Backpacking Through Europe

Save money when backpacking through Switzerland using the great train railway system that runs all over Europe called the Eurail.

Imagine buying a metro bus pass for one discounted price that allows you to travel through the whole state of Michigan at a discount.

That’s what the Swiss rail/train pass will alow you to do when traleing through Switzerland on the European eurail train system

Traveling on a budget, the Swiss eurail pass allows you to see the entire country of Switzerland and is the perfect answer for those who are backpacking or traveling through Switzerland, but cannot decide which part of the country to visit..

The eurail Swiss ticket is a great option for backpackers and travelers because you can use each day on your pass for as much as you’d like within a 24 hour period-putting you in control of your itinerary and letting you see what you want to see and when.

Backpacking Switzerland has never been easier, especially when you buy the right passes for the eurail train railway system.

For backpackers or general travel, the Swiss pass gives you everything you need to see breath taking Switzerland in all of it’s glory.

Included with the Swiss train pass is unlimited access to boat and bus travel, along with free access to access to over 400 different museums located throughout Switzerland. It is important to note however, using free access to any attraction takes one day from your pass, but if you use a discounted option, it does not.

The eurail train Swiss pass has many different flexible options for everyone’s budget and may be purchased for up to six months before you plan to use it. You have the option of a consecutive travel pass, meaning you must use all your days together, or a flexible pass which means you can pick and choose when you want to use your days. The flexible pass comes in: 3, 4, 5 or 6 days of travel for one month. The consecutive pass is available in your choice of: 4, 8, 15, 22 days or 1 month.

Prices for the range from: $226 to $751 for the consecutive day pass option, depending on the class and number of days chosen.

Children aged 12 to 26 qualify for the Youth fare, at a discounted rate from the adult fare, however, this option is only available for second class.

Children aged 4-11 are always half the standard adult rate, and those under 4 who do not require their own seat or bed travel free.

The Flexible Pass option ranges from: $216 to $516, depending on the class and number of days chosen. For anyone who will always be traveling of a group less than five, there is a Saver’s option which provides a discount from the standard adult rate. 

With the Swiss rail pass, you can book your vacation to the area after you purchase it, because you can use it for up to six months from the purchase date. Using the pass, you can truly enjoy your trip, focusing on the scenery and attractions rather than how you’re going to move about the country.

When I headed off to Backpack across Europe I was totally unaware of the steep learning curve I was about to start climbing. Spending only three days in the UK I board a ferry to France and said farewell to the English language for roughly six months. With no accommodation booked and no map or any idea of the layout of the port town I would be staying in that first night I was lucky to get a room in a small hotel. During the coming weeks this was how I traveled.

After a month on the road the travel smarts were starting to take over, planning in advance, booking ahead, relaxing more and taking each day as it came. No matter what time of the year you go Europe or any other destination for that matter, your destination will have a great deal to offer you.

However of course, there are times of the year that are more desirable to travel Europe. This time of year also coincides with a great invasion of Americans on vacation.

An ideal time to Backpack across Europe is from April to June and September through to October when the weather is still warm, however the holiday crowds have moved on and accommodation and transport prices are much lower that the peak times of July and August. In Greece I was picking up nice little hotel rooms for 25 to 30 euro.

When you go and Backpack across Europe it is important that you pack the right mindset. You are on holidays after all so try not to let anything bother you, sure you will face some challenges but don’t let them get the better of you.

Take each day as it comes, whatever happens, somehow things will work out or someone will be there to help. Several times I found myself in some desperate situations, usually because I arrived late at night, because I decided to take a later train because it was cheaper…bad idea… All this to save a few Euro….stupid, don’t do it!

Anyway, moments like these test you to your limits as you Backpack across Europe, yet from somewhere you have to find the inner strength to tackle the situation, to remain calm and objective. Easier said than done sometimes but remind yourself that stressing and panic simply make matters worse.

Keep in mind it usually takes several weeks to settle down and be at complete ease when exploring foreign places and being far from home and friends. It took me almost two months to feel completely relaxed and at home on the road as you Backpack across Europe.

Once you do settle into the travel rhythm everything becomes easy and second nature, with home, work and your life before backpacking seeming so distant and almost surreal. When you reach this point, however long it takes you, you will realize that this is what life is really meant to be like. For you are free to go where you want and do what you wish with the only limitations being self imposed or financial.

So what are you waiting for, get over there and Backpack across Europe you won’t regret it…