It was the seventies. The years of the revolution inherited from the end of the sixties. These were the years of female emancipation and the years in which Europe began to arouse curiosity. In those years an offer was launched to the younger generations: Interrail. A single train ticket with which children – who had to be under the age of 21 – could travel around the entire old continent. An itinerary made possible by the International Union of Railways (UIC) as a response to a drive born in a great phase of change. The slogan of the first Interrail campaign in 1972 read: “Youth meets in Europe”. The official start was the introduction of the Interrail Pass, a real revolution for rail travellers. It was in fact an unprecedented international train ticket with which the most adventurous young people – complete with backpacks on their shoulders – could travel to discover an entire continent. If at the beginning the Interrail offer was reserved for Under 21s, towards the end of the 70s the “Interrail Senior” proposal was also launched: even older people could leave at affordable prices.
After the explosion of the 1980s, interrail has never stopped being the perfect trip for young people. However, it has changed its appearance: in 2007 the zone system was replaced by the Interrail Global Pass: a single ticket that allowed the new Interrail generation to travel even across the borders between the zones. Those who prefer to dedicate their time to just one country can do so with the Interrail One Country Pass. In the 2000s, Interrail Passes for first class were also introduced and travel maps were also about to disappear. And the Interrail youth can also be found in Puglia. Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, offers a unique blend of rich history, pristine beaches and mouth-watering cuisine. The region is dotted with characteristic villages, each of which tells a story of its own. Interrailing in Europe opens up a plethora of travel possibilities. For Puglia, tip number one: get to Bari. “From here – we read in a guide – the region opens up like a treasure map, waiting to be explored. Stroll through the olive groves, sip local wines and savor the simplicity of life. The locals, with their warm hospitality, add a special flavor to your experience. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself immersed in a lively conversation with an Apulian grandmother about the secret of perfect pasta.”
