Gadgets for long train journeys: How to pass the time

Gifts for train drivers
Curious looks and too few sockets: practical gadgets for long train journeys

Millions of people travel by train every year. The popular means of transport is very comfortable as train passengers are taken from A to B without any action on their part. Nevertheless, long train journeys can be an ordeal.

Anyone who has often traveled by train, be it for private or professional reasons, will be familiar with at least one of the following scenarios: Even though you have booked a seat in the quiet area, a passenger is entertaining the entire compartment with his loud telephone conversations. Or the person sitting next to you enjoys a kebab, the intrusive smell of which permeates the entire train. It’s just as annoying when the one socket that two people always have to share is permanently occupied. Not to mention the hard cushions that some people have probably felt sore about sitting on. To make long train journeys more bearable, there are practical travel gadgets.

Six practical gadgets for long train journeys

1. Privacy film “Anti Spy”

Anyone traveling alone by train usually does not go unnoticed on highly frequented routes: If you have someone sitting next to you, they can look at your smartphone display at any time (whether intentionally or unconsciously) and see everything you are doing on it: writing messages, taking photos watch or stream videos. If you want to protect your privacy, you can have a special one on your cell phone “Anti Spy” privacy film to protect against prying eyes. It prevents people sitting right next to you and looking at your smartphone from being able to read it – while you see everything on the display as usual. The film is available for (almost) all common cell phone models.

2. 4 output charger

Technical devices such as smartphones and headphones, tablets or laptops are important companions for travelers – even on the train. The problem is: the longer a trip lasts, the higher the likelihood that each battery will need to be charged sooner or later. However, there is only one socket per row of seats, which two train passengers have to share. And even if you don’t have a seat neighbor, the plug is only suitable for one adapter. For this reason a Charger with multiple outputs a sensible purchase for long train journeys, as it allows you to charge several devices at the same time. Alone or even with the person sitting next to you.

3. Mobile phone holder

The smartphone has long since ceased to be an ordinary telephone, as it is not only used for making and returning calls, but also for writing, surfing and streaming. The last point in particular is sometimes quite annoying on long train journeys when you have to hold your cell phone in your hands for hours to watch a film. It is much more convenient if you have a special holder for smartphones with you, an ideal travel gadget for flights and train journeys: This is held via a Clamp mount attached to a table or seat and holds the cell phone in portrait and landscape format for you. According to the manufacturer, the clamp is suitable for iPhone 15, 14, 13, Samsung Galaxy, Pixel and Huawei.

4. Leak-proof thermal mug

To keep drinks warm for up to six hours or cold for up to eight hours on long train journeys, you can take a double-walled thermal mug with you when traveling. According to the manufacturer, this should be 100 percent leak-proof, so you can easily store it in your bag or backpack. During the journey you also have the opportunity to have the cup refilled with a fresh drink in the on-board restaurant – for a fee, of course. This model with a non-slip silicone base is available in different colors, and the practical travel gadget can also be provided with additional text of your choice (such as the name).

5. Ergonomic neck pillow

On long train journeys, it can happen that travelers take a short nap (in an upright position). Unfortunately, there are usually no proper headrests on the seats, so some people have probably woken up with a tense neck. To prevent pain, a ergonomic pillow like this recommended. Available in three different sizes and six colors, the foldable model is – according to the manufacturer – intended to offer maximum comfort. Depending on how you hold your head, the neck pillow can provide double support.

6. Travel games for children and adults

For children, long train journeys are often boring because their mobility is severely limited. But even adults don’t enjoy sitting still for hours with little to no entertainment. To shorten the waiting time (perhaps) and make the trip a little more exciting, there are Train travel games: It contains 120 pages of popular classics such as Tic Tac Toe, Cheese Box and Hangman. If your children are still too young for this, there are also special ones Books for trains(from 7 years). It’s all about topics like puzzles, painting and playing.

You might also be interested in:

This article contains so-called affiliate links. Further information are available here.