Getting into europe and other questions!!

one way tickets are expensive... and I would not go without having a return fare booked, that would be crazy expensive. At least set your arrival and departure.

Just use the ATM to get cash. I am a super planner so I would never do what you suggest, but some people probably do. I would think you would get better lodging rates booking in advance, plus hostels may sell out.? Not sure!

Don't go too fast... slow down and enjoy the places you are. Have fun!
Kim

Do you have a bank account now? Just carry your ATM card, and anytime you need cash, just stick it one of the common-as-dirt ATM machines and get cash in the local currency. Just let your bank know where you are traveling so they don't block the transaction as suspected fraud. More detailed advice would be to have an account at a credit union that does not charge ATM fees and no more than 1 % foreign transaction fees.

It might be good to have a return ticket in case the immigration officer suspects you of looking for a job. If you even had a printed itinerary of where you are going, that might be handy if they get fussy about your plans. It would really be unusual to get turned down. Just answer the questions honestly. Are you employed? Are you a student? Where are you going? How long are you intending to stay?

Tons of people do this all the time,

Thanks for the help so far!
As of right now it's $400 Canadian for a one way... or $1100 for a return from Rome which is where we suspect we will leave from.
I never thought hostels would fill up or be more expensive last minute but I suppose that's good to consider. I just hate the idea of being so stuck to a booked itinerary and everything and have no freedom to change it when we're there !

What airline? If you booked a round trip to Dublin, would it be $800? You could always plan on a flight back to Dublin the day before your return ticket date on Ryanair. They fly to Dublin from pretty much anywhere in Europe for not a whole lot of money, but you have to jump through all of their hoops.

That was looking at airtransat and west jet, Toronto to Dublin then Rome to Toronto !
Timing is unfortunate as we have to go in July which is obviously an expensive time to fly

I was all set to tell you that you'd be nuts to try this, because one-way tickets cost a lot more than round-trip tickets, but I would have been wrong. I see that there are some decent one-way fares from Toronto to Dublin. Who knew? Certainly not I. But I'd be very, very nervous about not having a return ticket. Aside from the risk that Irish immigration officials will not let you into the country, airlines fiddle with fares all the time, and I have seen one-way fares of $2300 and the like. That's not a risk I would be willing to take.

I recommend exploring "multi-city" options into Dublin and out of places like Munich, Milan and Rome. See what looks good for your approximate travel dates.

I travel without a fixed itinerary myself, but that can really increase transportation costs within Europe. These days, intra-European airfares and express-train fares tend to start very low when tickets first go on sale and ratchet up rapidly as tickets are sold, ending up three to five times as expensive as they were originally. I handle this by taking trips that cover a limited geographic area, visiting a bunch of smaller cities that aren't very far apart. That keeps my costs reasonable, though still a lot higher than they would have been if I had pre-planned everything. Your itinerary is very different because of the amount of ground you want to cover.

I also take buses (nearly always cheaper than last minute train tickets) if they aren't too much slower than a train. Needless to say, you will not be able to take a bus from Dublin to London; somewhere along the way there will be a ferry or a plane involved. I recommend booking that leg as soon as you can to keep the cost reasonable.

Although there seems to be an inexpensive bus (plus ferry I guess) option between London and Amsterdam, it takes about 12 hours, so I'd be looking at either a cheap (booked way in advance) flight or the Eurostar (ditto).

There is fast-train service connecting all your continental destinations, assuming your Italian cities are Venice-Florence-Rome, but those tickets will probably not be reasonably priced if you buy them shortly before you plan to travel. You could use buses instead, but in some cases they may be much slower than the express trains. (Example: probably 14 hours from Amsterdam to Munich vs. 7-1/2 to 8-1/2 hours by train)

Rail fares for tickets bought early today (Friday) for Monday express trains:
Amsterdam to Munich: 100 to 130 euros
Munich to Venice: 60 to 70 euros (many trains seem to be sold out)
Venice to Florence: 30 to 41 euros (good promo fares are still available)
Florence to Rome: 30 to 40 euros (good promo fares still available)

I would expect a lot more people to be traveling during the summer than during the first week of December, with few, if any, low-fare tickets on express trains available to late purchasers.

