Bedroom Etiquette: How To Survive An Overnight Sleeper Train

By Geckos Adventures: the world’s finest purveyors of awesome, small group adventures (even if we do say so ourselves).

What better way to get to know your fellow travellers and the local legends than by bedding down with them (in rooms with six beds – c’mon guys) on an overnight sleeper train?

Close quarters, no showers and multiple rounds of Cards Against Humanity mightn’t sound like a total dream and 12 hours is a hell of a long time to spend on a train.

Suffice to say, some survival tips will go a long way. So here’s our guide on how to keep your new found besties after an overnight sleeper train journey.

1. Pair up in toilet buddies

Moving train + squat toilets = unwelcome accidents, but, most importantly, awesome travel stories. We’re all friends here so grab a mate and practice finding your zen in the Garland yoga pose. It’ll make aiming more precise and you’re both there to hold each other up.

2. Take a walk

If you need some down time, take a walk. Many a favourite travel memory has been crafted from riding the rails and wandering into another carriage.

3. Take a snack

Bonding over a bag of crisps with a fellow travel enthusiast is the kind of thing we live for, and what better way to get the low down on your next destination than first hand from other experiences. Even better, share with your fellow local passengers and get the 411 and some local grub #locallegends.

4. Take a torch

Lights out in your carriage means pitch black sleeping conditions or torches on and playing cards out. Take a head torch and navigate your way to the bathroom. Trust us, you don’t want to trip climbing down from your bunk.

5. Keep your socks ON

Six months on the road and you’re down to three pairs of socks and the top bunk. We love your free-spirited aura and keep-calm attitude but we can’t tolerate cheesy feet. Not even a little bit.

6. Have a curfew

Don’t be that guy who’s still up at 4am playing cards and nursing a warm beer. Peeps gotta sleep if there are adventures to be had.

7. Sample the local goodies

Head down to the food carriage for what will probably the best meal and company you’ll have. Try some Vietnamese Pho, sample some Pad Thai, or some Cambodian Prahok Ling (so stinky there’s a government law in place so you only get one saucer full!).

8. Grab some headphones

We know your jam, we get your jam and we love it, but not everyone does. Grab a set of headphones and bust a move in your bunk.

So there you have it, all aboard, adventure calls.

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