Interrailing is one of the most popular methods of seeing a chunk of the world at one time. Particularly popular amongst students, or those on a gap year, it’s a perfect option for those wanting to see the world but little-to-no knowledge of travelling.
This interrailing guide will discuss tips and my own personal experiences for those who want to travel but are unsure where to start.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Kelsey's Europe interrailing destination list
1. Brussels, Belgium
2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
3. Berlin, Germany
4. Krakow, Poland
5. Prague, Czech Republic
6. Vienna, Austria
7. Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
8. Lake Bled, Slovenia
9. Venice, Italy
10. Rome, Italy
Travelling To and From the UK
It is wise to travel to and from the UK by plane, or one may choose to take the Eurostar from London to Paris or Brussels.
In my experience, I found that a flight to Brussels and then a return from Rome worked best. This also provides you with the flexibility of booking your return flight later on in the trip. Therefore, if plans change, you don’t need to worry.
Brussels, Belgium
How to get an Interrail Pass
Many websites and particularly student travel agents will offer the interrail pass. Many people recommend booking this through the official Interrail website. There, you will find several ticket options to choose from where you can travel to 33 countries in Europe.
When planning your trip, the railway map is a perfect place to look. The railway map will be sure to get you excited for your trip while showing all of the potential destinations that one can travel to with their pass.
I travelled around Europe for 4 weeks with the 15 journey pass. This was more than enough for where I visited, however others may need more or less depending on their chosen destinations.
Source: Interrail official Eurail Map
Reserving accommodation and trains when interrailing
Hostels and Hotels
If travelling via a sleeper (overnight) train, this is usually a longer distance so it is a good idea to plan as much as possible. In my personal experience, I booked all accommodations through a travel agency. It was a good experience for first-time travellers. However, I would always recommend using Booking.com in future.
Venice, Italy
It is each individual’s choice when to book the accommodation. Many travellers find a place to stay when arriving in the country. The same applied to booking the trains when inter-railing. However, with Europe, the trains may be quite busy or it can be difficult to find suitable accommodation upon arrival. Particularly with sleeper trains and longer distances, it is a good idea to plan as much as possible.
Where should you stay? Well, both hostels and hotels are doable, depending on your budget.
When travelling solo, it is wise to stay in shared hostels to meet others. Staying in hostels are also budget-friendly and can help you save money during your trip. However, for some extra relaxation or privacy, a budget hotel may also be necessary.
Depending on your trip budget and the locations that you visit, it is wise to estimate what will be most suitable for you. However, my advice would be to aim to book at least one or two hotels that offer some element of luxury. Travel can be an exhausting experience, a hint of luxury is a great way to refresh and be ready for your next train.
Planning your interrail journey
It is wise to book any trains that are over five to six hours to reserve a seat. This can be arranged via the official Interrail website. When planning your route, list all of the places that you would like to visit that are eligible for the interrail pass.
Using a map or route planner, you can visualise the best route. This also provides the opportunity to discover lesser-known places that are convenient to stop on a long journey. Lake Bled in Slovenia is a perfect example of a day trip to break up a long journey.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Start your journey and travel around Europe
A Europe interrail trip is perfect for first-time travellers, or anyone who would like to explore more of the continent. It’s an easy, cost-effective way to plan and travel to multiple places at once. For those who love a city break, this trip will definitely be for you.
Always remember to research your destination as muhc as possible. Ensure that you remain safe, you have money for emergencies and avoid difficult situations that you may struggle to get out of.
If you are a British resident, the UK Embassy can help you in any time of need.
