Travel
We love traveling by train. And exploring Europe makes us happy. So combining the two of them in an Interrail trip always appeals to us.
Sleeping on trains is not always the best idea
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR YOUR INTERRAIL TRIP
Further readings:
- Vasa Museum, Stockholm. The Best Museum We've Visited Lately
It was the last day of sightseeing of our month long Interrail trip through Europe. The next day in the morning we were leaving Stockholm to embark on a 16 hours train ride to Frankfurt that would end 4 minutes before midnight when our Interrail Passes...
- Stavanger. Petroleum, Angry Birds And Pretty Wooden Houses
We arrived in Stavanger after a very long train ride. We left Bergen in the morning, but as there are no direct trains to Stavanger, we had to go almost all the way back to Oslo and then head back West. We chose the train over a direct and therefore...
- Having Fun In Bergen: Hiking Mount Floyen (a Photo Essay)
Mount Floyen is one of those places where you can take a deep breath and the whole world becomes a happier place. On our 3rd day in Bergen we took the funicular up the Mount Floyen, where we enjoyed some amazing views over the city and hiked through the...
- Traveling From Poland To Denmark Via Germany
It's been a hustling couple of days and we didn't get the chance to keep you updated with our whereabouts, so I will try to resume in a few words the 7th to the 10th day of our 1 month InterRail trip through Europe. We left Warsaw on Friday and...
- Bratislava. A First Impression
Today we've started our 1 month InterRail journey through Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. During this month we plan to travel through 6 countries and visit 22 new places. It's gonna be tons of fun, but we know it's also gonna be a challenge....
Travel
7 Interrail Tips To Fall in Love with Train Travel in Europe
Many people associate Interrail with backpackers, twenty-somethings, low budgets, and obscure hostels. But it doesn't have to be this way.
Europe's modern rail network makes train travel easy, comfortable, efficient and environmentally-friendly. And you can easily combine nice hotels with fancy restaurants and an Interrail Pass.
Europe's modern rail network makes train travel easy, comfortable, efficient and environmentally-friendly. And you can easily combine nice hotels with fancy restaurants and an Interrail Pass.
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| Misty sunset in Northern Poland (view from the train) |
Interrail is freedom
We love traveling by train. And exploring Europe makes us happy. So combining the two of them in an Interrail trip always appeals to us.
We used four 1-month Global Interrail Passes so far.
Years ago, before starting this blog, we Interrailed through Western Europe for two months, covering dozens of cities from Paris to London, and from Berlin to Bern and Amsterdam.
Then, we went Interrailing through Eastern Europe and Scandinavia for a month, during an epic journey that took us from meeting the dwarfs of Wroclaw to having fun at Legoland, and from cruising the fjords of Norway to relaxing days on the shores of the awe-inspiring Lake Siljan in Sweden (see out photo essays of Rattvik and Leksand).
Eventually, we Interrailed Western Europe again and discovered a new dimension to it. From having dinner in the oldest restaurant in the world, to going wine tasting in St Emilion, and from awakening the kid in us on the sand dunes of Arcachon, to falling in love with the gorgeous architecture of Colmar, we explored Europe in search for culinary experiences and style.
Time and time again, we came to the same conclusion.
Interrail is freedom!
Because Europe is so culturally diverse and packed with awesome must see places, we find the hop on, hop off method the best for a first contact with different countries and cultures.
And after 4 Interrail Passes, we have some tips that hopefully will help you enjoy your next European adventure even more.
Hot tip: The Interrail Pass is for European residents alone. If you are a non-European resident, then a Eurail Pass is for you. Nevertheless, these Interrail tips can be used for the Eurail Pass holders as well.
Hot tip: The Interrail Pass is for European residents alone. If you are a non-European resident, then a Eurail Pass is for you. Nevertheless, these Interrail tips can be used for the Eurail Pass holders as well.
Our top 7 Interrail tips
Prioritise
You might want to see everything there is to see in Europe, from London to Warsaw and from Seville to Oslo. But that's simply too much awesomeness to experience in one month.
Write down a list of priorities.
There's so much to see and do in Europe that you would literally need a lifetime to explore it all. No matter if this is your first time exploring Europe or you are already a seasoned traveler, the old continent always has something to surprise you with.
For a more comprehensive and fulfilling experience, mix in old time favorites and quirky little towns like Helsingor, Stavanger, Colmar or Poznan that will take your breath away just the same.
Write down a list of priorities.
