The Ultimate Interrailing Packing List

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The Ultimate Interrailing Packing List

Interrailling in Europe is indeed an adventurous journey—exploring many countries, enriching different cultures, and returning home with unforgettable memories. You will be helped in making your journey in the best way possible with the art of wise packing. Never carry anything that doesn’t have a potential use. If something doesn’t have any specific use, it simply doesn’t deserve your precious luggage space. You will soon realise while travelling what things are essential for you and what aren’t. Before your departure day do a trial run and double-check your packing list, ensuring that all your essential documents are in order because no matter what you pack you won’t get anywhere without your passport and tickets!

Efficient packing is crucial when interrailing, here’s why…

Comfort, Mobility and Security – You’ll be carrying your bag on and off trains, through stations and to accommodation. An efficiently packed and lighter bag makes this constant movement so much easier as well as less physically tiring. A smaller, well-organised bag is also easier to keep safe. It is easier to keep it with you on trains and in crowded areas, which reduces the chances of theft.

Space constraints – Trains often have limited luggage space, especially in seated carriages. Well packed bags take up less room and are easier to stash without causing hassle to other train passengers.

Flexibility – With a manageable bag you can take those spur-of-the-moment side trips or explore the cities between connections. You will not be held back by cumbersome luggage and be able to adjust more easily to changing weather and varied activities without being overburdened by your luggage.

To make sure you are totally prepared for your train adventure, here is the ultimate interrailing packing list…

 

Choose the Right Luggage

Backpack (40-60 litres as your main bag)

Day pack (for daily use)

Money belt or hidden pouch

 

What to Pack

Essential Documents and Money

Interrail Pass (ensure it’s activated and keep it safe at all times)

Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your return date)

Travel insurance documents

Visa documentation

Driving licence (as an additional form of ID)

Credit and debit cards (Inform your bank about your travel plans)

Cash (some euros and local currencies for countries not using the euro)

Emergency contact information (written down and stored separately from your phone)

 

Clothing

T-shirts or tops –  Take a mix of short and long sleeve options

Comfortable pants or jeans – Choose darker colours to hide dirt

Jacket or fleece – For cooler evenings or air-conditioned trains

Waterproof jacket or poncho – Compact and essential for unexpected rain

Underwear – Quick-dry fabrics are ideal for easy washing

Socks – A mix of regular and hiking socks

Sleepwear – Suitable for overnight train journeys

Swimwear

Workout clothes

 

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes

Sandals or flip-flops

Optional: 1 pair of dressier shoes if planning upscale outings

 

Toiletries and Personal Care

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Deodorant

Shampoo / Conditioner / Body Wash / Soap (use solid bars to save space and eliminate liquids)

Moisturizer / Sunscreen / Lip balm with SPF

Hair brush or comb

Razor and shaving cream

Feminine hygiene products

Nail clippers / Tweezers

Prescription medications (in original packaging with a copy of the prescription)

Basic first-aid kit (painkillers, plasters, antiseptic wipes)

 

Electronics and Gadgets

Smartphone -With offline maps and travel apps downloaded

Portable charger/power bank

Universal Travel Adapter

Headphones

E-reader or book

Camera – If you prefer dedicated photography equipment

Portable Wi-Fi device – if you want to stay connected between destinations

Padlock – For hostel lockers

Reusable water bottle

Travel Pillow / Eye Mask / Earplug

Microfiber towel

Plastic bags – For wet clothes or shoes

 

Miscellaneous Items

Notebook and pen: For journaling or jotting down travel tips

Playing cards or small games: For entertainment and socialising

Sunglasses / Hat or cap

Travel umbrella: Compact and useful for unexpected weather

Basic sewing kit: For quick repairs

Tissues and wet wipes: Always handy while travelling

Hand sanitiser: To maintain hygiene on the go

 

What NOT to pack

Valuable jewellery or sentimental items: Leave these at home to avoid loss or theft

Too many shoes: Stick to a versatile pair of walking shoes and sandals

Full-sized toiletries: They’re heavy and take up too much space

Too many clothes: You can do laundry during your trip, so pack light

Heavy guidebooks: Opt for digital versions or tear out relevant pages to save weight

 

Packing Top Tips

Use the “Rule of 3”: Pack three of most clothing items (except underwear and socks). This allows for one to wear, one to wash and one as a spare.

Employ the “Bundle Wrapping” technique: This method involves wrapping smaller items inside larger ones, reducing wrinkles and maximising space. Start with a core of socks and underwear, then layer larger items around it and roll your clothes instead of folding to save space.

Utilise packing cubes: These small, lightweight bags help organise your belongings and compress clothes. They make it easy to access items without unpacking everything and help maintain organisation throughout your trip.

Choose multi-purpose items: Pack clothing that can serve multiple functions. For example a sarong can be a beach cover-up, a blanket or even a towel.

Opt for lightweight, quick-dry fabrics: These materials are easier to wash and dry overnight, allowing you to pack less. They also tend to be less bulky, saving space in your bag.

Use compression sacks: These are especially useful for bulky items like jackets or sleeping bags. They can significantly reduce the volume of these items in your pack.

Wear your bulkiest items while travelling: This saves space in your bag. For instance, wear your hiking boots and jacket on travel days instead of packing them.

Digital over physical: Use e-books instead of physical books, download travel guides to your phone, and use digital copies of documents instead of carrying paper versions.

Plan for laundry: Pack a small amount of detergent and a portable clothesline. This allows you to wash clothes regularly and pack less overall.

Use every bit of space: Stuff socks into shoes, use hollow spaces in your bag to store small items, filling every nook and cranny.

Invest in lightweight gear: If you’re buying new items for your trip, prioritise lightweight versions. This applies to everything from your backpack to your rain jacket.

Practice pack: Before your trip, pack your bag and carry it around for a while. This will help you identify if it’s too heavy or if items are difficult to access, allowing you to refine your packing before you leave.

Use this list and customise it as per your own requirements to make the perfect personalised interrailing packing list. Try to remember that you can usually pick up most forgotten items during your travels, so don’t let it cause too much stress if you overlook something. Always keep in mind that really good travel adventure comes from the parts that aren’t planned out so a little space for spontaneity and new experiences will be the most important elements of your travels.