Backpacking Europe is a rite of passage for modern North Americans. Europe is among the most accessible and entertaining places on earth, and there is almost nowhere to go that isn’t brimming with history. Few areas offer so much in such little space. With a train pass, a couple weeks, and a little spending money, you can have a truly memorable vacation.
However, like with everything, you should do your research before heading out. Reading information online (or in guide books) is a great way of getting started on your adventure. I have compiled a list of tips to get you started.
- Be sure to double check everything in your pack immediately before you leave. Nothing ruins a trip faster than leaving your passport at home on your bed.
- I find it is best to print out all your travel documents and carry them in a folder kept at the bottom of your bag. You probably won’t need to have them, but trust me when I say that having proof of certain documents could seriously come in handy in the case of an emergency.
- Stick to areas suitable for what you plan to do. If you are looking to go to Europe to drink, go clubbing, and basically party in a foreign environment, then be sure to visit the spots that are suited to such activity. Cities such as Stockholm, Barcelona and Berlin can offer enough to see during the day to justify the trip to relatives, while their legendary club and bar scenes can keep you entertained. For those who are looking to see a more laidback view of Europe, remember that although big cities may be set up better for mass tourism, the small towns and sites are just as interesting, and offer a more serene environment. Towns such as Kranjska Gora in Slovenia, Hallstadt in Austria and Maastricht in Holland may not offer the highest in drunken entertainment, but they are some of the must see towns on a small-town tour.
- If you’re looking for a trip that doesn’t follow the beaten path, it is almost necessary that you bring a tent. Most places worth seeing are out of the way, and even if there is a hotel nearby, the odds are it will be extremely expensive. By bringing a backpacking tent, you can access more remote locations at a fifth the price.
- Bring extra money. Keep in mind that Europe is as cheap as it once was, and most people spend money on things they didn’t account for. Many people end up forgetting that buses, subways, and other minor incidentals cost money. At home, you may not notice how the coca-cola’s from the store add up, but if you are working on a tight travel budget, you will!!! Be prepared and bring a few hundred dollars per month insurance money.
- Keep in mind that a Eurail pass is not always cost effective if you only intend on taking a few short train rides, sticking to one country, or are travelling for a short period of time. For example, in Germany, you can buy a day pass around a specific province (such as Bavaria) for less than thirty Euros or travel between two neighbouring countries for under fifty Euros. Keeping that in mind, if you intend on going to just a few cities in Switzerland, Austria and Germany, you may be able to do it much more cheaply by buying these Deutsche Bahn tickets than going for a global pass.
- …and for God’s sake, bring comfortable shoes.
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