

Option 1, Ljubljana to Zurich by sleeper train

The 'Lisinski' sleeper train from Zagreb to Munich, at Zagreb main station   Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb

The Zagreb-Zurich sleeping-car is a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car like this with 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth room, toilets at the end of the corridor.  It's identical to the Zagreb-Munich sleeper.  See larger sleeper photo.

Scenery in Switzerland from the Zagreb to Zurich sleeper train

Wake up in Switzerland to scenery like this.  Taken from the Zagreb-Zurich sleeper, courtesy of John Richards.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Zurich by day train

Option 3, Ljubljana to Switzerland by day trains with overnight stop in Vienna

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Ljubljana to Trieste, Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy

Option 1, Ljubljana to Italy using the Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

The Vienna to Triese EuroCity train Emona, about to leave Vienna

Step 1, Ljubljana to Bruck an der Mur by EuroCity train:  This is the Emona at Vienna.

Lunch in Slovenian restaurant car   Slovenian restaurant car

The Slovenian restaurant car serves inexpensive freshly-cooked meals, beer & wine.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Scenery from the train between Zagreb and Vienna

Sevnica Castle, seen from the train between Zagreb & Zidani Most.

Scenery from the train between Zagreb and Vienna

Scenery between Zidani Most and Maribor in Slovenia on the route of the Emona.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 2, Bruck an der Mur to Florence & Rome by Nightjet sleeper train.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Venice & Italy via Villach - a comfortable option, easily booked

Option 3, Ljubljana to Trieste & Venice - the historic direct route, with no need to pre-book

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

Scenery in Slovenia, seen from the train from Ljubljana to Trieste.  More about Ljubljana-Trieste -Venice.

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

The descent into Trieste, seen from the rear of the northbound EuroCity.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

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Ljubljana to Barcelona & Spain
Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  Seen from the train and one of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline all the way from Girona to Perpignan.

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Ljubljana to Berlin

Option 1, Ljubljana to Berlin in a single day - the scenic daytime option, usually cheapest

Scenery in the Austrian Alps between Munich & Ljubljana

Scenery across Austria.  Clinging to the mountainside high in the Austrian Alps, the train snakes along between snow-capped mountains, absolutely wonderful.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Berlin using the Budapest-Berlin sleeper

The Ljubljana to Budapest Citadella arrived at Budapest Deli

Step 1, Ljubljana to Budapest on the Citadella seen here arrived at Budapest Deli.

2nd class seats in the Hungarian air-conditioned car   1st class compartment on the Budapest to Ljubljana train Citadella

2nd class seats in the one air-con Hungarian car.

 

2nd class compartments in the Slovenian cars.

EuroNight sleeper train from Budapest to Berlin

Step 2, Budapest to Berlin by sleeper train, seen here boarding at Budapest Nyugati.

Sleeper compartment in the Hungarian sleeping-car from Budapest to Berlin   6-berth couchettes on train to Budapest

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper, set up as a 2 bed.  Larger photo.

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes.  Larger photo

Option 3, Ljubljana to Berlin using the Vienna-Berlin sleeper - similar to option 2, but via Vienna and a little quicker

Vienna to Berlin Nightjet sleeper train

Vienna to Berlin by nightjet.  The Vienna to Berlin Nightjet prepares to leave Vienna Hbf.  See the nightjet page for more photos, tips & informationCourtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

Nightjet deluxe sleeper, 2-bed   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   4-berth couchette compartment from Cologne to Vienna

2-berth deluxe sleeper.  More info about Nightjet trains.

 

...en suite toilet & shower.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Option 4, Ljubljana to Berlin by daytime trains with overnight stop in Vienna

Vienna to Berlin ICE train

The ICE Berolina at Vienna HbfCourtesy Helmut Uttenthaler .

1st class table for two on the Vienna to Berlin ICE train   Lunch in the restaurant car on the Vienna to Berlin ICE train

Table for two in 1st class, my favourite configuration.  There are also tables for four in both classes.

 

Lunch in the restaurant car.  I highly recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!

ICE-T train, driving cab   ICE-T train, 2nd class

You can see into the cab at each end of the train.

 

Comfortable 2nd class seats on the ICE-T to Vienna.

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Ljubljana to Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg & Germany from €37.90

Option 1, Ljubljana to Germany by daytime trains

Scenery in the Austrian Alps between Munich & Ljubljana

Through the Austrian Alps.  Clinging to the mountainside high in the Austrian Alps, the train snakes along between snow-capped mountains, absolutely wonderful.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Germany using sleeper train Lisinski from Ljubljana to Munich & Stuttgart

The 'Lisinski' sleeper train from Zagreb to Munich, at Zagreb main station   Sleeper compartment in the Croatian sleeping-car from Munich to Zagreb

The sleeping-car on the Lisinski:  The modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car of the Lisinski from Zagreb & Ljubljana to Munich has 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth room, with toilets at the end of the corridor.  Above left, the sleeper arrived at Zagreb.  See larger sleeper photo.

4-berth couchettes on Munich to Zagreb train   Couchette car on Munich to Zagreb train, at Munich

The couchette car on the Lisinski has modern air-conditioned 6-berth and 4-berth compartments.  Above right, the westbound train is seen boarding at Zagreb. See panorama photo.

Scenery between Ljubljana, Zagreb & Belgrade

In summer when it's light you'll see scenery like this between Zagreb & Ljubljana, along the river Sava.