There's so much to see and do in Europe that you would literally need a lifetime to explore it all. No matter if this is your first time exploring Europe or you are already a seasoned traveler, the old continent always has something to surprise you with.
For a more comprehensive and fulfilling experience, mix in old time favorites and quirky little towns like Helsingor, Stavanger, Colmar or Poznan that will take your breath away just the same.
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| Gdansk train station |
Don't expect to see EVERYTHING in one Interrail trip
We find Interrailing extremely rewarding, for when we look back we can proudly say "been there, done that!". We know sometimes we rushed things a bit and left Stockholm and Paris feeling we should definitely go back in the future, but at least we've got an idea about each city and we've partially seen them.
You can visit Bratislava for a day or two and feel like you've seen everything you wanted to see. And you can visit Barcelona for four days and still leave with the feeling that you haven't even scratched the surface. Some cities are just denser than others, accept it!
You can visit Bratislava for a day or two and feel like you've seen everything you wanted to see. And you can visit Barcelona for four days and still leave with the feeling that you haven't even scratched the surface. Some cities are just denser than others, accept it!
Read the Interrail page carefully
There are supplements you have to pay from time to time, like when you want to take the night train, the super fast French TGV or if you want to cross the channel to Great Britain.
But local trains don't cost an extra dime.
But local trains don't cost an extra dime.
On the other hand, in Scandinavia you will be told at the ticket office that you MUST reserve a seat because the particular train you are inquiring about is very busy. Even when you insist, asking if a reservation is compulsory for a specific train you already know it's not, they will say it is. Usually, these reservations are around €10-€15. If you move around Scandinavia a lot, you could end up paying your Interrail Pass all over again in reservations.
Carefully check the Interrail page. Find out which trains have compulsory reservation. The ticket inspectors know, but the ladies at the ticket office would say anything to get you pay for a seat reservation you don't always have to. We traveled during the busy summer months and we never ever had to travel standing. There were always some free seats left in any train.
Window seats are the best
Whenever the opportunity arises, opt for the seat by the window.
Poland is different from Northern Germany, Northern Germany from Southern Germany, and they are all very different from the Spanish countryside or the spectacular Scandinavian scenery.
You can do quite a lot of sightseeing from the train.
We were spoiled by just how much variety there is in Europe, both in terms of landscape and architecture. The hours we spent on the train were never wasted. Plus we could listen to music, audiobooks, sleep, rest our feet, write our next blog post, etc.
Nevertheless, we never felt our time was better spent than when listening to audiobooks. While we leisurely took in the scenery, we also 'read' a book and this was priceless. We've been listening to audiobooks for years and we totally recommend you this. Try an Amazon Audible Membership
! It comes with a one-month free trial and two free audiobooks.
Poland is different from Northern Germany, Northern Germany from Southern Germany, and they are all very different from the Spanish countryside or the spectacular Scandinavian scenery.
You can do quite a lot of sightseeing from the train.
We were spoiled by just how much variety there is in Europe, both in terms of landscape and architecture. The hours we spent on the train were never wasted. Plus we could listen to music, audiobooks, sleep, rest our feet, write our next blog post, etc.
Nevertheless, we never felt our time was better spent than when listening to audiobooks. While we leisurely took in the scenery, we also 'read' a book and this was priceless. We've been listening to audiobooks for years and we totally recommend you this. Try an Amazon Audible Membership
! It comes with a one-month free trial and two free audiobooks. |
| From Oslo to Bergen (view from the train) |
Sleeping on trains is not always the best idea
If you are the kind of person that can sleep anywhere and a cup of coffee sets everything straight for you, then go ahead, ignore this tip. But if you are like the two of us, I wouldn't recommend taking the night train.
Taking the night train maximized our time in Krakow and Warsaw, but we were nothing but zombies the next day.
Night trains will save you time.
But not always money.
A hostel bed can be a better investment than a sleeping car. When it comes to a good night sleep, nothing can beat a still bed.
The Interrail Pass is a budget friendly way to travel around Europe, it doesn't mean only backpackers can use it (actually I personally advocate against the use of backpacks whenever possible, for not being spine friendly).
Just because Interrail Passes are used predominantly by twenty somethings, there is no age limit.
Going Interrailing in your 50s can feel invigorating and help you discover a younger version of yourself.
Interrailing can give you a sense of freedom and present you with so many choices that you will want to have done this more often. I promise!
'Is it worth using an Interrail Pass in Eastern Europe?' We've been asked quite a few times during our last Interrail trip.
