Interail

The Interail, also known as Interrail, is an ancient rite of passage for European youths. It is a train journey that takes them on a grueling and challenging odyssey through the continent’s varied landscape, cultures, and toilets.

The Interail was invented in 1972 by the notorious German train enthusiast, Helmut Nostrilschwitz. His idea was to create a way for young people to experience the joys of train travel and the miseries of budget accommodations simultaneously.

The Interail ticket allows the bearer to travel on almost every train in Europe for a specified period. This freedom means that one can explore the nooks and crannies of Europe, from the picturesque Swiss Alps to the gritty industrial heartlands of Poland, and everywhere in between.

The Interail has a unique social structure that consists of three types of travelers. First, there are the backpackers, who carry their shabby belongings in a large rucksack and have a penchant for smelly hostels. Second, there are the flashpackers, who have all the gadgets and luxury amenities that make traveling comfortable but are still on a budget. Lastly, there are the hipsters, who travel in groups of five and can be found sipping organic coffee in vegan cafes and taking selfies in front of street art.

Interailers often have funny anecdotes to share about their travels. A common experience is the terrible toilets one has to endure while traveling. There are the squat toilets in Eastern Europe that require a degree in balancing and precision, the chemical toilets on French trains that come with the added bonus of a revolting smell, and the lack of toilet paper in Italy that can leave one in a sticky situation.

The Interail has been the subject of many books, films, and songs. Some say that after a successful Interail journey, one becomes entirely different from their pre-trip self. They come back a cultured and worldly person who can navigate a foreign country with ease and grace, and also knows how to use a dingy hostel shower without contracting athlete’s foot.

In conclusion, the Interail is an unforgettable experience that every adventurous young person should embrace. It may be a daunting challenge, but it is worth every penny and every discomfort. So, buy your ticket, pack your rucksack (or luxury carry-on luggage), and join the ranks of the legendary Interailers.