To maximize an Interrail (or Eurail) pass, the most important tip is to download the Rail Planner app, which allows you to check schedules and track your journeys offline. To save money, use the "No Reservation" filter in the app to find regional trains; while high-speed trains like the TGV or Eurostar are faster, they require mandatory seat reservations that can cost between €10 and €35 extra. Another strategy is to use night trains (like the Nightjet) to save on the cost of a hotel room while moving between distant cities like Vienna and Venice. In 2026, "slow travel" has become popular, so consider visiting "second cities" like Utrecht, Lyon, or Leipzig, where train connections are excellent but less crowded than major capitals. Finally, always check for local discounts included with your pass, such as 10-20% off specific ferries, hostels, and city walking tours, which can add significant value to your overall travel budget.