alt Hacker NewsI think it was much more popular before budget airlines became so big in Europe. When you can fly to most European cities for < €50 at anytime of the year taking lots of weekend breaks is affordable even for students.
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I don't think so, I lived the peak of budget airlines in the 00s and interrail was still quite popular.
I think young kids have just moved on culturally, I tried to convince a couple relatives to make use of the 18yo free trains opportunity and nobody wanted to pick it up, for various reasons.
You don't see as much though, and your options are more limited still. And the options you do have are likely more touristy as a result.
As always, the most easy to reach places will have the most people. I would say that's not what you're going for in such a trip.
When you turn 18 the EU gives away a lot of free tickets. And free beats even the cheapest flight.
Great program for young people to learn more about other countries I made use of as well.
For actual travel I've almost always preferred trains over flights in Europe. Much less hassle, you can take your favorite liquids, no idiot airline agents trying to steal your 8kg kg carry-on for being overweight, no security line.
I've travelled to almost every country in western Europe and several in Eastern Europe, not taking a single inter-Europe flight.
The only part I hate is after taking an overnight train, hotels aren't open for morning check in, and dragging luggage across cobblestone streets trying to find restrooms to take the obligatory 3 shit-sessions every morning due to my uncooperative butt is not fun.