My Summer Adventure inter-railing around Europe

Последна актуализация понеделник, 13/11/2023

Travelling through Europe by train – the opportunities for discovery are ENDLESS!! Remember a bit of forward planning and a budget will help you through the towns, cities, villages, mountains, and seascapes of Europe!

I went interrailing this summer with 4 of my school friends – it was a brilliant experience. The best thing about inter-railing was the independence, getting to make decisions and the sense of freedom and adventure – not knowing what the next day would bring. The worst thing was feeling that I had to see famous sights in a new city even though I was exhausted – you felt guilty if you didn’t see Checkpoint Charlie or Eiffel Tower. My favourite place was Lake Bled in Slovenia.

There isn’t anything I would change as it was all part of the experience but there are things that I learnt that might help someone else!

 

Mobile Phone/ Roaming

Your mobile phone will be an important resource when travelling – for maps, money, communication, research – check if your mobile network provides 4G Roaming when travelling in Europe – if not buy a SIM only from a provider that does. Make sure you bring a charger and if necessary a plug adaptor.

Roaming allows you to travel outside your home country to another EU country without having to pay any additional charges to use your mobile phone. 

Before you go!

• When packing remember that you will have to carry everything on your back. Be sensible
• You don’t need more that 10kg – you can wash your clothes as you go
• Good walking boots, dark comfortable clothes (less washing), light rain gear.
• Get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you go -allows you to access public healthcare in another EU/EEA state for free or at a reduced rate.. It’s free!

Useful Apps

• Eurail Rail Planner App – trip planner and a timetable in your pocket
• TripAdvisor – travel guide with reviews of accommodation, places to eat, things to do
• HostelWorld, Booking.com and AirBnB
• Revolut – bank on your phone

Train Journey

• Book your seats!
• Travelling by train by night cuts your accommodation expenses and allows you to spend your days exploring the city.
• Be sure you have paid any necessary train supplement or you may be fined.
• Bring your own food and drink on the train— It’s much cheaper!

Sightseeing

• Get up early and make the most of the day – that means you might not be able to go out every night
• Don’t feel you have to see every famous sight – just being in a city and wandering around is good.
• Figure out the cheapest way to get around – most cities has a transport system that has discounts for students.

 

DiscoverEU free interrail pass.

DiscoverEU free interrail pass is an initiative of the European Union, giving 18-year-olds the opportunity to travel around Europe by rail. You can apply and travel as a group of 5 friends. You apply during the two application rounds taking place each year. Successful applicants will receive a free interrail pass(!) allowing them to go interrailing across Europe for one month during the permitted travel window.