When I first decided to travel overnight from Berlin to Vienna, the idea struck me as a wonderfully cinematic experience—an old-fashioned, slow-motion European adventure with rhythmic train sounds and the romance of rail travel. Eager to embrace that notion while also keeping my trip affordable, I opted for the most economical ticket available. What I did not anticipate, however, was how drastically that small financial decision would influence every hour of the journey ahead.
The reality quickly dismantled my optimistic expectation. My seat was squeezed into a small compartment shared with five other travelers, each equally determined to find comfort in a space clearly not designed for rest. Bags overlapped, knees bumped, and the rhythmic clatter of the tracks reverberated through the metal cabin in a way that made sleep nearly impossible. Each stop jolted us awake, accompanied by flickering lights and the soft murmur of new passengers boarding. Within the first few hours, the imagined adventure had transformed into a long, sleepless battle against discomfort and fatigue.
Despite the exhaustion, I found myself reflecting on the quiet irony of the situation. My attempt to save money through a budget option had cost me the very thing I valued most at that moment—rest and peace of mind. The supposed thrill of an overnight journey under moonlit skies had turned into a lesson in practicality disguised as a travel tale. By the time the train pulled into Vienna’s early morning light, my determination to economize seemed faintly ridiculous compared to the relief of finally stretching my legs and breathing fresh air.
This trip taught me something that extends far beyond train travel: value is not measured solely by how much money you save, but by the quality of the experience that money allows you to have. Paying a little extra for a comfortable berth, more space, or a decent night’s rest can completely transform what would otherwise be an ordeal into a cherished memory. Next time I travel overnight, I’ll choose comfort over cost without hesitation—because sometimes the wiser investment isn’t the cheapest ticket, but the smoother journey it affords.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/europe-overnight-sleeper-train-seating-carriage-review
