Are you planning to backpack Europe, but cannot decide what to see in the short amount of time you have? This is common problem that travelers face when going to Europe. The problem is that with countless number of quality destinations in Europe, it makes it hard to see everything you would like. In order to maximize your time in Europe, there are a few simple things you can do to allow you to see more destinations.
One of the easiest ways to cover more ground while backpacking is, to take overnight trains. The biggest advantage of the overnight train is that it allows you to spend an entire day in one destination, and you can wake up in an entirely different destination the next morning. This will allow you to cover greater distances, without sacrificing sightseeing time. The disadvantage to overnight trains is that they are more expensive, however, saving the cost of a night’s accommodation generally offsets this.
The second way to maximize your time in Europe is to try and find cheap flights. Many discount airliners in Europe offer extremely cheap flights, if booked in advance. This is a big advantage if you want to see a few different corners of Europe. The disadvantage to cheap airliners is that they usually fly to airports that are just outside of major centers. It can be expensive to get into the main centers, but this method will save you a large amount of travel time.
Lastly, the biggest way to make the most out of your backpacking adventure is to plan your trip before you go. This sounds like common sense, but many backpackers don’t have a route planned before they leave. Having a general plan of the destinations you want to see and how you are going to get there, can potentially save you lots of time on your trip. It will eliminate backtracking and crisscrossing across the continent, which is quite common among backpackers.
If you follow these simple steps, you can maximize your backpacking time in Europe.
Backpacking Europe, it’s a great way to learn about yourself, see the world and broaden your horizons. When you first arrive, you’re ready for anything and full of energy.
However, as the weeks pass and you grow more and more tired, it’s easy to fall into a routine. Take train to city, find hostel, look in guide book, see couple sights, spend evening in Hostel bar, rinse and repeat.
So how do you keep your trip from becoming just a routine to pass the days until you head home? Plan things to spice up your trip. Adding a little variety will keep your trip seeming new, even if you’ve already seen 20 churches and art museums.
Here are some tips on how to get out of the typical backpacker routine:
Put the guidebook down: A guidebook is one of the best tools a backpacker can have, and I definitely suggest every backpacker have one. However, don’t live out of the book. I’ve seen a lot of backpacker who always have their guide book out. Don’t just check off everything in your guidebook and then move on.
Play the city by ear. Ask your hostel staff about things to do, look around for signs, pick up local tourist information and even just wander around. You’ll find you’re missing a whole lot if you just stick to your book.
Stay in unusual places: Every backpack will soon learn hostel life, so when you’re traveling keep an eye out for cheap places to stay that aren’t hostels. Many will get you off the beaten path and let you meet some really nice people.
Consider staying at a convent. They’re generally very basic accommodations, and most have rules you’ll have to follow while you’re there. However, it’s a cheap way and interesting way to stay.
Sleeping on Someone’s Couch-you thought at home was the only place you could crash on someone’s couch? Why not do it in Europe. Probably the easiest way is to use Couchsurfing.com, a site that connects travelers with locals with an unoccupied couch. You’ll meet amazing people who can show you the city like only locals can, definitely do this at least once.
Eat Local: You’d be amazed at how often I see other backpackers eating in American chain restaurants, while they’re definitely a lot less scary than that tiny little German hole-in-the-wall, but you can get McDonalds everywhere.
Just walk around any town or city and you’ll see tons of little shops and restaurants. Go in and you’ll see that they’re usually a lot less crowded, cheaper and more fun to eat at. Even if the staff does not speak English, they’ll probably be very willing to try their best, and if all else fails just point at something on the menu, you might get lucky.
Do things that a backpacker wouldn’t: Don’t just stick to seeing famous buildings and cultural spots. Take some time to do fun stuff as well.
Go miniature golfing in the Netherlands, play videogames in a Croatian arcade, or find a bowling alley in Germany.
If you have the money, try things that are more adventurous like whitewater rafting or horseback riding. Anything that will break up the string of castles, churches and monuments and will keep you from getting burnt out.
If you keep some of these things in mind, you will have a much more entertain trip and might just come home with some new stories to tell.