Europe travel glossary

An input-voltage marking showing that a device accepts supplies across that range; check its frequency and other instructions too.

An input marking restricting a device to a 120-volt supply; a plug adapter alone does not make it suitable for 230 volts.

The part of a backpack resting against the wearer's back.

A frame used to check whether a packed bag fits an airline's permitted dimensions.

Luggage carried into the aircraft cabin, subject to the airline's allowance for the booking.

Luggage handed to an airline to travel in the aircraft hold.

A packing cube with an extra closing system that squeezes down soft contents.

Straps that tighten around a pack to reduce loose space and steady its contents.

A second zipper that draws a packed cube's sides together to reduce its volume.

A change from one train to another during a journey.

A station display showing leaving trains, times and platform information.

The front-to-back measurement of a packed bag.

Designed to operate at two supply voltages, with any switching instructions checked before use.

A rail service class whose seating and other benefits depend on the operator and route.

A ticket tied to a specified departure, with limited changes under its fare conditions.

A ticket that permits some choice of departure or changes under its fare conditions.

A backpack designed for trail carrying, often with a taller top-loading shape than a suitcase-opening travel pack.

A belt on a backpack that helps transfer part of the load from the shoulders to the hips.

The device or charger marking showing the electrical supply it accepts.

A separate bag for keeping used clothing apart from clean items.

Adjustable straps near the top of a pack that help draw the load closer to the shoulders.

A luggage shelf above the seats.

A train service used to travel during the night, with seating or sleeping accommodation depending on the booking.

A zippered fabric container that groups clothes inside luggage.

A smaller cabin bag intended to fit beneath the seat, within the airline's rules.

The boarding area alongside a railway track.

A device that changes the plug shape so it can connect to a different socket; it does not change supply voltage.

A separate cover pulled over a backpack to help keep rain off it.

A service connecting towns and nearby cities, usually with more local stops than a long-distance express.

A booking for a place on a particular train, sometimes required in addition to a ticket or pass.

A sleeping place provided in a train cabin.

A strap joining the shoulder straps across the chest to help steady the pack.

Backpack straps that tuck away for transport or storage.

The right to travel under a rail fare; a seat reservation can be a separate requirement.

Marking or activating a ticket before travel where the local ticket rules require it.

The distance along the back used to select or adjust a backpack harness for the wearer.

A travel backpack that opens like a suitcase for easier access to packed belongings.

Equipment that changes the supply voltage for a compatible appliance within its stated limits.

Able to resist some wetting, without promising to keep water out in all conditions.

Electrical power expressed in watts, used when checking equipment ratings.