There are few issues as thrilling as embarking on a backpacking journey by means of Europe. The frenzy of pleasure as you step off the airplane or practice in a brand new nation is an unimaginable feeling.
As a traveller who spent eight months backpacking round Europe, it’s a sense I do know fairly nicely. Beginning in London, I spent the higher a part of a 12 months mountain climbing by means of snowy Sweden, devouring pasta in Italy, making new hostel mates in Budapest, and dancing the night time away in Spain.
This Europe backpacking journey was probably one of the best expertise of my life — it’s one thing I’d wholeheartedly advocate to anybody sooner or later.
Should you’ve ever contemplated spending a number of weeks or months in Europe, then this text is for you. I’ll focus on one of the best itineraries in Japanese and Western Europe, what to anticipate by way of security, and how one can get off the crushed path to see among the world’s most unimaginable sights.
*Observe: Keep watch over this. Apparently, as of 2024, residents from the USA, Canada, Australia (and different international locations) who didn’t want to use for something to be able to go backpacking within the Schengen visa international locations of Europe, will quickly want to use for an ETIAS (European Journey Info and Authorization System) visa waiver. Additionally, some international locations that wanted to use for a Schengen Visa prior to now might now solely have to get hold of an ETIAS waiver. Be taught extra in regards to the ETIAS necessities right here.
Finest Time To Go Backpacking in Europe
Should you’re planning on backpacking by means of Europe, you’ll first have to resolve what time of the 12 months to go. This may rely on a number of components, together with your price range and what international locations you propose on visiting.
Relying on the actions you wish to do, I feel early fall and late spring are one of the best instances to go to Europe. Relying on the place you’re going, the climate will in all probability 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 full of households, tour teams, and travellers basically.
Should you plan on backpacking Europe in June, July, or August, you may also count on that costs for inns and flights might be a lot greater. It’s not unusual to spend two or thrice greater than you’ll for those who went in the course of 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 in the course of the Christmas holidays, Europe is usually the most affordable throughout these months.
You would possibly assume that the chilly temperatures and quick days make backpacking tougher, 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 midst of January. Due to the freezing temperatures and harsh snowfall, loads of my mates thought I used to be loopy! Nonetheless, my hostel was tremendous low-cost, and I by no means needed to battle by means of crowds or wait in line for eating places. To not point out, I felt like I had the town all to myself.
The reality is, there’s actually no incorrect time to go backpacking in Europe. There are benefits and downsides to every season, so that you’ll simply have to resolve which period is best for you.
Easy methods to Get Round Whereas Backpacking Europe
It ought to come as no shock that components of Europe are identified for his or her quick and environment friendly transportation system. Whereas some international locations make it simple to get round when backpacking Europe, different locations is likely to be harder. When planning your itinerary, you must 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, normally on time, and usually inexpensive in comparison with some flights and automotive leases. In some international locations, trains even have free wifi and eating vehicles.
As of late, on account of price range airways, the practice is extra of an expertise and a cushty journey than an inexpensive method of getting round.
Bus
Taking a bus by means of Europe could also be time-consuming, but it surely’s one of many most cost-effective methods of backpacking Europe. FlixBus and BlaBlaBus are two respected firms working in Western Europe. Yow will discover tickets for as little as €5 every method — nevertheless, most journeys value between €20 – €40.
Aircraft
Should you’re quick on time or going lengthy distances, flying is likely to be the best choice. Though you’ll want to permit time for check-in and safety, it’s typically a lot quicker than driving or taking the bus. You’ll additionally rating good offers on tickets by reserving with a low-cost airline resembling RyanAir, EasyJet or WizzAir.
Automotive
Renting a automotive is a superb possibility if you wish to discover totally different cities and cities at your personal tempo. You’ll even have the prospect to go to locations which might be extra distant or not related by practice. Nonetheless, leases are typically dearer. And relying on the place you’re travelling, you would possibly want a world driving license and the inexperienced mild from the rental firm to cross borders.
Caravan/Campervan
For the last word backpacking expertise, think about renting a campervan to journey by means of Europe. Not solely will you lower your expenses on inns, however you’ll additionally be capable of get off the crushed path to among the continent’s most hidden locations!
Backpacking Western Europe
As probably the most iconic backpacking locations, Western Europe has all of it. It boasts the glitzy cities and larger-than-life historic monuments that most individuals envision after 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.
Nonetheless, it might be exhausting to resolve which locations to go to throughout your Western Europe journey. So, I put collectively this listing of my prime international locations 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 unimaginable structure in Matera, or wine tasting in Tuscany, Italy is assured to have one thing that sparks your curiosity.
