There are few issues as thrilling as embarking on a backpacking journey via Europe. The push of pleasure as you step off the airplane or practice in a brand new nation is an unbelievable feeling.
As a traveller who spent eight months backpacking round Europe, it’s a sense I do know fairly effectively. Beginning in London, I spent the higher a part of a yr mountain climbing via snowy Sweden, devouring pasta in Italy, making new hostel pals in Budapest, and dancing the evening away in Spain.
This Europe backpacking journey was presumably the perfect expertise of my life — it’s one thing I might wholeheartedly suggest to anybody sooner or later.
If you happen to’ve ever contemplated spending just a few weeks or months in Europe, then this text is for you. I’ll focus on the perfect itineraries in Jap and Western Europe, what to anticipate when it comes to security, and how one can get off the overwhelmed path to see a few of the world’s most unbelievable sights.
*Observe: Regulate this. Apparently, as of 2024, residents from the USA, Canada, Australia (and different nations) who didn’t want to use for something with a purpose to go backpacking within the Schengen visa nations of Europe, will quickly want to use for an ETIAS (European Journey Data and Authorization System) visa waiver. Additionally, some nations that wanted to use for a Schengen Visa prior to now could now solely have to acquire an ETIAS waiver. Study extra in regards to the ETIAS necessities right here.
Greatest Time To Go Backpacking in Europe
If you happen to’re planning on backpacking via Europe, you’ll first have to determine what time of the yr to go. This may rely on a number of elements, together with your price range and what nations you intend on visiting.
Relying on the actions you need to do, I feel early fall and late spring are the perfect occasions to go to Europe. Relying on the place you’re going, the climate will most likely be extra bearable than summer time or winter.
As a result of faculty vacation schedule, summer time is taken into account the height season in Europe. The climate is heat, the solar units later, and the streets are stuffed with households, tour teams, and travellers basically.
If you happen to plan on backpacking Europe in June, July, or August, you may as well count on that costs for resorts and flights shall be a lot larger. It’s not unusual to spend two or thrice greater than you’ll when you went throughout the low season.
Talking of the low season, the least busy time to journey is from late fall to winter. Though some individuals take further time throughout the Christmas holidays, Europe is mostly the most affordable throughout these months.
You would possibly assume that the chilly temperatures and quick days make backpacking more durable, however with out all of the vacationers, you’ll get to expertise a wholly totally different facet of Europe.
Throughout my backpacking journey, I made a decision to fly to Stockholm, Sweden for a number of days in the course of January. Due to the freezing temperatures and harsh snowfall, a variety of my pals thought I used to be loopy! Nevertheless, my hostel was tremendous low cost, and I by no means needed to struggle via crowds or wait in line for eating places. To not point out, I felt like I had town all to myself.
The reality is, there’s actually no unsuitable time to go backpacking in Europe. There are benefits and downsides to every season, so that you’ll simply have to determine which period is best for you.
Find out how to Get Round Whereas Backpacking Europe
It ought to come as no shock that elements of Europe are identified for his or her quick and environment friendly transportation system. Whereas some nations make it straightforward to get round when backpacking Europe, different locations could be tougher. When planning your itinerary, you need to take the next strategies of transportation into consideration.
Prepare
Zipping from nation to nation by high-speed practice is a quintessential European backpacking expertise. They’re quick, often on time, and customarily inexpensive in comparison with some flights and automotive leases. In some nations, trains even have free wifi and eating vehicles.
Lately, as a consequence of price range airways, the practice is extra of an expertise and a snug journey than an inexpensive method of getting round.
Bus
Taking a bus via Europe could also be time-consuming, nevertheless it’s one of many least expensive methods of backpacking Europe. FlixBus and BlaBlaBus are two respected firms working in Western Europe. You will discover tickets for as little as €5 every method — nevertheless, most journeys price between €20 – €40.
