Russian reserved seat: how to get there without adventures.

Foreign tours, so popular among our compatriots until recently, have practically come to naught as a result of the recent pandemic. It makes sense to use this time to explore the unexplored expanses of our homeland.

One of the most budget ways to travel is by train, namely: a reserved carriage.

You can argue about the comfort of the reserved seat, but the price remains a weighty argument "for", acceptable even for the most modest budget. And it is quite possible to make the trip as pleasant and safe as possible.

Do you like upper or lower?

When buying a ticket to a reserved carriage, the place matters. A reserved seat is an open space that you will have to share with complete strangers from several hours to several days. Of course, it is impossible to "order" fellow travelers to your liking, but it is in your power to create comfort for yourself on the road.

The most unfortunate places in uncouped cars have always been considered the upper side shelves, especially near the toilet. It's not just the unpleasant odors that will accompany the passenger all the way, but also the constant slamming of the doors to the vestibule, as well as the endless stream of people passing by your shelf day and night. The quietest place is in the middle of the car.

If you have to go at night, it is more convenient to choose the top shelf (which, moreover, is a little cheaper). This will give you the maximum chance to rest. The bottom shelf is the best choice for daytime trips: you can eat at a table, sit looking out the window, read and lie down when it's convenient for you. Traveling together, it is better to take the upper and lower shelves — so you will have your own "zone".

Traveling with strangers can be unsafe for a single passenger, especially for a woman. In this regard, a reserved seat is preferable to a compartment. Sometimes when booking tickets, there is an option to choose a seat in a purely female or male compartment - this solves the problem.

When choosing between a night and day flight, consider the sensitivity of your sleep. If you calmly fall asleep to the shaking and noise of the wheels, a night trip will suit you. Otherwise, it is better to sleep at home and spend the day on a trip.

Ticket in advance

Have you decided on your plans? Do not delay with the purchase of a ticket. First, you will save money. Secondly, if the trip is disrupted or postponed, you will be able to return your funds by contacting the cashier in advance. The closer the departure date of the train, the less money you will get back.

It's time to pack a bag, and here we have prepared some tips for you.

Power supply

Questionable pies at the stations, bundles of smoked fish from sellers passing through the cars, expensive and not always fresh food in the restaurant car... It is better not to take risks and take with you what is cooked at home. Fortunately, there are containers with sealed lids, thermos flasks, and refrigerator bags to preserve food now. It does not hurt to stock up on coffee, tea, water and small snacks (nuts, cookies, chocolate, etc.). Keep in mind that you want to eat more on the train and more often than at home.

Medications

In addition to the medications that you take on a regular basis, you may need remedies for pressure, headache and diarrhea, as well as painkillers. If you do not sleep well on the road, it is not superfluous to take a sleeping pill or sedative.

Cleanliness and hygiene

Sanitary conditions in the compartment and toilets leave much to be desired. Therefore, it is impossible to do without such hygiene products on the train as:

• toothpaste and brush;
• face towel;
• soap;
• dry wipes;
• wet wipes (including for intimate hygiene);
• hand sanitizers;
• toilet paper;
• medical mask;
• gloves;
• perfume or cologne.

Do not be surprised at the last point: your favorite fragrance will save your sense of smell from an abundance of unfamiliar and often unpleasant odors. You can perfume your clothes or mask.

At the stops, be sure to get out of the car to get some fresh air.

Leisure

Is the road going to be long? A great opportunity to read a book that has not had enough time for a long time, or to review your favorite movie. Various games or messengers in modern gadgets will also help to distract from what is happening. Take care of high-quality headphones that will not distract other passengers.

Sleep

The train jerks and creaks, neighbors snore and cough — it is difficult to fall asleep in such conditions, but it is possible. A small but irreplaceable detail will help to ensure a restful sleep in a reserved carriage: earplugs. A sleep mask will not hurt either: it will protect from flashing lights in the windows and from the backlight in the phones of neighbors.

Clothes for the train should be selected according to one basic principle: convenience. It should not push, bump or be too tight. Home slippers, which will not be a pity to throw away after the trip, will provide peace to your feet during the trip. In the cold season, take a light jacket with you. In winter, it often happens that trains are very heated, and at night the car cools down and it gets cold.

The neighbors in the car and your safety

Is it worth getting acquainted with random fellow travelers? It's up to you. If you do not intend to make new acquaintances yourself, you should immediately define your boundaries, both territorial and personal.

The key to a quiet road is to avoid dating and idle conversations. You will have to spend from several hours to several days in this car, so it will be difficult to interrupt unwanted conversations. Do not disclose personal information, do not give your phone number. Behave politely and tactfully with annoying fellow travelers.

If one of your neighbors in the car behaves aggressively or arranges loud drinking, you can safely contact the conductor or immediately to the head of the train. To put things in order — their official duties. Do not enter into conflict yourself. In special cases, an aggressive passenger is dropped off at the nearest station.

It is advisable to take a closer look at fellow travelers as soon as you get into the car and take your seat. In this case, you will be able to immediately negotiate with the conductor to move to another place.

It is better to keep your wallet, phone and other valuables in one bag. Take it with you when you leave your shelf and keep it under your pillow when you sleep. To do this, it is most convenient to take a belt bag.

Conductors

A lot depends on the conductors, especially in a reserved carriage. You can get dishes from them, ask for a second blanket, arrange to visit the toilet in the sanitary zone if absolutely necessary. Therefore, try not to come into conflict with the guides and not to express dissatisfaction with their work.

Police

Representatives of the transport police may ask you to show your documents and belongings for inspection. They work on trains both in uniform and in plain clothes. You have the right to ask them to show their ID, and during the inspection to demand the presence of witnesses (usually this role is performed by the conductor) and a copy of the protocol.

Forbidden actions

Traveling in a reserved seat, do not do a few things:

• talking on the phone too long and loud;
• persistently try to meet or talk to fellow travelers;
• prevent other passengers from sleeping using their gadgets without headphones;
• occupy the toilet for a long time, especially in the morning;
• do not give up the lower shelf so that neighbors can sit during the day or take food;

A reserved seat is not so scary!

There are certain advantages in the reserved seat: low price and ample opportunities for communication and new acquaintances. It's up to you to choose!