Larger touristy cities are likely to value rather more than the outskirts. Luckily, a few of Italy’s most lovely settings are the place you least anticipate finding them.
- Price range: €50-€70/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Price: €20-€40
- Common Price range Resort Price: €60-€70
- Common Price range Meal Price: €10
- Price of Beer in Restaurant: €4
- Price of Transport by practice: €1.50 a technique
Backpacking Germany
Many individuals journey to Germany for Oktoberfest, Carnival, or just to spend time within the nice open air. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are supreme for individuals who wish to expertise metropolis life.
Alternatively, 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 by means of the nation a breeze!
- Price range: €90-€100/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Price: €30-€50
- Common Price range Resort Price: €70-€80
- Common Price range Meal Price: €10
- Price of Beer in Restaurant: €3
- Price of Transport by Prepare: €2.50 a technique
Backpacking France
Though it might be probably the most costly international locations on this listing, France remains to be a must-see vacation spot when backpacking by means of Europe. You may buy groceries in Paris, take cooking lessons in Provence, or loosen up on the coast in Good.
To not point out, the meals is out of this world! Its central location additionally makes it supreme for travelling between different international locations round Western Europe.
- Price range: €100-€120/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Price: €30-€50
- Common Price range Resort Price: €90-€100
- Common Price range Meal Price: €12
- Price of Beer in Restaurant: €5
- Price of Transport by Prepare: €2 a technique
Backpacking Spain
The laidback environment of Spain makes it one of many coolest locations to go to in Western Europe. Huge cities like Barcelona and Madrid are full of museums, parks, and superb structure.
For hotter climate, make your method down south to Seville or Malaga. Or, you may all the time hop to the Canary Islands and Majora for the last word seaside getaway. Foodies and tradition addicts will get pleasure from spending the day museum hopping and tapas sampling by means of Spain.
- Price range: €70-€80/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Price: €20-€40
- Common Price range Resort Price: €60-€70
- Common Price range Meal Price: €8
- Price of Beer in Restaurant: €3
- Price of Transport by Prepare: €2.20 a technique
Backpacking the Netherlands (Holland)
Backpackers flock to Amsterdam for the gorgeous canals, world-class museums, and raging nightlife. Nonetheless, there are lots of different picturesque cities and villages to go to within the Netherlands.
As an example, you may spend a number of days in among 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.
- Price range: €90-€100/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Price: €20-€40
- Common Price range Resort Price: €70-€80
- Common Price range Meal Price: €10
- Price of Beer in Restaurant: €3
- Price of Transport by Prepare: €3.50 a technique
Backpacking Japanese Europe
Japanese Europe is commonly ignored by travellers in favour of well-known international locations like France, Germany, and Italy. However for the adventurous backpacker who’s in search of one thing a bit totally different, japanese Europe packs a giant punch. To place it merely, international locations in Japanese Europe are breathtaking. To not point out, it’s normally rather a lot cheaper than Western Europe.
If you wish to get off the crushed path and make your greenback stretch additional, try my favorite locations in Japanese Europe.
Backpacking the Czech Republic (Czechia)
Teeming with gothic structure and cobblestoned cities, the Czech Republic is likely one of the best international locations to succeed in from Western Europe. It’s only a quick practice journey away from Germany, Poland, and Austria.
Structure lovers should go to Prague, the nation’s capital metropolis — in any other case often known as the “Metropolis of a Hundred Spires”. Different cities, resembling Český Krumlov and Brno, are much less touristy however equally gorgeous to go to.
- Price range: €60-€70/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Price: €20-€30
- Common Price range Resort Price: €60-€70
- Common Price range Meal Price: €6
- Price of Beer in Restaurant: €1.50
- Price of Transport by Prepare: €1.50 a technique
Backpacking Bulgaria
Situated on the Black Sea, Bulgaria is a superb vacation spot for individuals who need each seaside and metropolis life. The capital of Sofia has 2,000 years price of historical past, which is mirrored by the town’s numerous and ornate structure. After a number of 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.
- Price range: €30-€40/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Price: €10-€20
- Common Price range Resort Price: €30-€40
- Common Price range Meal Price: €3
- Price of Beer in Restaurant: €2
- Price of Transport by Prepare: €.80 a technique
Backpacking Romania
From the forested area of Transylvania to the clifftop fortress of Bran Fortress, 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 really spend extra time within the open air right here than they do within the metropolis! Better of all, Romania is likely one of the most cost-effective locations to go to in Japanese Europe.