Airplane
If you happen to’re quick on time or going lengthy distances, flying could be the best choice. Though you’ll want to permit time for check-in and safety, it’s usually a lot quicker than driving or taking the bus. You’ll additionally rating good offers on tickets by reserving with a low-cost airline equivalent to RyanAir, EasyJet or WizzAir.
Automobile
Renting a automotive is a wonderful possibility if you wish to discover totally different cities and cities at your personal tempo. You’ll even have the possibility to go to locations which are extra distant or not linked by practice. Nevertheless, leases are usually dearer. And relying on the place you’re travelling, you would possibly want a world driving license and the inexperienced gentle from the rental firm to cross borders.
Caravan/Campervan
For the last word backpacking expertise, take into account renting a campervan to journey via Europe. Not solely will you lower your expenses on resorts, however you’ll additionally have the ability to get off the overwhelmed path to a few of the continent’s most hidden locations!
Backpacking Western Europe
As one of the vital iconic backpacking locations, Western Europe has all of it. It boasts the glitzy cities and larger-than-life historic monuments that most individuals envision once they consider Europe. There’s all the time a brand new metropolis to discover and new cultures to expertise, whether or not it’s your first, second, or one-hundredth time on the continent.
Nevertheless, it might be laborious to determine which locations to go to throughout your Western Europe journey. So, I put collectively this record of my high nations for backpackers.
Backpacking Italy
Overflowing with historical past and tradition, Italy is a traditional cease on any Western European itinerary. Whether or not you’re marvelling on the ruins in Rome, the unbelievable structure in Matera, or wine tasting in Tuscany, Italy is assured to have one thing that sparks your curiosity.
Larger touristy cities are inclined to price far more than the outskirts. Thankfully, a few of Italy’s most stunning settings are the place you least anticipate finding them.
- Funds: €50-€70/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €20-€40
- Common Funds Lodge Value: €60-€70
- Common Funds Meal Value: €10
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €4
- Value of Transport by practice: €1.50 a method
Backpacking Germany
Many individuals journey to Germany for Oktoberfest, Carnival, or just to spend time within the nice outside. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are ultimate for individuals who need to expertise metropolis life.
Then again, there are many cute and charming medieval villages and castles to discover right here too. Better of all, Germany’s environment friendly practice system makes backpacking via the nation a breeze!
- Funds: €90-€100/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €30-€50
- Common Funds Lodge Value: €70-€80
- Common Funds Meal Value: €10
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €3
- Value of Transport by Prepare: €2.50 a method
Backpacking France
Though it might be one of the vital costly nations on this record, France remains to be a must-see vacation spot when backpacking via Europe. You may buy groceries in Paris, take cooking courses in Provence, or calm down on the coast in Good.
To not point out, the meals is out of this world! Its central location additionally makes it ultimate for travelling between different nations round Western Europe.
- Funds: €100-€120/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €30-€50
- Common Funds Lodge Value: €90-€100
- Common Funds Meal Value: €12
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €5
- Value of Transport by Prepare: €2 a method
Backpacking Spain
The laidback ambiance of Spain makes it one of many coolest locations to go to in Western Europe. Large cities like Barcelona and Madrid are stuffed with museums, parks, and wonderful structure.
For hotter climate, make your method down south to Seville or Malaga. Or, you possibly can all the time hop to the Canary Islands and Majora for the last word seashore getaway. Foodies and tradition addicts will get pleasure from spending the day museum hopping and tapas sampling via Spain.
- Funds: €70-€80/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €20-€40
- Common Funds Lodge Value: €60-€70
- Common Funds Meal Value: €8
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €3
- Value of Transport by Prepare: €2.20 a method
Backpacking the Netherlands (Holland)
Backpackers flock to Amsterdam for the gorgeous canals, world-class museums, and raging nightlife. Nevertheless, there are lots of different picturesque cities and villages to go to within the Netherlands.
