Rail adventure
Tuesday 15 July 2008
When exams are over you may feel you deserve a well earned break. If you’re looking for some adventure abroad, Inter-Railing could be a great option.
What is Inter-Railing?
An Inter-Rail ticket lets you travel where you want in Europe by train for one month. There are no age restrictions and you can buy a ticket whatever age you are, but there are levels of prices. Those between the ages of 12-25 fall under ‘Youth’.
Think it through
You may have decided this is a good idea but have you spoken to your family about your plans? Whatever age you are, it's fair to say that your family are going to worry, especially if this is the first time you have been abroad on your own.
To help ease any worries your family may have, try to show them that you have really spent some time thinking your plans through. For example, you can tell them how you're going to fund the trip. Although your parents may want to help, it might not always be possible. Instead it could be wise to take on a summer job before you go so that you can pay for it yourself.
Also, have a think about who you are going to go with. Travelling can be exciting but it also requires you to have common sense and act responsibly. Are you happy with your traveling companions?
Which ticket?
Once you've decided that Inter-Railing is for you, it’s worth exploring the different travel options. Inter-Rail passes are only valid for you. Think carefully before you buy one as you won’t be able to transfer it or sell it on to a friend afterwards.
There are two types of pass that you can get:
Global passes
This is the most flexible option, allowing you to travel in up to 30 participating Inter-Rail countries. Depending on which option you take, Global passes costs between £135 and £339.
One country passes
This pass offers the option of around 28 different countries in Europe. You decide when and where you want to travel. There are four price levels depending on the countries you intend to visit, how long you intend to stay there and how many other places you want to go to. Prices start at £27 and go up to 165.
Read up
A month may seem like a long time but to make the most of your trip, it’s worth going with some kind of idea of what you’d like to do and see in each country - check out Visit Europe for help. You don’t want to miss an amazing music festival which was only a few miles away from you where you were staying, or an incredible beach because you didn’t do a bit of research first.
Check out the Lonely Planet guides. ‘Europe On An Shoestring’ may be your ticket to places you would never otherwise have discovered!
On the road
It’s common sense but beware of thieves. When you're travelling on the trains keep your valuables close to you, especially if you're falling asleep! Also make sure your rucksack has a lock. Keep your key in a safe place and also your passport close at hand, perhaps in your money belt as you may be asked to show it at border controls.
Above all, have fun. Inter-Railing is an amazing way to see Europe and widen your experience of people and the world.
Travel diaries
If you take videos or photos send them to us and we could feature your trip on the n2k website. Check out how this crew of four boys danced their way round Europe.
We are also interested in publishing reader’s blogs. Just send us details of your trip to n2k and you could be a feature on the site!