- Price range: €30-€40/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Price: €10-€15
- Common Price range Resort Price: €30-€40
- Common Price range Meal Price: €4
- Price of Beer in Restaurant: €2
- Price of Transport by Prepare: €1 a technique
Backpacking Hungary
Excellent for everybody from price range backpackers to high-end travellers, Hungary is a rustic that attracts you in. In Budapest, you could have gritty hostels and avenue meals stalls standing subsequent to luxurious resorts and connoisseur eating places. It oozes class and royalty, nevertheless, nonetheless manages to pay homage to its numerous cultural heritage.
- Price range: €40-€50/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Price: €15-€30
- Common Price range Resort Price: €30-€40
- Common Price range Meal Price: €7
- Price of Beer in Restaurant: €1.50
- Price of Transport by Prepare: €1.50 a technique
Beneficial Itineraries for Backpacking Europe
There are 44 international locations in Europe, which might make planning the correct backpacking itinerary a little bit of a problem. Except you could have an infinite price range and trip time, you’ll must be strategic about the place you go to. Should you want some inspiration, then check out a few of my pattern journey itineraries.
2 Weeks in Western Europe: First Time Travellers
Should you’re coming over to Europe for the primary time, you’ll be desperate to see as a lot as you may 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 is rarely sufficient time in Europe, you may nonetheless profit from your go to by tackling the most important 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 Japanese Europe: First Time Travellers
Should you’re trying to save a couple of dollars in your first backpacking journey, then think about heading to Japanese Europe. Lodging, meals, and leisure are less expensive there than in Western Europe, which means you may really feel comfy shopping for your new hostel mates an additional spherical of drinks.
Between the traditional cities and ornate structure, you’ll be capable of make your method by means of a few of Japanese 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 Japanese and Western Europe: Highlights
With one month in Europe, you’ll be capable of get a really feel for the environment 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 relatively than race by means of it. Sluggish-paced travellers can nonetheless backpack by means of Europe and benefit from the totally different websites many European international locations have to supply. As a profit, you’ll additionally spend much less time (and cash) on the street.
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 by means of Europe, their first thought was “Is Europe Secure?” In any case, I used to be a solo feminine traveller staying in hostels, taking trains, and strolling alone for eight months. Their considerations had been wholly justified.
Nonetheless, it’s exhausting to reply point-blank if Europe is protected or not. Security will rely on quite a lot of components, together with the place and how you journey. Whereas each place world wide has its personal set of risks, there are a number of methods to be protected whereas backpacking Europe.
Take Care of Your Valuables
Regardless of for those who’re in a giant metropolis or small village, it’s all the time essential to regulate your private belongings. Pickpockets and thieves may be anyplace.
Don’t carry round massive quantities of money, and take a look at to not put on something you don’t wish to lose, like costly sun shades or high quality jewelry. Should you’re staying in a resort, preserve your passport and valuables locked within the resort protected. And for those who’re in a hostel, spend money on a padlock to maintain your baggage safe all through the night time.
Make Dependable Mates
Take it from me, backpacking alone is a unbelievable expertise. You get the prospect to satisfy new individuals in hostels and even pleasant locals within the cafe. In my view, it’s essential to make reliable mates in the course of the journey. Not solely will you could have somebody to hang around with, however they’ll be there that will help you in case something goes awry.
Inform Household and Mates Your Itinerary
Earlier than you permit to your journey, give your loved ones and mates your detailed itinerary. Write down the tackle of your hostels, particulars of your practice journey, and another 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
Some of the essential issues you may take in your journey is worldwide journey insurance coverage. Journey insurance coverage protects you in opposition to quite a lot of travel-related incidents and might prevent 1000’s 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 additionally embody 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 had been to go incorrect in your journey, it’s essential which you could flip to your own home nation embassy for assist. Most international locations in Europe have one embassy and a number of consulate workplaces to your dwelling nation. From misplaced passports to medical emergencies, the embassy ought to be capable of help you in dire instances of want.
Backpacking Europe Off the Crushed Path
If it’s your first time in Europe, you’ll in all probability wish to go to the massive cities and widespread landmarks. Who can blame you – the Eiffel Tower at night time is spectacular! Nonetheless, among the greatest reminiscences might be made for those who get off the crushed path.
Positive, touristy cities are widespread for a cause. Alternatively, you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with different vacationers relatively than immersing your self with the locals. Should you’re in search of an genuine expertise in your nation, I like to recommend trying exterior the guidebooks and discovering a number of hidden gems by yourself.
