Is an Interrail or Eurail pass worth it?

Only if you plan to travel by train more than 5 times in a month. For shorter trips, individual point-to-point tickets booked 30 days in advance are almost always cheaper.

Should I book all my hostels/hotels before I leave?

Yes. Booking last-minute accommodation in popular European cities often results in paying double the price for low-quality rooms.

How to plan a multi-country trip across Europe

Limit your itinerary to one city every three days to avoid burnout and keep travel costs predictable. Use a combination of high-speed rail for short distances and budget airlines for crossings over 800 kilometers.

Pick a regional theme. Don't try to see the whole continent. Pick one region—like Central Europe (Prague, Vienna, Budapest) or the Iberian Peninsula (Madrid, Lisbon, Porto)—to minimize time spent in transit.
Use the 3-day rule. Allocate a minimum of 3 days per city. This allows for one travel day, one sightseeing day, and one buffer day to handle logistics or just relax.
Map your route by train. Check routes on the Trainline app or Omio. If the train ride is under 6 hours, take it. If it is longer, book a flight via EasyJet or Ryanair at least 4 weeks in advance to save money.
Book your 'anchor' legs. Book your arrival flight into your first city and your departure flight out of your last city before booking anything in between. This locks in your total trip window.

Is an Interrail or Eurail pass worth it?: Only if you plan to travel by train more than 5 times in a month. For shorter trips, individual point-to-point tickets booked 30 days in advance are almost always cheaper.
Should I book all my hostels/hotels before I leave?: Yes. Booking last-minute accommodation in popular European cities often results in paying double the price for low-quality rooms.