Backpacking Europe: The Final Journey Information

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Travel

There are few issues as thrilling as embarking on a backpacking journey via Europe. The push of pleasure as you step off the airplane or prepare in a brand new nation is an unimaginable feeling.

As a traveller who spent eight months backpacking round Europe, it’s a sense I do know fairly effectively. Beginning in London, I spent the higher a part of a 12 months mountain climbing via snowy Sweden, devouring pasta in Italy, making new hostel mates in Budapest, and dancing the evening away in Spain.

This Europe backpacking journey was presumably the most effective expertise of my life — it’s one thing I might wholeheartedly suggest to anybody sooner or later.

In the event you’ve ever contemplated spending a number of weeks or months in Europe, then this text is for you. I’ll focus on the most effective itineraries in Jap and Western Europe, what to anticipate when it comes to security, and how one can get off the overwhelmed path to see among the world’s most unimaginable sights.

*Observe: Control this. Apparently, as of 2024, residents from the USA, Canada, Australia (and different nations) who didn’t want to use for something to be able to go backpacking within the Schengen visa nations of Europe, will quickly want to use for an ETIAS (European Journey Info and Authorization System) visa waiver. Additionally, some nations that wanted to use for a Schengen Visa prior to now could now solely must receive an ETIAS waiver. Study extra concerning the ETIAS necessities right here.

Finest Time To Go Backpacking in Europe

In the event you’re planning on backpacking via Europe, you’ll first must resolve what time of the 12 months to go. It will rely on a number of components, together with your finances and what nations you propose on visiting.

Relying on the actions you wish to do, I believe early fall and late spring are the most effective occasions to go to Europe. Relying on the place you’re going, the climate will in all probability be extra bearable than summer time or winter.

As a result of faculty vacation schedule, summer time is taken into account the height season in Europe. The climate is heat, the solar units later, and the streets are full of households, tour teams, and travellers usually.

In the event you plan on backpacking Europe in June, July, or August, you too can anticipate that costs for resorts and flights shall be a lot greater. It’s not unusual to spend two or thrice greater than you’d if you happen to went through the low season.

Talking of the low season, the least busy time to journey is from late fall to winter. Though some individuals take additional time through the Christmas holidays, Europe is mostly the most cost effective throughout these months.

You may assume that the chilly temperatures and brief days make backpacking tougher, however with out all of the vacationers, you’ll get to expertise a wholly totally different aspect of Europe.

Throughout my backpacking journey, I made a decision to fly to Stockholm, Sweden for a number of days in the midst of January. Due to the freezing temperatures and harsh snowfall, a number of my mates thought I used to be loopy! Nonetheless, my hostel was tremendous low-cost, and I by no means needed to battle via crowds or wait in line for eating places. To not point out, I felt like I had town all to myself.

The reality is, there’s actually no unsuitable time to go backpacking in Europe. There are benefits and drawbacks to every season, so that you’ll simply must resolve which era is best for you.

Learn how to Get Round Whereas Backpacking Europe

It ought to come as no shock that components of Europe are recognized for his or her quick and environment friendly transportation system. Whereas some nations make it simple to get round when backpacking Europe, different locations is perhaps tougher. When planning your itinerary, it is best to take the next strategies of transportation into consideration.

Prepare

Zipping from nation to nation by high-speed prepare is a quintessential European backpacking expertise. They’re quick, often on time, and customarily inexpensive in comparison with some flights and automotive leases. In some nations, trains even have free wifi and eating vehicles.

Today, resulting from finances airways, the prepare is extra of an expertise and a snug journey than an affordable method of getting round.

Bus

Taking a bus via Europe could also be time-consuming, but it surely’s one of many most cost-effective methods of backpacking Europe. FlixBus and BlaBlaBus are two respected corporations working in Western Europe. You’ll find tickets for as little as €5 every method — nevertheless, most journeys price between €20 – €40.

