who has gone to europe for a backpacking tour?

@Avi_Gan (191)
Philippines
October 2, 2008 9:17am CST
I'm thinking of going on a backpacking trip to Europe with my husband next year. Anybody who's done it? Do you have any tips for me? Which countries to visit? What to do? Where to stay? How much in USD would be enough for us? Would one month be too long? We're definitely planning on going to France, Italy, and Amsterdam.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@kel1483 (986)
• United States
2 Oct 08
I've been to Europe twice, but neither trip was backpacking. I can't give you advice on that specific aspect. I do think if you're backpacking through Europe that Switzerland and/or Austria would be wonderful places to go. Plus, they are between France and Italy, so you'd be passing through anyways. The Swiss & Austrian Alps are beautiful. When I went, I spent nine days in Austria and it was a very nice place. I did a homestay there, and it was nice doing non-tourist things there. Biking around the countryside and stuff was fun. I don't know if backpacking through Spain would be fun or not, but I thought Spain was amazing. I think Barcelona is one of my favorite cities that I have ever been to in my entire life. It's laid back and feels like a small town, yet it's a pretty big city. I loved going to Las Ramblas while I was there and just wandering around the town and exploring.
@kel1483 (986)
• United States
3 Oct 08
I have never been to Sydney, but I want to go there so bad! I bet it is so beautiful there. Anyways, have an amazing time when you go to Europe! -Kelli
@Avi_Gan (191)
• Philippines
3 Oct 08
Thank you kel 483, I'm copying your post and saving it in my pc as well. I'd love to go to Barcelona. Right now, my favorite city is Sydney, but I'm looking forward to seeing Barcelona as well. :)
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@maximax8 (31055)
• United Kingdom
2 Oct 08
When I was 18 I did go backpacking around Europe by train. I had been working in Finland as a children's nanny and then I came home on an inter rail ticket. I went to Stockholm in Sweden, Narvik, Oslo and Bergen in Norway, Copenhagen in Germany, Koln in Germany, Ostend, Bruges and Brussels in Belgium, Salzburg in Austria, Budapest in Hungary and Paris in France. I stayed in youth hostels and meet many people from different countries. I think one month would be a perfect amount of time for you and your husband to explore some of Europe. You would probably love it in Amsterdam and from there you could take a day trip to Delft to see the traditional pottery. Then you could go to Bruges and you could get there via Brussels. It is known as the Venice of the North. It is a pretty and romantic destination. Then you could get a train via Brussels to Paris. It is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Then you might like to get a train to Salzburg. It has a stunning setting and has some interesting sights. Next you could get a train to Vienna to see its lovely architecture. Then you could go to Rome and see all the famous sights. Also in Italy you could see Florence with its superb art galleries and Venice with its many canals. I suggest you fly into Paris, Amsterdam or Rome. You could stay in cheap guest houses or try to book a double room in a backpackers hostel. You would spend on the rail ticket, accommodation, food, entrance fees and souvenirs. Capital cities can be quite pricey but it is possible to see them on a low budget. I suggest a travel guide book that looks at rail travel in Europe and backpacking. You should travel with local currency and that will be euros and have some US dollars as an emergency fund. You could also take a debit or credit card. You will get on well if both have a backpack not a suitcase. Happy traveling.
@Avi_Gan (191)
• Philippines
3 Oct 08
I love myLot! Thank you maximax8. This is really helpful and very informative, in fact, I"m copying your post and saving it my computer.. :) Thanks again.
@chrislotz (8137)
• Canada
2 Oct 08
Hello there my new friend. First I would like to say welcome to mylot and have fun because that is what it is all about, having fun. Just like the trip you are talking about, fun. I have never done that but always wanted to do when I was younger. I know of a few people that have gone travelling all over Europe and they said it was the best time of their lives. My nephew just came back from travelling Europe but he went for a year, not just a short time. He stayed in hostels for free and he rode the train a lot to go to the different countries. I'm not totally sure where all he went but I can say he travelled a lot and so I think he went to just about every country that was safe to go to. I think the backpacking part would have been more fun, like you are thinking of doing, but he travelled by train instead as he was travelling alone. He is only 22 years old so he was pretty young to be doing this by himself but as he is back now he was obviously safe. Good luck to you and your hubby. I hope you do it because it will give you life time memories.
@Avi_Gan (191)
• Philippines
3 Oct 08
Hi! Nice to hear from you again. Wow, I admire your nephew, going out on his own and at such a young age. Now that you said it, I think trains would be better to travel from country to country, well, you can view the countryside better, and my husband doesn't like walking! (heehee, he's a city boy...). For a year, huh, hmmm... I'd love to do that... just get out for a whole year... and I didn't know you can stay in hostels for free? Hmmm... I better do a lot of research still. Thanks again!
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