Taking numerous nine-hour train rides without air-con sounds like a terrible idea to lots of people, but to others, it’s a cheap and environmentally friendly way to explore the continent! I recently took a trip around Europe using the train, and in hindsight, I wish I had someone giving me some advice beforehand: so, I’m writing this in the hopes of inspiring people to go Interrailing, and give some good tips and tricks (so you don’t end up in the same scrapes I did!)
I started my journey in Bristol airport and got a flight to Rome… well, it was meant to be Rome, but our plane got cancelled! So, we had to get a flight to Venice instead and get a six-hour train down the length of Italy to make it in time for our booking in Rome. We explored the city, which was just as fabulous and historic as we had imagined it to be. After a few days, we got a train to Lake Bled in Slovenia, ironically via Venice! This was a gorgeous spot for natural beauty: spending most of the days hiking and swimming! It was surprisingly busy, so there were a few bars on the waterfront that were super busy in the evenings. Then we headed back to City life in Budapest (where I’m hoping to return), in which the nightlife was a real highlight. Home of the famous ‘ruin bars’ that were made of brightly illuminated scrap, it was definitely a sight. Another popular attraction was the ‘prosecco cruise’ that ran across the river, giving unlimited drinks to increasingly drunken passengers. Next, we went to Prague, home of Franz Kafka, and the place we got fined for not paying the tram fare – whoops! After that, we went to Berlin and experienced lots of great art, museums and even an animatronic bug! Finally, we went to Amsterdam and enjoyed a peaceful car-free time, exploring markets, exhibits and of course, the beautiful canals.
The trip was made all the more entertaining and random by staying in hostels. If you can deal with sharing a dormitory-style room with strangers, I would definitely recommend it! Firstly, it’s pretty much always the cheapest option, so it’s great for Uni students travelling on a tight budget. It’s also one of the easiest ways to meet people; all sorts of people stay in hostels, so you always end up making super random friends. Some of the best advice on what to do in Budapest that I ever got was from people at hostels who had been there for a little while already. It is always good to check reviews beforehand for hygiene and safety, and most hostels have an option to stay in a ‘girls only’ dorm if you are a female traveller.
There are a few things that I really wish I had brought with me, however! I wish I had a lock, although luckily, I never had anything stolen. It is good to keep valuables locked up (there are usually safes) if you are staying in a hostel. It is also a good idea to keep a bit of cash with you, so you can buy things at markets and food stalls, etc – though check the currencies of your locations beforehand (don’t get caught out thinking everywhere uses euros!) I would also suggest you keep a diary to jot down your experiences in real time – I always forget fun stories when I journal after my trip. Lastly, you need a pair of strong, solid shoes to walk about in all day. Travel days are long, especially with all your things on your back – so having sturdy shoes is a must!
Interrailing was, for me, one of the most enjoyable and carefree times of my life! Always talk to strangers, try new things and have fun exploring!
Words and image by Molly Derrick
