Father & Son-Backpacking through Europe

Posted by Harry (Calabasas, Ca, USA) on 09/04/07 12:05 AM

Itinerary????

Just bought Rick's "Backdoor".

Usually kids make this trip with other 18 year olds, however since I never had the opportunity as a kid my son thought maybe we should do it together. I'm 43 and he's 18.

Like others I've read on this board we are stuggling to come up with an itinerary that works.

We would like to mix it up, must see sights, avoid the tourist traps, some adventure...hiking, bikes etc. But mainly experience the people in each country.

We have discussed Ireland, UK, Italy, Spain, Prague.

Any help would be great...we also need cheap airline tickets!

Posted by Jo

Las Vegas, NV, USA

09/04/07 12:27 AM

190 posts

My daughter and I did this 5 years ago when she was 25 and I was 55. Both of you will always be glad you did it. We were out-of-country for 27 days and still had to skip the Benelux and Scandinavian countries. We did fit in Ger, Fr, It, Ire, Eng, and Scot. We used a railticket, rented cars (twice) and took flights. If you want more details and how we narrowed down our choices, just email me.

Posted by Doug

Portlandia

09/04/07 04:49 AM

3313 posts

Harry -

It's a great plan but you're asking very broad questions. Once you've read Europe Through the Backdoor, go to the library and get Rick Steve's country guidebooks for ideas of what you might want to see.

As you have specific questions about particular places, check back here and on Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor. LP's branch on "Traveling on a Shoestring" may be particularly helpful.

Posted by Harry OP

Calabasas, Ca, USA

09/04/07 07:20 AM

2 posts

Thanks for the reply.

Posted by Tom

Newport Beach, CA, USA

09/04/07 08:32 AM

769 posts

SOunds like a great trip Harry - thats very cool your son thought of inviting Dad - popssibily his oldest best buddy! very cool. Im sure you too will have a lot of fun! With his free-spirit and your "experience" - it should be the best of both worlds - a bit crazy and a bit smart travel!

I agree with the other reader - as you read through the book and may watch a few shows from the areas you think youd like - start making a list. Maybe a Week per country (1-week UK/Ireland, 1-week Spain/Pyrenees, etc.) As you go through Italy to Prauge - a 2 days in the swiss alps for great hiking since youre "sort of" passing by! Murren/Gimmelwald area is great! Then in Prauge you can have a father/son pilsner together (just this once!?_!!
have fun.

Posted by pat

victoria, Canada

09/04/07 03:20 PM

11507 posts

Wow, lucky son and lucky dad!!
I have a few comments,, keep it simple, I think a country a week is enough.
I loved Switzerland and Greece when I did this type of trip when I was 23.
Also, could you give us a bit more info.
When are planning on travel and for how long.
And why skip France, it is right in the middle of all your other choices!!

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

09/04/07 09:07 PM

32201 posts

Harry, I've thought of doing the same thing with my oldest Son, but I'm not sure he's interested? I suspect it might be a bit hard to find "common interests" in terms of cities and things to see once there (he probably wouldn't enjoy Museums, and I know I wouldn't enjoy partying). The other problem is that he refuses to fly, so that's a major problem.

Once you've both finished reading ETBD, make a list of cities that you're both interested in. Depending on your budget, you might have to eliminate a few of the destinations.

Regarding airline tickets, "cheap" is good in some places but if you only have limited time, you might want to talk to a travel agent about "open jaw" flights (might cost a bit more, but BEST efficiency).

I mostly use Rick's country books to choose lodgings, but Hostels might be a good choice also.

When you have a tentative list of destinations, post your Itinerary on Msg. Boards at www.guideforeurope.com as I'm sure you'll get some good tips there also.