natalie2
Traveller
0 comments
Posted 8 years ago
Hello!
I'm currently planning to interrail Europe this December for 22 days to 'find myself' (lol). However, I am struggling really badly as this is the first time I have ever done anything like this before and I'm getting very confused and overwhelmed.
I'm really keen on visiting scenic and picturesque destinations that are maybe off the beaten track such as Lake Bled, Naples+Pompeii+Vesuvio, Waterfalls at the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia (but will these be a good idea in December?)
I will be leaving from London.
Here's my rough itinerary:
London fly to Switzerland > Brussels > Delft > Berlin and/or Munich (for the Xmas Markets) > Ljubana > Croatia > Italy (Naples+Pompeii+Vesuvio)
[Background: I plan to leave London on the 10th of December, and have to be in Delft on the 16th for a friend's birthday, so any adjustments to my route are more than welcomed!]
Could anyone please help me with a few things:
1.How realistic is this trip, do you really think I can cover the above places in 22 days? If you think this is unrealistic, could you propose any adjustments? Am open minded to any suggestions! Quality over quantity eh?
2.What will the weather be in Early December, ie what clothes shall I pack / will it be raining or freezing 24/7?
3. TRAINS: Where do I get more info about train times and train RESERVATIONS? This bit is so confusing. Which trains do I need to reserve seats for? How much will it cost, is it possible to avoid them? And lastly, how do I go about booking them?
4. Hostels: Any recommendation of cheap and sociable hostels?
5. Costs: My budget is around £700 - £800. With hostels, travel and food in mind: could anyone give me a rough estimate as to how much this whole trip would cost so I can adjust my budget / travelling plans accordingly?
6. Ticket type: I am a Malaysian citizen with a UK Student Visa (Tier 4), which ticket type shall I get - Interrail or EU rail? and will the 7 days within 1 month pass do?
Ah sorry for the dumb questions and thanks so much!
Natalie
Wouter
Traveller
102 comments
Welcome on RailCC!
First off, have a look at all our Blogs!
[u]https://rail.cc/blog/tag/switzerland/[/u]
[u]https://rail.cc/blog/amsterdam-brussels-train/[/u]
[u]https://rail.cc/blog/amsterdam-berlin/[/u]
Traveling between Switserland (lets take Basel) and Brussels isn't that simple. Most common: 1. ICE Köln - ICE Brussel. 2. TGV Paris Gare de Lyon (reservation required) - TGV Paris North - Brussels (reservation required).
I personally would have a look at Antwerp with Brussels, and choose the one that fits you the best.
Nice to have you here in Delft; you are the first that is not going straight for Amsterdam :)
In your trip are some long stretches, I personally would reserve these all. Don't want to end up standing on these trips.
For ICE/Germany reservation: take the Deutsche Bahn rail.shop/bahn
For TGV/Thalys/France reservations: rail.shop/sncf
You can not predict the weather, So I would close to your departure check some forecasts in the different cities to have an idea.
If I may add; If you are going especially for the Weihnachtsmarkt (xmas market), Berlin is not the only place to be. Of course, in almost every German city you can find one; but I can recommend Dusseldorf, Köln and Berlin it self very well.
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Hi,
I want to add a few things:
1) I see no problem with your route in principle; consider that you cant reach Plitvice by train, you would have to go by bus to/from Zagreb and pay extra.
2) In recent years it has been rather warm in early December; I'd pack warm clothes nonetheless. Definitely bring a sweater/hoodie and a winter jacket; if you easily feel cold think about ski underwear which is especially handy if you are planning on visiting christmas markets where you are going to stay outside for a longer time.
3) Reservations: [u]https://rail.cc/en/interrail-train-reservation[/u] Schedules: [ux]http://plan.rail.cc/[/ux] Also get the Rail Planner App for checking train times while travelling: [u]http://railcc.interrail.eu/plan-your-trip/rail-planner-app[/u]
4) Wombats (in Berlin and Munich) are always a good choice
5) Is the budget including the Interrail ticket? In general I'd plan with roughly 10-20€ per day plus accomodation plus reservation; depends of course what your plans regarding food, sightseeing etc are. Personally I dont spend much on sightseeing so basically just need some food for a decent dinner (if breakfast is included in the hostel).
6) If you have a permanent residency in the UK and can prove it by governmental issued documents you have to go with Interrail.
We are official partners of interrail.eu - to support the free information and the forum on railcc, please be fair and buy your official Interrail pass via our railcc partner link: [ux]https://rail.shop/interrail[/ux]
Thank you! :)
Flo 8)