Airplane

In the event you’re brief on time or going lengthy distances, flying is perhaps the most suitable choice. Though you’ll want to permit time for check-in and safety, it’s usually a lot quicker than driving or taking the bus. You’ll additionally rating good offers on tickets by reserving with a low-cost airline similar to RyanAir, EasyJet or WizzAir.

Automobile

Renting a automotive is a wonderful possibility if you wish to discover totally different cities and cities at your personal tempo. You’ll even have the possibility to go to locations which might be extra distant or not linked by prepare. Nonetheless, leases are typically costlier. And relying on the place you’re travelling, you may want a world driving license and the inexperienced gentle from the rental firm to cross borders.

Caravan/Campervan

For the final word backpacking expertise, think about renting a campervan to journey via Europe. Not solely will you get monetary savings on resorts, however you’ll additionally have the ability to get off the overwhelmed path to among the continent’s most hidden locations!

Backpacking Western Europe

As one of the vital iconic backpacking locations, Western Europe has all of it. It boasts the glitzy cities and larger-than-life historic monuments that most individuals envision after they consider Europe. There’s all the time a brand new metropolis to discover and new cultures to expertise, whether or not it’s your first, second, or one-hundredth time on the continent.

Nonetheless, it might be laborious to resolve which locations to go to throughout your Western Europe journey. So, I put collectively this checklist of my high nations for backpackers.

Backpacking Italy

Overflowing with historical past and tradition, Italy is a basic cease on any Western European itinerary. Whether or not you’re marvelling on the ruins in Rome, the unimaginable structure in Matera, or wine tasting in Tuscany, Italy is assured to have one thing that sparks your curiosity.

Greater touristy cities are inclined to price far more than the outskirts. Luckily, a few of Italy’s most stunning settings are the place you least look forward to finding them.

Finances: €50-€70/day
Common Dorm Mattress Price: €20-€40
Common Finances Lodge Price: €60-€70
Common Finances Meal Price: €10
Price of Beer in Restaurant: €4
Price of Transport by prepare: €1.50 a technique

Backpacking Germany

Many individuals journey to Germany for Oktoberfest, Carnival, or just to spend time within the nice open air. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are preferrred for individuals who wish to expertise metropolis life.

Alternatively, there are many cute and charming medieval villages and castles to discover right here too. Better of all, Germany’s environment friendly prepare system makes backpacking via the nation a breeze!

Finances: €90-€100/day
Common Dorm Mattress Price: €30-€50
Common Finances Lodge Price: €70-€80
Common Finances Meal Price: €10
Price of Beer in Restaurant: €3
Price of Transport by Prepare: €2.50 a technique

Backpacking France

Though it might be one of the vital costly nations on this checklist, France remains to be a must-see vacation spot when backpacking via Europe. You’ll be able to buy groceries in Paris, take cooking lessons in Provence, or chill out on the coast in Good.

To not point out, the meals is out of this world! Its central location additionally makes it preferrred for travelling between different nations round Western Europe.

Finances: €100-€120/day
Common Dorm Mattress Price: €30-€50
Common Finances Lodge Price: €90-€100
Common Finances Meal Price: €12
Price of Beer in Restaurant: €5
Price of Transport by Prepare: €2 a technique

Backpacking Spain

The laidback environment of Spain makes it one of many coolest locations to go to in Western Europe. Large cities like Barcelona and Madrid are full of museums, parks, and superb structure.

For hotter climate, make your method down south to Seville or Malaga. Or, you’ll be able to all the time hop to the Canary Islands and Majora for the final word seaside getaway. Foodies and tradition addicts will get pleasure from spending the day museum hopping and tapas sampling via Spain.

Finances: €70-€80/day
Common Dorm Mattress Price: €20-€40
Common Finances Lodge Price: €60-€70
Common Finances Meal Price: €8
Price of Beer in Restaurant: €3
Price of Transport by Prepare: €2.20 a technique

Backpacking the Netherlands (Holland)

Backpackers flock to Amsterdam for the gorgeous canals, world-class museums, and raging nightlife. Nonetheless, there are lots of different picturesque cities and villages to go to within the Netherlands.

