Interrail - Avoid Flying in Europe
Flight avoidance - have an adventure across Europe!
First off, flying costs the earth!! Aviation brings with it a very significant environmental impact...! Whenever practicable please consider taking non-air travel. Flying cannot be readily avoided for our far-flung destinations in Asia, we dream of a day when Putin's illegal war ends and the Transsiberian rail route becomes a possibility again...For now though long-haul train-travel remains possible for Europe.
With this in mind, for all European programmes, we encourage you to reject flying and take a train.
Our recommendation for this is that you buy an Interrail pass - which gives you an iconic travel experience with several pass options for train travel across Europe for up to 2 months, all for the same price as one set of peak season return flights. You can see the available passes on this link. We recommend purchasing the 10 or 15 days in 2 months, as this allows you to travel to and from your programme by train + some extra travel before or after. Our coordinators in Europe will be leading the way on this, so please drop us an email if you'd like to know more - we have an Interrail Tips & Tricks Handbook for anyone who chooses to Interrail.
Not only is interrailing much more environmentally friendly, it also gives you the freedom to explore more of Europe on your way to your programme and gives you another opportunity for personal growth and adventure through your time abroad. Plus, the views you see whilst interrailing across the continent are stunning! And, if you interrail with your fellow Gotoco’ers, you will create great memories with people who are on the same journey as you. Oh and no baggage limits (although we still recommend packing light!)!
If you'd like to do this, please email us. If you are accessing funding through a university and meet their widening participation criteria, you may also qualify for funding support for your travel to the programme. So, if you'd like to do this, please email us so we can run over a risk assessment with you and explain next steps. We will also provide an Interrail Tips & Tricks Handbook, so it’s easier to navigate through busy European train stations and to give you some prior inside knowledge that will help on your travels!
(Please note: you are responsible for your own accommodation when interrailing. Look out for hostel deals or consider using sites like Couchsurfing.)