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	<title>Backpacking Through Europe</title>
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	<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe</link>
	<description>Tips and help backpacking through Europe on a budget</description>
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		<title>Backpacking Europe &#8211; The Eurail Select Rail Pass Lets You Travel All of Europe by Train on a Budget</title>
		<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/30/backpacking-europe-the-eurail-select-rail-pass-lets-you-travel-all-of-europe-by-train-on-a-budget/</link>
		<comments>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/30/backpacking-europe-the-eurail-select-rail-pass-lets-you-travel-all-of-europe-by-train-on-a-budget/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SuperBackpacker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accomodations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backpacking through Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget Backpacking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Itinerary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rentals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transportation]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/?p=49</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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&#8217;re not alone. Just like home, Europe has many options that you can utilize to travel efficiently to all the destinations [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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&#8217;re not alone.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The Eurail railway system is the European version of the Amtrak railway system in the U.S.</p>
<p>It is a very elaborate train system that connects all European countries.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>For all travelers heading to Europe, one of the best train passes to get is called the eurail &#8220;Select rail pass.&#8221;</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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&#8217;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.</p>
<p>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</p>
<p>There is a &#8220;Saver Pass&#8221; 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.</p>
<p>The Select rail pass is really a great way to go for budget travelers. You can travel <a rel="nofollow" href="http://eurailtips.com/eurail-select-pass.html" target="_new">Europe by train</a> as much as you want, you&#8217;ll have a lot more leg room, you&#8217;ll see all of Europes picturesque beauty, and you won&#8217;t have to get there 3 hrs early like you do a the aiport each time.</p>
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		<title>Forget the Suitcase &#8211; Go Backpacking in Eastern Europe</title>
		<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/20/forget-the-suitcase-go-backpacking-in-eastern-europe/</link>
		<comments>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/20/forget-the-suitcase-go-backpacking-in-eastern-europe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 20 Aug 2011 04:15:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SuperBackpacker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accomodations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backpacking through Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget Backpacking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Itinerary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rentals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transportation]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/?p=131</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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&#8217;s affordable as well. With its largely unspoiled countryside and many historical cities and towns, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>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&#8217;s affordable as well.</P><br />
<P>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.</P><br />
<P><B>What to Bring?</B> <BR>Before you embark on this adventure it&#8217;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.</P><br />
<P>There are many places worth visiting on a backpacking trip to Eastern Europe. Below you will find three of the most popular.</P><br />
<P><B>Slovenia</B> <BR>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 &#8220;cells&#8221; with bars on the windows and doors.</P><br />
<P><B>Latvia</B> <BR>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.</P><br />
<P><B>Montenegro</B> <BR>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&#8217;s popular for its beautiful beaches and Mediterranean atmosphere.</P><br />
<P>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.</P><br />
<P>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&#8217;s easy to see why so many people make the trip.</P></p>
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		<title>A Backpacker&#8217;s Dilemma &#8211; Deciding Between a Rail Pass and a Bus Pass</title>
		<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/16/a-backpackers-dilemma-deciding-between-a-rail-pass-and-a-bus-pass/</link>
