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Interrail planner: Are you ready for an amazing journey?
Interrail is one of those words that has a real sense of magic. For young people in search of adventure, it's one of the best travel options in the world. Just grab your backpack and hit the road, hopping from one train to another as you crisscross Europe. Our Interrail trip planner is the perfect tool to plan your route. Get ready to live the backpacker dream!
An Interrail trip is one of the most exciting holiday opportunities in the world. Use our Interrail planner and book your incredible journey on European trains today!
Preparing for your Interrail trip
An Interrail planner can help you choose your route, but there are other things to prepare. Most Interrailers travel with a single backpack for convenience. That means learning to pack effectively before you set out across Europe. As an Interrailer, you should be looking to travel light. You probably don't need a dozen outfits, and you can leave the loafers or high heels at home.
Essential Interrail packing list
Photocopies of essential documents like your passport.
A padlock for lockers at stations and in hostels.
An adaptor for the countries you're visiting. Most European countries use Type C plugs.
A small day bag for sightseeing. Look for a collapsible bag that folds up small.
A deck of cards for those long hours on the train.
Good hiking boots and a waterproof jacket.
A rain cover for your backpack.
Lightweight layers of clothes for chilly evenings.
A sleeping bag for hostels.
A pack of wet wipes and a bottle of hand sanitiser.
The best Interrail routes
There are hundreds of options when it comes to the perfect Interrail route. Before you start, think about where you want to go. Are you planning a trip to traditionally popular destinations like Italy, or would you rather go off the beaten track with a route that takes you through Montenegro or Albania? Every traveller has their own preference, but here are some of the most beautiful and interesting Interrail routes.
An Interrail adventure through the Balkans
Discover one of the most fascinating corners of Europe with a trip that will take you across southern Europe. Start in familiar territory: the beautiful city of Genoa, Italy, before hopping across the border to Innsbruck, Austria. A Balkan route will then take you through Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, with destinations like Divaca, Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Sarajevo. This intriguing itinerary is ideal for warm weather, as many cities along the way have great beaches.
The Interrail Orient Express
The original Orient Express was perhaps the most legendary train journey of all time. It's long gone now, but you can still follow the route from London to Istanbul using an Interrail pass. Take the train from London to Paris, then continue through Munich, Budapest, Craiova and Sofia as you move across Europe, from west to east. Give yourself plenty of time to explore your final destination. The magnificent ancient city of Istanbul is the crossroads between Europe and Asia.
Tips and tricks for an Interrail holiday
If this is your first time trying slow travel, you may be feeling nervous. Don't panic! An Interrail holiday is a world away from an all-inclusive hotel, but you'll soon learn to embrace the adventure. Do some research and reading before you set out, and you'll have no problems.
Top tips for a successful Interrail trip
Check your phone roaming plan. You'll probably be crossing borders regularly, so ensure that your mobile will work and won't cost you a fortune.
Interrailing solo? Choose the best cities for solo travellers and join group tours and pub crawls to make friends. Staying in hostels will let you socialise.
Always give yourself more time than you think you need. Trains are often delayed, so allow a buffer. Bring a book to keep you occupied.
Check local information for each destination. In particular, watch out for cities where everything closes on Sundays. When you're interrailing, it's easy to lose track of the days.
Interrail holiday FAQs
Q: What is a good budget for an Interrail?
A: Interrail veterans recommend a budget of €50 (£42) to €100 (£83) a day. Most Interrailers tend to stay in backpacker hostels and look for cheap dining options. Of course, your budget will vary drastically depending on your travel dates and where your route takes you. In cities like Paris or Barcelona, even a bunk in a hostel can cost €40 (£33) or more for the night.
Q: How to get a discount on Interrail?
A: See if you qualify for an Interrail pass. There are three categories available. A Youth Pass saves up to 25% on standard adult prices. It's available for travellers aged 12 to 27. Adults over 60 can get a Senior Pass, which offers a discount of 10%. Finally, children under the age of 12 are eligible for a Child Pass, which lets them travel for free. Up to two children can travel with one adult.
Q: Is Interrail cheaper than Eurail?
A: No, Interrail and Eurail cost the same. The difference between the two is a question of residence. Interrail is limited to citizens and legal residents of European countries, while Eurail is for non-Europeans.
Q: Can UK citizens still use Interrail?
A: Yes. Interrail is not tied to the European Union. Instead, it is connected to the continent of Europe. Although the UK has left the EU, it is still part of the European continent, so UK citizens can still get Interrail tickets.
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