Interrail
Did you know one interrail pass will give you the freedom to discover over 40,000 destinations in 31 countries? Incredible…. we know! That is why here at Top Dog we are raving about this unique way of exploring Europe.
Create and tailor your route to suit you best; spontaneously stop at a destination you didn’t plan on visiting. Want an extra day in your favourite city…. go ahead! Or maybe you want to latch onto your new hostel buddy’s route… then why not. By utilising its extensive train network interrailing really is one of the most instinctive, affordable and unique ways in which to see Europe.
But there are other countries, outside of the Eurozone, where travelling by rail also provides a great way to explore. India, for instance, has one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world, with more than 7,000 stations across the country, making it another must-see destination if travelling by train is well suited to you.
One important thing to get before you head off on your interrailing experience is Travel Insurance. TopDog has you covered with a range of quality policies to suit your travel needs.
And what more could you want than travelling with the peace of mind that you are protected for any mishaps, combined with the freedom to explore at your own pace?
Why Choose TopDog Travel Insurance For Interrailing?
Whether you’re travelling to one, five or 20 countries you are going to need a policy that covers you for the correct amount of time. And with all the different types of accommodation and the amount of travelling, you will be doing; it makes sense to have cover for all your personal belongings as you never know when you may accidentally leave something behind.
With a Top Dog Policy, we provide cover for baggage, personal money and your passport as well as much more.
All our policies come with the following:
- Cover for individual, couples or groups so whether you’re travelling alone or with a travel buddy, we have you covered.
- Over 100+ sports and activities covered for the keen adventurer wanting to make the most of their freedom.
- Up to £10 million in medical emergency cover – a safety net just in case the unfortunate was to happen.
- Option to add on a Winter Sports Package for anyone travelling throughout winter and wanting to take to the slopes.
- There’s a 14-day cooling-off period so if you change your mind and want to cancel your policy – you can with no questions asked.
What Travel Insurance Policy Can Be Used For Interrailing?
The answer to this question is that any policy can be used when you go interrailing, it just depends on the duration of your trip, where you are heading, and if you have any specific needs.
If you’re planning a trip up to 100 days in length then take a look at our Single Trip Policy. If your trip is less than 50 days in duration then our Annual Multi-Trip Policy may suit you best (especially if you have a number of smaller trips planned throughout the year). Or perhaps you’re going on a trip of a lifetime and starting off with interrailing in Europe; then moving onto another continent such as Asia afterward. If this is the case then TopDog’s Gap Year Policy would be your most suited option.
Which Sports And Activities Are Covered
Covering yourself with any TopDog Travel Insurance Policy will automatically cover you for over 100 sports and activities. Making your experience abroad even more adventurous!
Below are some examples of top-quality activities in some incredible locations.
Snorkelling – Croatia:
A safe zone for snorkelling, shallow clear waters and the odd shipwreck or two. Croatia is a surprising spot for snorkelling. You may even be lucky enough to spot a sea horse!
Bungee Jump – Verzasca Dam, Switzerland:
Falling through the skies attached to only a cord is as big as adrenaline rushes get. Feel like Bond for the day by bungee jumping off the Verzasca Dam. A 220m high jump, plummeting into the void of a dam.
White Water Rafting – Sjoa River, Norway:
Catering to all rafter levels from families and beginners to experienced paddlers. The Sjoa river boasts narrow canyons and luscious waterfalls to make for a world-class rafting destination.
Biking – Via Francigeria, Italy:
Being the longest route in Italy and once a pilgrimage route. The Via Francigeria will take you through Tuscan landscapes, medieval towns and finally lead you to the grand finale – Rome.
Surfing – San Sebastian, Spain:
Considered as one of the most consistent summer surf beaches in Europe. You can paddle out from La Zurriola beach, and witness stunning views of the city surrounded by the overlooking mountain range.
Why Choose TopDog Insurance?
