Backpacking in Europe 101
Backpacking in Europe has erupted in the last few years. With the accessibility, low cost, and recent mass interest, backpacking is the new cool and fun thing to do. Many college students love to go on breaks from school and over the summer. Certain periods are less expensive to book a flight than others and that generally dictates when a lot of college kids go. The best part about Europe is that it is so easy to get around and explore the different places. Bouncing around from country to country has never been easier with the network of eurorail trains that extend into every country in the EUCC. Since most of the countries use euros now as a form of currency there is no hassle with conversions at each new place. Coming to Europe, exploring the incredible architecture and fascinating history (one of the oldest in the world); what more can you ask for? Below is some really great and helpful information to get you on your way to your next adventure.
Planning your trip
It’s kind of a buzz kill to plan out a backpacking trip around Europe. Isn’t the whole point of backpacking to go without a plan? The truth is that although it would be nice to go wherever your heart takes you or the wind blows, it is expensive to travel. And it can really add up. Before you set out make a vague itinerary of the places you think you might like to visit (you don’t necessarily have to stick to this). Find estimated costs, average prices of things like food, hostels, attractions, nightlife, etc. Ask around to your friends who may have traveled there or studied abroad. Now you have something to compare to what is in your bank account. The last thing you will want to do is phone home because you ran out of cash half way through your adventure.
What you should carry with you
Keep a general phrase book on you for a variety of countries. You can’t always rely on the fact that people understand broken English. Especially if you are traveling aimlessly you could wind up in a remote village or town somewhere. Have a cell phone or international calling card with A LOT of minutes. Also keep some cash on you that you don’t touch for “emergencies” like having to use an internet cafe somewhere to get in touch with family/friends. A good idea for traveling anywhere that is unfamiliar, but especially another country, is to have some sort of pack or bag with you that keeps your passport, health insurance card, and emergency contacts. This is a really important thing to do…just in case. Also, this is a big one, wear comfortable walking shoes! This isn’t a fashion show and you will definitely be doing a lot of walking.
Going alone or with some buddies?
Sometimes there is a certain appeal to taking off by yourself and heading to Europe to escape it all for a few weeks. There are a lot of pros to this like meeting new people from different places and of course going wherever you want and not having to compromise. The cons are that this can be intimidating and cause you to possibly not come out of your shell. Then there’s always the safety concerns of not having someone else with you at all times. Especially for female travelers. When you backpack with people you have someone else to shoulder the burdens or have constant conversation if you so choose. You will have someone to tell funny stories with and share memories. But remember, that you can be with this person 24/7 and that gets annoying. Bottom line, it’s really up to you and you should decide what your comfort levels are. What is more important to you, independence or a safety buddy?
While Traveling
The best advice that can be given is to keep in mind that people from different countries and cultures do not always share the same views as you. This goes for politics, controversial issues (abortion, same-sex marriage, religion), and really anything else that you may think is a little racy. Use common sense. Whether it’s going out at night to a bar or keeping your purse perched on the edge of a table; you are in a foreign place and should be advised as such. Especially in current times, America is not looked at so fondly by certain groups and that should be taken into consideration for what you want to represent or flaunt (i.e. wearing a patriotic t-shirt). When traveling to a new city, make sure to get your bearings. Look for familiar landmarks to associate yourself with and take contact information for your hostel with you. Remember to have fun and enjoy yourself, this could possibly be a once in a lifetime experience that you should live up every moment of!
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