Europe is a continent with many countries full of culture, amazing food, and people that are worth visiting at least once in your life. But of course, when we travel we normally have to pick just one country to go to. Europeans have found a solution to this problem by creating a trip called Interrail. It is known as a long train journey to different countries in Europe. Basically, you can visit 5 or 6 countries in on one journey. Of course, it is nothing fancy or luxurious. It´s more like a backpacking adventure to all these places. You will be staying in hostels, travelling on crowed trains that you´ll probably have to sleep on, and carrying only a backpack full of essentials. The trip can be a week long or even a month long, depending on your budget and the number of countries you want to visit. It is a unique experience full of anecdotes and very particular situations. Every trip is different, and you would not live the same experience as anyone who has done it. That is what make is so special and unique.
The concept is very clear, but it seems a lit bit crazy to plan. Normally, planning a trip to only one country could be a little tedious, so visiting more than five countries sounds overwhelming. However, it is easier than it sounds, and we are here to help you do it. Here are some essential tips if you want to live this experience:
Planning ahead is key to a successful Interrail trip. Before embarking on your journey, it´s essential to have a rough idea of you route and the places you want to visit. Start by researching the countries you want to visit, their cultures, and their transport systems. This will help you decide on the best route, the duration of your trip, and how much money you will need. There are already specific routes planned with the best connections between countries, so find the one that meets your preferences.
Be flexible. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of an Interrail trip. Unlike traditional tours, Interrail allows you to change you itinerary as you go along. You can decide to stay in a place longer or shorter, depending on how much you enjoy it. It is important to have a plan, but don´t be afraid to change it if needed. Spontaneity will be a significant part of this adventure.
Choose the right Interrail pass. Interrail offers different types of passes depending on your needs. It is useful to travel on most trains in Europe, giving you the freedom to explore the continent at your own pace. The Global Pass allows you to travel to over 40,000 destinations in 33 countries. It´s perfect for long trips and let you to travel on consecutive days. The One Country Pass is ideal if you are only visiting one country, and it´s cheaper than the Global Pass. If you´re under 27, you can also get a Youth Pass, which is more affordable than the adult pass.
Booking your accommodation in advance can save you time and money. Interrail offers a discount on selected hostels and hotels, which can be booked through their website. You can also use websites like Booking.com, Hostelworld, or Airbnb to find affordable accommodation in the cities that you are staying. Be careful with the location of these hostels; make sure they are not far away from the important places that you want to see. Time is crucial, and sometimes a place can be cheaper but very far away from everything, and you´ll spend too much time and money on public transportation.
Pack light. This is probably one of the best advices that we can give you. We know that we tend to pack unnecessary things “just in case” for any trip. But in this case, it is much better to be comfortable and leave clothes behind. Don´t forget the fact that you will be on trains and doing a lot of walking, so carrying a big suitcase is not the best thing for this kind of adventure. Bring only what you need and invest in a good backpack or suitcase that is comfortable to carry.
Take advantage of discounts. There are a lot of offers on attractions, museums, and tours. You can get up to 50% off the regular price of many attractions with your Interrail pass. You can end up saving a lot of money and make the most of each place´s main sites.
Be mindful of the culture. Europe is a diverse continent with different cultures, customs, and traditions. It´s important to be respectful of the local culture and behave appropriately. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of local customs when it comes to eating and drinking. Learning this kind of details can enhance your travel experience and help you connect with locals.
We know how hard is to get a plane ticket and visit Europe. This trip is the best excuse to do it and see the most amount of European countries as possible. Whether you are traveling solo, with friends or family, or as part of a group, an Interrail can be a life-changing adventure that will stay with you forever.