		<comments>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/16/a-backpackers-dilemma-deciding-between-a-rail-pass-and-a-bus-pass/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:09:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SuperBackpacker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accomodations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backpacking through Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget Backpacking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Itinerary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rentals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transportation]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/?p=63</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[People who are backpacking Europe often have trouble deciding between getting a rail pass, or a bus pass. Some people have specific tastes, and usually just rattle off whichever one they like the most. But let&#8217;s analyze the difference between two passes. With this, you can at least see how to compare passes, so you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>People who are backpacking Europe often have trouble deciding between getting a rail pass, or a bus pass. Some people have specific tastes, and usually just rattle off whichever one they like the most. But let&#8217;s analyze the difference between two passes. With this, you can at least see how to compare passes, so you pick the perfect one for your trip.</P><br />
<P>Say we&#8217;re planning a trip through western Europe, France, Germany, Belgium etc.</P><br />
<P>Let&#8217;s compare a Eurail Select Pass Youth, which is a rail pass that works within 3-5 countries with a Busabout Northern Loop Pass, which is a bus pass that covers 12 cities in Western and Northern Europe.</P><br />
<P>Cost:</P><br />
<P>The First thing most people look at is the cost of the pass, and many people pick their pass only by the listed price. But let&#8217;s see if that&#8217;s really wise, or if there are things the passes don&#8217;t cover.</P><br />
<P>A BusAbout Flexitrip: Essentially any 6 sections on their route &#8212; $356.00 <BR>Eurail Select Pass 4 Countries Youth (6 travel days) &#8212; $339.00</P><br />
<P>So the Eurail pass for the same amount of travel days is actually cheaper than the flexible bus pass. But if you do a full &#8220;Northern Loop&#8221; on the Busabout, you see 12 cities, so you would need 12 travel days unless you saw more than one city in a day. However, the Eurail Select Pass has a maximum of 10 travel days</P><br />
<P>Comparing those:</P><br />
<P>Northern Loop (1 loop, 12 cities) &#8212; $434.00 <BR>Eurail Select Pass Youth 4 Countries (10 travel days) &#8212; $449.00</P><br />
<P>So one loop is a little bit cheaper and you are able to see two more cities than with a Eurail pass. But what if you don&#8217;t want to see all of the cities on the loop? What if instead of seeing Stuttgart, you would rather go to Freiburg?</P><br />
<P>In that case, you would have to take the bus to Stuttgart then buy a ticket from Stuttgart to Freiburg. Bahn.de, Germany&#8217;s national rail company, shows that a ticket from Stuttgart to Freiburg is 43 Euros each way.</P><br />
<P>So to go to Freiburg instead of Stuttgart would cost an extra $120+, whereas with a Eurail Pass it wouldn&#8217;t cost anything extra.</P><br />
<P>So unless you really want to see all the cities that a pass like the BusAbout hits, you&#8217;re probably best getting a rail pass that&#8217;s more flexible, if only a tiny bit cheaper.</P></p>
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		<title>What You Should Bring When Backpacking the World</title>
		<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/12/what-you-should-bring-when-backpacking-the-world/</link>
		<comments>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/12/what-you-should-bring-when-backpacking-the-world/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:26:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SuperBackpacker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accomodations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backpacking through Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget Backpacking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Itinerary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rentals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transportation]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/?p=96</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you about to embark on a backpacking journey somewhere in the world? Have you thought about what you are going to bring on your trip? Packing the right travel gear, can eliminate some of the annoying aspects of backpacking, to make your trip more enjoyable. Backpack &#8211; The most important thing to bring is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>Are you about to embark on a backpacking journey somewhere in the world? Have you thought about what you are going to bring on your trip? Packing the right travel gear, can eliminate some of the annoying aspects of backpacking, to make your trip more enjoyable.</P><br />
