shoulder season backpacking trip

Melissa,

My initial impression is that your proposed Itinerary is a bit too "ambitious" for a six week trip. Visiting 16 destinations in 42 days is only an average of about 2.6 days in each place (with no allowances for travel times, especially to Greece).

Regarding your numbered questions:

1.) My preference would be to book plane tickets soon. A lot of the charters will be discontinuing Europe service at about that time, so the remaining seats may be more expensive. However, I don't know what flight options are available from your location? Would flying from Calgary be an option? You might check Air Transat to see if that might work.

2.) I always tend to pre-book accommodations, as I don't want to waste valuable travel time looking for something when I arrive in an unfamiliar city. That way I get to choose both the price range of the Hotel as well as which part of the city it's located in.

3.) I'd suggest at least a GoreTex or other waterproof coat as well as a sweater or whatever that you can use for "layering". I've travelled at that time of the year, and the weather has been reasonably good but of course one has to plan for the worst case.

I'm sure the rest of the group will have a few thoughts as well.

Cheers!

Thanks for your inputs. We are planning a few night trains if they are possible (Loire Valley-Bilboa, Seville-Barcelona, Barcelona-Nice, Nice-Chamonix). Most places we would stay for only 2 nights except for the biggies-London, Paris, Madrid, Rome). We've covered Italy on previous trips so less time will be spent there. Is it going to still be swimsuit wearing weather in Amalfi in October?

And I do it differently.

I wouldn't book flights prior to six-weeks unless I got an incredible deal. Even then I would be on pins and needles. Airlines have been canceling flights a lot lately, (they only owe you a refund of what you paid, not a different flight) so buying your tickets early doesn't mean your plans aren't subject to change (and more expense).

I travel shoulder season and don't book rooms in advance either. Normally I just call ahead in the morning before I arrive at a new destination for lodging. I have a pre-researched list of lodging choices at each destination. Sometimes I have to call two or three places but I'm never left homeless.

I like to reserve my first night and last night before flying home. I'll also book ahead in places I really want to stay that tend to be full (i.e. Burg Stahleck on the Rhine). Outside of those, I travel with a flexible itinerary.

For packing, here's what I take for shoulder season travel. It's light and allows for layering to stay warm or cool as needed. Unless you are planning warmer climes, choose the trail runners rather than sandals for this time of year.

http://www.polyvore.com/mens_travel_pack_list/set?id=1440268