The tighter your budget, the more nervous I'd be about not having hostels booked ahead of time. These days it's very easy to make those reservations online or by phone; many of the other young travelers competing with you for hostel beds will have done so. Who knows what will be left when you arrive in town? It may be only the more expensive places, and if you happen to hit a city during a special event, you may find no inexpensive beds at all. Barring a major special event, I'd guess you'd be OK making lodging reservations one or two days before arrival. (Worst case, you'll find out that there's nothing available and know you need to choose a different city--definitely better than finding out only after you arrive.) You may not get into your preferred hostels, though, so be prepared to spend more money for not-so-great places in not-so-convenient locations.

Last minute airfare on your return might be considerably higher than if you booked ahead. I would imagine (but have no real idea) that since there is a limit to how long you are allowed to stay, the customs would want more information about your plans and return date...? They usually ask where you are going, why you are going, and when you will be leaving.

I would think that if you weren't picky about what type of accommodation you want then you could go on the fly easier. We always make our reservations ahead of time, but I'm a planner and a little picky so it wouldn't be my style. I do think with internet use more and more people book ahead, but I'm sure there are plenty still available. I think if I were going on the fly I would hate to be calling/scouting for a place to stay when I could be out touring around. That could take up some precious time. But, I'm not a free spirit! Often wish I was though!

You might look into what bank fees you may have for using an ATM for your bank. Certain banks have no fees like Charles Schwab so we use them for our travel only, but we normally bank with Wells Fargo and their fees add up when using the ATM over 4 weeks so we don't use them. So, you might want to find out and open a new account that might be free.

I see June 26 Toronto to Dublin and July 26 Rome to Toronto for $918 on Air Transat.

georgia,

If this is your first trip to Europe, I would highly recommend reading Europe Through The Back Door before you get too far in your planning. That provides a lot of good information on "how" to travel well in Europe. After that use the country or city-specific guidebooks to plan sightseeing, transportation, etc.

Having a one-way ticket could indeed be a problem, as border agents may have concerns about how long you'll be staying. Buying two one-way tickets will also likely be more expensive. I'd suggest open-jaw tickets which are the most efficient method.

The best way to obtain cash in Europe is via ATM's. I'd suggest carrying a primary card and a "backup" in case of any problems with the primary card (ie": the machine "eats" your card). I like to have €50-100 on hand for travel expenses to pay for meals, Taxis, etc. until I get settled in my first location. You can obtain Euro cash at your local banks. Be sure to tell your bank that you'll be travelling abroad so they don't "freeze" your cards. At least one credit card is also a good idea.

if you're going to be staying primarily in Hostels, you may want to have a look at an HI Hostels membership as they have properties in most cities in Europe, sometimes several in larger cities. "Keeping your options open" may not be the best plan in summer, as lodgings can book up quickly. I prefer to have that all arranged, as it's a real pain to be wandering about an unfamiliar city with a bunch of gear on your back looking for a place to sleep. Not only is that inefficient, but if could mean that you end up in a dodgy area or have to pay more than you'd like because it's all that's available. If you're going to be staying in Hostels, be sure to pack a towel, soap, flip-flops and a small but robust Padlock for hostel lockers (don't use the cheap TSA luggage locks).

Once you have more of an Itinerary worked out, I'm sure the group here will be able to provide some good suggestions to work out the fine details.

Good luck with your planning!

Last minute air fares are likely to be expensive in July, so if you have some idea of where you are going to go, book an open jaw ticket back home to avoid the possibility that the immigration services in Europe block your entry as they think you made there to work. Your whole holiday will be scuppered if this happens.

By July, all European schools and universities will be on their summer breaks, so you will need to book your accommodation at some of the more popular locations. Check out availability online and monitor this as your holiday approaches and if you see things filling up, then you may have to prebook or be more flexible with your plans.

July in Italy will be very hot and expensive, so start there and work your way north. Flights on the value airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair have been available for some weeks now for next summer and their prices only head one way. The best value train seats are usually available 12 weeks out, 6 months for the Eurostar. Rome2rio.com may assist with you travel options, as may seat61.com for rail travel.

The vast majority of the people here do not travel the way you wish. I suggest you go over to the

Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forums

where you will find more likeminded travelers. The Lonely Planet guides are geared more towards your type of travel than the RS guides. However, as stated earlier, Europe Through the Back Door will answer many of your general European travel questions.

That being said, there are a few issues:

When you enter Ireland you will first go through Passport Control. They will decide if you enter or not. They are trying to prevent people from coming there to cause trouble or work illegally. With no onward plans it will signal a red flag. They will ask you lots of questions. They may ask you to prove that you have enough funds to pay for the rest of your trip. They will ask you how long you plan to stay. If can convince them you are there for legitimate reasons, they will stamp your passport. Then you go through customs, This is usually just a walk through (the green door) and you will not be stopped. But they could stop you. .

