Everything I Packed for Month Of Interrailing Solo (Only 40L Rucksack!)

TL;DR

Jade shares her experience and essentials for solo interrailing Europe.

Transcript

hey there guys and welcome back to unjaded Jade so I look a bit of a mess and that is because I've just gone back from my three weeks of solo interrailing Europe you've never seen my face before hi my name is Jade I'm 18 and I'm taking a gap year just finished school yeah so I just went on this crazy three-week travel trip around Europe by myself a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥶 Efficient packing is essential for stress-free traveling; choosing smaller bags can help limit overpacking.
• ❓ Important items should be kept secure and accessible, which can protect against theft, especially in crowded areas.
• 🧳 Multi-purpose clothing and gear can significantly reduce luggage size while maximizing functionality.
• 💦 Staying hydrated is crucial; carrying a reusable water bottle enables travelers to fill up during their journey.
• 😋 Planning meals and having food storage options can help save money, especially in expensive tourist areas.
• 🗺️ Awareness and preparation for potential safety concerns enhance confidence when traveling solo.
• ❓ Traveling can be a great opportunity for personal growth and cultural understanding, especially for young travelers.

Questions & Answers

Q: What motivated Jade to take a solo interrailing trip?

Jade, an 18-year-old taking a gap year after school, was driven by her desire for adventure and self-discovery. She wanted to explore Europe on her own terms, seeking unique experiences and the opportunity to learn about different cultures without the constraints often associated with group travel.

Q: How did Jade manage her packing to avoid overpacking?

Jade followed the advice often given to travelers: lay out everything she wanted to take, then halve it and halve it again. By consciously choosing a smaller 40-liter rucksack, she limited her items, which forced her to prioritize and select only the essentials for her trip.

Q: What were the key features of Jade's travel bags?

Jade utilized two main bags: a secure bum bag for important items like her passport and money and a lockable, slash-proof daypack for her electronics and food. These bags provided safety and accessibility, allowing her to travel confidently while keeping her valuables secure in crowded cities.

Q: What were some of Jade's favorite travel essentials?

Jade highlighted several favorites, including a portable charger, a reusable water bottle, and a Tupperware container for saving food while cooking in hostels, which helped her save money and eat healthily. She also emphasized multi-purpose clothing items, which reduced packing volume.

Q: How did Jade ensure her safety while traveling alone?

Jade relied heavily on her bum bag, which she always wore, containing crucial items like her personal alarm, money, IDs, and travel passes. By keeping this bag close at all times, she could quickly secure her belongings from potential theft or loss.

Q: What advice does Jade give for traveling vegan in Europe?

Jade found that being vegan while traveling in Europe was manageable, but she packed vegan snacks to ensure she had food options readily available. This preparedness made her journey smoother, particularly in regions where vegan options were less accessible.

Q: What were Jade's thoughts on bringing a laptop while traveling?

Jade believed it was acceptable to bring a laptop as long as the traveler is cautious. She used the laptop for journaling and planning, ensuring not to draw undue attention to it while staying in hostels, allowing her to stay connected during her travels.

Q: Did Jade's packing strategy change during her travels?

Jade learned throughout her trip that packing minimally was crucial for reducing stress. While she had intended to pack lightly, experiencing the reality of traveling with extra items taught her to focus on essentials and multi-purpose items for future trips.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jade, an 18-year-old on a gap year, recounts her three-week solo interrailing trip across Europe, emphasizing the importance of efficient packing.

• She details the specific items she took, including essential bags, clothing, and travel documents, highlighting her method of packing light by forcing herself to limit her belongings.

• Throughout her journey, Jade emphasizes the significance of practicality and safety in her packing choices, explaining her strategies for keeping important items secure while traveling.