I'm Going to Backpack Across Europe!

@breepeace (3014)
Canada
February 21, 2008 3:24pm CST
In the past month I quit smoking, broke up with my very long term boyfriend, decided to move and quit my job. :) There was a lot of stuff causing me to make those decisions, and I wasn't sure if the universe was sending me loads of bad luck or what, so I made a decision. I'm going home for a few months to work for my mom's company (and therefore probably won't be around as much thanks to the archaic dialup out in the boonies), and I want to save pretty well everything I can. Besides a few balances of utility bills, grocery money over the next few months and some small cash for entertainment, there should be somewhere in the area of $10,000 left. Then I want to take that money, invest in a Eurail pass and a plane ticket to Europe and bum around for a month or two this summer. I've never really travelled, but I've always wanted to and with no home, no job, no boyfriend and no ties, maybe the universe was trying to tell me it was the time to do it? I'm not sure, but I'll take it. Has anyone ever done it? Any suggestions above and beyond normal backpacking and tourist advice? I'm landing in London (so I can take the Chunnel), dying to see Spain and Greece, I kind of would like to see Portugal and Italy, I'm actually indifferent about France, and the rest I can do it if I have time.
2 people like this
5 responses
@sleblanc (114)
• Canada
22 Feb 08
two of my friends did this for 3 months. they traveled to 16 different countries, i'm not sure which ones exactly, but they said it was the best thing they've ever done so far with their lives. they were in germany during oktoberfest as well haha, they said it was incredible. i wish i had the money to do this, maybe after i graduate from university!
@mollyrose (414)
• United States
22 Feb 08
Wow you are so lucky I always wanted to backpack across Europe but never had the money for a plane ticket and a Eurail pass. Now that I have a baby boy I will never have the chance but will take him traveling in the future. My stepdad backpacked across Europe and he loved it. He knows all kinds of different languages and made alot of friends. From what he has told me France and Spain aren't very friendly places. Infact Spain has some dangerous spots so be careful. He was born in Italy and grew up in Turkey. Italy is nice as well as greece, london and portugal.
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
22 Feb 08
I never go to Europe myself, people said it's beautiful but I prefer Egypt or tropical countries. We spent over $ 14,000 for renovation over the years so we have to save again for vacation. I started a business 2 years ago but the money from the business has to go back to the business, I can't use it for vacation. It will be another year before we have the money.
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
21 Feb 08
Wow good for you breepeace. That must of taken lots of courage to give up all of that in a short space of time and then decide to do something you have always wanted to do GOOD FOR YOU. Reminds me of the Eat Pray Love book I read a few months back. I wish you all the luck and even though I have not been backpacking before, I would search online and get as much information I can. Be safe and most of all enjoy yourself and if you are able to drop us a line whenever you can telling us of your whereabouts and how much fun you;re having, that would be great :)
2 people like this
@maximax8 (31042)
• United Kingdom
22 Feb 08
Well done for stopping smoking. That will do your health so much good. It is great that you ended a relationship that was not pleasing you anymore. It think it was an excellent idea to buy a plane ticket and go off on a trip around Europe by train. I really love travel and went around Europe on my own when I was 18. I think that you will enjoy seeing London for a few days before taking the train to Paris. From there you could get a night train Madrid. From there you could get a train to Lisbon. After that you could get a train to Barcelona. from there you could get a train to Rome via Nice. Then you could get a train around Italy perhaps going to Florence and Venice before catching a ferry from Brindisi to Athens. you could visit on of the Greek Islands. You could then get a cheap flight back to London. Alternatively from Athens you could get a train to Istanbul. From there you could get a train to Budapest. From there you could get a train to Vienna and then a train to Salzburg. From there you could get a train to Paris and then get on the train back to London. You could easily see all that in two months. Backpacker hostels are cheap and friendly places to stay in Europe. I suggest carrying a backpack instead of a suitcase. I hope that you will enjoy working for your mum's company and save up more money. Then have a fantastic trip around Europe.
2 people like this