European Summer via InterRail and Cheap Hotels

Away from the resorts and cheap hotels is a network of train-lines linking Europe from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia. If this summer you find yourself craving exploration, an InterRail Global Pass might be just for you. 30 countries and multiple cities are put within easy reach by this cost-efficient form of travel, so there should be something for everyone. Below is some information on how the Global Pass works and an example route.

The Global Pass comes in five different ticket options: 15 days, 22 days, and 1 month of continuous travel, or 5 days of travel within a 10-day period and 10 days of travel within a 22-day period. Though InterRail also sell a One Country Pass, The Global Pass – the 1 month ticket at 409 Euros – provides the greatest freedom and value for money.

Available to all citizens of Europe, InterRail tickets are not valid in your country of origin. For those coming from the UK, you’ll have to book a cheap flight, ferry, or Eurostar ticket to get you to and from mainland Europe. Once on the continent the pass is valid in the remaining 30 countries.

Each summer Europe plays host to some of the best music festivals on the planet. Between Barcelona and Valencia is the village of Benicassim, which stages Spain’s Festival Internacional de Benicassim – often abbreviated to FIB, it is deemed by many to be a highlight of the festival circuit. A melting pot of music, theatre, fashion, cinema, and art, FIB unifies a picturesque beach setting with prodigious entertainment for three days. After you’ve reveled at FIB, relocate to Barcelona and find one of the many hotel deals so you can traverse a European centre of culture. Las Ramblas, the Miro museum, and Gaudi’s Park Guell – a garden-city created by the artist in his inimitable style – are required viewing and bound to astound. If you wish to continue the cultural exploits, head to Italy.

For art lovers, there can be no better spot than Florence. Full of galleries, museums, and monuments, the city is a shrine to the Renaissance and openly celebrates its artistic heritage. Considered the second most important gallery in Italy – the most important being the one at the Vatican –, the Uffizi Gallery was constructed by the Medici in the 16th Century. Artists, including da Vinci, would flock here in droves to take in the atmosphere and paint. The gallery’s collection is replete with works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and da Vinci, so is not to be missed.

Following these busy exploits, train to Croatia where you can finish off your trip relaxing on one of Dubrovnik’s scenic beaches. Numerous hotels and hostels can be found in the city, though the green suburb of Lapad mixes excellent location – less than two miles from the old town – with a great coastline. For those seeking cheap hotels, the Hotel Adriatic is strongly recommended. Within walking distance of Lapad beach, the hotel is also close to some of Dubrovnik’s most important sights, including the Pile Gate and Onofrio’s Fountain.

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