Interrailing with Kids: Is it really possible?

Interrailing with kids may initially sound exhausting, as it involves jumping from train to train and traveling to different locations. However, we all know how incredible it can be to travel with your little ones. There is so much to explore in the world, and your little ones can enjoy their time while learning from extraordinary experiences. We won't deny that it may require a bit more effort than spending a holiday in a hotel room. But with proper planning and the tips we will explain in this article, you can easily turn the challenges into fun.

Is interrailing a good idea for your family?

Before booking your tickets, let us share some advantages and disadvantages of interrailing with little kids. Even though you feel excited, you need to make sure that spending several days in a train is suitable for your family.

Pros:
• It allows you to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of booking separate flights or accommodations.
• It offers a distinctive and captivating travel experience for both children and adults. The journey itself, not just the destination, is a part of the travel.
• It can be a cost-effective way to explore Europe, especially with discounted family passes available. Also, it’s free for kids under the age of 12.
• By opting for a train with a sleeping cabin, you can avoid the hassle of booking a hotel room.
• Since it is quite different than the usual travel understanding, your little ones can enjoy their time more than you can imagine.

Cons:
• Traveling long distances by train can be tiring and uncomfortable for young children. Consider renting baby gear such as portable crib, or a light stroller to create a comfortable environment for your little ones.
• Limited space on trains may make it challenging to keep children entertained and occupied. While packing, add some books, and toys; you can also rent them from local parents if you don’t want to carry that much stuff.
• Planning and coordinating train schedules and transfers can be time-consuming especially with young children.
• It might be difficult to maintain sleep routine of your little one.

Interrailing has both positive and negative aspects. It can be an incredibly enjoyable travel experience for your family, but it can also turn into a nightmare. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider whether interrailing is the type of travel that your family would truly enjoy.

Yes! Interrailing is for us!

Once you decide that interrailing is exactly what your family is looking for, it's time to start planning! To avoid any potential issues, we recommend packing wisely and booking everything in advance.

Packing for the train ride:
When packing for a train ride, it is important to pay extra attention to details. This is because you may not have the opportunity to address any missing needs while you are on the road.

• Choose your bags carefully. We recommend you to choose luggages that are light, easy to carry and navigate.
• Take day bags with you. It's a good idea for each member of the family to have a backpack. This will help you carry all your belongings while exploring each stop.
• Consider renting a lightweight stroller. In addition to helping you navigate with your little one, strollers can also serve as portable beds for your little ones.
• The air conditioning on trains can sometimes be challenging for young children, so it's a good idea to pack extra layers.
• Pack some snacks. Sometimes your ride may take several hours, being able to offer some snacks to your little ones can be a lifesaver.

Plan your train route:
When planning your train route, consider the duration of each train ride and the number of transfers involved. Keep in mind the attention span and energy levels of your little ones. While for some families, it's best to opt for shorter train rides and fewer transfers, some families may prefer to go for longer rides. While planning your route, you can use planning platforms such as Interrail Planner, Interrail Eurail, Byway or read experiences of other families, and Babonbo tips for your travel.

Here are some routes you can follow:
• 2 weeks long route: London - Paris - Nice - Venice - Ljubljana - Paris - London (Click here and read the details of the family’s adventure)
• 3 weeks long route: Newport - London - Paris - Turin - Levanto - Florence - Rome - Salzburg - Stuttgart - Paris - London (Click here and read the details of the family’s adventure)

Rent your baby gear:
Don't forget to rent your baby gear from locals with Babonbo at your first location. Let's say you're starting your journey from London, book necessary baby gear such as a stroller, crib, and carrier, meet your provider at the train station right before your travel, and start your hassle-free train route.