The Train Traveller Guide

Your Interrail is planned, and now it’s time to pack. But what do you need to bring with you during your Interrail? And the most common discussion: do you travel with a backpack or with a suitcase? After multiple train travels, I made a list for myself of some items I need to bring with me. Keep on reading if you want to know the most necessary items to bring with you.

1. Backpack
As I said above, there is really a discussion about bringing a backpack or a suitcase with you. I will convince you to buy a backpack instead of a suitcase. Bringing a backpack with you has multiple benefits. First, a backpack is easy to pack because of its flexibility. Also, bringing a backpack is a lot easier when you have to climb stairs. You will find a lot of stairs in stations and metros. A backpack sits on your back, so you don’t have to lift it up like a suitcase. The last reason why you should bring a backpack is that it’s easier to put your backpack in a locker. Mostly, a suitcase doesn’t fit.

2. Packing cubes.
A hack for packing your backpack easily is using packing cubes. Packing cubes are small bags in different sizes for organizing your backpack. When you put your clothes organized in these little bags, you can get your stuff easily in and out of your backpack without making a big mess. And while traveling, you have to pack a lot of times, so packing cubes will make your life easier.

3. Padlocks
Maybe you’re wondering why you should bring some padlocks with you. I use them for two different reasons. First, you can lock the zippers of your backpack and your smaller rucksack, so you are sure no one can get something out. The second reason for bringing a padlock with you is for the lockers in hostels. Most hostels have some lockers without padlocks, so you have to bring your own padlock to use the locker.

4. Reusable bags
It’s always a good idea to bring a reusable bag with you. It doesn’t weigh much, but it is very useful for when you have to do some grocery shopping. Also, when you visit a museum, you can’t bring a backpack inside, but a canvas bag with your wallet, phone, and other important items is allowed. A small bag can also be useful if you are sleeping on the top bunk bed, so you can bring some things with you without going up and down too much.

5. Travel towels
Travel towels are a must to bring with you for multiple reasons. The first reason is that travel towels are lighter than normal towels and take up less space because they are thinner. Another benefit of travel towels is that they are made to dry quickly. You can take a shower in the morning, and you don’t have to worry about bringing a wet and heavy towel with you.

6. Plastic cutlery
When you are traveling on a budget or not, bring plastic cutlery with you. It’s easy to buy some food at a supermarket and eat it in a park or on a beach. But nowadays, you have to buy disposable cutlery. So be prepared and buy yourself a plastic cutlery set that you can reuse. In the longer term, it will be cheaper, and of course, it is better for our planet to use reusable items. And in case you want to eat but forgot the cutlery at the supermarket, you’ll always have some in your backpack!

7. Power bank
In these days, our phone is not just a phone but also a camera and navigation tool during our train travels. Oh, and don’t forget your online train tickets and schedule. Make sure you always bring a power bank with you, so you can charge whenever you are, whether you are on top of a mountain or on a train without power outlets. It’s also useful to charge during your day in a city without waiting for your phone to get charged.

8. Money belt
Something to bring with you for your safety: a money belt.
A money belt is a wallet belt you can wear under your clothes. You can keep important items like your passport and money in there, so you can ensure pickpockets don’t get your stuff. In many larger European cities, there are numerous pickpockets. Buy yourself a money belt before starting your Interrail. You won’t have to worry all the time about your belongings.

To get prepared for your Interrail, I would recommend buying a backpack and packing cubes. A travel towel can save space in your backpack. A money belt and a lock are important for your safety. Also, a reusable bag, plastic cutlery, and a power bank are very useful during your Interrail, especially if you are preparing for your first Interrail.

Are you staying in a hostel and wondering what to bring with you for your stay? Read the blog.