For example, you possibly can spend just a few days in a few of the Netherlands’ different massive cities, like The Hague and Rotterdam. Or, make your option to Giethoorn, a fairy-tale-like metropolis with lush inexperienced foliage and dozens of picturesque canals.
- Funds: €90-€100/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €20-€40
- Common Funds Lodge Value: €70-€80
- Common Funds Meal Value: €10
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €3
- Value of Transport by Prepare: €3.50 a method
Backpacking Jap Europe
Jap Europe is usually missed by travellers in favour of well-known nations like France, Germany, and Italy. However for the adventurous backpacker who’s on the lookout for one thing a bit totally different, japanese Europe packs a giant punch. To place it merely, nations in Jap Europe are breathtaking. To not point out, it’s often lots cheaper than Western Europe.
If you wish to get off the overwhelmed path and make your greenback stretch additional, take a look at my favorite locations in Jap Europe.
Backpacking the Czech Republic (Czechia)
Teeming with gothic structure and cobblestoned cities, the Czech Republic is likely one of the best nations to succeed in from Western Europe. It’s only a quick practice experience away from Germany, Poland, and Austria.
Structure lovers should go to Prague, the nation’s capital metropolis — in any other case generally known as the “Metropolis of a Hundred Spires”. Different cities, equivalent to Český Krumlov and Brno, are much less touristy however equally gorgeous to go to.
- Funds: €60-€70/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €20-€30
- Common Funds Lodge Value: €60-€70
- Common Funds Meal Value: €6
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €1.50
- Value of Transport by Prepare: €1.50 a method
Backpacking Bulgaria
Positioned on the Black Sea, Bulgaria is a wonderful vacation spot for individuals who need each seashore and metropolis life. The capital of Sofia has 2,000 years value of historical past, which is mirrored by town’s various and ornate structure. After just a few days within the metropolis, head to culture-rich Plovdiv, or Varna, a small resort city positioned on the Black Sea. This vacation spot is inexpensive and identified for its white-sand seashores and sunbathing.
- Funds: €30-€40/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €10-€20
- Common Funds Lodge Value: €30-€40
- Common Funds Meal Value: €3
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €2
- Value of Transport by Prepare: €.80 a method
Backpacking Romania
From the forested area of Transylvania to the clifftop fortress of Bran Citadel, Romania is dotted with otherworldly points of interest. Metropolis-goers can spend time exploring Bucharest and Brașov, whereas outside lovers will revel within the majestic surprise of the Carpathian Mountains.
Most travellers truly spend extra time within the outside right here than they do within the metropolis! Better of all, Romania is likely one of the least expensive locations to go to in Jap Europe.
- Funds: €30-€40/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €10-€15
- Common Funds Lodge Value: €30-€40
- Common Funds Meal Value: €4
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €2
- Value of Transport by Prepare: €1 a method
Backpacking Hungary
Best for everybody from price range backpackers to high-end travellers, Hungary is a rustic that attracts you in. In Budapest, you will have gritty hostels and avenue meals stalls standing subsequent to luxurious resorts and gourmand eating places. It oozes class and royalty, nevertheless, nonetheless manages to pay homage to its various cultural heritage.
- Funds: €40-€50/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €15-€30
- Common Funds Lodge Value: €30-€40
- Common Funds Meal Value: €7
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €1.50
- Value of Transport by Prepare: €1.50 a method
Really useful Itineraries for Backpacking Europe
There are 44 nations in Europe, which may make planning the precise backpacking itinerary a little bit of a problem. Until you will have an infinite price range and trip time, you’ll have to be strategic about the place you go to. If you happen to want some inspiration, then check out a few of my pattern journey itineraries.
2 Weeks in Western Europe: First Time Travellers
If you happen to’re coming over to Europe for the primary time, you’ll be desperate to see as a lot as you possibly can in only a quick period of time. Though it’s a whirlwind tour, this 2-week itinerary takes you to Western Europe’s most iconic cities.