Turn out to be Mates with Locals
Locals have one of the best recommendations on what to see and do of their dwelling nation. They know the place all one of the best eating places are, the place you may rating good offers on garments and souvenirs, and most significantly, the place you have to be spending your time throughout your journey.
Fb, MeetUp, and Couchsurfing are three wonderful websites for assembly different travellers and locals. Or for those who’re feeling pleasant, you may all the time ask your waitress, bartender, or resort workers to level you in the correct route.
Hire a Automotive or Scooter
Should you solely depend on trains and buses, you’re restricted to the place you may go within the nation. Most public transport programs 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 be capable of enterprise wherever your coronary heart needs.
Moreover, you may go at your personal tempo. Because you’re not tethered to a good practice schedule, you may discover the whole space at your leisure.
Do Your Analysis – However Not Too A lot!
As an alternative of studying a guidebook for one of the best locations to go to, I like to recommend scouring the web for recommendation. You’ll discover tons of of websites and journey blogs (with photos) about totally different locations different individuals have stumbled upon. And likelihood is, the places might be method much less touristy than what your guidebook recommends.
Though it’s good to do your homework, attempt to not persist with a strict itinerary. Be at liberty to be open-minded and take a number of dangers! A number of the greatest experiences are those that occur whenever you least count on them.
The Finest Off the Crushed Path Locations in Europe
By now, you must have an thought 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: Should you’re trying 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 may pattern this bubbly favorite.
- Orvieto, Italy: Nestled on the cliffside of a volcano, Orvieto is an aesthetic, charming village in the midst of Umbria. Come for the breathtaking views or pattern among 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 may be visited only for a day journey. Nonetheless, I like to recommend staying a number of 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 vigorous scholar inhabitants. After trying out their cobblestoned previous city, sit down in an out of doors cafe and revel in a pleasant, low-cost cup of espresso.
Backpacking Europe: The Finest Hikes
After all, the massive cities in Europe are fantastic on their very own. Nonetheless, it’s the pure great thing about the outside that brings these international locations to life. For a breath of recent air, think about embarking on an out of doors journey with considered one of these superb back-country hikes in Europe.
You’ll discover trails and hikes anyplace there are mountains, however listed below are among the hottest journies in Europe.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
Attracting non secular 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 be taught extra.
Japanese Dolomites, Italy
Many individuals flock to the Dolomites within the winter for picture-perfect snowboarding and snowboarding situations. Nonetheless, Japanese Dolomites can also be an important place for mountain climbing within the spring or summer time.
Contemplate making the trek from Dobbiaco to Belluno on this 10-day mountain climbing tour of Italy. The very best level of the journey is nearly 3,000-meters above sea degree, 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 Japanese European backpacking trails. In simply 28 days, you’ll get to discover Slovenia’s most interesting – Pohorje Hills, Kamnik and Savinja Alps, the Karavanke Alps, and the Julian Alps. It’s not a visit for the faint of coronary heart, but it surely’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. Newbies will benefit from the flat, leisurely tempo alongside Lake Zireiner See, whereas specialists can take the whole 24-day problem to see as a lot of South Tirol as they will.
There are dozens of huts and inns alongside the way in which, the place you may eat and spend the night time. Since they will ebook out upfront, I like to recommend reserving a mattress forward of time.
Samaria Gorge, Greece
If you end up in Crete, then think about taking the journey throughout the gorgeous Samaria Gorge. This 16 kilometer hike is right for intermediate or skilled travellers, because the trek to the highest may be steep and rocky. Nonetheless, the dramatic views from the 100-metre peak make it price it.
Bohemian Switzerland, the Czech Republic
Regardless of its title, Bohemian Switzerland really runs from Germany into the Czech Republic! Situated only some hours from Prague, this quick, leisurely hike boasts among the coolest karst formations in the whole nation. The spotlight of the hike is Pravčická Gate, a novel rock bridge that was used within the Chronicles of Narnia movie.
Able to Go Backpacking Europe?
Now that you’ve an thought of what backpacking Europe is like, it’s time to start out planning your supreme vacation. Spend a number of weeks train-hopping by means of Germany, sunbathing within the south of Spain, or driving down the coast from Romania to Bulgaria. Regardless of for those who select Japanese Europe, Western Europe, or each, your choices for journey are limitless.
Even when you’ve got only one week, you may 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 essential to journey with an open thoughts. As a backpacker, you’ll inevitably expertise new cultures and have the chance to satisfy individuals from world wide. So long as you’re open to new experiences, I’m certain you’re going to have an unforgettable backpacking journey.