Entering Britain from Ireland is open due to a border agreement. However, when you go over to your next stop on the continent, you will have to pass through passport control and customs again for Schengen.

With no return ticket, no hotel/hostel reservations, and no plans, you will throw up a red flag. Make sure you can prove you have enough funds to get you through. It doesn't have to be cash. It could be a bank statement and an ATM card proving you will get funds when needed and/or a credit card or two.

I'm guessing you are fairly young-as compared to some of us in our second century--and that too will be of more interest to the immigration officials.

But you will find people who have done what you want to on Thorn Tree and they will give you better advice.

Great advice to check out the Lonely Planet forums.

You run the risk of getting pulled aside for questioning if you don't have a return ticket booked upon entry into any country. Book a return flight from Dublin and use one of the low cost carriers to get you where you want to go.

Bank machines are everywhere.

Your problem with a one-way ticket could start well before you reach Irish border security in Dublin. Some, maybe a lot, of intercontinental airlines will not let you on board. They know that if you are turned back at the Irish border, their company will be stuck with flying you back home. The safest procedure is to buy a round trip and then, once in Europe for awhile, change your departure date. But that will incur some sort of change fee, perhaps at a stiff price.
If your passport is anywhere near expiring, that could be a problem too since some countries have regulations on the minimum time left before it expires.
If you want to be free as the breeze and go where (and when) you please, the tough fact is that such freelancing is expensive. Airline and other transport prices are cheapest when bought well in advance. Hotels and hostels fill up so a last-minute visitor may face no-vacancy signs. And moving from place to place eats into any budget too.
Sorry.....

You've received lots of straight info already.
Just make sure you've got some way to sign onto the internet so you can make reservations, etc. on the fly. It makes traveling from place to place more efficient.
We carry an inexpensive 10" Chromebook and go on Wifi when on our travels.

For all the reasons already listed, I would heed the advice about buying your return ticket in advance. Besides getting a better price than you probably would last minute, there are any number of stories out there about backpackers being turned away in Ireland due to suspicions that they don't have the funds to support themselves while they're there and may try to work illegally. Proof of onward journey is advised.

Very good advice to book your hostels in advance - especially if you want a decent one in a convenient location - as they do fill early for high season. Thorn Tree's forum will be a great resource as you'll find many more experienced backpackers on that one than you will on Rick Steves.

ATMs are the way to go for getting cash. Just never stick your cards or cash (or passport) in your backpack, OK? Use a moneybelt or similar method of stashing the bulk of your valuables under your clothing and away from light fingers.

If possible, carry two different credit cards in case there's a problem with one (blocked by bank or issuer, stolen, left in vending machine). Two ATM cards (for separate accounts) are also prudent, but that's a lot to ask of a young person, I know. Whatever cards you have, do not carry them in the same place unless that place is under your clothing. And don't let people around you see where you're carrying cards and extra cash. It can take a week or ten days to get a replacement card when you're traveling in Europe, and you can only do so if you have a reliable future address for the card to be sent to. You do not want this to happen to you. I've been there, and it is not fun.

Finally, make a list of the contact telephone numbers (not 800 numbers that can be dialed only from Canada or the US) for each card you are carrying along with the last 4 digits of the card number. That way, if something bad happens, it will be easier to report it. It's bad enough to lose a card without having to spend a bunch of time on Google trying to figure out whom to call to report the loss. And it's all too common to get to Europe and find that one of your cards doesn't work even though you told the bank/card issuer where you'd be traveling. Having the right telephone number makes it a lot easier to resolve that situation.

Okay guys next question, backpacks- I was considering a backpack with wheels so I can walk it and not hurt my back every now and then. However I'm concerned the ones wig wheels and straps are gunna be too stiff and hurt my back when i do use the straps.
Would you guys recommend that or something like the eagle creek systems go duffel pack.

georgia,

I wouldn't recommend a wheeled backpack for a couple of reasons......

• the wheels and handle mechanism take up room
• the wheels and handle mechanism add weight.
• in some designs, if the pack is used in wheeled mode and then carried as a pack, the wheels can deposit mud or whatever onto the clothing.

I'd suggest either using a wheeled bag or a "proper" backpack. I've found that the best combination is a pack with a detachable day pack (good for carry-on), a stowable harness system (keeps the straps from being damaged by airport conveyor systems) and a panel load design (allows the pack to be fully opened to access all contents).

