12 backpacking tips for Europe

Backpacking through Europe has long been a favourite way for families, couples and college kids to see the best of the continent while meeting new people and saving a couple bucks here and there. There is more to backpacking than throwing a bunch of stuff in a bag and buying a plane ticket, though. There are tips and tricks that can help you plan smart, pack smarter and travel with ease. Instead of fumbling mid-trip with what to do when you find yourself in a jam, use these backpacking tips and tricks to make your trip as smooth and as enjoyable as possible.

Planning

We’ve said it before and we will say it again—you can’t plan too much for a holiday! Especially when you are travelling with literally only what you have on your back, planning ahead can be a real life saver.

1. Create a full itinerary

Start with where you want to go, what countries you want to visit, and how long you want to travel. Next, decide on a budget for your trip. Making your budget fit with your dream may cause for a few tweaks on your itinerary—but in the end hopefully you won’t have to compromise too much. You may have to skip an area or plan for a cheaper means of accommodation. Once you choose your transportation accommodation, you will want to include as much information in your itinerary as possible. Include train station names, airport names, flight numbers, etc. Also, always have a Plan B. You never know when you’ll miss your train stop and end up in another country or can’t afford a taxi from the airport to your hostel.

Once you have your entire “travel packet” mapped out, print a copy and create a travel binder for yourself. You can also keep a copy on your phone. Perhaps most importantly, be sure to share your plans with close friends or family so that someone knows where you’ll be at all times and how to get in touch.

2. Make a packing list

Create a list of everything you need and want to take with you. Now, cut that in half. Visiting a few countries in a two-week period can quickly become annoying when you have a heavy backpack literally weighing you down. Just imagine yourself lugging a heavy backpack from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the train station, and then repeat that process a few more times. If your back hurts just thinking about it, take another couple things out of the “want” pile and you’ll feel better.

Pack Smart

Packing is one of the most important parts of preparing to travel through multiple countries, as what you bring will determine whether you have an enjoyable trip or a miserable one.

3. Choose the perfect pack

Spare yourself the trouble of lugging around a heavy suitcase and just skip the suitcase altogether. A backpack will be more convenient and allow flexibility if you need to run to the train station or shimmy through a crowd of people on a platform. Choose one that is lightweight, that has back support, and is top-loading. A top-loading pack is the best way to avoid worrying about broken zippers or half-closed pouches. The only downfall is that it can be difficult to get what you need quickly…

4. Pack strategically

…so pack strategically! Throwing everything in messily probably means that you won’t be able to fit everything you need. Instead choose a strategic method, like rolling each individual piece of clothing. Also, group like items into travel bags so that you can easily access them. One with patterns will be great for quickly knowing what is in each bag.

5. Pack lightweight clothes

Packing lightweight clothes will make for a more comfortable trek in humid climates. They will also be great for laundering purposes. To eliminate excess clothing for a more lightweight pack, bring along only a few outfits. You can wash them in the bathroom sink and let them air-dry overnight. Lightweight options will ensure that they are dry by morning or in just a short time if you get caught in a rainstorm.

Seriously…just leave these things behind

6. Sleeping bag

You won’t need it, unless you plan on sleeping among the stars or if your accommodation location specifically calls for it. If anything, a sleeping bag will just weigh you down, add bulk to your person, and create more hassles than help.

7. Hair dryer

You don’t need it. Seriously, it is completely unnecessary. Hotels have a hair dryer in every room and for all other accommodations, just go au naturel. Let your hair air dry and embrace the natural look—it’ll match your backpacker vibe. Try out a ponytail or a nice braid for the humid days.

8. Valuables

If it would break your heart to lose it, don’t bring it. Any number of catastrophes can happen while travelling and you don’t want to bring something along that is one-of-a-kind like your great-grandmother’s diamond necklace or those really expensive pair of jeans.

Accommodations

9. Choose budget or luxury

If saving money and getting the most out of your trip is important to you, choose cheaper options such as a hostel or couch surfing. These will save you the most money so that you can go more places and see more attractions.

Some may prefer to save money, but for others, a nice hotel with comfortable amenities is absolutely necessary. Decide what is important to you and build your budget around that.

10. Check the reviews

Hostels can be an intimidating experience if you are used to comfortable hotels with all the bells and whistles. That does not mean, however, that they are lacking in amenities. Check the website and read the reviews to see what the best place to stay is. Make sure that your hotel is not is a creepy part of town.

Transportation

11. Eurail

Going from country to country can be as easy as stepping 50 feet or as prolonged as taking a couple-hours-long flight. If you want to save money and will be in Europe for at least two weeks, look into a Eurail pass. It will allow you to visit multiple countries in Europe for one low price. Map out how far you need to go and the best way to get there to help make your decision.

12. Campervan

Another popular option is a campervan. You can travel around Europe and see many sights with the comfort of a hotel right in your van.

With these tips under your hat, you’re off to a great start for your backpacking adventure. So it’s time to start at the top of the list and start planning where and what you want to do on your backpacking exploration of Europe. As you make plans and buy tickets and get excited about your time abroad, don’t forget travel insurance—youGo offers travel cover just for backpackers. When you are flexible and roaming the continent, it’s always helpful to have a company at home looking out for you in case something bad happens—you never know what can happen when travelling!