Intelligent Inter-Railing

For those coming from the cold and windy Isle of the British, the concept of efficient, reliable and affordable transportation by train is something of a foreign concept. The rest of Europe, however, seems to manage it very well, making Inter-Railing one of the most popular ways to travel, especially for young people. Wonderful as this is, there are a few important things to consider before embarking on the voyage, to ensure utmost security throughout the journey.

Those who Inter-Rail for an extended time period will often take night trains in order to maximise the possibility for sight-seeing in every destination, and cut down on accommodation costs. However, when sleeping on a train it is necessary to make sure that all valuables are placed somewhere safe and not somewhere they could be discretely thieved by a passing opportunist. Many travellers keep money and passports in a money belt (affectionately named the ‘crotch wallet’) which sits under clothes, as opposed to over them. Furthermore, it is always useful to have a few travellers’ cheques, despite the inconvenience, because in the case of a robbery, they can be replaced.

It is important to make reservations for specific trains well in advance. Not only does this cut down on costs but it also ensures that the venture will pass as smoothly as possible. Trains often get booked up quickly and with no reservations disappointment is inevitable as frequently trains are full to capacity at each destination.

Obviously, the amount of planning time concerning personal security depends on whether there are two or more people travelling together, or if it is a trip for one. Lone female travellers are the most vulnerable, yet it is still possible for a girl to travel safely alone if all transportation and accommodation is planned with as much care as possible, including connecting transport between train stations and airports, bus stops and hostels, etc. Taxis, though convenient, are not always the safest option. Make sure you also take out travel insurance for your trip, to cover you against any mishaps. AA Travel offers travel insurance specifically for backpackers, so take a look at their website for more.

Most importantly, it is paramount that a budget is made carefully, allowing for the last return journey back to home! Caught up in the excitement of planning grand voyages, many people forget this last and crucial step and are left with no ticket and insufficient funds to make the most important journey of all.

Inter-Railing is a wonderful way to explore a little more of our eclectic and historic continent, but can be tainted by constant fears of security issues if the right planning isn’t done, so it is beneficial to all to take the extra time and make sure that there is as little to worry as possible throughout the adventure itself.