<P>Backpack &#8211; The most important thing to bring is a good backpack. There are three things make up a good backpack; comfort, capacity, and security. It is important to bring a backpack the fits your body style correctly. Each backpack fits differently, so it is crucial to get a backpack fitted before it is purchased. It is also key to make sure you have enough storage capacity for your trip. For backpacking trips longer than 2 weeks, a storage capacity of at least 55 L is recommended. Lastly, you want to make sure that your bag has good security, as theft can happen while backpacking. Most front loading backpacks offer loops for luggage locks, which provides some security.</P><br />
<P>Proper Jacket &#8211; Bring a jacket that suits the climate you will be backpacking in. If you are not prepared for unpleasant weather conditions, it can ruin some of the sights you may want to see. For example, if you didn&#8217;t bring a rain jacket to Ireland, chances are that you will get rained on during your trip. If you are at the Giant&#8217;s Causeway, and it is windy and pouring rain, you will definitely want to leave as soon as possible, not giving you the full experience you could have had.</P><br />
<P>Flip Flops and a Towel &#8211; Aside from the obvious reasons, flips flops and a towel have another purpose when backpacking. Lots of hostels don&#8217;t provide towels for the showers, so you need to have your own. Also, some hostel showers are not the cleanliest, so wearing flip flops in the shower is recommended.</P><br />
<P>Electrical Converter Kits -If you plan on using anything from digital cameras to electrical razors, you will need an electrical converter kit. Electrical outlets and voltages vary from country to country, so it is best to buy a universal kit. Check out the connectors you will need prior to leaving on your trip.</P><br />
<P>Digital Camera &#8211; A digital camera is must when traveling the world. There are so many memorable sites, that a film camera just doesn&#8217;t cut it. A digital camera with at least 5 megapixels and 1x optical zoom should be the minimum you bring along. If great photographs are something you want to bring back with you, a digital SLR camera probably suits you personality better. Also be sure to bring enough memory cards, so you can capture every possible moment.</P><br />
<P>Travel Alarm Clock &#8211; This is what most backpackers do not want to bring on there trip, but no trip should be without it. If you sleep in an miss a flight or a train, it can be very expensive to get back on schedule. Also at some attractions, such as the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, you have to be there at a certain time to be able experience it.</P><br />
<P>Sleep Sack &#8211; This extra layer will provide some comfort when the hostel bed just doesn&#8217;t seem clean, which is especially the case in South East Asia and South America. It is also good for hostels where the temperature is too cold, as it provides an extra layer of warmth. Other optional items such as a laptop, money belt, running shoes, pocket knife, backpack cover, and a document holders, can make your trip much more enjoyable.</P></p>
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		<title>Why European Backpacking is a Great Holiday Idea</title>
		<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/09/why-european-backpacking-is-a-great-holiday-idea/</link>
		<comments>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/09/why-european-backpacking-is-a-great-holiday-idea/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:12:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SuperBackpacker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accomodations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backpacking through Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget Backpacking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Itinerary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rentals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel Documents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/?p=69</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are looking for a great holiday idea, it is highly recommended that you backpack in Europe. It is a very unique experience that everyone should have at least once. Odds are, if you do it once you will probably want to do it again. When you are deciding when is the best time [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>If you are looking for a great holiday idea, it is highly recommended that you backpack in Europe. It is a very unique experience that everyone should have at least once. Odds are, if you do it once you will probably want to do it again.</P><br />
<P>When you are deciding when is the best time of year to backpack in Europe, there are many things you need to take into consideration. The summer is definitely the time of year when most people go backpacking. This is convenient because it makes it easier for you to gather up a group of people that want to go hiking with you. The downside to going backpacking in and around Europe in the summer is that the prices are higher at this time of the year. If you are going to go in the summer, it is important to make reservations ahead of time. Since this is the busiest time of the year, it is often booked months ahead.</P><br />
<P>If you decide to go in the summer, it does not matter which summer month you choose, as they all will be generally priced the same. As for the winter, there are some obvious downsides to it. The weather is not as nice, and it is harder to find people to go backpacking with you! If you are on a budget, though, going backpacking in Europe in the winter is a great alternative.</P><br />
