Day 2: Backpacking Europe, a How-to of Sorts

I hate to “toot my own horn” and I don’t pretend to be an expert, but if there is anything I know a lot about, it’s traveling. This guide may not work for you. Maybe it only works for early-20’s adventurers? But this was how I made the absolute most of my semester in Europe.

1. Pack Light

For my 3 weeks of backpacking, I took one pair of jeans and four t-shirts. I would wear the t-shirts for several days and then throw them away when I changed. Do take several pairs of socks (they may get wet in the rain, and nothing is worse than walking in wet socks) and undies. Listen, if you’re a glamour girl, this probably sounds awful to you. This is how you bum it across Europe, but in my experience, this is how you also have a lighter backpack and a really great time.

2. Food

Food is not something you want to cut down on to save a little money. You must eat in every country that you visit. Food is culture, am I right? When my friends and I went, we had a list of at least one food we wanted to eat in every country. Italy: spaghetti. Switzerland: Chocolate and cheese. Paris: nutella Crepes. For those in between days, buy a loaf of bread and make sandwiches.

3. Open Your Mind

We were all about the big must-see cities like Interlaken, Switzerland, but we also had such a great time taking the trains to different surrounding villages. I feel like this is how we experienced Europe. In Germany, we skipped out on a few of the bigger cities and went to Rothenberg, which turned out to be one of our sweetest memories. We met residents, not other tourists. It felt very authentic.

4. Learn to Laugh

You make take a train going the opposite direction of your destination. You may miss a flight. Your hostel may cancel on you last minute. You’ll probably get pick-pocketed. Laugh it off and move on. Remember, it’s all about the experience! And generally, the most awful days become the funniest stories.

5. The Basics

If you plan on taking several trains and being in Europe for more than a week, purchase a Eurail pass. Best investment we ever could have made. For cheap flights, check out Ryanair. Pre-book hostels on hostelworld.com. Be sure to write down the directions to your hostel from the train station, airport, etc.

In cities, walk places versus taking public transit. You will see much more!

 

If you have any more questions, just comment and ask!