Does anybody have tips for backpacking through Europe?
July 5th, 2008
Kate J asked:
I think it would be so much fun to backpack through Europe? What are good places to go? How much does it cost? I’m not planning a trip yet, just getting ideas to know what I need to save and plan for.
I think it would be so much fun to backpack through Europe? What are good places to go? How much does it cost? I’m not planning a trip yet, just getting ideas to know what I need to save and plan for.
Yes. It is. England, Germany, France, Portugal, Italy, Denmark, Croatia, Greece. Price varies, depending on seasonal airfares, sales, and advance purchase.
You’ll do well to go to your library or bookstore and browse the travel section for Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, Rick Steves, and Frommers travel guides.
Top Tips:
1. Don’t overpack! The stuff you bring should serve your travel; you shouldn’t be a slave to schlepping your heavy junk all over Europe. Plan to do laundry about 1 time per week.
2. Be flexible. Check trains, busses, flight hops 1 day before or after your desired dates; sometimes significant savings pop up this way. Know alternatives in case something comes up (train strike, lost plane ticket, etc.).
3. Slow down. People try to get 10 countries in 2 weeks or something ridiculous like that. Plan 3-4 days for major cities (London, Paris, Rome, Berlin), 2-3 days for medium cities (Munich, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Edinburgh), longer for regions (Interlaken, fjord Norway).
4. Research your lodging. There are some brilliant hostels in Europe; there are also some real stinkers. The guide books, and sources like Hostels.com and Eurotrip.com, will help you with real traveller reviews and tips.