<P>When you go on your trip, it is a good idea to get backpacker holiday insurance. This protects you and your gear in case of an accident. If a medical situation arises, the insurance will cover you. Also, if something is lost or stolen that is necessary for the trip, you will be glad that you purchased the backpacker insurance.</P><br />
<P>When packing for the trip, it is important to take as little as you can with you. You may be worried about packing every little thing that you need for your trip, but that will make your pack heavier (a lightweight backpack can counter this). If you are staying at a hostel, they offer free or cheap laundry services, which makes the pack much smaller. It is good to take about 4 to 5 days worth of clothes with you. It is important to remember that if something happens to your stuff while on the trip, there will be an opportunity to replace it at a decent price.</P><br />
<P>Now that you have planned your backpacking trip, all you need to do is select a destination. Your starting point is really not that important since you will be backpacking all over Europe. You will find that there are cheaper rates when flying to a big city, such as London. Before you go off on your trip is important to make some kind of an itinerary. Included in this, you want to have all of the must-see places listed. When making your itinerary, be sure to give yourself some freedom and extra time, that way if something arises that you want to check out, you will have plenty of time to do so.</P></p>
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		<title>Pack Some Fun Into Your European Backpacking Trip</title>
		<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/09/pack-some-fun-into-your-european-backpacking-trip/</link>
		<comments>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/09/pack-some-fun-into-your-european-backpacking-trip/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:54:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SuperBackpacker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accomodations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backpacking through Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget Backpacking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Itinerary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rentals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel Documents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/?p=159</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are backpacking across Europe, it&#8217;s important to pack only the essentials. Even if you are a clotheshorse or fashion guru, it&#8217;s just not possible to lug around a ton of heavy bags while traveling on foot. As long as you keep the mundane stuff like clothes and shoes down to a minimum, you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>If you are backpacking across Europe, it&#8217;s important to pack only the essentials. Even if you are a clotheshorse or fashion guru, it&#8217;s just not possible to lug around a ton of heavy bags while traveling on foot. As long as you keep the mundane stuff like clothes and shoes down to a minimum, you can make room for a few extras in your backpack that will make your vacation more enjoyable.</P><br />
<P>Here are our top picks for what to include in your backpack if you have room:</P><br />
<P>Lonely Planet Guide. These travel guides are the Bible for economy travelers. They can be chunky, but we just don&#8217;t have the heart to tear pages out of these books. They are well-written, interesting, and fun to read. You won&#8217;t want to miss a single page.</P><br />
<P>Global Positioning Device. This is such a cool electronic gadget when you&#8217;re doing a lot of walking from town to town. It&#8217;s also handy to have when you don&#8217;t want to lug around a bunch of different maps. You&#8217;ll find yourself relying on it more and more as you navigate around the globe.</P><br />
<P>Travel towels. If you&#8217;ll be staying in hostels while you backpack across various countries, you&#8217;ll appreciate having at least one travel towel. Although you can rent the towels available at hostels, they aren&#8217;t always appealing. Travel towels are also great if you are caught in an unexpected downpour or need to wash up in a public restroom. They dry quickly and fit into a tiny corner of your backpack.</P><br />
<P>Photos of friends and family. We know you won&#8217;t forget what your family looks like and we aren&#8217;t getting sentimental. Having a few snapshots with you is a great icebreaker when you&#8217;re traveling. Backpacking is the perfect opportunity to meet locals and strike up conversations. You&#8217;ll be amazed by how people warm up to you when you pull out a few pictures of your family and friends from &#8220;back home.&#8221;</P><br />
<P>Inflatable neck pillow. Trust us on this one, you&#8217;ll find yourself sleeping somewhere uncomfortable at least once while backpacking. It may be a metro station, a beach, or the back seat of a bus. When you&#8217;re curled-up tight and shoved into a corner, you&#8217;ll be thanking the stars you thought to bring an inflatable pillow so you sleep without getting a permanent crick in your neck.</P><br />
