Although many people when interrailing do not plan their trip, I found it a lot easier to secure where we were staying in advance. This made sure that we always had somewhere to stay and would not have any nights spent sleeping on station floors.

Firstly, getting your Interrail Pass is easy (use the link given). Make sure you know the following things to ensure planning your trip is easy:

• Make sure you get the ticket with enough travel days: 5 days within 10 days, for example, means that you can travel for 5 days in a specific 10 days.
• If you're 25 or under, you get a cheaper pass (yay!).
• Remember to travel 2nd class, you're not that fabulous.
• If you're getting on over night trains (for example, between Budapest, Hungary and Split, Croatia) this counts for 2 days on your interrail pass if you board the train before 7pm. Travel after 7pm, it makes life easier. If not, buy a cheap train ticket to a smaller destination on route to your final destination and board the train after 7pm. 

OUR ROUTE

Amsterdam, Holland

Berlin, Germany

Prague, Czech Republic

Budapest, Hungary

Split, Croatia

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Venice, Italy

Nice, France

Marseille, France

Barcalona, Spain

Antwerp, Belgium



THINGS TO PACK
Packing is the bane of my life. I wish someone would do it for me but unfortunately, that isn't going to happen. Anyway, here is a list of things you should definitely take with you on your travels:

• Padlock: When you're staying in a hostel, some of the lockers don't have a lock. If you want to make sure no one is stealing all your wordly goods, definitely take your own padlock. Preferably a big old strong one that can't be clipped off with pliers. 
• Your Common Sense: Sorry, I know this sounds silly but have your wits about you at all times. People may be your 'friends' in the hostel but you may never see them (or your belongings) again, if you have too much trust.
• Travel Pillow: Definitely take one. You may not have long in a destination but you may want to test the local alcoholic beverages, if so, you'll want to nap on trains. 
• iPod: When you're on a long sober daytime train, you don't want to be listening to squealing children constantly. Listening to songs along the way will bring back memories when you're home.
• Camera (or GoPro): I know it sounds silly but DON'T FORGET IT. You can take pictures on your smart phone or whatever but the quality on a camera is much better. Plus, you can save battery on your phone. Maybe even take a disposable, they are fun.
• Travel Diary: ...and pen. Keep track of where you have been, who you have met, delicacies you have eaten.
• Kindle: I study English Literature... I should be pro actual books and not kindles but when you're travelling it is soooo much easier to take a ebook reader. That way, you can read as many books as you like without having to carry so many around. 

My next few blogs will tell you all about the different places we visited and give you hostel ratings, country reviews and lots more.

Becs x