With summer already in full swing and travel across the world seeming possible again, you may be thinking about planning a getaway. But the question is where to go?
Interrailing is a great option if you are indecisive and want to make up for lost time by seeing a lot of places in a short space of time. However, if you are new to this form of travel, it can be daunting. Read on for our guide to preparing and making the most of an interrailing trip around Europe this summer.
Be Flexible
When it comes to interrailing, flexibility and going with the flow are what it’s all about. Most travellers will buy an interrailing pass in advance of their trip as this will allow them to travel to a plethora of different countries. You may have certain countries or cities in mind before you go but be open to changing your plans and seeing where you end up. Think about the season when you would like to travel as this will affect when and where you should go. For example, if you are travelling to France or Italy for skiing make sure to check the snow forecasts from Piste Pro for the optimum conditions and be wary of countries like Greece in the height of summer as the temperatures will be extremely hot and attractions might be closed. If you’re travelling alone, it’s a good idea to be flexible with your plans as you may meet some fellow travellers to explore with.
Work Out Your Budget
As with any holiday, interrailing can be as expensive or as affordable as you make it. Do thorough research before embarking on your adventures so that you have an idea of the amount of spending money you will need and how much accommodation will cost in each city. Interrailing is traditionally seen as a more budget way to see a lot of places in one go and this is still true as in many parts of Europe as you can dine out, go to bars and enjoy various activities for very reasonable prices. It is recommended to take credit or debit cards to pay for your expenses rather than changing over big amounts of cash. A little bit of change always comes in handy though if you are caught out.
Plan Your Accommodation
Once you have chosen the places you want to travel to, you should take a look at accommodation. Although you may not plan out all your accommodation from the get-go, it is wise to get an idea of prices and what is available in each place. Hostels are normally the go-to option for interrailers as they offer affordable accommodation and are an excellent way to meet new people. Some hostels even have private rooms if you prefer more privacy, or you could look at sites like Air BnB for a hidden gem.
Research The Culture
So, you’ve planned your route and your accommodation but what’s next? We would suggest that now is a great time to delve into the local cultures of the places you will be visiting. Research the cultural norms of each area to see if there should be anything that you should be aware of beforehand such as religious differences. Some European countries are very relaxed, for example in Spain restaurants often close between lunch and dinner and in Italy, they do not open again till quite late so you may need to adjust your eating habits. Locals will appreciate it if you can speak some of the basics so take a bit of time before your trip to learn a few phrases in each language. Look out for local festivals and events too.
