Feature: InterRail yourself around Europe

Friday, 20 May 2011 8:34 AM

Nothing in the world is more exciting than some of the independent backpacking circuits of the world. These well-trodden trails are perfect retreats for alternative lifestyle living, short escapades into the unknown, and manic adventures in foreign lands. Sure you can go with friends. You’ll have tonnes of fun trekking through foreign countries and will probably come home even closer. But going solo can be equally as exhilarating and you’ll pick up new friends along the way! With the next part of our guide to well-heeled backpacker adventures let’s go back to where it all began when those hippies first headed through Europe to begin the Asia overland route.

The pass

Ok, so most of the hippies on the original hippy trail probably hitchhiked. But still! In 1972, European railway authorities were alarmed at the number of hitchhikers passing through their countries. So they set up a cheap budget service allowing travel on most Western European lines. The InterRail pass was born, and it’s still going today. Anyone under the age of 26 can purchase one of these magical pieces of paper. For around £350 you can board nearly any public train and traipse through mountain or city to reach the next destination. There are cheaper tickets for shorter times, and single country passes too.

What to take

Just remember you aren’t going into the wilds of Asia or Central America. This is Europe, so most amenities will be on hand wherever you are. But saying that, you do need some basic items. First things first, take a travel guide. Lonely Planet or Rough Guides are good options, as they can direct you to the cheapest beds and tell you where and what to avoid. Next, a sturdy rainproof backpack filled with a few t-shirts, shorts, one or two pairs of trousers, and a good amount of underwear. Many hostels have washing facilities, but just in case take a sink plug so you can wash them yourself, and an elastic chord for drying.

An iPod or MP3 player is good for those long journeys, as is a book or two (once read you can exchange them with other travellers). Don’t forget a small first aid kit and toiletry bag, and the all important sleeping bag or liner (depending on which season you travel in). A pot and pan? Most hostels have self-catering facilities so there’s no need. But most importantly, take an open minded and friendly outlook!

The route

Take the Eurostar from St Pancras and head into Paris, the city of love. Walk through the cobbled streets and dine frugally on baguettes and cheese to save a bit of cash. Stay for as long or as little as you like before hopping on a train into the gorgeous neo-classical city of Bordeaux to taste that famous red wine. Do not miss out on Barcelona and its racy nightlife and pristine beaches. The Nice and Cozy hostel offers dorm rooms for about £20, and is placed right near all the action. Maybe head to Porto and gaze in wonder at the Oporto Cathedral. Try the port and the bizarre but delicious Francesinha sandwich. Made with bread, ham, sausage, and steak, this warm dish is covered in melted cheese and dressed in a tomato and beer sauce! It should keep you going for the whole day. Backtrack through Spanish, Portuguese and French backwaters and see what you find.

Take the overnight sleeper train into Rome and party onboard with other travellers as you whizz through the dark countryside. Stroll to the romantic Spanish steps and tour the city at night. Head south into Naples and work your way up the east coast before heading into Switzerland. Pass stunningly gorgeous mountain ranges and the vast glacial lakes around Zurich before entering this vibrant and cosmopolitan city itself. Here you can swim in the lakes and sun-it-up on the many public verandas.

But if you’re male, ask before you go in as some are for ladies only! The city is one of the most beautiful in Europe and you could easily lose yourself in its summer charms and ancient buildings.Let that northern European flavour wash over you and relax in Bruges or Amsterdam. Both are canal laden cities of culture with excellent hostels, and Luxembourg City’s Cliffside views and manicured gardens are truly jaw-dropping.

Travel north into Copenhagen and Stockholm for some old-world charm in the progressive atmospheres, or get your bratwurst guzzling stomach going with a trip to Munich. Drink a stein (one litre beer!) in the beer hall, and then head into Austria’s Salzburg where the beautiful Danube gracefully flows through. Why not head into Budapest or Prague for some cheap nightlife? Or down the Croatian coast to Dubrovnik, where 15th century architecture merges with the Adriatic Sea.

The list is endless and there is so much to see! Backtrack, zigzag through, or stay in a city for one week: there are no rules to inter-railing. Perhaps the best piece of advice is to just go with the flow!