Backpacking Through Europe

Backpacking Europe on a budget? If you are planning a trip to Europe and are finding yourself a bit lost as to how to get to and from each country you want to explore, you’re not alone.

Just like home, Europe has many options that you can utilize to travel efficiently to all the destinations on your itinerary, including car rental, airplane, boats to some countries, and most importantly and effectively- the Eurail railway system.

The Eurail railway system is the European version of the Amtrak railway system in the U.S.

It is a very elaborate train system that connects all European countries.

On your backpacking trip to Europe, it is highly recommended that you travel on the Eurail train system as it allows you to see the majestic views of Europes landscape.

For all travelers heading to Europe, one of the best train passes to get is called the eurail “Select rail pass.”

The europe rail selectpass is an excellent travel option for travelers on a budget, because with it, you can jump on and off the train as many times as you want within a 24hr period- per each day of your pass.

The eurail Select pass includes unlimited train travel for a specific number of days within a period of time, and includes the following countries: Austria, Benelux (includes Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland), Bulgaria/Serbia/Montenegro, Croatia/Slovenia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

With the eurail Select  rail pass, you can choose 3, 4, or 5 bordering countries for your unlimited travel pleasure. There are also included travel bonuses for each country you choose, though free travel bonuses will take a day from your rail pass, discounted bonuses will not.

The eurail Select pass is available for 5, 6, 8, 10 or 15 days within a two month period, and you can choose whether or not you want to use these days consecutively. It’s a great way to explore several countries and pick where you want to stay for a few days before getting back on the train to go back to your home country and board your plane back to the States.

The passes are available for first and second class, though youth passes are only available in second class which also offer comfy seats not much different than the first class seats

There is a “Saver Pass” option for people who always be traveling together in a group of 2 people but no more than 5 people. The adult prices here range from $392 to $867. Children under the age of 4 are free at all times, unless a separate seat or bed is required.

The Select rail pass is really a great way to go for budget travelers. You can travel Europe by train as much as you want, you’ll have a lot more leg room, you’ll see all of Europes picturesque beauty, and you won’t have to get there 3 hrs early like you do a the aiport each time.

Young and adventurous people from all around the world enjoy traveling to Eastern Europe. The best way to explore this amazing region is on a backpacking trip. Not only does it allow you to experience all the beautiful places here, it’s affordable as well.

With its largely unspoiled countryside and many historical cities and towns, Eastern Europe is a welcoming region for adventure travelers. From Slovenia to Latvia, Poland to Hungary and the small but exciting Montenegro, there is much to experience. Backpacking in Eastern Europe is a cheap Europe vacation that you will remember for a lifetime.

What to Bring?
Before you embark on this adventure it’s important to prepare your backpack. No need to overload it, but there are some items that are essential to include. In addition to your clothes, make sure to include your passport as you will be traveling through several different countries. Take your toiletries, any medicines you may need and a small first aid kit. You will also want to pack a camera, a cell phone, sunglasses, and some emergency cash.

There are many places worth visiting on a backpacking trip to Eastern Europe. Below you will find three of the most popular.

Slovenia
Slovenia is an interesting country to visit and there are many unique attractions to explore here. Many historical buildings, modern shops, art galleries, and museums await you here.In the capital city of Ljubljana, one of the most unique is the Hostel Celica, a former prison that was converted to a youth hostel by a group of more than 80 Slovenian and other international artists. Visitors stay in refurbished “cells” with bars on the windows and doors.

Latvia
Located on the Baltic coast, near Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia is growing in popularity among tourists. The culture here is one of the most unique in Europe because of its historical divisions among occupying nations throughout history. One of the most trafficked destinations here is the 800 year old Dome Cathedral with its 7,000 pipe organ. Also popular in Latvia is the ancient city of Cesis. This historical city is full of unique sights including St. Johns Church and the castle ruins of the German Knightly Order.

Montenegro
Montenegro is a small country with a population less than 650,000 people. This is a land of varied terrain with long beautiful beaches in one area and awe-inspiring mountains in the next. Visit the fortifications of Kotor, an ancient and historical sight dating back to before medieval times or travel to old city, otherwise known as Budva. This town is the center of tourism for the region and it’s popular for its beautiful beaches and Mediterranean atmosphere.

On your backpacking trip to Eastern Europe you may want to consider buying a rail pass. Travel by train is customary among tourists here and it will add to the overall experience of your vacation. Planning an itinerary is also important and securing space at hostels along your expected route is recommended.

Backpacking in Eastern Europe is a unique way to experience the culture of this region. Many of the places you can visit here date back to before medieval times making it an exciting and adventurous vacation. Traveling here will leave you with a lasting memory and it’s easy to see why so many people make the trip.