Whereas two weeks isn’t sufficient time in Europe, you possibly can nonetheless profit from your go to by tackling the largest highlights and points of interest.
Day 1-3: London, the UK
Day 3-6: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Day 6-8: Berlin, Germany
Day 8-11: Paris, France
Day 11-14: Barcelona, Spain
2 Weeks in Jap Europe: First Time Travellers
If you happen to’re trying to save a couple of dollars in your first backpacking journey, then take into account heading to Jap Europe. Lodging, meals, and leisure are less expensive there than in Western Europe, that means you possibly can really feel snug shopping for your new hostel pals an additional spherical of drinks.
Between the traditional cities and ornate structure, you’ll have the ability to make your method via a few of Jap Europe’s most gorgeous locations.
Day 1-3: Prague, the Czech Republic
Day 3-5: Krakow, Poland
Day 5-7: Bratislava, Slovakia
Day 7-10: Budapest, Hungary
Day 10-12: Bucharest, Romania
Day 12-14: Sofia, Bulgaria
1 Month in Jap and Western Europe: Highlights
With one month in Europe, you’ll have the ability to get a really feel for the ambiance and tradition of every nation. Not solely are you able to spend time within the massive cities, however you’ll additionally get an opportunity to enterprise to smaller villages and cities. By escaping the vacationer traps, you’ll lower your expenses and see a extra genuine lifestyle.
Day 1-3: Paris, France
Day 3-5: Good, France
Day 5-8: Barcelona, Spain
Day 8-10: Seville, Spain
Day 10-14: Rome, Italy
Day 14-16: Florence, Italy
Day 16-19: Munich, Germany
Day 19-21: Prague, the Czech Republic
Day 21-24: Budapest, Hungary
Day 24-26: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Day 26-28: Bucharest, Romania
Day 28-30: Sofia, Bulgaria
1 Month in Western Europe: Sluggish Paced
Typically, it’s higher to soak within the metropolis fairly than race via it. Sluggish-paced travellers can nonetheless backpack via Europe and benefit from the totally different websites many European nations have to supply. As a profit, you’ll additionally spend much less time (and cash) on the highway.
Day 1-4: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Day 4-8: Berlin, Germany
Day 8-12: Munich, Germany
Day 12-14: Zurich, Switzerland
Day 14-17: Milan, Italy
Day 17-21: Barcelona, Spain
Day 21-25: Madrid, Spain
Day 25-28: Lisbon, Portugal
Day 28-30: Porto, Portugal
Is Backpacking Europe Secure?
Once I informed individuals I used to be backpacking via Europe, their first thought was “Is Europe Secure?” In spite of everything, I used to be a solo feminine traveller staying in hostels, taking trains, and strolling alone for eight months. Their considerations have been wholly justified.
Nevertheless, it’s laborious to reply point-blank if Europe is secure or not. Security will rely on a wide range of elements, together with the place and how you journey. Whereas each place around the globe has its personal set of risks, there are just a few methods to be secure whereas backpacking Europe.
Take Care of Your Valuables
Regardless of when you’re in a giant metropolis or small village, it’s all the time necessary to control your private belongings. Pickpockets and thieves will be anyplace.
Don’t carry round giant quantities of money, and take a look at to not put on something you don’t need to lose, like costly sun shades or positive jewelry. If you happen to’re staying in a resort, hold your passport and valuables locked within the resort secure. And when you’re in a hostel, spend money on a padlock to maintain your luggage safe all through the evening.
Make Dependable Buddies
Take it from me, backpacking alone is a implausible expertise. You get the possibility to satisfy new individuals in hostels and even pleasant locals within the cafe. For my part, it’s essential to make reliable pals throughout the journey. Not solely will you will have somebody to hang around with, however they’ll be there that will help you in case something goes awry.