For example, you’ll be able to spend a number of days in among the Netherlands’ different huge cities, like The Hague and Rotterdam. Or, make your strategy to Giethoorn, a fairy-tale-like metropolis with lush inexperienced foliage and dozens of picturesque canals.

Finances: €90-€100/day
Common Dorm Mattress Price: €20-€40
Common Finances Lodge Price: €70-€80
Common Finances Meal Price: €10
Price of Beer in Restaurant: €3
Price of Transport by Prepare: €3.50 a technique

Backpacking Jap Europe

Jap Europe is usually ignored by travellers in favour of well-known nations like France, Germany, and Italy. However for the adventurous backpacker who’s searching for one thing a bit totally different, japanese Europe packs an enormous punch. To place it merely, nations in Jap Europe are breathtaking. To not point out, it’s often lots cheaper than Western Europe.

If you wish to get off the overwhelmed path and make your greenback stretch additional, take a look at my favorite locations in Jap Europe.

Backpacking the Czech Republic (Czechia)

Teeming with gothic structure and cobblestoned cities, the Czech Republic is without doubt one of the best nations to succeed in from Western Europe. It’s only a brief prepare experience away from Germany, Poland, and Austria.

Structure lovers should go to Prague, the nation’s capital metropolis — in any other case often known as the “Metropolis of a Hundred Spires”. Different cities, similar to Český Krumlov and Brno, are much less touristy however equally beautiful to go to.

Finances: €60-€70/day
Common Dorm Mattress Price: €20-€30
Common Finances Lodge Price: €60-€70
Common Finances Meal Price: €6
Price of Beer in Restaurant: €1.50
Price of Transport by Prepare: €1.50 a technique

Backpacking Bulgaria

Positioned on the Black Sea, Bulgaria is a wonderful vacation spot for individuals who need each seaside and metropolis life. The capital of Sofia has 2,000 years value of historical past, which is mirrored by town’s various and ornate structure. After a number of days within the metropolis, head to culture-rich Plovdiv, or Varna, a small resort city situated on the Black Sea. This vacation spot is inexpensive and recognized for its white-sand seashores and sunbathing.

Finances: €30-€40/day
Common Dorm Mattress Price: €10-€20
Common Finances Lodge Price: €30-€40
Common Finances Meal Price: €3
Price of Beer in Restaurant: €2
Price of Transport by Prepare: €.80 a technique

Backpacking Romania

From the forested area of Transylvania to the clifftop fortress of Bran Fortress, Romania is dotted with otherworldly points of interest. Metropolis-goers can spend time exploring Bucharest and Brașov, whereas outside lovers will revel within the majestic marvel of the Carpathian Mountains.

Most travellers really spend extra time within the open air right here than they do within the metropolis! Better of all, Romania is without doubt one of the most cost-effective locations to go to in Jap Europe.

Finances: €30-€40/day
Common Dorm Mattress Price: €10-€15
Common Finances Lodge Price: €30-€40
Common Finances Meal Price: €4
Price of Beer in Restaurant: €2
Price of Transport by Prepare: €1 a technique

Backpacking Hungary

Superb for everybody from finances backpackers to high-end travellers, Hungary is a rustic that pulls you in. In Budapest, you will have gritty hostels and road meals stalls standing subsequent to luxurious resorts and gourmand eating places. It oozes class and royalty, nevertheless, nonetheless manages to pay homage to its various cultural heritage.

Finances: €40-€50/day
Common Dorm Mattress Price: €15-€30
Common Finances Lodge Price: €30-€40
Common Finances Meal Price: €7
Price of Beer in Restaurant: €1.50
Price of Transport by Prepare: €1.50 a technique

Really helpful Itineraries for Backpacking Europe

There are 44 nations in Europe, which may make planning the best backpacking itinerary a little bit of a problem. Until you will have an infinite finances and trip time, you’ll must be strategic about the place you go to. In the event you want some inspiration, then check out a few of my pattern journey itineraries.

