Planning an interrail trip around Europe is an exciting time, but creating your interrail packing list can be stressful when trying to save space and pack light. However, there are many tips and tricks that you can consider when planning your trip.
So, here’s our advice and some items to pack when interrailing around Europe.
Travel documents
It goes without saying, but don’t forget your important travel documents! This may include:
- Passport
- Interrail pass
- Travel insurance
- Train reservations
- Itineraries
- Accommodation reservations
- Credit/debit/currency cards
- Local currency
Make these your priority when packing your luggage. You can add them all to a travel wallet or folder to keep all your documents together. It’s also never a bad idea to photocopy some important documents so that you have more than one if needed.
Luggage
Many people who interrail around Europe will advise to travel with a backpack. You can find many lightweight, easy-to-carry backpack options for travelling. However, if you’re going to be walking for long periods with your luggage, or even carrying this around in an airport, it can be a lot easier for you to bring a suitcase with wheels which will relieve any pressure on your back. Not only this, but it’s likely that your suitcase will have a wider space for you to pack effectively.
If you need to travel to some destinations via plane, you may be hoping to avoid bringing any hold luggage so that you only have what’s on your person at all times. If you’re only bringing hand luggage, make sure this is large enough to pack your essentials, and aim to still pack as light as possible to avoid any mobility issues when travelling.
But whichever option you choose, make sure that you go for what is convenient for you and don’t give into the pressures of being the stereotypical ‘backpacker’ if it doesn’t work for you.
Clothing
It’s important to aim to pack weather-appropriate clothing, so consider the season(s) that you’re travelling, and the destinations that you’ll be visiting. However, it can be difficult to know what clothing items to pack when travelling lightly, so here are a few of our suggestions.
Footwear
You don’t need to be planning a hike to need comfortable walking shoes. Most European trips will require a lot of walking, especially if you want to see all of the exciting sights. So, packing comfortable footwear is essential when travelling to multiple destinations.
Not only are suitable shoes ideal for comfort, but if you’re trying to pack lightly, it may be possible to get away with bringing just one good pair. A good, comfortable and versatile pair of trainers is a great option if you’re limited on luggage allowance.
Tops
When planning your interrail packing list for multiple destinations, aim to include staple clothing items that you can wear with different outfits, styles and in different situations. For tops, this may include:
T-shirts and/or vest tops (short and long-sleeved)
T-shirts and vest tops are usually lightweight and can be suitable for layering in cooler weather, or on their own in hotter weather.
Light and breathable shirts
Depending on the season, aim to wear breathable shirts so that you don’t get too hot. This can also significantly help if you need to wash your clothes during your travels as the more comfortable you are, the more you’ll be able to wear your clothing before it needs to be washed.
Jumper (sweater) or light jacket
For cooler weather and in the evenings, try to pack a light jacket or jumper so that you can keep warm. This can be difficult if you have little luggage allowance or space, so you may choose to aim for thinner, lightweight jumpers, or long-sleeved shirts that you can layer to keep warm depending on the destinations you’ll be visiting.
Coat
For cold weather, you may need to pack a coat. Again, this depends on your luggage allowance and the destinations that you’re visiting. However, if you’re travelling in specifically colder temperatures, it’s important to add this to your list so that you stay healthy, warm and comfortable.
Bottoms
Comfortable pants or jeans
A good thing about packing some jeans is that they can be versatile and worn with multiple outfits. This means that you’ll have more outfits for less of the space in your case.
Skirts, shorts or a dress
For warmer destinations, aim to pack at least one skirt, one pair of shorts or a few dresses to keep cool. This also shouldn’t take up too much space in your luggage, and if you choose wisely, you can aim to pack bottoms that are versatile enough to go with multiple outfits.
Swimwear
Depending on your destinations, if you’re visiting a coastal area, a spa, thermal bath, or even if your accommodation has a pool – it’s always a good idea to add some swimwear to your interrail packing list.
Being lightweight and smaller in size, swimwear won’t usually take up too much room in your luggage. So, even if you’re unsure whether you’ll be swimming, it shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience to slide some swimwear into your case.
Underwear and nightwear
Don’t forget to pack your underwear! Try to pack comfortable bras, including a sports bra, for different types of outfits or activities. Underwear will usually take up minimal space in your luggage. If you’re planning to do your laundry while you’re away, remember to plan your wash days wisely so you don’t run out!
Make sure that you remember to pack suitable socks for any footwear that you’ll be wearing so that you remain comfortable when walking. And stay vigilant when packing your sleep/nightwear so that it’s suitable and that you’re comfortable if sharing a room with other travellers.
Accessories
For sun protection, pack a hat, cap and/or sunglasses, or consider purchasing these while you’re away. Similarly, for colder weather, consider packing a hat, scarf or gloves.
If you choose to pack any jewellery, remember to be sure that you lock any valuable items in a safe place or keep them out of sight to avoid theft or losing them.
Health and safety
It’s important to remember to pack any prescription medications or copies of prescriptions when travelling to stay healthy while you’re away from home. It’s also a good idea to try and pack a basic first-aid kit that includes plasters (band-aids), painkillers or creams.
Toiletries
When packing light, travel-sized toiletries are good to add to your luggage to take up less space. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase some toiletries when you visit your first destination if you have limited luggage or liquid allowance on your initial flight. Our advice would be to prioritise essentials, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and soap or shower gel.
Your accommodation will likely supply towels, and maybe even shampoo and conditioner, depending on the standard.
Technology
If you rely on your smartphone, remember to pack your charger, or even a power bank, so that you’re not left in a dangerous or uncomfortable situation without it. You may also need to pack a travel adapter for the country/countries that you’ll be visiting as it’s likely that the destination will have different outlets to your home destination, particularly if you live in the UK or the USA.
Other technology items may include a camera, laptop, tablet or headphones. Remember to keep your valuable items locked up or in a safe space to avoid losing them.
Entertainment
Although it’s not always convenient to pack non-essentials when travelling light, you will most likely find yourself on train journeys for hours. Adding a form of entertainment like a book, e-reader or even downloading some music, TV or movies to your phone or other electronic device will make a huge difference to pass the time.
Create your interrail packing list
Remember, this interrail packing list advice is completely adaptable based on your personal needs, the season, and the specific countries that you plan to visit. Research the weather forecasts, potential activities that you’ll be participating in, and any special requirements for your planned destinations, and remember to stay safe and comfortable.
It’s a good idea to travel light when visiting multiple destinations while interrailing, so aim for versatility, and try not to pack anything that you don’t think you’ll need. You can always aim to purchase items when travelling too if needed.