<P>Compass. It&#8217;s not just for camping. When you are lost in downtown London, trying to decipher a map and not sure which way you are facing, you can get your bearings by picking landmark and using your compass. Is Big Ben to the North or South of where you&#8217;re standing? That&#8217;s a good start for figuring out where you are.</P><br />
<P>Power bars and granola. The reason you&#8217;re walking across Europe with a backpack slung over your shoulder is to save money while you take in the sights. One of the biggest expenditures you&#8217;ll have is food, so stock your bag with power bars and granola. If you substitute one of these high-energy goodies for a meal each day, your savings could add up and you may be able to extend your trip.</P><br />
<P>Rain poncho. A lightweight vinyl or plastic rain poncho can fold into a tiny square and is amazingly versatile. Apart from the obvious protection from rain, you can also use your rain poncho as a tarp for picnic lunches, to wrap up wet items when you pack, and as a place to lay out clothing to dry overnight.</P><br />
<P>When you start packing, lay out everything that is essential first, and then add the items from this list that you&#8217;d like to take. See what fits and go from there. Pare things down until you get your bag to a manageable weight and you&#8217;re ready to go. Remember &#8211; the less you take, the more you&#8217;ll enjoy the trip.</P></p>
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		<title>Backpacking Through Europe</title>
		<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/08/backpacking-through-europe-2/</link>
		<comments>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/08/backpacking-through-europe-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:20:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SuperBackpacker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accomodations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backpacking through Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget Backpacking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Itinerary]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/?p=84</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Traveling to Europe can be a very educational and rewarding experience. Europe is a large place and is accommodating to most budgets. &#8220;Backpacking&#8221; through Europe can be economical and provide you with memories that will last a lifetime. A strong 40-70 liter backpack is one of the best ways to transport your belongings. These come [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>Traveling to Europe can be a very educational and rewarding experience. Europe is a large place and is accommodating to most budgets. &#8220;Backpacking&#8221; through Europe can be economical and provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.</P><br />
<P>A strong 40-70 liter backpack is one of the best ways to transport your belongings. These come in all shapes and sizes so check a few stores before deciding on one. It is usually best to pack as light as possible. A good way to tell if you have packed too much is to walk a few blocks with the packed backpack before leaving on your trip, if after 5-10 minutes your already tired and having trouble walking then it would be wise to unpack a few items.</P><br />
<P>There are many places online to find a cheap ticket to Europe. Most flights arrive in London, Paris or Amsterdam which are all well-connected and great places to start a trip. Depending on the distance your are traveling it can be cheaper to use a discount airline then take the train.</P><br />
<P>Hostels can be a cheap place to stay and provide you with a place to meet other travelers. There are many hostels in every major city and they vary in quality. It is always a good idea to look up reviews on the Internet of any hostel you decide to stay in. If your a light sleeper I recommend to bring ear plugs, even in a small dorm you can end up with a someone snoring the whole night. Most hostels do offer private rooms with shared facilities, these rooms are usually a lot cheaper then a hotel room but will still cost quite a bit more then a bed in a dorm.</P><br />
<P>Old or young a trip to Europe is an experience that everyone should try once in their life. Europe is a vast continent that has something for everyone, whether your into large metropolitan cities or scenic countryside. If you have the chance to visit go for it, you will not be disappointed.</P></p>
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		<title>Backpacking Europe &#8211; Should I Travel Solo? What Are the Benefits of Traveling Alone?</title>
		<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/08/backpacking-europe-should-i-travel-solo-what-are-the-benefits-of-traveling-alone/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:02:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SuperBackpacker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accomodations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backpacking through Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget Backpacking]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/?p=52</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It was my first real trip anywhere. I had been a homeboy all of my life living on the west coast of the United States. In fact, I had never been east of Utah. I grew up in Seattle all of my life and for the past 7 years I&#8217;ve been living in the Los [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It was my first real trip anywhere. I had been a homeboy all of my life living on the west coast of the United States. In fact, I had never been east of Utah.</p>
