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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Backpacking Europe {Part 1}



When i studied abroad last spring i had the opportunity to backpack
around Europe for 2 weeks, which isn't very long but still long enough to learn a few things.

We went to the following places;
Italy {Milan, Venice}
Switzerland {Interlaken, Bern}
England {London}
Ireland {Kilkenny, Dublin}
Scotland {Edinburgh}

If i could do it again i'd do it so much better.
I mean honestly we did really well considering we had never
been backpacking before, but there's always things you will learn
that you can use to your advantage the next time you go!

Like how much money you will need.
Yea, that's pretty important as you don't want to become stranded and broke.
You'll need to make sure your bank knows you are leaving the country.
This is important because they will freeze your account 
if they are not aware you are in another country!

You need to know where you're staying in each place.
I would suggest using the following resources..

You need to know how you'll be getting from place to place.
I would suggest getting a Eurail pass for Europe.
If you're in the UK look into a BritRail pass.

Make sure you don't show up too early to catch planes/trains.
I know i know, better safe than sorry, but you might get 
stranded at Tours Airport with a serial killer.
Personal Experience....

I would say standard 2 hours before flight and an hour before a train departs.

Research is key!
Don't believe everything you read online about tourist destinations in Europe.
Try to find real reviews on places so you know exactly what you're walking into.

Also look into the politics of the countries you're wanting to visit,
make sure that while you're there, that there isn't any unrest in the country.
Not that thats something you can control...

Don't be afraid to go off the grid a little.
We walked 2 miles down a Scottish road to a castle that we never would
have found if we had stayed in tourist spots.

{see what i mean, you can't beat this}


Same goes for seeking out restaurants.
If you want a real experience with food in another country
go deeper into cities, away from the "Popular" and "Touristy" areas
and you will find cheaper, tastier, more authentic food!!

I hope this helps anyone who's interested in backpacking Europe! :)
I'll be doing a part 2 to this post in a few days about packing
and some more specifics about backpacking Europe!
If you have any questions you'd like for me to address in Part 2
I would love to answer them for you!! :)

Have an awesome Wednesday, I know i will.
I get to skype Tom-tom today, yippee ;)
-Emily

11 comments:

  1. I'd recommend the National Rail Young Persons railcard for anyone whose going to be traveling in the UK for an extended period of time! xx

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    1. Great advice Amanda :) I'm going to have to look into that when I go to Liverpool :-)

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  2. This is so helpful! I'll be in Europe next year (fingers crossed it all works out) and it's great having advice from someone who has experience backpacking around. Keep the tips coming!

    p.s. I love your blog!

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    1. I'm so happy you found this helpful :) I really think i'll start doing some blogs on backpacking tips/traveling europe tips in general :)

      Thank you so so much! :)

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  3. I would also add to make sure you have a back up plan in case you run into trouble. Things you so not plan on, delays, cancellations and if you have something stolen.


    Bonnie Rose | A Compass Rose

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  4. Could u let us know a ballpark figure of how much it cost you to backpack for 2 weeks?

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    1. Since we stayed in hostels and ate fairly cheap, I'd say it cost us about $350-$400 per week so less than $1,000.

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  5. Amazing article, thanks for sharing all the information! It was very helpful!

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  6. Thank you for the very interesting read really enjoyed your post :)

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  7. Nice article and informative as well.For many people like me this article is really helpful.
    Backpacking in Europe

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  8. Great article! Where about were you when you seen the castle? I'm from Fife and it looks spookily familiar!

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