2 Weeks in Western Europe: First Time Travellers

In the event you’re coming over to Europe for the primary time, you’ll be wanting to see as a lot as you’ll be able to in only a brief period of time. Though it’s a whirlwind tour, this 2-week itinerary takes you to Western Europe’s most iconic cities.

Whereas two weeks isn’t sufficient time in Europe, you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from your go to by tackling the largest highlights and points of interest.

Day 1-3: London, the UK
Day 3-6: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Day 6-8: Berlin, Germany
Day 8-11: Paris, France
Day 11-14: Barcelona, Spain

2 Weeks in Jap Europe: First Time Travellers

In the event you’re trying to save a couple of bucks in your first backpacking journey, then think about heading to Jap Europe. Lodging, meals, and leisure are less expensive there than in Western Europe, that means you’ll be able to really feel snug shopping for your new hostel mates an additional spherical of drinks.

Between the traditional cities and ornate structure, you’ll have the ability to make your method via a few of Jap Europe’s most beautiful locations.

Day 1-3: Prague, the Czech Republic
Day 3-5: Krakow, Poland
Day 5-7: Bratislava, Slovakia
Day 7-10: Budapest, Hungary
Day 10-12: Bucharest, Romania
Day 12-14: Sofia, Bulgaria

1 Month in Jap and Western Europe: Highlights

With one month in Europe, you’ll have the ability to get a really feel for the environment and tradition of every nation. Not solely are you able to spend time within the huge cities, however you’ll additionally get an opportunity to enterprise to smaller villages and cities. By escaping the vacationer traps, you’ll get monetary savings and see a extra genuine lifestyle.

Day 1-3: Paris, France
Day 3-5: Good, France
Day 5-8: Barcelona, Spain
Day 8-10: Seville, Spain
Day 10-14: Rome, Italy
Day 14-16: Florence, Italy
Day 16-19: Munich, Germany
Day 19-21: Prague, the Czech Republic
Day 21-24: Budapest, Hungary
Day 24-26: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Day 26-28: Bucharest, Romania
Day 28-30: Sofia, Bulgaria

1 Month in Western Europe: Gradual Paced

Generally, it’s higher to soak within the metropolis reasonably than race via it. Gradual-paced travellers can nonetheless backpack via Europe and benefit from the totally different websites many European nations have to supply. As a profit, you’ll additionally spend much less time (and cash) on the street.

Day 1-4: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Day 4-8: Berlin, Germany
Day 8-12: Munich, Germany
Day 12-14: Zurich, Switzerland
Day 14-17: Milan, Italy
Day 17-21: Barcelona, Spain
Day 21-25: Madrid, Spain
Day 25-28: Lisbon, Portugal
Day 28-30: Porto, Portugal

Is Backpacking Europe Protected?

Once I informed individuals I used to be backpacking via Europe, their first thought was “Is Europe Protected?” In spite of everything, I used to be a solo feminine traveller staying in hostels, taking trains, and strolling alone for eight months. Their considerations had been wholly justified.

Nonetheless, it’s laborious to reply point-blank if Europe is protected or not. Security will rely on a wide range of components, together with the place and how you journey. Whereas each place around the globe has its personal set of risks, there are a number of methods to be protected whereas backpacking Europe.

Take Care of Your Valuables

Irrespective of if you happen to’re in an enormous metropolis or small village, it’s all the time necessary to keep watch over your private belongings. Pickpockets and thieves could be wherever.

Don’t carry round giant quantities of money, and take a look at to not put on something you don’t wish to lose, like costly sun shades or positive jewelry. In the event you’re staying in a lodge, maintain your passport and valuables locked within the lodge protected. And if you happen to’re in a hostel, put money into a padlock to maintain your luggage safe all through the evening.

Make Dependable Mates

Take it from me, backpacking alone is a unbelievable expertise. You get the possibility to satisfy new individuals in hostels and even pleasant locals within the cafe. In my view, it’s essential to make reliable mates through the journey. Not solely will you will have somebody to hang around with, however they’ll be there that can assist you in case something goes awry.