<p>I grew up in Seattle all of my life and for the past 7 years I&#8217;ve been living in the Los Angeles rat race. Every year I would tell myself that I needed to head out on an extended vacation and just roam the world, or part of it anyway. So, I chose a date that I would embark on my journey, went online, bought a ticket departing in 5 weeks, and had no choice but to commit to it.</p>
<p>I have a tendency to work better that way. Rather than just talk about something that you want to do, or something that you always say you&#8217;re going to do, pick a date and tell yourself and everyone you know, that you are going to do it on that day. Believe me, your friends will be reminding you all the time. And after a few weeks, as the days tick away, you&#8217;ll have no choice but to follow through on your word. Your word should always be as good as gold.</p>
<p>Now that I bought my ticket, the next question was, &#8220;who&#8217;s coming with me?&#8221; I can&#8217;t go alone! Then, it donned on me, that&#8217;s exactly what I needed to do. Go alone and get away from everything and everyone that I knew. Leave my comfort zone. Challenge, explore and create. Experience foreign cultures, create new friendships, eat foods that I was unaccustomed to eating, live like I have never lived by surrounding myself with everything foreign and unknown.</p>
<p>Embrace the challenge.</p>
<p>I have always lived with the motto, &#8220;A man who risks nothing- gains nothing&#8221; and, I always deepen the stakes. So be it. Thus, alone I went. In fact a couple of friends wanted to meet me out there to party out in France and Spain. No dice. This vacation is all about me. I need this time to discover life and the world on my own, at this point. Besides, I can hang out with my friends (like I&#8217;ve been doing all of my life) at home in the US. Why would I want to party with them in another country.</p>
<p>In France I met an awesome French girl and stayed at her place for 8 days (5 days longer then I had originally planned), in the countryside of France, approximately 6 hours by train southwest of Paris. The countryside is absolutely beautiful in France and virtually untouched by tourist. We visited 8 Medieval castles, most of them ruins, and one that famous composer Frederick Chopin lived in right before he died. Cathedrals, cobble-stoned streets, wine, history, art, cafes&#8230;It&#8217;s no wonder that France is one of the most visited countries in the world!</p>
<p>Two and a half weeks into my trip and I was living it up! Time was going fast and traveling alone in Europe was a cake walk and more than met my expectations. This is easy.</p>
<p>After hanging out decompressing on the Mediterranean for 2 days in a quaint little town called Alicante, I packed it up and headed to the very center of Spain. The main event. Madrid.</p>
<p>I observed her for 2 hours at Parque de Retiro in Madrid, Spain.</p>
<p>She was this tall striking blonde sun-bathing at this park for, at this point, 2 hours. She stood out among all of the shorter brunette Spanish nationals. The next thing I know, 2 hours later, she sits on my park bench to put on her roller blades. Shocked and excited, I mustered up enough courage to ask her something in my severely broken Spanish. Amused, she said &#8220;you speak english?!&#8221; &#8220;I&#8217;m from Denmark, I speak english!&#8221; Whew! Thank God! So, we both sat there for another 2 more hours and spoke in english and asking questions about each others cultures and customs, our families, food and how she missed her big meals at home in Denmark, life in Spain, etc&#8230;</p>
<p>The next night we met up with her friends 2 Swedish girls, a Norwegian girl, and a French girl, all living in the same apartment living in Spain to study Spanish and art.</p>
<p>For the next week and a half, it was party time! Going from club, to club, to club, we would usually end the night at aroud 5-7am every night. These girls were off the hook! They also invited me to stay at their apartment(which I happily obliged) for the remainder of my trip! I even extended my trip for another 5 days before heading back to Los Angeles. Two of the girls that I met on my trip, ultimately came out to visit me in Los Angeles within a year of returning home from Europe!</p>
<p>Needless to say, these are memories that I will always cherish. I love meeting people, and meeting people I did!</p>
<p>The bottom line is this. Because I traveled alone&#8230;</p>
<p>I forced myself to talk to locals and other travelers and I met a lot of great people that I will be friends with for, perhaps, the rest of my life. I saw places that millions of tourists will never, ever see. I ATE FROG LEGS! That&#8217;s right, FROG LEGS! I stayed and went wherever and whenever I wanted to. Ahhh&#8230;A great benefit to traveling solo. I was in God&#8217;s country, and the grass IS greener on the other side. If I didn&#8217;t travel alone&#8230;</p>
<p>I would have NEVER spent 8 days in the countryside of France.</p>
