Typically, I purchase an Interrail pass when there are special promotions. These promotions arise occasionally, and the discount can range from 10 to even 25 percent. Once, I had two unused passes simultaneously.
Here’s a link to information about the Interrail pass.
Generally, you can buy the pass 11 months ahead, but sometimes people on forums share stories of passes expiring.
It can be beneficial to buy an Interrail pass once you determine how many travel days you will need. Having unused travel days can be frustrating later on.
If you’re traveling in budget-friendly countries, it might not be worth it to buy an Interrail pass.
Train reservations for seating and sleeping compartments are generally made two months in advance. I make my reservations for trains to Sweden well ahead of time, as there seems to be a high demand for tickets. Additionally, being a narrow country, Sweden does not have many alternative routes. I noticed the same issue in Italy when returning from Rome. In Central Europe, however, there are routes available to bypass problematic areas.
If train travel falls through, it’s advisable to turn to buses. I usually fill gaps in my route with Flixbus services. They are quite competitive in terms of price and quality compared to trains.
I don’t build a perfect booking chain, but leave gaps both in travel and accommodation. There is always something, and implementing a perfect booking chain easily becomes a task.
I’m going to share my ways of making reservations for a trip.
I usually use Airbnb. It fits my needs well. I don’t use Airbnb if I only need a one-night stay because it’s troublesome for the host and the income is minimal for them.
I set my search criteria so that I have my own room, but the kitchen, toilet, and bathroom can be shared. This way, I can typically find prices ranging from 25 to 40 euros per night depending on the time and city. In a shared kitchen, I get to chat with other travelers.
I conduct my search by setting a maximum price and a free cancellation policy. I check the box for public transportation on the map, making routes visible. A property farther away can be a good option if the metro station is nearby. Sometimes, two prices are visible for a listing, meaning that the accommodation might be slightly more expensive with a cancellation policy.
I usually book accommodation two months in advance. People offering lodging generally appreciate early bookings. Only once have I been asked to check back later.
Although I take advantage of the opportunity to cancel my accommodation reservation, I try to avoid it until the last minute. If I need to cancel, I will attempt to do so as early as possible.