Backpacking Europe! Seeking Advice

Posted by nmlima53 on 01/11/15 11:59 PM

Hello!

I am a college student planning a trip to Europe this upcoming summer with a travel partner! We will be flying from Spain to London to begin the journey and then we will take the train to Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Venice, until we reach Rome, where we will fly to Santorini. We would love some input, comments, advice, tips, and tricks on anything from favorite places, must-see sights, using the train system, booking cheap flights, etc. Any input is welcome and appreciated!

Here is our rough schedule:

Leave Spain for London; Spend 3 days in London, travel day (London>Paris); 3 days in Paris, travel day (Paris>Amsterdam); 2 days in Amsterdam, travel day: Amsterdam>Berlin; 2 days in Berlin, travel day: Berlin>Prague; 2 days in Prague, travel day: Prague>Vienna; 3 days in Vienna, travel overnight to Venice; 1 day in Venice, travel day: Venice>Rome; 2 days in Rome, travel day: Rome>Santorini (by plane); 3 days in Santorini; fly home

Thank you for your input!

Posted by gone

01/12/15 12:18 AM

2081 posts

53,

congrats on your trip.

just some comments. You should realize that you will be short changing some many places? Of course it will depend on what you all want to do/see/experience too.

London > Paris. If you are going to use the Eurostar, book as soon as you can and know when are will be doing the trip.

i will let the others chime in since your trip is too busy for me to think about it at this moment.

Happy New Year and Happy Trails.

Posted by Anita

Long Beach, California, USA

01/12/15 04:04 AM

3398 posts

Having backpacked Europe for many summers when I was younger I can give you a few pointers that might help.
It looks like you have about 3-4 weeks of travel planned...don't forget that you are going to need to stop every 7 days or so to do laundry...intentionally plan at least 1/2 day, or a long evening, for this.
Youth hostels are a fairly good bargain (and breakfast is often included) but not as cheap as you might think...make sure to figure out your budget before you go. Hostelling International has extensive lists of hostels.
Couchsurfing is a fun way to stay in people's homes for free and get to know people in the locations you are planning to visit.
Airbnb has many, many cheap options in Europe. Set the slider at the top for $0 - $50 and then put in the city you want to visit. You'll be surprised how much is available for that price.
Remember that everything you pack adds weight - do a test...pack your backpack with everything you want to take and walk around your neighborhood for 30 minutes or so. If you can do it then you should be fine - if not then jettison what you don't really need. There are a surprising number of stairs in Europe, you may be running for trains and buses, and you don't want to be stumbling under the weight of a heavy bag.
Don't take entire guidebooks - rip out the sections you need and leave the rest at home.
Be careful with roaming data on your cellphone. Use wi-fi spots and turn data off to avoid massive, unexpected bills when you get home.
Check out this website - The Savvy Backpacker. Based on my experience, their advice is good and it's a place for you to start that has lots of general information.
Good luck and have fun!

Posted by Zoe

Toledo, Ohio, US

01/12/15 02:35 PM

11613 posts

Also look at Europe through the Back Door for tips; the RS Europe book for travel suggestions. If you are taking a tablet, get the e-version.

You are putting a lot of time into traveling rom place to place. Each of the cities you mention could take 3 days instead of 2, or 4 days instead of 3. But if you can keep your energy up for a fast-paced trip, go for it.

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

01/12/15 07:13 PM

16895 posts

It looks like you have Santorini at the end of the trip as a spot to relax, or a [vacation from your vacation]. However, cutting off the furthest point of a crowded trip is usually the first recommendation to make it more manageable. I would definitely cut Greece. That leaves you with no small towns in the mix, but any days added to Amsterdam, for instance, would allow easy daytrips from the central train station. I'd also prefer another day in Venice. The more you read about each city, the more you'll sights you'll find you want to see in and around each one.

If you do most of this as planned, then consider the Eurail Global Youth pass for 15 consecutive days for about $488 per person in 2nd class, plus a few reservation fees. London-Paris by Eurostar train is always a separate ticket; book months in advance to get one of the better prices (nonrefundable). The pass holder [seat reservation](http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/reservations from Paris to Amsterdam by Thalys train is expensive, so the option of buying a nonrefundable advance-discount ticket also makes sense for that route (available three months ahead). From Amsterdam onward, a rail pass gives you more freedom not to lock in train reservations months ahead, but you will need to buy reservations before boarding for a couchette on the night train and for longer-distance Italian trains.

This assumes that you are US residents going to Spain to study abroad. Buy rail passes for home delivery before you go. European residents can't use Eurail passes; they use Interrail.