What better way to explore Europe than from the comfort of a train cabin – Watching the countryside fly by, getting lost in a good book and enjoying good company while whizzing to your next destination!
If this sounds good – Then the Interrail should be high on your bucket list!
The Interrail is simply an unlimited pass for trains journeys around Europe. No limit. Hop on and hop off! Want to travel from France to the Netherlands?! No dramas!
The Interrail website is packed with helpful advice and tips. From information about planning, buying your tickets, booking taxis and sightseeing when you arrive.
Here are some of our essential tips for Preparing for a European Interrail Adventure!
1. Head over to Seat 61
If you haven’t heard of Seat 61 – it’s probably the most in-depth train travel resources out there. Curated by train geek and travel guru Mark Smith, it’s been our go-to for years for all things train. Even when we travelled through Mongolia and China, it was packed with helpful pointers, timetables and must-see places. Highly recommended!
Read more: http://www.seat61.com/InterRail-pass-guide.htm
2. Grab an European Health Insurance Card
The EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) is a UK resident specific service from the NHS that allows you to receive free or low-cost treatment or services while visiting European member states.
The EHIC is valid across the majority of Europe:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
So UK nationals – Grab your card before you head abroad. Too good not to miss!
Note: The EHIC card might not cover all your medical costs, your flight home, lost property etc.
That’s a job for some adequate Travel Insurance.
Read more: http://www.europeanhealthcard.org.uk
3. Pack light!
This is applies to most travel scenarios, but packing light is essential on the Interrail. The last thing you’ll want to do is wheel a massive suitcase up and down multiple carriages, annoying your fellow passengers and getting hot and bothered.
Just bring the essentials. You can buy everything when you get to your destination, probably for a better price!
Our Interrail essentials:
- Kindle! The new Kindle is amazing! We love ours. It has it’s own backlight and wifi… Say no more! This will save sooo much room in your bags if you’re a heavy reader!
- Travel towels. These are great space savers! They dry super quickly…if you need to leave your room in a hurry, just wrap it around your bag and it’ll be dry in no time. A large one like this, or and extra-large one like this microfibre beach towel ticks all boxes!
- Padlocks! Bring a few as you’ll probably lose the keys like we have a million times. We’re not really a fan of combination locks like this, as they can be quite easy to guess and hack. These padlocks come in a 4 pack and are very affordable for securing a hostel locker.
Pro tip! Secure your bags together with some thin security cable to stop someone running off with your goodies while you’re snoozing…
4. Hook yourself up with a YHA Card
The YHA card is the budget backpackers best friend! With YHA hostels all around the globe, it’s a great item to have in your wallet. Prices vary from country to country, but as of Sept 2015, an annual membership for under 26’s is £5, and £15 for those over 26.
There are too many benefits to mention here, but there are loads in addition to money off room rates!
Read more: https://www.yha.org.uk/membership
What did we miss? Can you think of any Interrail essentials?!
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