A Guide To Going Backpacking Across Europe
Backpacking seems like a great idea to travel. It can be budget-friendly and you can choose your destinations to your liking. What is more, it’s perfect to learn how to spend money wisely as well as show you that you don’t need a big suitcase full of clothes to make your time worthwhile. If you feel adventurous and have quite some time you want to spend wisely try going backpacking across Europe. Here are some tips to help you prepare for that.
1. Choose your seasons wisely
As tempting as it sounds to go to Spain or Greece during summer time, you have to keep in mind that these are tourist destinations mostly targeted when it’s the hottest. This means that the prices will go up during that time. If you are willing to take on those extra costs, great, but if you are on a tighter budget maybe think about places like the Netherlands or Scandinavia where the prices will be relatively cheaper.
2. Look for festivals and events happening in the cities you want to visit
When you are travelling in general, but especially while backpacking across Europe, you want to take into consideration what is happening in the place you will be visiting. Maybe there is a great festival going on, or an event particular to the country you are in. Since you are planning everything yourself, you might want to do your research and plan your trip, so you get the most out of your adventure.
3. Find the best means of transport
The best means the cheapest and the fastest. My suggestion would be taking trains to get from city to city or country to country when you are backpacking across Europe. They are cheap and fast. What is more, you can take a night train and sleep on it, so when you arrive at your destination in the morning you will have the whole day to sightsee and some energy to actually do so.
4. Chose your accommodation wisely
When you are backpacking across Europe, and in general, the place you are staying in shouldn’t be fancy. It doesn’t matter what place you chose, because you will be only sleeping there anyway. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind while booking the accommodation. First of all, try to do it as soon as possible. Leaving it to the last minute will cost you more and might be more stressful when you find the perfect place but it’s all booked out. Secondly, don’t just look at hotels and hostels. Try Airbnb, you might find a great place for less money and in a better spot!
5. Cook your own food (mostly)
Going out to restaurants when you are in a foreign country is an amazing experience. You can taste the culture and the cuisine of the place you are at. However, you don’t always have to go out to eat. If you are on a budget, try preparing your meals and taking them with you if you know you will be too far away to get back to your place. Try researching the traditional meals of the place you are at, buying the ingredients and cooking it yourself.
6. Stay safe
The last but certainly not least when it comes to backpacking across Europe. You need to be careful with your electronic devices and wallets. When sleeping on a train make sure all your belongings are close to you. Sometimes you might end up in a hostel in one room with complete strangers. This is why it might be a good idea to buy a lock for your bag, so no one opens it while your asleep.