Inform Household and Mates Your Itinerary

Earlier than you allow on your journey, give your loved ones and mates your detailed itinerary. Write down the tackle of your hostels, particulars of your prepare journey, and every other info that can be utilized to succeed in you. Don’t neglect additionally to inform them in case your plans change!

Get Journey Insurance coverage

One of the crucial necessary issues you’ll be able to take in your journey is worldwide journey insurance coverage. Journey insurance coverage protects you towards a wide range of travel-related incidents and may prevent hundreds of {dollars} in payments and bills.

Good journey insurance coverage ought to present protection for emergency medical therapies, emergency evacuation, and journey cancellation and interruption. It may also embody safety for misplaced and stolen baggage, in addition to missed or delayed flights.

Know The place the Nearest Embassy or Consulate Is

If one thing had been to go unsuitable in your journey, it’s essential that you would be able to flip to your private home nation embassy for assist. Most nations in Europe have one embassy and a number of consulate workplaces on your house nation. From misplaced passports to medical emergencies, the embassy ought to have the ability to help you in dire occasions of want.

Backpacking Europe Off the Overwhelmed Path

If it’s your first time in Europe, you’ll in all probability wish to go to the large cities and in style landmarks. Who can blame you – the Eiffel Tower at evening is spectacular! Nonetheless, among the finest reminiscences shall be made if you happen to get off the overwhelmed path.

Positive, touristy cities are in style for a purpose. Alternatively, you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with different vacationers reasonably than immersing your self with the locals. In the event you’re searching for an genuine expertise in your nation, I like to recommend wanting outdoors the guidebooks and discovering a number of hidden gems by yourself.

Turn into Mates with Locals

Locals have the most effective recommendations on what to see and do of their house nation. They know the place all the most effective eating places are, the place you’ll be able to rating good offers on garments and souvenirs, and most significantly, the place you ought to be spending your time throughout your journey.

Fb, MeetUp, and Couchsurfing are three wonderful websites for assembly different travellers and locals. Or if you happen to’re feeling pleasant, you’ll be able to all the time ask your waitress, bartender, or lodge workers to level you in the best path.

Hire a Automobile or Scooter

In the event you solely depend on trains and buses, you’re restricted to the place you’ll be able to go within the nation. Most public transport techniques take you the place the touristy websites are within the metropolis centre or to the residential suburbs. By renting a automotive or scooter, you’ll have the ability to enterprise wherever your coronary heart needs.

Moreover, you’ll be able to go at your personal tempo. Because you’re not tethered to a good prepare schedule, you’ll be able to discover your complete space at your leisure.

Do Your Analysis – However Not Too A lot!

As an alternative of studying a guidebook for the most effective locations to go to, I like to recommend scouring the web for recommendation. You’ll discover a whole lot of websites and journey blogs (with photos) about totally different locations different individuals have stumbled upon. And likelihood is, the areas shall be method much less touristy than what your guidebook recommends.

Though it’s good to do your homework, attempt to not stick with a strict itinerary. Be happy to be open-minded and take a number of dangers! A number of the finest experiences are those that occur whenever you least anticipate them.

The Finest Off the Overwhelmed Path Locations in Europe

By now, it is best to have an thought of the place you’d like to go to whereas backpacking in Europe. However for extra inspiration, check out my favorite secret and tucked away locations all through the continent.

Cavtat, Croatia: This portside village is only a stone’s throw away from the center of Dubrovnik, Croatia’s most well-known walled metropolis. Alongside the water, you’ll discover outside cafes, boutique retailers, and sun-soaked seashores.
Reims, France: In the event you’re wanting so as to add a little bit of luxurious to your backpacking journey, head to French champagne nation. Reims is surrounded by dozens of champagne caves and tasting rooms the place you’ll be able to pattern this bubbly favorite.
Orvieto, Italy: Nestled on the cliffside of a volcano, Orvieto is a cultured, charming village in the midst of Umbria. Come for the breathtaking views or pattern among the most scrumptious handmade pasta from a family-run restaurant.
Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany: Ripped proper from the pages of a fairy story, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is a picturesque medieval city. This walled metropolis could be visited only for a day journey. Nonetheless, I like to recommend staying a number of days round Christmas for the well-known Christmas market!
Cluj-Napoca, Romania: Within the coronary heart of Transylvania sits Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant, vibrant metropolis recognized for its vigorous scholar inhabitants. After trying out their cobblestoned previous city, sit down in an outside cafe and revel in a pleasant, low-cost cup of espresso.

