I’m hoping to take the plunge and go interailing around either Zone F (Morocco, Portugal, Spain) or Zone G (Greece, Italy, Turkey, Slovenia) next August, before going to Pakistan in September.
Interailing has always appealed to me more than your average package holiday, but I’m a little concerned about safety. None of my friends/sisters are prepared to accompany me cuz they think backpackers are born to be mugged. Surely it aint that bad, aslong as you keep your belongings to yourself and not trust anyone with a dodgy hairdo?
I’m not really into the idea of staying in a youth hostel because of all the horror stories you hear, especially if I’m gonna be by myself. And let’s not even mention they amount of bullshyte I’m gonna have to feed my parents
I have always wanted to go interrailing myself, but never had the chance, ie enough time, for it. But there are quite a few friends who have been on one or more interrailing trips.
That one college pal of mine has had the experience of Interrail 3 times in 3 consecutive years. (1 in Scandinavia, 1 in France/Spain/... and 1 in Eastern Europe) I don´t know the exact countries he went to, but according to him Norway was the most astonishing experience. But he also said that it´s better to have at least some friends with you, as he was alone on one of those trips. He didn´t get mugged or anything, but travelling alone is always boring. Of course he chatted with other people during his train rides, but still he found the other 2 trips more enjoyable.
I quite like my own company, and I’m a fairly sociable person, so I’m sure I can get to know people while I’m there. I would have preferred it if a couple of mates had come along, but they’re just not budging on this one I’ve told my parents they’ll be with me though … my bad
There is a deal where I can do both zones together, for another 100, but then that’s gonna extend the vacation to 22 days and 22 days by myself will drive me crazy (I don’t love myself * that * much ). The way I see it, if I like it this time, then I’ll drag my husband along the year after. and the year after that. and the year after that.
How did your friend find the hostels? How much did they cost?
The most difficult aspect of interrailing has got to be not having a permanent base … that’s the only thing that puts me off.
He did not sleep in a hostel every night. In fact most of the times he got on a train in the evening, slept through the journey and got off the next morning. And then wherever he was, he would try to find a place for "hygenic reasons" :D Sometimes a hotel or a hostel, where he would just give them a small amount and was allowed to use a shower/bathroom.
In Scandinavia they even have showers installed at some stations, especially for Interrail travellers.
uh sobi, are you sure you wont get bored :( even when i went to america alone, i made sure that i had some guppan with me all the time i was there and it was only for 3 days.
visit us in vienna if u come this way, if u can :D
I have in Pak & US. Next trip is Europe or India ... lets see, which comes first.
My cousins did Europe a few years back. But they were guys and stayed in Youth Hostels, so they didn't have to worry about anything, nor have to feed BS to parents. :-P
My brother has done this in Europe. He stayed in youth hostels, some of which were old prisons that had been turned into rooms for rent. It's fun if you are up to sharing a room and bathroom with a stranger(s), assuming of course you go alone. It was around $25 a night or something like that.
sadi, i encourage you to visit the places you are planning for. I have travelled via buses and trains and stayed in hostels in canada..and i do recommend independent travelling to anyone.
There are numerous hostels that have websites or have online booking..and are recommended in different travel books..if you want a list in a certain country..do let me know..Many hostels have female only domes as well..Another option to consider is camping as well..if you are worrying about the budget.
Secondly, there are few travel resources..where people look for a buddy traveller..and i have seen several gals looking for another gal to travel with them..maybe, you can list yourself with the resources.
Sobi, I think u should tag someone along. Or just go on a mini trial holiday alone and see if u like it. From what I know it does get a little boring after a while (when ur all alone) Especially since ur planning to tour around for 3 weeks.
I have a friend who went to Nepal on a self-discovery trip and was supposed to stay for a month, he came back after 10 days because he couldn't 'enjoy' anything and was overwhelmed by everything. Just make sure that u really can be alone for that long a time.
I'm planning to go on a little trip myself in a few months (insh'Allah) I want to tour around Germany/Luxembourg and Belgium (trainhopping) The original plan was to go alone but I really don't know if I can pull that off. I love to be alone and explore things but it's different when u know ur far away from home.
Qrius is right about all female dorms in hostels, they work out the best cuz they're really cheap and u can book everything in advance (don't book it for the wrong month like this nutter did :o , u don't wanna be in for a surprise when u arrive :o )
I'd agree about finding some traveling buddies, check out the lonelyplanet discussion forums you might be able to find someone.
with regards to hostels, we stayed in hostels, did our research based on lonely planet and web reviews and didn't really have any huge problems in the 2 months we traveled PLUS in hostels you'll meet aot of great people who you can hang out with...despite the fact that i was traveling with my husband he and i did start to feel the need to meet some other fellow travelers towards the end and started coordinating our schedules with some other people too...it made it so much more fun!
I’ve told my parents they’ll be with me though … my bad 