One Track Mind
Recently, rail travel in Europe has become a whole lot easier with the extension of passport-free travel zones across even more countries. (Though you will still need to show a form of ID like, er, a passport.) One of the best ways to take advantage is by getting a train ticket that allows you to travel on almost every line across 30 different countries, from Austria to Turkey or Montenegro to Macedonia.
The beauty of inter-railing is in the freedom. Fancy stopping off in Paris for a croissant? – no problem. A quick detour to see Rome’s Coliseum? – easy, just get yourself to the nearest station and hop on the next train. Trains may be slower, but they’re a lot more fun than hanging around airport terminals and you get a prime seat for watching the world go by. Best of all, it’s far more environmentally friendly than flying, so what are we waiting for?
Tickets, please
There are a variety of tickets out there to suit your needs, so it’s a good idea to speak with a travel agent. The basic choices available are:
Global Pass: Allows you to visit all 30 countries over the space of one month and includes benefits like discounted ferry travel, hotels and admission to tourist attractions in various countries. The ticket covers most journeys, but you may have to pay extra for reserved tickets, night trains or high-speed trains, depending on the country. Price: From around £115.
Select Pass: Allows you to visit a region or group of countries (e.g. Scandinavia or Eastern Europe) within a specified period and includes the same benefits as the Global Pass – great if you’re interested in exploring one particular corner of Europe. Price: varies according to supplier.
One-Country Pass: For periods of up to one month, this ticket also includes the usual benefits and restrictions for travel within a particular country. It allows you to really do a country, and explore everything it has to offer. Price: varies by country, anywhere from £24 - £90.
Where to buy: Online from sites like www.interrailnet.com (you’ll need a credit card or to borrow one) or from travel agents like STA Travel or Thomas Cook.
Planning
With so much to see and do, you’ll need a bit of preparation to make the most of your time.
Timetables: Find them online at www.interrailnet.com. A hard copy will be more useful on your travels, so get yourself a copy of the Thomas Cook European Timetable – aka ‘The Bible,’ which also has ferry times for Europe.
Accommodation: Choices include camping, hostelling or sleeping on trains. Your Lonely Planet or Rough Guide will be full of options, and remember to get an international YHA card for discounts across Europe (www.yha.org.uk).
Packing: Travel light and try to limit yourself to one backpack containing: travel guides, sleeping bag, carrymat, cutlery, penknife, sun wear and cream, washing liquid (for clothes and pots), torch, warm jumper (for higher altitudes), raincoat, walking boots and flip-flops (lest you catch the plague in those campsite showers).
10 helpful tips
Quality not quantity. Don’t cram in a load of countries, just for the sake of it. You’ll feel rushed and the trip will feel more like a commute.
Take a breather. Train travel is tiring, even while on holiday. Allow yourself time to rest between trips – schedule in a beach or two.
Break your itinerary. Do it just because you can. Freedom is what travel is all about.
Night train it. You save money on a night’s accommodation and wake up at your destination.
Get the lowdown. Find out what’s happening in your selected countries (see the ‘What’s on’ box below).
Check the weather. Know what kind of weather to expect and pack accordingly.
Budget. Parts of Europe are quite expensive, so budget wisely to avoid the nightmare of going broke. Keep a reserve of cash for emergencies.
Be security-minded. Keep valuables on your person (preferably in a money belt) and if you’re going to sleep on the train, lock your pack to something unmoveable.
Insure. Get travel insurance (www.gotravelinsurance.co.uk).
Take the scenic route. The most interesting routes are usually longer – take them, if you have the time and go home a different way so you can see something new.
Itinerary ideas
Ancient Wonders. Want to soak up some history alongside your sun? Make your way towards the Eternal City of Rome and then over to Greece to see the remains of two great civilisations. From there, hop a ferry to Turkey to see some rather ancient columns by the beach.
Look North. Prefer rugged mountains and crystal clear fjords? Then head up to Scandinavia and discover the famous hospitality of those Swedes, Norwegians and Finns. It’s not cheap there, but some say it’s how all of Europe should be.
New Europe. Explore the latest additions to Europe by passing through Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania. These little-known countries offer a completely different view of Europe and will send you home with a broadened mind (and some money still in your wallet).
Heart of Europe. First stop is Paris for great food and architecture, then on to Germany for Berlin’s vibrant nightlife. After that, slip into Switzerland for some of the most spectacular mountain walks. It’ll strain your bank balance, but you’ll be able to use the languages you’ve learned at school.
Deep South. Travel south through Spain’s Pyrenees and pass through some of the most vibrant European cities on your way to the beaches of Andalusia. But don’t stop there – hop over to Morocco on the ferry and lose yourself in the souk (an ancient market) before heading back into Portugal.
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