DanielaSolomon
Traveller
1 comments
Posted 9 years ago
Hello :D
So, as everyone around here, I'm currently planning an Interrail trip along with a friend. I have a few doubts about how practical the trip I envisioned is, seeing as we do not have at our disposal a lot of money. The pass I wish to but is the 22 days continous one, but if necessary we'll get the global one. So without further ado, here are the countries we plan to visit:
Romania (home)
Croatia (but in doing so, we must also pass through Hungary as there is no direct train connection between Bucharest and Zagreb)
Italy
Switzerland
France
Belgium
Netherlands
Denmark
Sweden
Norway
Germany
Poland
Austria
and then back to Romania
I know it may seem like there are a lot of countries on this list, but here's the thing - we do not plan to spend a night in all of them. This is probably the biggest challenge of all, but we were hoping to sleep mainly on the trains. The reason, besides the obvious financial one, is that we wish to see as many places as possible in a short time. Additionally, we will be spending quite some time in Scandinavia, as it is one of my dearest regions, so we must not waste time.
My main concern would be the safety of it... Clearly two young adults are an easy target although that may sound a bit paranoid :D
Another sort-of questions for those of you who have already been interrailing, how much money would we need to have with ourselves, realistically speaking? I've checked out a few hostels and they seem to be reasonably priced, but what about the food, tickets to museums, transportation, booking fees and such? Also, should we change the money in the local currency or simply have euros?
I appreciate any small suggestion or answer. Thanks :)
nltrainer
Traveller
1404 comments
1. ALL passes are global=that means valid in all countries participating, except your own=ROM-where you pay reduced fare. As Romanesc, you likely know best if any other cheap fares or a bus might be preferable.
2. you can, with some planning, also go via LUXembourg.
3. you should be aware that many night trains have been cancelled and not many are left. About ALL now require extra to pay, as supplmt or just the REServare (=locure loc), often even 8-10 eur/trip for just that seat. YOU do the planning-check the country chapters below as they list the most asked for connections. In East-Europe you can easily find dozens of hostels for same price- with real (bunk/dormitory)bed, shower, kitchen+cf/T etc. thrown in for free too.
4. this system of RES has been started years ago exactly for the reason of your fears: to have only real pasengers on board. if that works for 100%-of course not, nothing works 100% in this world. But 1 of the latest reports about that ''gassing'' and robbing of pasengers happened: on the nighttrain Budapest-Bucuresti, and 1 of the pax was a high director of CFR.
5. oh-and then there is Schengen-depending on your status, age, looks etc some countries may still refuse you entry or have you moved out asap. The Bacau ATM-skimmers have spoilt that all for you.
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Hi!
Have a look on available night trains here: [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-night-train[/u]
It is common to pay in local currency.
Regarding money and expenses; it is hard to give a good estimate how much money you may need as this depends on your personal preferences: do you cook in the hostel kitchen, go for fast food or proper restaurants; visit many museums/attractions/etc or just walk around; use public transport or explore the city on foot. Also prices vary considerably from country to country.
Anyway 20€ per day plus money for accomodation should usually easily be enough overall. It will be more expensive in Scandinavia, cheaper in Eastern/Southern Europe. With a student card you may also be eligible for numerous reductions in museums, attractions, public transport etc...
Flo 8)
DanielaSolomon
Traveller
1 comments
hey :D thanks a lot for the answers
@nltrainer : you are absolutely right, both passes are global, I forgot to mention that I was referring to the one month continous one. I saw that most trains require a reservation fee, but that's ok, I'll take it into account when booking the seats. I must admit that I was a bit scared of the particular route you mentioned but we'll do our best to stay on the safe side. As for what you said about Schengen, it doesn't apply in our case, since we both have passports (also, I checked on the website of the ministry of foreign affairs). Thanks for your suggestions :)
@flow : we actually estimated at about 20€ per day too and we plan to pay for accomodation online as I've found many hostels that prefer it this way. Yeah I know that Scandinavia is much more expensive than Eastern Europe for example so I'm getting reaaally prepared for that :( The amazing views and nice people will certainly make for that 8) Thanks for the tips! :D