Option 3, Ljubljana to Germany using a Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna to Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg

Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

Vienna to Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

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Ljubljana to Vienna from €23.30

Option 1, Ljubljana to Vienna by direct EuroCity train Emona - the best option

Option 2, Ljubljana to Vienna, other connections - if the Emona doesn't suit you

The Vienna to Triese EuroCity train Emona, about to leave Vienna

Ljubljana to Vienna by EuroCity train:  This is the Emona at Vienna Hbf.

Lunch in Slovenian restaurant car   Slovenian restaurant car

The Slovenian restaurant car serves inexpensive freshly-cooked meals, beer & wine.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Scenery from the train between Zagreb and Vienna

Sevnica Castle, seen from the train between Zagreb & Zidani Most.

Scenery from the train between Zagreb and Vienna

Scenery between Zidani Most and Maribor in Slovenia on the route of the Emona.

Semmering Railway scenery from the Zagreb to Vienna train

Between Graz & Vienna the Emona & Croatia travel over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

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Ljubljana to Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria
Scenery in the Austrian Alps between Munich & Ljubljana

Through the Austrian Alps between Ljubljana & Salzburg.  Clinging to the mountainside high in the Austrian Alps, the train snakes along between snow-capped mountains, absolutely wonderful.

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Ljubljana to Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm & Scandinavia

Option 1, using the Ljubljana-Munich sleeper - fastest & most time-effective option

Option 2, using the Vienna-Hamburg sleeper

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Ljubljana to Prague

Option 1, Ljubljana to Prague in a day via Graz

Option 2, Ljubljana to Prague in a day via Villach & Vienna

Czech Railjet train to Vienna at Prague Hlavni station

Graz or Vienna to Prague by railjet, with economy, first & business class, restaurant car, free WiFi and draught beer on tap.  More about Graz-Vienna-Prague railjets.

Economy seats on a Prague to Vienna Railjet train   1st class seats on a Czech Railjet train

Economy (2nd) class.  Mainly unidirectional seating but with some tables for 4.  All seats have power sockets & free WiFi.  Larger photo.

 

First class.  Mainly unidirectional, with some tables for 2 & tables for 4.  Larger photo

Restaurant car on a Prague-Vienna railjet train   Business class on a Czech railjet train

Restaurant car for snacks, meals, beer, wine, tea & coffee.  You don't need to reserve, just turn up & sit down.  There's waiter-service at tables or order at the counter & take back to your seat.  Larger photo.

 

Business class = premium 1st.  Just 6 seats at one end of the 1st class car.  Same seats but very different layout from business class on Austrian railjetLarger photo.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Prague using the Ljubljana-Munich sleeper - saves a hotel bill

Option 3, Ljubljana to Prague with overnight stop in Vienna

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Ljubljana to Bratislava
The train from Vienna to Bratislava, at Vienna Huaptbahnhof...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

The hourly regional express train from Vienna to Bratislava Hlavna, about to leave from Vienna Hbf.

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Ljubljana to Budapest from €16

Option 1, Ljubljana to Budapest by early morning train

The Budapest to Ljubljana train Drava at Budapest Keleti

The Drava from Budapest to Ljubljana about to leave at Budapest Keleti.

1st class seats on the Budapest to Ljubljana train Drava   2nd class seats on the Budapest to Ljubljana train Drava

1st class seats on the Drava.

 

2nd class seats on the Drava.

Option 2, Ljubljana to Budapest by mid-morning train

The Ljubljana to Budapest Citadella arrived at Budapest Deli

The Citadella from Ljubljana to Budapest, just arrived at Budapest Dιli.

2nd class seats in the Hungarian air-conditioned car   1st class compartment on the Budapest to Ljubljana train Citadella

2nd class seats in the one air-con Hungarian car.

 

2nd class compartments in the Slovenian cars.

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Ljubljana to Belgrade, Sofia, Athens, Istanbul
2nd class seats in a Serbian air-conditioned train   The train from Belgrade to Zagreb & Zurich, about to leave Belgrade

The train from Ljub]ljana & Zagreb to Belgrade.  Above left, 2nd class seats.

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Ljubljana to Warsaw, Krakow, Bucharest, Kyiv

Option 1, by morning train to Budapest, then sleeper train

Option 2, by morning train to Vienna, then sleeper train

Option 3, by afternoon train to Budapest, overnight stop, then daytime train

Option 2, by afternoon train to Vienna, overnight stop, then daytime train

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Hotels in Ljubljana

There are relatively few places near the station, so try somewhere towards (or in) Ljubljana's lovely old town.

I've stayed at the Best Western Premier Hotel Slon myself, it's 13 minutes walk from the station, see walking map.  The City Hotel (is just 8 minutes walk, see walking map.  Both are great choices.

The excellent Hotel Slamic is just 11 minutes walk from the station with great reviews, but a little further from the old town than the other two, see walking map.

For something relatively inexpensive in the old town, try the Hotel Emonec, excellently located in the pedestrianised area, 13 minutes from the station, see walking map.

For something luxurious, the 5-star art nouveau-style Grand Hotel Union is in the old town and comes complete with swimming pool.  It's 10 minutes walk from the station, see walking map.

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

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Travel insurance & VPN

 

Staysure travel insurance

 

Columbus Direct logo

Always take out travel insurance

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

UK flag  www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & gets 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

UK flag  www.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.

US flag  If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.

 

Maya.net logo

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility listMaya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.

 

Curve card

Curve card

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:  1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

 

Express VPN

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explainedExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

 

Anker Powerrbank

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com.

 


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