Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1When taking a long train ride, especially as a vegan, make sure to take enough food with you. While food is sold on the train, having your own ensures you have options that meet your dietary needs. (2:26)
- Tip 2Always carry a reusable water bottle. Hot water is readily available on the train, allowing you to easily prepare instant noodles or other hot beverages. (3:00)
- Tip 3Travel with a reusable tiffin or Tupperware. This helps reduce plastic waste and provides a convenient way to store and transport food. (3:38)
- Tip 4Carry a portable cutlery set. This is useful for eating meals purchased on the train or from local vendors, and it's also a good idea to avoid carrying knives or scissors which may be confiscated at stations. (4:27)
- Tip 5Download a translation app with voice capabilities. This is essential for communication in areas where English may not be widely spoken. (13:50)
- Tip 6Note that there are limited power outlets on the train. Consider bringing a portable charger to ensure your devices stay powered throughout your journey. (21:32)
Embark on an unforgettable 22-hour sleeper train journey with Wale&Me across China, from the bustling Shanghai to the enchanting Hunan province. Experience the unique charm of hard bed class, complete with quirky details and unexpected encounters. Discover the comfort of the train, the delicious food options, and the surprising ease of sleep amidst the journey. Wale&Me's personal insights and humorous observations make this travelogue a captivating adventure.
Next travel video: ( 3 / 8 )
More about the current video:( 2 / 8 )
This video documents Wale&Me's 22-hour journey aboard a Chinese sleeper train from Shanghai to Jishou in Hunan province. The vloggers detail their experience in hard sleeper class, highlighting both the challenges and unexpected comforts. They describe the train's amenities, including a restaurant car and readily available hot water, and discuss the various berth options. The couple shares their experiences with the food situation, emphasizing the importance of carrying enough vegan-friendly snacks for a long journey, while also highlighting the affordable meal options available on the train. They also describe the security measures in place, including security checks at stations and on the plane, and the cleanliness of the train facilities. Wale&Me's commentary includes humorous anecdotes, such as their difficulty communicating with locals due to the language barrier, and personal observations about the train's smoothness and the surprising quality of their sleep. The video includes a tour of the train's various classes, comparing the hard and soft sleeper options, as well as the seating class. The vloggers' commentary is peppered with personal reflections, such as their struggles with sleep in recent months and their delight at the unexpected comfort of the train. They also discuss their upcoming plans to explore rural China, including a potential visit to a village featured in a Little Chinese Everywhere video. The vloggers express a change in their travel mentality, acknowledging the economic benefits of organized tourism in rural areas, even if it means paying entrance fees to certain locations. The video concludes with a rating of their overall experience, emphasizing the safety, comfort, and value for money of the hard sleeper option, while also noting the higher price point compared to their usual budget travel standards. Overall, the video offers a unique and personal perspective on budget travel in China, showcasing both the challenges and rewards of venturing off the beaten path.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How was the sleep on the hard sleeper berth?
- A: It was the best sleep I've had in months, maybe years! I slept the whole night, which never happens!
- Q: What was the most challenging aspect of the trip?
- A: Definitely the language barrier. It was the most difficult while traveling, and even pointing and gestures didn't always work.
- Q: What was your overall impression of the train?
- A: It was super safe, super comfortable, and not cold at all. The beds were very comfy and I could stretch out completely.
- Q: Would you recommend this train journey?
- A: Yes, for sure! It was a success, and I could recommend it, though it was quite pricey for our budget travel standards.
- Q: What was the food like on the train?
- A: They sell food on the train, and the dinners were 25 yuan, which isn't a crazy amount for a full meal. We also had lots of snacks that we brought ourselves.
