Oli90
Traveller
1 comments
Posted 15 years ago
Hi all
I’m currently on my gap year and before I go to uni at the end of September I am looking for one last gap year adventure. As I’ve always wanted to travel round Europe I’ve decided that interrail is probably the thing for me. The trouble is none of my friends have the funds to join me, so I will be travelling alone. As I have never done anything like interrailing before me and especially my parents are quite worried about the thought of me going by myself and whether I will enjoy it by myself. There is always the option that I can wait until next summer to do it but as this is my gap year now I really want to make the most of it.
Really what I’m looking for is advice and tips on travelling alone (safety, meeting people, having a good time etc) and whether or not it is advised for a first time interrailer.
Or even better of course if anyone is interested in possibly doing it with me or at least to meet for a part of the way. If interested; I plan to go from mid August for a month, I’m 18 (will be 19 at the time), Male, from London and plan to take a route that involves Belgium (Brussels), France, Italy, Austria and Germany, although I am flexible in this.
Much thanks in advance
roryroryrory
Traveller
39 comments
I'm going to travel alone in July and August and I was apprehensive too.
But railcc has been really useful.
I think that travelling alone gives you more freedom to do what you want.
It would be cool to meet up for a beer somewhere.
Carrie
Traveller
1 comments
I'd say go for it! If you dont, you will only regret it!
I'm spending July until mid-August interrailing for the first time but speaking from my previous travels alone then i'd have to say its sooo rewarding. Anytime i have travelled alone, i havent actually spent that much time on my own. When you are in hostels for example you will meet so many different and new people which you can then travel and spend some time with :)
I prefer to travel on my own, its boosts my confidence and i love having the freedom to simply do my own thing!
Safety wise as long as your sensible, dont wandering around in dodgy dark areas and trust your instincts. Take a money wallet for your passport, bank/credit cards etc
Enjoy :P
Oli90
Traveller
1 comments
Thanks guys, thats put my mind some what to rest ;)
I am definitely going now, but decided to go for 22 days rather than a whole month, think that will be best for my first trip :P
idaaaa
Traveller
3 comments
hey Oli !
I'm also desperately searching for a travel partner ! I'm planning to start my interrail on the 20th of august, for 15 or 22 days... have no plan, just want to visit as much countries as possible... I'm very spontaneous, flexible... I'm 21 years old, study acting... so if you're interested...
Chihaya
Traveller
13 comments
Hey Oli,
I'm travelling alone as well, my route is quite similar to yours as I'm thinking of going through Italy, Austria and Germany.
I'm flying from London to Barcelona to start my trip on 1st of August, so I guess by the time you start I'll be in Italy or Austria.
Give me a Message if you wanna meet up man. It'll be cool to travel for a bit!
Chihaya
boombox
Traveller
1 comments
Yo Oli, I'm in pretty much an identical situation as you, starting uni in october and looking to get away beforehand.
I'd like to go for the 22day ticket and see much of western europe - maybe take in some eastern, like the baltic coast for instance. Going to come up with a plan soon!
I think travelling around alone is fine when you are 18/19 as long as you have some common sence and don't go walking down doggy side streets at 4am, also this might sound a bit obvious but if you're staying in hostels, then make sure your possessions can be put somewhere securely, if there are lockers then use them! If not then a trusty combination lock can stop someone running off with your backpack!
@idaaaa You sound like a great travel partner! I'm thinking of going on about the 20th for the same time. Where you from? I'm in Nottingham.
@Chinhaya We could meet up later on, how long are you going for?
Felix
:)
Chihaya
Traveller
13 comments
@Boombox
Hey mate, yeah would be great to meet up man.
I am leaving London on 1st August, and I am going for 22 days.
When are you travelling from and how long for?
Towards the end of my trip, I would be in Austria/Italy I think, though this may change