Travelling in Europe: Highlights From Two Months On The Road

Backpacking Europe: The Finest Hikes

After all, the large cities in Europe are great on their very own. Nonetheless, it’s the pure great thing about the outside that brings these nations to life. For a breath of recent air, think about embarking on an outside journey with one in every of these superb back-country hikes in Europe.

You’ll discover trails and hikes wherever there are mountains, however listed here are among the hottest journies in Europe.

Camino de Santiago, Spain

Attracting non secular and leisure hikers alike, the Camino de Santiago has 300 years of custom. This hottest route takes roughly a month and leads you from the Camino Frances from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Be ready to satisfy tons of different like-minded people who’re additionally on a self-discovery journey. Click on right here to be taught extra.

Jap Dolomites, Italy

Many individuals flock to the Dolomites within the winter for picture-perfect snowboarding and snowboarding situations. Nonetheless, Jap Dolomites can also be a terrific place for mountain climbing within the spring or summer time.

Take into account making the trek from Dobbiaco to Belluno on this 10-day mountain climbing tour of Italy. The very best level of the journey is nearly 3,000-meters above sea degree, the place you’ll get to get pleasure from marvellous views of neighbouring Tofana and Lagazuoi.

Slovenian Mountain Path, Slovenia

Crossing over 5 totally different mountains, the Slovenian Mountain Path is without doubt one of the finest Jap European backpacking trails. In simply 28 days, you’ll get to discover Slovenia’s best – Pohorje Hills, Kamnik and Savinja Alps, the Karavanke Alps, and the Julian Alps. It’s not a visit for the faint of coronary heart, but it surely’s a must-do for any nature lover!

Eagle’s Stroll, Austria

With over 33 totally different trails, Austria’s Eagle’s Stroll is ideal for each day journeys and long-distance hikes. Newbies will benefit from the flat, leisurely tempo alongside Lake Zireiner See, whereas specialists can take your complete 24-day problem to see as a lot of South Tirol as they will.

There are dozens of huts and resorts alongside the best way, the place you’ll be able to eat and spend the evening. Since they will guide out upfront, I like to recommend reserving a mattress forward of time.

Samaria Gorge, Greece

If you end up in Crete, then think about taking the journey throughout the beautiful Samaria Gorge. This 16 kilometer hike is good for intermediate or skilled travellers, because the trek to the highest could be steep and rocky. Nonetheless, the dramatic views from the 100-metre peak make it value it.

Bohemian Switzerland, the Czech Republic

Regardless of its identify, Bohemian Switzerland really runs from Germany into the Czech Republic! Positioned only some hours from Prague, this brief, leisurely hike boasts among the coolest karst formations in your complete nation. The spotlight of the hike is Pravčická Gate, a singular rock bridge that was used within the Chronicles of Narnia movie.

Able to Go Backpacking Europe?

Now that you’ve an thought of what backpacking Europe is like, it’s time to begin planning your preferrred vacation. Spend a number of weeks train-hopping via Germany, sunbathing within the south of Spain, or driving down the coast from Romania to Bulgaria. Irrespective of if you happen to select Jap Europe, Western Europe, or each, your choices for journey are limitless.

Even you probably have only one week, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from many cities and points of interest on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. However with extra time, you’ll actually get to immerse your self in your environment.

And bear in mind, it’s all the time necessary to journey with an open thoughts. As a backpacker, you’ll inevitably expertise new cultures and have the chance to satisfy individuals from around the globe. So long as you’re open to new experiences, I’m certain you’re going to have an unforgettable backpacking journey.