Quick Tips to Prepare for Your First Backpacking Trip to Europe
As many have already discovered, Europe is an awesome destination to explore, with varying countries and cultures. If you’re properly prepared to travel (backpacking style), you’re going to have a ton of stories to bring home!
When backpacking in Europe, the first thing you’ll want to answer is the when and where question. Try to make your decision after thinking over all of your best options, from the most ideal weather to the most financially manageable destination. Of course, you may want to prepare a rough itinerary for the journey. Some people prefer to have everything mapped out, from hostels to restaurants, and still others like the adventure of getting lost when trying to find their accommodations! Whichever your preference, you’ll want to have some backup info and a rough idea of where you’ll be staying.
One of the most important things to consider will be the type of pack you bring. Scrutinize what items you’ll actually need, on the basis of weather, terrain, and comfort. It’s always a good idea to write out a list to avoid overlooking the things at the last moment. Scratch out the useless items and refine your list until you have a manageable and efficient inventory.
You’ll definitely want a decent quality of backpack, one that is designed to meet all of your requirements for the journey. Opt for an internationally accepted style and size, generally 9 x 14 x 22 inches or 22 x 35 x 55 cm. All-in-all, the total size should not exceed more than 45 linear inches or 112 linear cm.
Remember to include the basic necessities like comfy walking shoes, toiletries, pair of flip-flops for shared showers, a digital camera (maybe it’s just me, but this IS a necessity!), plastic bags, etc. Try to leave 10-20% of your pack empty, to allow for any last minute add-ons or anything you may want to pick up during your travels.
Go through ticket details and keep it in your backpack so you would not forget it at home. Include your tickets, travel documents, passport, visa, identity cards and other necessary documents. I always keep a couple xeroxed copies of my passport in different parts of my pack and on my person, in case your real photo id is stolen. Inform your ‘near and dear’ ones about your journey, and give them some details and a basic timeline of the route you will be taking, if possible.
Before landing in Europe, you may also wish to buy a Eurail Pass. A Eurail Pass permits you virtually unlimited travel on European trains for a specific route and specified class. Keep your home-country currency converted. ATMs are typically easy to find, but having some cash handy can be indispensable.
While backpacking through various countries in Europe, always try to respect local laws and etiquette, and be courteous to your surroundings. But the main thing is to have fun wandering, and bring back some great stories to the friends and family that live vicariously through your journeys!
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Thanks for the article! Nice collection of tips! I personally bring a pack over the “45 linear inches” rule. For longer trips, it may be completely necessary, but I do hate having to store my backpack in the cargo area of the plane when I travel! Although my entire backpack or luggage has never been misplaced or stolen, it has always made me a bit nervous. After all, what would a trip be without your main backpack and the necessities within?
How much are Eurail Passes?
Hi Liz, here’s the official Eurail site link with the pricing on the various packages:
http://www.eurail.com/eurail-our-products
Hope that helps!
You may goto http://www.vacationschecklist.com to prepare your itens to take on your holydays.
I hope you like it!
Have a nice vacations!
Nuno Armando