Going Interrailing Alone: Interrailing Solo Tips

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Going interrailing alone? I’ve been there! It can feel daunting preparing to travel Europe alone, so I’ve written out these handy solo interrailing tips to help you along the way!

Thinking of going interrailing alone but don’t know where to start?

I’ve been there.

Solo travelling is daunting.

So daunting that I’ve written a blog post you *need* to read before you decide to travel solo.

But the good thing? Interrailing solo will be one of the best things you ever do.

If you follow some of these tips and tricks, you won’t really be solo. You’ll be meeting people in every corner you decide to visit, and your solo trip will become a trip full of new friends.

So, where do you start when you’re travelling Europe solo? Let’s break it down into sections, and get you totally reading for going interrailing alone!

Thinking of interrailing Spain, France, Italy or Switzerland? I have posts all about travelling these countries by train. Or want to mix up a few countries? Check out my Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: FOUR Routes You’ll Love!

🗺️ Travelling Europe? Book your interrailing pass here!

Other interrailing posts:

• 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
• Best Backpack For Interrailing: Ultimate Europe Backpack Guide
• Best Time To Go Interrailing (Europe) 2022 Guide: MUST-READ!
• What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials
• How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)

Going Interrailing Alone: Tips

1. Go in with CONFIDENCE!

The key to a successful solo trip? Be confident (even if you’re not). Honestly, this is the best thing you can do if you’re going interrailing alone.

Fake it til you make it.

Even if you’re feeling a little out of your comfort zone and out of your depth, pretend you’re a solo, independent and fierce female backpacker and ain’t nothing bringing you down.

This attitude will get you way further than any other tip on this list.

If you look scared, worried or confused, people will pick up on it! Whether it’s in a hostel, a train or on a tour.

Be confident, act confident, and pretend to be confident.

You got this.

🗺️ My worldwide must-have:  I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!

2. Plan a rough route in advance

It’s important to plan your route before you go.

You don’t want to end up stuck in one place or miss out on seeing some of the amazing sights that Europe has to offer.

If you’re going interrailing alone, then it’s even more important to plan your route in advance so that you know where you’re going and what you’re doing.

Use websites like this one, Seat61 to help you plan your journey and make sure you have an unforgettable experience without any problems!

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: A wheelie backpack! Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips and when you need more than a carry-on!

3. Stay in hostels and shared dorms

If you know anything about me and my blog, you’ll know I’m the biggest advocate of staying in hostels whilst you’re backpacking.

It is one of the BEST and easiest ways to make friends if you’re a solo traveller.

Whether you chat to the people in your room, or on the free tours your hostel will run, making friends in hostels is one of the best things you can do when interrailing solo.

• Making Friends in Hostels: A Complete Guide
• Tips for Staying in Hostels: A First Timer’s Guide
• Shared Hostel Rooms: 8 Ugly Truths & Harsh Realities

🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.

4. Bring essential solo items

There are a few items that I think are vital for going interrailing alone and staying safe (and having the best time).

• A portable charger: VITAL for staying safe and being able to get from points A-B.
• A money belt: I know it sounds silly, but Europe can be chaotic and pickpockets are known to work in busy areas. it’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Different bank cards: in case you lose one.
• Earphones: well, this is less about safety and more about staying entertained on long journeys.
• An adjustable tripod: for the cute pics, obviously.
• A neck pillow and eye mask for loud hostels and night trains!

Bit of an over-packer? I have the answer! I use these handy packing cubes for every trip, meaning I can pack nearly 2 times as much as I could without! They are so worth investing in!

5. Know your emergency numbers

Emergency numbers vary from country to country.

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use any emergency numbers, but it’s so important you know them just in case! These numbers are totally free and even work with low signal. 

112 is the number you need to know whilst interrailing.

It is the European emergency number you can dial for FREE from any phone, everywhere in the EU. It will put you straight through to any emergency services – including the police, ambulance, and fire brigade.

Save this number on your phone before you go interrailing alone!

🌎 Looking for a carry-on bag to hold everything you need for your flight? I spent YEARS looking for a good carry-on that’s accepted by all airlines, and I finally found it. I couldn’t fault this Aerolite backpack!

6. Always trust your gut

This is an important one when it comes to going interrailing alone.

You’ll find a lot of times you’ll need to rely on the goodness of strangers. And you have to listen to your gut.

Most people you meet will be great.

But we all know that sometimes, we meet people who aren’t so great. And whilst backpacking, you will come across people who want to scam you for some extra money or just give off a bad vibe.

