Hi there! That sounds like an amazing adventure for you and your friends! Let me clarify a few things about traveling with an Interrail Pass and what you might need to consider:

Eligibility for Interrail Pass:

• As a group of five, four of you (17-year-olds) will qualify for the Youth Pass, which is available for travelers aged 12-27.
• The friend who turns 18 on July 5 can also use a Youth Pass since being 18 still falls within the Youth category.

Traveling as Minors (Under 18):

• Generally, there’s no restriction on minors (17-year-olds) traveling with an Interrail Pass. However, specific countries might have regulations requiring parental consent for minors traveling alone or across borders. It’s always a good idea to check the rules for each country you plan to visit.
• Some countries might require written parental or guardian authorization for minors to travel internationally. You can prepare a letter of authorization signed by a parent or legal guardian, ideally in English and notarized. This letter should state that your parents permit you to travel with your friends.

Adult Companion:

• Having an 18-year-old in your group helps, but their recent birthday (July 5) shouldn’t cause any issues. There’s no requirement for an "older" adult in the group when using an Interrail Pass, as the focus is on the type of pass you purchase.

Planning Border Crossings:

• Ensure that all your passports are valid for at least six months after your trip.
• If any of you are not from the Schengen Area, check visa requirements for the countries you’ll visit.