10 Essential Tips: How to Go Interrailing When Youre A Teenager

Start planning your interrailing adventure six months early to secure the best accommodations and train reservations. You’ll need to research hostel age policies since many restrict under-18s, pack smart with essentials like a universal adapter and portable charger, and choose prepaid currency cards to avoid foreign transaction fees. Download local rail apps for seamless navigation, maintain daily contact with family, and keep multiple copies of your passport stored separately for safety. These foundational steps will set you up for the thorough preparation that ensures a safe and unforgettable European journey.

Start Planning Your Route Six Months Early

Six months might seem excessive for planning a two-week trip, but successful teen interrailing requires this extended timeline to navigate Europe’s complex rail network and summer booking demands.

You’ll need to form your group first, ensuring everyone’s interests align—whether you’re seeking Lake Bled’s serenity or Budapest’s nightlife. Consult experienced interrailers for route insights to avoid costly mismatches.

Start mapping your itinerary using the Interrail website, allowing three days per city for meaningful exploration. Remember that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned return date.

Consider logistically efficient starting points like Berlin over Amsterdam.

Check which routes require advance reservations, particularly high-speed trains in France, Italy, and Spain. Book these 2-3 months ahead since they cost 10-20 euros extra and sell out during summer peaks.

Choose the Right Mix of Hostels and Accommodations

While your accommodation choices can make or break your interrailing experience, selecting the right mix of hostels, hotels, and alternative stays doesn’t have to overwhelm your planning process.

Many hostels restrict under-18s, so you’ll need to research age policies carefully. Choose shared dorms for meeting fellow travelers or private rooms when you need quiet space. Prioritize locations near train stations or city centers like Jacques Brel Youth Hostel in Brussels, just 10 minutes from Grand Place.

Compare prices across platforms—sometimes 2-star hotels cost less than hostels. Your ISIC student card *discloses* hostel discounts throughout Europe.

Essential amenities include kitchens for cooking, laundry facilities, and reliable WiFi. Staying in central locations allows you to fully learn about local culture while keeping major attractions within walking distance. Consider overnight trains or campsites as budget alternatives that add adventure to your journey.

Pack Smart With Essential Travel Gear

Since you’ll be living out of your backpack for weeks, choosing the right gear can transform your interrailing adventure from stressful to seamless. Start with a large backpack that’s easy to carry on trains and stairs, plus a rain cover for protection. Pack smart with cubes to organize everything efficiently.

Keep essential documents secure with copies stored separately—your passport, Interrail Pass, and travel insurance details. A bumbag with hidden pockets protects your phone, cash, and cards. Don’t forget practical items like a universal travel adapter, portable charger, and microfibre towel that dries quickly in hostels.

Pack a basic first aid kit, sun cream, and ibuprofen for common issues. Download the Rail Planner App to check train times and manage reservations throughout your journey. Earplugs are essential for noisy train journeys and hostel dormitories.

Master Safety Protocols and Emergency Preparedness

Beyond having the right gear, you’ll need solid safety protocols to protect yourself and stay connected with your travel companions throughout your journey. Establish clear meeting points at train stations and hostels before every outing.

Scan all essential documents—passport, train pass, EHIC, insurance, and itinerary—then email copies to yourself and your parents.

Use a money belt for valuables and keep multiple passport copies in different luggage compartments. Research common scams for each destination and stay alert in crowded areas. Pack a basic first aid kit with plasters and any prescribed medications. Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against medical emergencies and unexpected disruptions during your interrailing adventure.

Maintain daily contact with family, updating them on your location. Check train schedules the night before travel and always note emergency exits when arriving at new accommodations.

Understand Your Interrail Pass Options

Which Interrail pass offers the best value for your European adventure?

As a teen aged 12-17, you’ll qualify for Youth Pass discounts up to 25% off standard adult prices. The Global Pass covers all 33 participating European countries with flexible options like 5 days in 1 month (€48 per day) or 10 days in 2 months (€34 per day).

You can purchase up to 11 months in advance and activate your mobile pass when ready.

If you’re 18, apply for the free DiscoverEU pass—36,000 passes available for those born between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. Applications open April 2-16, 2025, requiring EU residency and a simple quiz. The scheme encourages participants to become DiscoverEU Ambassadors and share their travel experiences with others.

This pass offers 7 travel days within 30 days, worth up to €283.26.