It all depends.
There are various Interrail Passes and you have to decide which one is best for you. Like anything else, the Interrail Pass has its advantages and disadvantages.
In terms of money worth, train tickets in Eastern Europe are cheaper than in other parts of Europe. But they are not free. And as long as you move around often enough, the Interrail Pass will save you money.
Additionally, to get even better value for your money, include some more expensive countries in your itinerary as well.
Eastern Europe is just as interesting as Western Europe. It just has the misfortune to be less promoted. We fell in love with cities like Wroclaw, Gdansk and Romania has some amazing places to visit.
Taking the night train maximized our time in Krakow and Warsaw, but we were nothing but zombies the next day.
Night trains will save you time.
But not always money.
A hostel bed can be a better investment than a sleeping car. When it comes to a good night sleep, nothing can beat a still bed.
Stay away from cliches
The Interrail Pass is a budget friendly way to travel around Europe, it doesn't mean only backpackers can use it (actually I personally advocate against the use of backpacks whenever possible, for not being spine friendly).
Just because Interrail Passes are used predominantly by twenty somethings, there is no age limit.
Going Interrailing in your 50s can feel invigorating and help you discover a younger version of yourself.
Interrailing can give you a sense of freedom and present you with so many choices that you will want to have done this more often. I promise!
Using the Interrail Pass in the East vs. in the West. Do the math
'Is it worth using an Interrail Pass in Eastern Europe?' We've been asked quite a few times during our last Interrail trip.
It all depends.
There are various Interrail Passes and you have to decide which one is best for you. Like anything else, the Interrail Pass has its advantages and disadvantages.
In terms of money worth, train tickets in Eastern Europe are cheaper than in other parts of Europe. But they are not free. And as long as you move around often enough, the Interrail Pass will save you money.
Additionally, to get even better value for your money, include some more expensive countries in your itinerary as well.
Eastern Europe is just as interesting as Western Europe. It just has the misfortune to be less promoted. We fell in love with cities like Wroclaw, Gdansk and Romania has some amazing places to visit.
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR YOUR INTERRAIL TRIP
Buy a sturdy backpack big enough to fit all the essentials and small enough not to allow you to overpack. Carrying to much stuff around is the last thing you need. For this purpose, I totally recommend the Lowe Alpine Crag Attack.
Further readings:
If you need further inspiration, I wholeheartedly recommend you the following books: Europe by Eurail: Touring Europe by Train
(a comprehensive, up-to-date guide covering train information and possible excursions), Lonely Planet's Europe on a shoestring (detailed destination information and tips for optimising your budget) and Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door (packing tips, how to maximise your time, suggested itineraries, etc)
. Happy Interrailing!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you buy via them, I will get some coffee money at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping me stay awake!
(a comprehensive, up-to-date guide covering train information and possible excursions), Lonely Planet's Europe on a shoestring (detailed destination information and tips for optimising your budget) and Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door (packing tips, how to maximise your time, suggested itineraries, etc). Happy Interrailing!Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you buy via them, I will get some coffee money at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping me stay awake!
- Vasa Museum, Stockholm. The Best Museum We've Visited Lately
It was the last day of sightseeing of our month long Interrail trip through Europe. The next day in the morning we were leaving Stockholm to embark on a 16 hours train ride to Frankfurt that would end 4 minutes before midnight when our Interrail Passes...
- Stavanger. Petroleum, Angry Birds And Pretty Wooden Houses
We arrived in Stavanger after a very long train ride. We left Bergen in the morning, but as there are no direct trains to Stavanger, we had to go almost all the way back to Oslo and then head back West. We chose the train over a direct and therefore...
- Having Fun In Bergen: Hiking Mount Floyen (a Photo Essay)
Mount Floyen is one of those places where you can take a deep breath and the whole world becomes a happier place. On our 3rd day in Bergen we took the funicular up the Mount Floyen, where we enjoyed some amazing views over the city and hiked through the...
- Traveling From Poland To Denmark Via Germany
It's been a hustling couple of days and we didn't get the chance to keep you updated with our whereabouts, so I will try to resume in a few words the 7th to the 10th day of our 1 month InterRail trip through Europe. We left Warsaw on Friday and...
- Bratislava. A First Impression
Today we've started our 1 month InterRail journey through Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. During this month we plan to travel through 6 countries and visit 22 new places. It's gonna be tons of fun, but we know it's also gonna be a challenge....