Meal in a Hungarian restaurant car
 

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

bullet pointI want to go from Zagreb to...

     

      Click here for journeys starting in another city

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

small bullet point  Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor station guide

small bullet point  Train travel within Croatia

small bullet point  Trains between Zagreb & Ljubljana

small bullet point  How to travel from Zagreb to Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula, Vis, Brac

small bullet point  Recommended hotels in Zagreb

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 Croatia

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Zagreb to Split, Dubrovnik & Croatian islands

Take a scenic train ride from Zagreb to Split, then take a bus from Split to Dubrovnik or a ferry from Split to one of the Adriatic islands.  The journey is part of the fun.

Zagreb to Split by train

An ICN train Zagreb at Split station

 

1st class seats on the fast tilting ICN train from Zagreb to Split

The daytime trains to Split:  These fast, tilting, air-conditioned ICN trains link Zagreb & Split once or twice a day through great scenery.  Above right, first class seats on the train to Split.  below left, second class seats.  Exterior photos courtesy of Gareth Davison.

2nd class seats on the tilting ICN train from Zagreb to Split   ICN train to Split at Zagreb station
Scenery seen from the Zagreb-Split train

Scenery between Zagreb and Split seen from the train.  Photo courtesy of Pαraic Maguire.

Split to Dubrovnik by bus

Split to Hvar, Korcula, Vis, Brac by ferry

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Zagreb to Ljubljana 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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Zagreb to London, Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg, Amsterdam

Option 1, using the Zagreb-Stuttgart sleeper train - the most time-effective option

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 from Zagreb 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, see the Croatian sleeper video.

6-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 2, by comfortable daytime trains with an overnight stop in Munich

The EuroCity train 'Sava' from Munich to Ljubljana & Zagreb  

The EuroCity train Sava at Zagreb.

 

More scenery along the Sava between Zagreb & Ljubljana.

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

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

  2nd class seats on the Munich-Zagreb train

...and along the Sava river in Slovenia.  Now across the border in Slovenia, the EuroCity train runs along the pretty River Sava.

 

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

Option 3, using the Zagreb-Zurich 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 4, using the Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam & Cologne

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 Croatia.

Semmering Railway scenery from the Zagreb to Vienna train

Between Villach & Vienna the Croatia travels 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.

Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

Step 2, Vienna to Paris, Brussels, 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.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 5, using the Nightjet sleeper train from Salzburg to Paris, Brussels or Cologne.

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Zagreb to Nice & the South of France

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Zagreb to Zurich & Switzerland

Option 1, Zagreb to Zurich by sleeper train - the most comfortable & time-effective option, great scenery in the evening, great scenery in the morning

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, Zagreb to Zurich by day train - direct route

Option 3, Zagreb to Zurich by day train via Vienna - a round-about route, but good trains, great scenery

Option 4, by day trains with overnight stop in Vienna

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Zagreb to Trieste, Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy

Option 1, Zagreb to Venice in a day via Ljubljana & Trieste - cheap, scenic, see Ljubljana & Trieste on the way

2nd class seats on the train from Venice to Ljubljana   The train from Trieste to Ljubljana

Inside the train.  Larger photo.

 

The train from Ljubljana to Trieste.  Courtesy of Marc Williams.

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

Scenery in Slovenia, seen from the train from Ljubljana to Trieste.  More photos & information about Ljubljana-Trieste.

Option 2, Zagreb to Venice in a day - inexpensive, comfortable, scenic, slightly longer than option 1

Option 3, Zagreb to Italy using the Nightjet sleeper train to Bologna, Florence & Rome with an afternoon free in Vienna

Scenery from the train between Zagreb and Vienna

Sevnica Castle, seen from the Croatia 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 Croatia.

Semmering Railway scenery from the Zagreb to Vienna train

Between Villach & Vienna the Croatia travels 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.

Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

Step 2, Vienna 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 sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 4, Zagreb to Ljubljana, overnight stop, Ljubljana to Italy next day via Villach - a comfortable option, easily booked

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Zagreb 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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Zagreb to Berlin

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

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

Scenery between Zagreb & Ljubljana along the river Sava.