Navigate Train Bookings and Reservations

Most high-speed trains across Europe—including Eurostar, TGV, ICE, and Thalys—require advance seat reservations even when you’re traveling with an Interrail pass. These reservations aren’t included in your pass cost and fill quickly during summer months, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Download the Rail Planner app to check train schedules and plan your route. For reservations, visit specific operator websites or use Interrail.eu’s booking guides.

Book Eurostar reservations three months ahead through their dedicated passholder page, as these seats are limited and popular. Keep in mind that Eurostar trips require a passholder fare on top of your Interrail pass.

Remember that reservation fees add extra costs to your trip—sometimes considerably. RENFE pre-reservations hold your seats for 72 hours, while some operators like LNER offer free reservations.

Plan ahead and budget for these additional expenses.

Balance Party Destinations With Cultural Experiences

While Europe’s party capitals like Berlin and Amsterdam offer incredible nightlife, you’ll create richer memories by weaving cultural experiences into your itinerary. Barcelona perfectly demonstrates this balance—ranking highest at 8.48/10 for culture with 47 UNESCO sites like La Sagrada Familia, plus vibrant nightlife at 5.24 venues per km².

Start your days exploring Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum before experiencing its famous coffee shops. In Berlin, visit historical sites during daylight hours, then plunge into underground club scenes safely at night.

Prague combines medieval charm with entertaining evenings, while Porto offers 31.39 attractions per km² alongside cozy bars. For the ultimate culture, consider Vienna with its 12,397 attractions including the magnificent Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace. This balanced approach ensures you’ll experience Europe’s rich heritage while still enjoying its legendary party atmosphere responsibly.

Manage Your Money With Prepaid Currency Cards

Planning an amazing European adventure becomes much easier when you’ve got your finances sorted before departure. Prepaid currency cards are perfect for teen interrailing because they eliminate foreign transaction fees of 2-8% while locking in favorable exchange rates. You’ll know exactly how much you can spend without worrying about overdrafts or bank account exposure.

These cards work anywhere Mastercard or Visa are accepted across Europe, and you can reload them instantly through apps. Load set amounts for each destination to prevent overspending and track expenses in real-time.

Since they’re PIN-protected and not linked to your bank account, they’re much safer than carrying cash. If lost or stolen, you can instantly lock the card and get quick replacements, making them ideal for young travelers. Having multiple options like cash and prepaid cards provides essential backups in case one payment method encounters issues during your trip.

Stay Connected and Document Everything

Since reliable communication keeps you safe and preserves precious memories during your Interrail adventure, you’ll want to establish smart connectivity habits before you board your first train.

Set clear device usage rules with travel companions, including tech-free times during meals and nightly cutoffs to encourage real-world engagement. Always maintain check-in protocols when exploring independently. Choose communication channels wisely—texts work for quick updates, but use video calls for meaningful family conversations. Match the method to the complexity of information being shared with your family back home.

Document your journey through daily photos, notes, or journals. Use apps to log routes, hostels, and train schedules for future reference. Practice active listening by putting phones away during conversations with fellow travelers.

Balance connectivity for safety with limits that prevent trip disruptions. Designate specific devices for navigation and emergency contacts throughout your itinerary.

Research Destination-Specific Tips and Hidden Gems

Before you pack your bags, dive deep into each destination’s unique transportation quirks, cultural norms, and safety considerations that’ll make or break your journey.

Download country-specific rail apps like DB Navigator for Germany, SBB Mobile for Switzerland, and NS App for Netherlands to navigate local systems seamlessly.

Cross-reference prices across platforms like Omio, which compares trains, buses, and flights with interactive mapping.

Research train-specific amenities by checking the train name and number on the Eurail website, as benefits vary markedly between operators. Look for trains with kid playrooms, reclining seats, and family compartments that can enhance comfort during longer journeys.

Include specialty destinations like Legoland in Denmark or Swiss mountain towns to create memorable milestones.

Balance major city hubs like Berlin and Amsterdam with hidden gems that offer unique experiences away from tourist crowds.

Last Words

You’ve got all the tools you need for an incredible interrailing adventure. Remember, preparation’s your best friend—it’ll keep you safe and maximize your fun. Trust your instincts, stay alert, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. You’re more capable than you think, and this journey’ll build confidence you’ll carry forever. Pack smart, stay connected with home, and embrace every moment. Your European adventure awaits—you’re ready for this!