<p>I would have NEVER sat a a park bench for TWO HOURS! Think about it, if I was with a friend, 30 minutes at a park and BAMM, we&#8217;re off to the nearest pub for an afternoon brewski always falling back at each other for conversation instead of absorbing the culture and ambience at our own pace and meeting new people!</p>
<p>I would have NEVER met the Danish girl, thus meeting her friends, thus extending my trip 5 more days and crashing out at their pad partying until 5-7am each day. It was a riot!</p>
<p>The way I see it is this, it&#8217;s a whole trickle down effect. If I didn&#8217;t spend 8 days in France&#8217;s coutryside (as opposed to the original 2 day that I intended), I would have never been at that park in Madrid, sitting on that exact same park bench at the exact same time that the Danish girl eventually chose to sit on to put on her roller blades.</p>
<p>Traveling ALONE is the only option.</p>
<p>Buy your plane ticket, get a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://travelpunk.com/eurail/cheap-eurail-passes/" target="_new">cheap Eurail pass</a>, and wander around Europe solo!</p>
<p>Folk&#8217;s, there are an estimated 6 billion people in the world, and I highly suggest that you step out of your comfort zone and meet a few of them- in other countries. Be honest with yourself. Do you really think that you are going to maximize your travel experience by bringing along a friend? Perhaps, but your experience will probably not be as rich and as cultured as it has the potential to be.</p>
<p>If your friends want to meet up with you, fine, meet up for a few days and have fun, but not for your whole trip! For crying out loud, you&#8217;ll see them when you get back! If you&#8217;re traveling with a friend, choose to separate for a week, or two, or three, then meet up in a different city and share your adventures and stories.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t be afraid. Take the risk. Challenge yourself. Be proactive.</p>
<p>Life is what you make out of it. Stop talking about it and DO IT(alone)! Most of all be safe, and bring an adventurous and unabashed spirit. Have a great time and &#8220;May the force be with you!&#8221;</p>
<p>Happy Travels,</p>
<p>Tony P</p>
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		<title>Guide to Backpacking Europe- What to Pack</title>
		<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/02/guide-to-backpacking-europe-what-to-pack/</link>
		<comments>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/08/02/guide-to-backpacking-europe-what-to-pack/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 03:45:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SuperBackpacker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accomodations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backpacking through Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget Backpacking]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/?p=104</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Packing for your European backpacking adventure is one of the most crucial keys to a successful and enjoyable trip. Since you will be carrying everything you pack on your back for the majority of your trip, you want to concentrate on making your belongings as light and compact as possible, only taking the very bare [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>Packing for your European backpacking adventure is one of the most crucial keys to a successful and enjoyable trip. Since you will be carrying everything you pack on your back for the majority of your trip, you want to concentrate on making your belongings as light and compact as possible, only taking the very bare minimum of clothing and supplies.</P><br />
<P>The most important supply for your backpacking trip though Europe is your backpack. Click here for help choosing the right backpack. The clothing you select for your trip can strongly influence the weight of your pack so take care to only take basic items and look for pieces that can double. Consider the normal temperature of each area you plan to visit at the time of year you will be traveling and pack your clothing accordingly. If your trip will last through more than one season, you will need extra layers for cooler months.</P><br />
<P>Begin with two pairs of pants. Look for pants with plenty of pockets. Pockets come in handy for easily accessible storage on the road. Pants that zip off into shorts are great for decreasing weight, otherwise you will also want a pair of shorts. Pack two or three t-shirts and a couple long sleeve shirts or sweatshirts. You will probably buy more shirts on your trip, so don&#8217;t worry about not packing enough. You may also consider packing popular logo t-shirts and trading them along the way with other backpackers. Remember to pack 3 or 4 pairs of underwear, a swimsuit, and something to sleep in.</P><br />
<P>Take along a comfortable pair of hiking shoes. These will be your primary footwear on your trip, so remember a couple pairs of socks as well. You will also want a light pair of sandals or flip-flops for hostel showers and a pair of open-toed shoes for going out. Make use of the space wasted by any shoes you pack by filling the insides with small items.</P><br />