My two rules to follow?

Don’t be afraid to lie. 

and;

Be rude if you have to be.

Lie if you feel uncomfortable. Say NO if you have a bad gut feeling, even if it’s rude.

Both are essential for staying safe whilst travelling Europe solo!

If you’re still booking flights, I recommend checking lastminute.com for the latest deals. Recently, we were able to save £50 on our flights just by booking through Last Minute!

6. Be KIND!

This may sound odd, but being kind will actually help you out when going interrailing alone.

Treat people with respect and with kindness, and you’ll get the same treatment in return.

And ultimately, it’s a good idea to have people have your back whilst you’re travelling solo.

Nine times out of ten, people are good and kind.

Be aware of your body language.

Think about your wording.

Make eye contact if you’re speaking to someone!

Smile, greet them in their own language (use Google translate if you’re unsure) and say goodbye! It will make such a difference and go a long way.

Being kind will help the overall safety of your interrailing trip.

🗺️ Travelling Europe? Book your interrailing pass here!

🗺️ My world travel must-have: Whilst out during the day, I use a tote bag to hold my belongings like my camera, notebook, purse and Microfibre towel. It’s easier to pack away than a big beach bag, and can be neatly tucked away when you don’t need it!

7. Join free walking tours

Another great tip for solo travellers in Europe is to join a free walking tour.

They’re a great way to see a new city, especially if you’re going interrailing alone.

You can join a group of like-minded people and explore the city at your own pace.

It’s a great way to meet new friends, just be sure to get a few numbers en route and ask what their plans are! It’s surprisingly easy to make friends on tours like this, as everyone is in the same boat.

And best of all, most walking tours are free!

🗺️ My world travel must-have: The tap water around the world isn’t always safe to drink, so I use my filter water bottle pretty much every day to keep myself hydrated. I take it everywhere with me, and it works in every country where you can’t drink tap water! You can grab yours here. 🚰

8. Update your friends and family regularly

Going interrailing alone can be the best decision you ever make.

You get to meet new people from all over, see some amazing places and have some incredible experiences, all while being completely independent.

That said, it’s not always easy keeping your friends and family up to date with your whereabouts (or even remembering to do so).

Here are a few tips to help you stay in touch:

• Make a point of checking in with your loved ones every day, even if it’s just a quick text or chat.
• Use social media to your advantage – post photos and updates regularly so everyone knows what you’re up to (my mum relies on this one!).
• If you’re going to be out of contact for a while (e.g. hiking in the mountains with no reception), let someone know in advance so they don’t worry.
• And finally, don’t forget to call home once in a while! Everyone loves hearing about your adventures, even if they can’t be there themselves.

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst travelling! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.

9. Download Google Translate and know how to use it properly

Going interrailing around Europe is one of the best ways to see the continent. But if you’re not fluent in all of the languages, it can be tricky to get by.

That’s where Google Translate comes in handy.

Just download the app before you go and you’ll be able to speak to people in all sorts of different languages. It’s really easy to use – just type in what you want to say and it’ll translate it for you.

You can even use it offline, so you don’t need to worry about racking up data charges.

And if you’re worried about mispronouncing words, don’t worry – you can also use the app to listen to translations, so you’ll know exactly how to say what you want.

It also works with written text, and if you take a clear picture of the language, it will translate immediately.

Google Translate is your key to communicating while interrailing around Europe.

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: Well, it’s a little more advanced, but if you want to take high-quality photos, make sure you invest in a good camera. This doesn’t have to be thousands of pounds, and our favourite is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

10. Remember it’s ok to be alone

Going interrailing alone is one of the best things I’ve ever done. And what made it even easier? I realised it was OK to be alone!

You don’t HAVE to be with people all of the time. You don’t have to make a million friends on day one. Take it easy, enjoy time by yourself.

I was a bit apprehensive at first, but once I got on the first train and started meeting people, I quickly realised that there’s nothing to worry about.

Everyone is in the same boat as you; everyone is looking to make new friends and have a good time.

So don’t be afraid to go it alone – you’ll have the time of your life!

🗺️ Travelling Europe? Book your interrailing pass here!

🌎 Travelling for the first time? You’re in the right place! Check out my essential travel kit for EVERY type of trip, big or small!

11. If in doubt, join a group tour

I am a huge advocate for group tours.

Some of my best trips have been on group tours (like the Kiwi Experience where I met my boyfriend, Tom) and I am a huge fan of group tours for solo travellers.

Whilst you’re interrailing, sign up for a group tour to meet like-minded travellers and backpackers.

