For Europe’s most avid adventurers, planning an Interrail trip is a great way to experience all the top attractions and hidden gems that this beautiful, diverse part of the world has to offer. With up to 33 countries to be explored with this all-in-one pass, all corners of the continent can be traversed with ease, no matter the type of trip you’re planning.
Interrailing is a fantastic option for those hoping to cover lots of destinations on a budget. To get even more out of your spending money while travelling, here are some top tips for organising your finances.
Set a realistic budget
While Interrailing favours budget-friendly travel plans, you do want to leave a little bit of wiggle room when it comes to working out the overall cost of your trip. After all, you’ll need to cover accommodation, food, attractions, and various activities in addition to the cost of your travel ticket.
Because of the sheer number of destinations you may be visiting, it’s best to allow for a percentage of money to be used as a buffer should you face any unexpected costs. This will afford you more flexibility in both your budget and your travel plans.
Use travel-friendly cards
Using a multi-currency card will help you to avoid high exchange rates and currency conversion costs. There are also a number of travel-friendly cards that allow you to earn rewards and perks, such as cashback and airmiles, if they’re used abroad.
Remember to bring a backup card on your travels, just in case your main one gets blocked – and make sure you communicate with your bank provider before you head off on your trip so they know to expect your card to be used abroad. Even if your card is travel-friendly, it’s best to always pay in the local currency where possible to avoid additional charges and get a better rate.
Track daily spending
To avoid unknowingly overspending, make sure you track each of your transactions on a daily basis, from the big expenses like hotel fees to smaller costs like souvenir purchases. This will help you to stay within your budget, ensuring you have enough cash to make each day of your trip count.
If there’s any day that you think you might spend a little bit more than usual, account for that in your budget, and record everything you’ve purchased. You’ll then be able to see clearly where you may be able to spend a little bit less on another day of your trip, to avoid going over budget.
Carry both cash and digital money
Some places, particularly in rural areas, will prefer to take cash payments over card payments – for example, in small cafés or local shops. Similarly, a small amount of cash is recommended for additional expenses such as toilets, lockers, or tips, which you’ll often need while travelling.
Try not to carry too much cash – just as much as you need will do – and be sure to store it safely in a concealed money belt or wallet. While you’re unlikely to encounter any trouble during your interrail travels, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to keeping your money safe and secure.
Book key expenses in advance
Hotel rooms and rental properties can quickly get booked up, as can popular trains like overnight sleepers, so it’s essential to book these in advance. Doing so will ensure you don’t have to fork out extra funds on last-minute transport or accommodation, and pre-booking tends to save a significant amount of money and stress.
For a top tip, make flexible booking arrangements so that you can adapt your plans if needed. No matter how affordable the expense, you’ll lose out on a lot of money if you end up having to cancel without receiving a refund. Having flexible bookings also allows you to stay longer in one country if you find you really love it.
Plan for emergencies
While it’s not the most exciting part of travel planning, ensuring you have an emergency fund should anything unexpected happen is important for your peace of mind. No matter where you find yourself, make sure you can have money sent to you from home – you’ll need plenty on your person, but ensuring you have access to a second pot of cash adds an extra layer of financial security. Speak to someone you trust about whether or not they’d be able to transfer your emergency funds should you have trouble accessing your bank accounts.
Leverage discounts and pass perks
Interrail passes can include a number of extra perks that are worth using, such as discounts on ferries and public transport, accommodation, and various activities and attractions – potentially saving you a lot of cash on the sights and attractions that you would have visited with or without the discount.
For additional savings, you can also make your Interrail pass a youth pass or senior pass – or a child pass if travelling as a family – so long as you meet the age requirements. Discounts and pass perks vary between countries, so it’s worth checking the deals available ahead of time.
Plan your interrail adventure
Ready to start your Interrail adventure? There’s so much to be seen and explored across Europe. Leave yourself plenty of time to plan your trip, and pay special attention to how you’re going to budget for your trip and manage your finances while you’re abroad. So long as you’re properly organised, you’ll be free to enjoy your trip knowing you have the funds you need kept safely and securely.
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