Depending on what size you want, a couple of models that should work are.....

• http://shop.eaglecreek.com/deviate-travel-pack-60l-w/d/1416C718?CategoryId=116 (there's also a larger size)

• http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/product/wayfarer-70-WAYFRR70W_319.html (there's also a larger size in this model)

There are men's versions of those packs available also. It's very important when buying any large Backpack to be properly fitted according to your torso length. The goal is for the majority of weight to be carried on the hipbelt rather than the shoulders. While in most cases you may only be carrying the pack from rail station to hostel, I find it's best to plan for "worst case scenario" and assume there may be times when you're carrying it for longer distances. Any competent sales person should be able to adjust the pack for your torso size.

Thanks for that advice!
https://www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-Classic-Ascender-Frame/dp/B00ISHTWTC
this is the one I was looking at
The size description I found on a website would fit my size, does this seem like a good one?

There are 2 potential issues with this backpack that I see. The first is the overall dimensions which are too big (23x13x12) for most airline cabin baggage (carry-on), especially if you fill it up. It is soft-sided, but still might not smush down enough to fit in the sizing box. The second is the weight which is 3.5 pounds before you put anything in it.

I totally agree that you should try on any backpack for size and fill it up with what you plan to take or some kind of weight until you realize what's too much to carry. 20 pounds is about the total for anyone.

You might consider the RS Convertible at 21x14x9 and 2.7 pounds. Or go even smaller with something like this Eagle Creek Afar at 20.5x12.5x8.5 and 1 lb. 11 oz. I own both these backpacks. The danger with the RS one is filling it up because you can. But that's the problem with any luggage, regardless of the type.

Just be aware of weight and size restrictions if you plan to carryon. You will need to comply to those restrictions. If you plan to fly within Europe on the budget carriers the restrictions are tighter. If you plan to travel by train it is really nice to have your luggage on your back for stairs, getting off and on trains, and cobblestone streets.

Georgia,

You have already gotten some great advice. I'm going to add a little more planning advice. Thirty years ago I took the kind of free form trip you envisioned. Back then rail passes were a good deal, hostels were almost never full, and travelers checks were the best way to get cash. Now, rail passes rarely pay, hostels do fill up, and you can't cash a travelers check. You've got the run down on using atms, buying a return flight, and reserving hostles. I've two more planning things for you. First rail tickets are often much, much, cheaper if you buy in advance (60 to 90 days in advance). That means you need to pick a route in advance. Second, many top sights require endless standing in line unless you buy tickets in advance or buy a city museum pass of some kind. How far out you need tickets in advance varies. European travel is a planners' game. People who don't plan, stand in long lines, sleep either very expensive or very badly, and take slow regional trains or pay through the nose.

I miss the good old days. But, with some planning, you can keep some spontaneity. Stay for a while in cities with multiple sight seeing options rather than just one major sight (Paris, London, Rome, Florence, Vienna, Barcelonia); and choose cities with many possible daytrips (London, Florence, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelonia, Bologna, Budapest, Prague). Smaller towns are more likely to have budget hotels with 24 to 48 hour no fee cancellation policies. You could plan two alternate routes between larger cities, if you are diligent about cancelling the unchosen route. That will require wfi in route or a cell phone that works in Europe such as Tmobile.

The good news is that many more people in the tourist industry speak English and smart phones make emailing home for help much easier.

Let'sGo still has camping information which is both cheap and less likely to fill up. Camp legally, if you camp.

I reserve accommodation, long distance train travel, and select sights. I put together a cheat sheet of what's open and closed each day we are in a town or city. I refuse to what we will do each day. Enough is enough.

What is your budget for a backpack type bag?

Do you want one that is convertible (having pack away backpack straps)?

Do you plan to do serious hiking or long distance walking with the bag on our back or just to your hotel/hostel once you arrive in a new place?

In the meantime, take a look at the eBags brand convertible bags. They are very well made, a little on the "heavier" side, but also very economical.

If all the hostel rooms are booked up, you can usually find lodging in a budget-friendly chain hotel near the outskirts of any large city.

Here's some examples for double rooms in Paris - just a few meters away from the Metro, not in a scary neighborhood - great rates on www.booking.com:
Ibis Budget Porte de Pantin Paris
Campanile Paris Est Pantin
Ibis Paris Pantin Eglise

what are your thoughts on the anti-theft mesh stuff you can get to go over backpacks?
have you guys had trouble bringing this on a plane?