Some of my favourites include Intrepid Travel and Contiki. The tours don’t have to last long – some of them are as short as a weekend, and can be a great way to meet people along the way!

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: Well, it’s a little more advanced, but if you want to take high-quality photos, make sure you invest in a good camera. This doesn’t have to be thousands of pounds, and our favourite is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

What is interrailing?

Interrailing is a great way to see Europe on a budget.

Basically, you buy a rail pass that lets you travel on any train in Europe for a set period of time.

You can go anywhere you want, and there are no restrictions. This makes it a great option for young people who want to see as much of Europe as possible.

The only downside is that you have to plan your trip in advance to get seat reservations, which can be tricky if you’re not sure where you want to go.

But if you’re up for a bit of adventure, and want to solo travel Europe, interrailing is the perfect way to do it on a budget!

Is buying an interrailing pass worth it? Find out here Is the Interrail Pass Worth it? An Honest Review (2022)

🗺️ Travelling Europe? Book your interrailing pass here!

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: Don’t forget an additional memory card and hard drive for saving your photos on the road!

Is it easy to meet people whilst interrailing?

Yes! There are a number of ways that you can meet people whilst interrailing, and I promise going interrailing alone isn’t as scary as it may sound.

Travelling solo can be a great way to see the world and meet new people.

You’re completely free to do your own thing, go where you want to go and see what you want to see.

And if you’re feeling sociable, it’s easy enough to meet new people whilst interrailing.

Just strike up a conversation with someone at your hostel or on the train and you’ll soon be making friends.

Who knows, you might even end up travelling together! So if you’re thinking of interrailing, don’t worry about being lonely – it’s actually really easy to meet people on the road.

🗺️ My world travel must-have: Whilst out during the day, I use a tote bag to hold my belongings like my camera, notebook, purse and Microfibre towel. It’s easier to pack away than a big beach bag, and can be neatly tucked away when you don’t need it!

Is it safe to interrail alone?

Going interrailing alone can be a great experience – you get to meet new people, see amazing things and have the freedom to do what you want, when you want.

But it’s important to be safety-conscious, too. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while interrailing:

• Let someone know your plans before you go – that way, if anything happens, they’ll know where to find you
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut if something doesn’t feel right;
• Keep your valuables close to you and don’t flash them around;
• Keep your money in multiple places in case you lose your wallet or it gets stolen;
• And finally, make sure you have good travel insurance!

Following these simple tips will help you have a great time interrailing -safely.

How do I plan a solo trip to Europe?

Going on an epic trip around Europe sounds like a blast, doesn’t it?

But when you start looking into flights and accommodation, it can all get a bit overwhelming.

And if you’re planning on going interrailing alone, it’s easy to start feeling a bit nervous about all the logistics.

Never fear – with a little careful planning, you can definitely pull off a solo trip to Europe!

One of the first things to do is to choose your route. Decide which countries you want to visit and how long you want to spend in each one (I have guides on Italy, Spain, France and Switzerland).

Once you have your rough itinerary sorted, you can start booking flights and accommodation.

Make sure to give yourself some flexibility in your schedule – especially if you’re visiting popular tourist destinations during high season.

It’s also worth doing some research on each destination before you go, so that you know what attractions are worth seeing and which ones you can skip.

When it comes to budgeting for your trip, remember that costs will vary depending on the country and the city you’re visiting.

In general, Western European countries are more expensive than Eastern European countries (but you can check out more here How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)).

For more about planning a trip to Europe, check out my post Backpacking Europe: A Beginners Step-by-Step Guide.

Going Interrailing Alone: In a Nutshell

So there you have it, a complete guide to going interrailing alone.

Trust me, solo travel is NEVER as daunting as it may feel beforehand. You’ve got this!

Interrailing is a safe and fun way to travel Europe, and you will have the adventure of a lifetime.

But of course, if you have any questions or doubts, contact me on Instagram and we can chat!

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

Check out my other interrailing posts:

• Best Backpack For Interrailing: Ultimate Europe Backpack Guide
• Best Time To Go Interrailing (Europe) 2022 Guide: MUST-READ!
• Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
• Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: FOUR Routes You’ll Love!
• Interrailing Switzerland: Route, Itinerary and Guide
• 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe

🗺️ Travelling Europe? Book your interrailing pass here!

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Hey you! 🙋‍♀️ I quit my job in 2021 to become a full-time travel blogger + visit as much of the globe as possible. Come and join me on my chaotic and hilarious travel journeys!

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