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, Zagreb to Berlin using the Vienna-Berlin sleeper

Although the connections work better via Budapest (see option 2), the trains on the Vienna route are higher-quality with a longer booking horizon.  And what's not to like about an afternoon in Vienna?

Vienna to Berlin Nightjet sleeper train

Vienna to Berlin by nightjet.  The Vienna to Berlin Nightjet prepares to leave Vienna Hbf.  More about NightjetsCourtesy 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 3, Zagreb to Berlin by daytime trains with an overnight stop in Vienna.  If you prefer day trains and a hotel to sleepers, this is the most practical route with high-quality trains, all easily booked online.

Vienna to Berlin ICE train

The ICE Berolina at Vienna HbfCourtesy Helmut Uttenthaler .

1st class table for two on the Berlin to Vienna 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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Zagreb to Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg & Germany from €37.90

Option 1, Zagreb to Germany by daytime trains

The EuroCity train 'Sava' from Munich to Ljubljana & Zagreb  

The EuroCity train Sava at Zagreb.

 

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb.

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

Great scenery along the Sava between Zagreb & Ljubljana (taken from an eastbound train).

  2nd class seats on the Munich-Zagreb train

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

 

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

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, Zagreb to Germany using the sleeper train Lisinski from Zagreb 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 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 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, morning EuroCity train to Vienna, afternoon free, then Vienna to Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg by sleeper train

Scenery from the train between Zagreb and Vienna

Step 1, Zagreb to Vienna.  This is 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 Croatia.

Semmering Railway scenery from the Zagreb to Vienna train

Between Villach & Vienna the Croatia travels 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.

Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

Step 2, 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

 

The 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.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

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Zagreb to Vienna from €29

Option 1, Zagreb to Vienna by daytime train

Scenery from the train between Zagreb and Vienna

Sevnica Castle, seen from the Croatia 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 Croatia.

Semmering Railway scenery from the Zagreb to Vienna train

Between Villach & Vienna the Croatia travels 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.

Option 2, Zagreb to Vienna, other departures

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Zagreb to Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria
The EuroCity train 'Sava' from Munich to Ljubljana & Zagreb  

The EuroCity train Sava at Zagreb.

 

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb.

Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb

Great scenery along the Sava between Zagreb & Ljubljana (taken from an eastbound train).

  2nd class seats on the Munich-Zagreb train

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

 

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

Scenery in the Austrian Alps between Munich & Ljubljana

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

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Zagreb to Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm & Scandinavia

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

Option 2, using the Vienna-Hamburg sleeper

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Zagreb to Bratislava & Prague

Option 1, Zagreb to Prague or Bratislava in a single day

Option 2, Zagreb to Munich by sleeper, morning express train to Prague - time-effective and saves a hotel bill

Option 3, Zagreb to Prague or Bratislava with overnight stop in Budapest

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Zagreb to Budapest from €15

Intercity train Agram from Budapest to Zagreb

The Intercity train Agram at Budapest Deli, the Croatian car in the foreground, the Hungarian car  next to it, then in the distance at the front of the train the older Hungarian cars going as far as the border.

2nd class seats on the Budapest to Zagreb train Agram   2nd class seats on the Budapest to Zagreb train Agram

2nd class compartment in the Croatian car.

 

2nd class open-plan seats in the Hungarian car.

Lake Balaton seen from the Budapest to Zagreb train

The trains from Zagreb to Budapest run along the southern shore of Lake Balaton, Hungary's largest lake.  Courtesy of Della Mcvay.

Sunflowers seen from the train from Budapest to Zagreb

The Zagreb to Budapest train passes fields of sunflowers.  Courtesy of Louise Donnelly.

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Zagreb to Sarajevo

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Zagreb 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 Ljubljana & Zagreb to Belgrade.  Above left, 2nd class seats.

The train from Belgrade to Sofia   2nd class seats on day train from Belgrade to Sofia

The direct train from Belgrade to Sofia.  Just two coaches, but comfy enough, and a scenic run across the Balkans.  Bring your own food & drink.

 

Comfortable 2nd class seats.  Photos courtesy Remco van der Kort.

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Zagreb to Warsaw, Krakow, Bucharest, Kyiv & Moscow

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

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

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

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Hotels in Zagreb: The Esplanade Hotel

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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