Interrailing Do's and Dont's

The Interrail Experience...                                                                                        

After spending what can only be described as the best four weeks of my entire life travelling around Europe I am finally, and somewhat reluctantly, back on Irish soil. Leaving sandy beaches and scorching sun to return to a very dull and dismal Dublin airport last Sunday night was a firm reminder that the dream was well and truly over. Returning to work today after almost four and a half weeks away was a further realisation that I was back to reality with a bang.

So what better way to lighten my mood and my post-holiday blues than to reminisce about my Interrail experience. Like the J1, interrailing is quickly becoming an almost mandatory rite of passage for young Irish students. But before you set out on your trip of a lifetime, here are some do’s and dont's to consider…

Travel Buddies

DO: Travel with someone you know inside out and upside down. Someone you know has the same interests as you and someone you know will want to do and see all the same things as you. You are going to be spending 24/7 in each others company so choose wisely. I travelled in a group of four (my boyfriend and I and one of my best friends and her boyfriend) and it was the perfect combination. We were all interested in doing and seeing similar things and it made our trip a whole lot easier. 

DON’T: Go with people you may end up falling out with over a missed train, a bad hostel or deciding what to do. Interrailing is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do and see things you might never get a chance to do again. Make sure you’re doing them with the right person. Don’t waste your time away with someone who can’t be bothered to get up early or stay up late and has no interest in doing the same things as you.

Pack smart

DO: Travel lightly. Trust me, you really won’t wear half the things you think you will. It’s useful to pick out outfits before you leave; it’s more efficient and will hopefully prevent you from over-packing.

DON’T: Bring anything unnecessary. I’m talking hairdryers, straighteners etc. If the weather is good your hair will dry naturally or, if you're lucky, they might have one in the place you're staying.

Booking accommodation

DO: Book in advance. Not everyone is a fan of booking accommodation in advance but, personally, I would recommend it. After a long day/night travelling you really won’t want the extra hassle of having to try and find a suitable hostel in a new city. We booked all of our accommodation in advance (some weeks in advance, others just a few days) and found it really handy. Plus, booking in advance gives you the added bonus of picking and choosing the best value for money hostels in the exact locations you want.

DON’T: Leave it ‘til the last minute. During our trip we spent three nights in each place which really isn’t a huge amount of time. We wanted to make the most of each new place we visited by doing and seeing all we could. Wandering the streets looking for a place to stay wasn’t one of them.

Have an idea what you want to do

DO: Make a vague plan of what you want to see and do in each place before you get there. It’s important to have a rough idea of the attractions in any of the places you’re going as it will save you time and ensure you make the most out of each destination.

DON’T: Be lazy and waste your days. Interrailing really is the holiday of a lifetime so be proactive and make the most out of every day. You’ll only end up regretting it if you don’t.

Count your dolla bills

DO: Keep an eye on your bank account. You’re there to spend your money doing and seeing lots, but it’s important to remember you’re probably on a budget. Try not to blow your money in the first week as you get to grips with what you can spend daily. If you are on a strict budget cheaper countries like Slovenia will suit you better. Personally I found bigger cities like Vienna and Munich to be very expensive (but still worth it!).

DON’T: Think that money grows on trees. It doesn’t, unfortunately, and it will run out. Make a plan of what you can spend daily and stick to it. That’s the best advice I can give.

Picture c/o: Imgur