<P>Hostels provide bathrooms with showers, as well as laundry facilities. Most hostels do not offer towels, though, so bring along a small towel designed for carrying, like the Coleman pack towel. You will also want a small set of toiletry items, like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant. A washcloth or sponge may be an item to remember as well. Most hostels do have vending machines for laundry detergent and it may be easier to buy these supplies rather than carry them.</P><br />
<P>Remember to make copies of all your important documents, like passports and any important medical information, and store the copies in separate places. Secure all credit and debit cards, traveler&#8217;s checks, and other valuable items, and don&#8217;t forget to pack an adequate supply of any needed medications. A few other items you will want to be sure to remember are a camera, a good, detailed guide book, and plenty of sunscreen.</P><br />
<P>Most backpackers who have traveled through Europe come back and realize they packed too much. The lighter your pack is, the more fun you will have on your trip, so only pack the things that you know you will need. If you realize later you forgot a necessity, you can always pick it up on the road.</P></p>
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		<title>Love Backpacking? Don&#8217;t We All!</title>
		<link>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/07/29/love-backpacking-dont-we-all/</link>
		<comments>http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/2011/07/29/love-backpacking-dont-we-all/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:07:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SuperBackpacker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[accomodations]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://superbackpacker.com/backpacking_europe/?p=124</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The smell of the road often drives people crazy. Those unknown streets, those narrow alleys, or the mighty mountains, the lingering fragrance of fern and pine trees, it is an indescribable feeling. Only the backpackers will understand the joy of being on the road and only they can understand the happiness in leaving behind the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>The smell of the road often drives people crazy. Those unknown streets, those narrow alleys, or the mighty mountains, the lingering fragrance of fern and pine trees, it is an indescribable feeling. Only the backpackers will understand the joy of being on the road and only they can understand the happiness in leaving behind the hustle and bustle of everyday existence and packing the bare necessities and setting out for an unknown destination. As for these backpackers, these trekkers, these hitchhikers the only people are the mad ones-the ones who are according to Jack Kerouac &#8220;mad to live.&#8221;</P><br />
<P>While backpacking in Europe, there are definite things you must carry in your backpacking bag. The important documents like passports, travel documents, visas, money, credit cards etc should be safely kept inside a plastic folder, so that come rain or hail or snow they are safe. Those documents give you your identity so they must be safe and sound. Backpacking in Europe is a thrilling experience for sure but without the essential elements in your precious backpacking bag, it can be quite fatal! Firstly, your backpacking bag should be a light, yet sturdy one. Buy one with discretion, so that it suits your body weight and body shape. It should be spacious enough to carry whatever you need and it should definitely be waterproof. While packing your backpacking bag, be smart.</P><br />
<P>Keep the heavier things at the bottom and fill it up with lighter articles. You should have a proper list of essentials and be sure to put everything meticulously in that backpacking bag. Don&#8217;t carry too many clothes as you will easily get tired. Be sure to carry a pair of chunky mountain shoes or sneakers and a raincoat. Carry shorts and jeans and not more than four t-shirts. While you revel in the astonishing beauty of Europe, you surely don&#8217;t want to get tired! Don&#8217;t forget to pack clean underwear! Carry important essentials like the toothbrush, a torch, a five-in-one pocket knife, ropes (if you are mountaineer), your iPod, one book (do NOT carry more, you can easily exchange with your fellow backpackers), plates (two), forks and spoons (preferably strong ones made of plastic). Definitely pack your sunscreen and insect repellent cream, so that while camping out, those killer mosquitoes can be avoided. Also, do not forget to carry your soaps and shampoos.</P><br />
<P>The best time to go backpacking in Europe is during the month of June, July or August. You should definitely plan your backpacking trip to Europe. Decide for how long you plan to backpack in Europe, accordingly fix up your budget. Also know and be sure of the countries you really want to go backpacking in. Do this, so that you can acquire the suitable Euro Rail pass. Staying at the youth hostels is an inexpensive option and is definitely the ideal option for backpackers. While backpacking in Europe, be ready for wonderful adventures, be ready to explore to the maximum, be ready to meet exciting new people as mad as you are and if you plan it properly, it is surely going to be a life-changing experience!</P></p>
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