Inform Household and Buddies Your Itinerary
Earlier than you allow in your journey, give your loved ones and pals your detailed itinerary. Write down the tackle of your hostels, particulars of your practice journey, and some other info that can be utilized to succeed in you. Don’t overlook additionally to inform them in case your plans change!
Get Journey Insurance coverage
One of the necessary issues you possibly can take in your journey is worldwide journey insurance coverage. Journey insurance coverage protects you towards a wide range of travel-related incidents and may prevent hundreds of {dollars} in payments and bills.
Good journey insurance coverage ought to present protection for emergency medical therapies, emergency evacuation, and journey cancellation and interruption. It may also embrace safety for misplaced and stolen baggage, in addition to missed or delayed flights.
Know The place the Nearest Embassy or Consulate Is
If one thing have been to go unsuitable in your journey, it’s essential that you could flip to your private home nation embassy for assist. Most nations in Europe have one embassy and a number of consulate workplaces in your residence nation. From misplaced passports to medical emergencies, the embassy ought to have the ability to help you in dire occasions of want.
Backpacking Europe Off the Overwhelmed Path
If it’s your first time in Europe, you’ll most likely need to go to the large cities and standard landmarks. Who can blame you – the Eiffel Tower at evening is spectacular! Nevertheless, a few of the greatest recollections shall be made when you get off the overwhelmed path.
Certain, touristy cities are standard for a motive. Then again, you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with different vacationers fairly than immersing your self with the locals. If you happen to’re on the lookout for an genuine expertise in your nation, I like to recommend wanting outdoors the guidebooks and discovering just a few hidden gems by yourself.
Turn out to be Buddies with Locals
Locals have the perfect tips on what to see and do of their residence nation. They know the place all the perfect eating places are, the place you possibly can rating good offers on garments and souvenirs, and most significantly, the place you ought to be spending your time throughout your journey.
Fb, MeetUp, and Couchsurfing are three wonderful websites for assembly different travellers and locals. Or when you’re feeling pleasant, you possibly can all the time ask your waitress, bartender, or resort employees to level you in the precise route.
Lease a Automobile or Scooter
If you happen to solely depend on trains and buses, you’re restricted to the place you possibly can go within the nation. Most public transport methods take you the place the touristy websites are within the metropolis centre or to the residential suburbs. By renting a automotive or scooter, you’ll have the ability to enterprise wherever your coronary heart needs.
Moreover, you possibly can go at your personal tempo. Because you’re not tethered to a good practice schedule, you possibly can discover your complete space at your leisure.
Do Your Analysis – However Not Too A lot!
As an alternative of studying a guidebook for the perfect locations to go to, I like to recommend scouring the web for recommendation. You’ll discover tons of of websites and journey blogs (with footage) about totally different locations different individuals have stumbled upon. And chances are high, the places shall be method much less touristy than what your guidebook recommends.
Though it’s good to do your homework, strive to not stick with a strict itinerary. Be at liberty to be open-minded and take just a few dangers! Among the greatest experiences are those that occur if you least count on them.
The Greatest Off the Overwhelmed Path Locations in Europe
By now, you need to have an concept of the place you’d like to go to whereas backpacking in Europe. However for extra inspiration, check out my favorite secret and tucked away locations all through the continent.
- Cavtat, Croatia: This portside village is only a stone’s throw away from the center of Dubrovnik, Croatia’s most well-known walled metropolis. Alongside the water, you’ll discover outside cafes, boutique outlets, and sun-soaked seashores.
- Reims, France: If you happen to’re wanting so as to add a little bit of luxurious to your backpacking journey, head to French champagne nation. Reims is surrounded by dozens of champagne caves and tasting rooms the place you possibly can pattern this bubbly favorite.
- Orvieto, Italy: Nestled on the cliffside of a volcano, Orvieto is a cultured, charming village in the course of Umbria. Come for the breathtaking views or pattern a few of the most scrumptious handmade pasta from a family-run restaurant.
- Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany: Ripped proper from the pages of a fairy story, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is a picturesque medieval city. This walled metropolis will be visited only for a day journey. Nevertheless, I like to recommend staying just a few days round Christmas for the well-known Christmas market!
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania: Within the coronary heart of Transylvania sits Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant, vibrant metropolis identified for its energetic scholar inhabitants. After trying out their cobblestoned outdated city, sit in an outside cafe and revel in a pleasant, low cost cup of espresso.
Backpacking Europe: The Greatest Hikes
After all, the large cities in Europe are great on their very own. Nevertheless, it’s the pure great thing about the outside that brings these nations to life. For a breath of recent air, take into account embarking on an outside journey with certainly one of these wonderful back-country hikes in Europe.
You’ll discover trails and hikes anyplace there are mountains, however listed below are a few of the hottest journies in Europe.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
Attracting religious and leisure hikers alike, the Camino de Santiago has 300 years of custom. This hottest route takes roughly a month and leads you from the Camino Frances from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Be ready to satisfy tons of different like-minded people who’re additionally on a self-discovery journey. Click on right here to study extra.
Jap Dolomites, Italy
Many individuals flock to the Dolomites within the winter for picture-perfect snowboarding and snowboarding circumstances. Nevertheless, Jap Dolomites can be a terrific place for mountain climbing within the spring or summer time.
Think about making the trek from Dobbiaco to Belluno on this 10-day mountain climbing tour of Italy. The best level of the journey is sort of 3,000-meters above sea stage, the place you’ll get to get pleasure from marvellous views of neighbouring Tofana and Lagazuoi.
Slovenian Mountain Path, Slovenia
Crossing over 5 totally different mountains, the Slovenian Mountain Path is likely one of the greatest Jap European backpacking trails. In simply 28 days, you’ll get to discover Slovenia’s best – Pohorje Hills, Kamnik and Savinja Alps, the Karavanke Alps, and the Julian Alps. It’s not a visit for the faint of coronary heart, nevertheless it’s a must-do for any nature lover!
Eagle’s Stroll, Austria
With over 33 totally different trails, Austria’s Eagle’s Stroll is ideal for each day journeys and long-distance hikes. Novices will benefit from the flat, leisurely tempo alongside Lake Zireiner See, whereas specialists can take your complete 24-day problem to see as a lot of South Tirol as they’ll.
There are dozens of huts and resorts alongside the way in which, the place you possibly can eat and spend the evening. Since they’ll e-book out upfront, I like to recommend reserving a mattress forward of time.
Samaria Gorge, Greece
If you end up in Crete, then take into account taking the journey throughout the gorgeous Samaria Gorge. This 16 kilometer hike is good for intermediate or skilled travellers, because the trek to the highest will be steep and rocky. Nevertheless, the dramatic views from the 100-metre peak make it value it.
Bohemian Switzerland, the Czech Republic
Regardless of its identify, Bohemian Switzerland truly runs from Germany into the Czech Republic! Positioned just a few hours from Prague, this quick, leisurely hike boasts a few of the coolest karst formations in your complete nation. The spotlight of the hike is Pravčická Gate, a singular rock bridge that was used within the Chronicles of Narnia movie.
Able to Go Backpacking Europe?
Now that you’ve got an concept of what backpacking Europe is like, it’s time to begin planning your ultimate vacation. Spend just a few weeks train-hopping via Germany, sunbathing within the south of Spain, or driving down the coast from Romania to Bulgaria. Regardless of when you select Jap Europe, Western Europe, or each, your choices for journey are limitless.
Even in case you have only one week, you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from many cities and points of interest on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. However with extra time, you’ll actually get to immerse your self in your environment.
And keep in mind, it’s all the time necessary to journey with an open thoughts. As a backpacker, you’ll inevitably expertise new cultures and have the chance to satisfy individuals from around the globe. So long as you’re open to new experiences, I’m positive you’re going to have an unforgettable backpacking journey.