24/7 Emergency Helpline
100+Activities Covered FREE
Up to
£10m Medical Cover Per Person
Up to
£7,500 Cancellation Cover Per Person
Additional Cover Options
On top of your standard policy, there is also the option to add on Gadget Cover for an additional premium. You would be covered for up to 5 gadgets per policy with a cover amount of up to but not exceeding £2,000.
What’s included in TopDog’s Gadget Cover?
- Accidental Loss – If your device is accidentally lost whilst travelling then we will pay for a replacement provided that you can show proof of purchase.
- Accidental Damage – If your device is damaged as a result of an accident while you’re travelling then we will pay for the repair.
- Theft – If your device is stolen while you are travelling then we’ll pay for it to be replaced. Ensure you report your missing item to the police immediately as you will need the report number and paperwork to be able to successfully make a claim.
- Malicious Damage – If your gadget is damaged by the unfortunate malicious actions of somebody else then we will pay you up to the amount shown in the summary of cover.
Planning Tips For Your Interrail Adventure
- Your Interrail package will be delivered straight to your door and includes an interrail pass guide, railway map and the pass itself.
- There are three types of pass available:
Interrail Global Pass – valid in all 31 of the participating countries (you can find a complete list of countries here [LINK]). This pass also allows you to make one outbound and one inbound journey within your own country, saving you money on flights!
Interrail One Country Pass – this gives you access to the national railway of the specific country you pick to travel in allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the country itself.
Interrail Premium Pass – valid in only Spain and Italy, and comes with the benefits of free seat reservations on all the trains you decide to travel on.
- Interrail require to fill out the travel diary that they will supply you with. It is very simple… all you have to do is fill out the date fields of your inbound and outbound journey (only if you purchased a Global Pass).
- What is a travel day? Your travel days last 24 hours, midnight to midnight. It simply means the day you have access to the train networks.
- Many trains in Europe require you to have a seat reservation in order to travel. This is most commonly on high- speed and night trains, as well as trains in France, Spain, and Italy. Although, if you have purchased a Premium Pass you will have squashed a lot of hassle for your-self as this pass allows you to make advance reservations for free.
- Ensure you are recording everything in your travel diary! This is crucial as ticket inspectors will ask to see the diary alongside the interrail pass itself.
Everything You Need to Know About Interrailing
- First things first, you need to buy the right pass for your travel intentions. A good question to ask yourself is – ‘how often am I going to be travelling from city to city?’, as this could potentially save you up to €200. A one-month continuous pass can set you back €479 but it is highly unlikely that you are going to be travelling every day. If you plan on travelling on average every second day, then you will save an amazing €118 by buying the cheaper ‘15 days within one-month flexi pass’ at €361 and same goes for the ’ten days within one month’ where you can save even more money.
- When interrailing, it’s a given you will sleep on a train at least once. Some people may sleep on them even more if they are being ultra-savvy with their money. Sleeping on a train saves you from having to book a hostel for the night and there’s the extra bonus that you get to spend more time exploring your destinations since you get the travelling part done overnight. The question is though – do you know the difference between a couchette and a sleeper? You will have to decide whether you want to save your cash or splash out on a sleeper for a slightly more civilised and luxurious experience.
- A couchette even though sounding fancier, is your cheaper option. Most of the time you will share a compartment with up to six other bunk beds. Whereas a sleeper provides more privacy, comfort and if you’re lucky a washbasin and breakfast snack.
- A tip to save you money is going by the saying ‘east is cheap’. But saving money doesn’t mean being disappointed. Eastern Europe is a haven of culture, scenery and historic overload. Fewer travellers tend to head east, even more, the reason for you to travel there. And what better way to do it than by train. Feel Intrigued by engulfing yourself in Transylvania’s crisscrossing ranges, explore some caves or caverns in Montenegro or if you’re feeling a tad thirsty; head to beer central… otherwise known as the Czech Republic.
- Lastly, investing in some security is a must! Here at TopDog, we cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your valuables safe and close by at all times. We suggest you buy a bike lock and even a combination padlock, so you can secure your bag to your bed or seat whilst you’re sleeping so no one can thieve your belongings.