Backpacking accross Europe - Need Advice

[flylock shox]

Rail travel is also way bosser than flying. Any North American has been on a plane before, but not many have had the experience of true rail travel.

Just don't go through Switzerland or Germany extensively by train without a pass. Those countries are bloody expensive.

[SeeBass]

Some of the tips can be quite simple

-scan your passport and email it to yourself
-ziploc bags and sanitary wipes are your friend
-pack your own sheet and pillow case
-sandals for the shower
-bring postcards from home to give out as a thank you
-leave the flag off you backpack, people who prejudge you by where you are from you don't need to meet, the ones who want to know who you are worth knowing

[cDnStealth]

Having just been back to Europe in July I can suggest some things.

1. Eurail passes are not neccessarily the best thing. I don't know if I actually broke even on the cost of the pass. I spent the first week or so in the UK so I was forced to fly. Night trains cost extra unless (and I found this out after making a error booking a night train) you just hop on with your pass. You can be on a night train without paying the extra fee but be prepared to go without a seat or bed.

2. As someone mentioned earlier, Hostelbookers is a great site for finding places to stay. I also used hostelworld occasionally. I usually booked a day or two in advance and didn't run into too many issues. It never hurts to book in advance and will give you some peace of mind if you don't leave it until the last minute.

3. Which brings me to my next point. BRING a computer, smart phone or tablet. It was so frustrating not having something I could use to access the internet. Most places you stay at will have wifi but not every place will have computers you can use. I wasted time and money looking for and using internet cafes. Save yourself the trouble and headache by bringing something with wifi capabilites.

4. Pack light. Don't bring a bunch of stuff you don't need. Really think about what you're taking and ask yourself how much you'll use it. You're going to be carrying everything with you so don't bog yourself down with useless things. If you find you need something you can always buy it over there.

5. MEC sells these collapsable packing cube things which are amazing. You can get smaller ones which are leak proof (great for any kind of liquid you might be bringing like sunscreen) and larger ones for your clothes. Really helps keep your stuff organized and compact. http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Travel...lothes-box.jsp

[Lt.Spears]

Ironic that i watched National Lampoons European Vacation this weekend... hopefully your trip goes something like that :P

[Superfraggle]

Originally Posted by SeeBass

-leave the flag off you backpack, people who prejudge you by where you are from you don't need to meet, the ones who want to know who you are worth knowing

Strongly disagree. The worst thing Canadians have going for us is our accent, as most Europeans can't distinguish it from American. The flag lets them know where we are from. When I was in Italy, people instantly got friendlier and vendors got cheaper when they learned we were Canadian. Should that be the case? No, but it's real useful.

[Lt.Spears]

Definitely stop in Austria if you can, i feel like its one of the more overlooked countries where people typically hit up Italy, France, GB, and Germany.

[NBC]

Originally Posted by Superfraggle

Strongly disagree. The worst thing Canadians have going for us is our accent, as most Europeans can't distinguish it from American. The flag lets them know where we are from. When I was in Italy, people instantly got friendlier and vendors got cheaper when they learned we were Canadian. Should that be the case? No, but it's real useful.

Vehemently disagree. The whole Canada v USA thing is way too overblown (especially by Canadian tourists) and has been for years. Why does one feel the need to advertise where one is from? Keeping a lower profile and remaining relatively anonymous is far more beneficial and will provide a more enjoyable overall experience than a bunch of pretentious flag-waving.

My experience over the past 20 years has told me that while locals may appreciate certain Canadians as opposed to Americans, many find the over zealous nationalism and flag-bearing of Canadians quite odd. The Maple Leaf on one's luggage is nothing more than a calling card for letting fellow "backpackers" (yuk!) know that you are Canadian and proud of it.

Like the earlier poster recommended lose the flag, you'll be better off for it.

[undercoverbrother]

One piece of advise, do not ignore eastern europe. it was THE best place i went. the people were nice, the bars stayed open all night.

amazing part of the world, and totally different from western europe.

[Glass n Out]

Just spent two and a half months going through Germany, Czech, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal with my brother.
Eurail is a decent deal, but other than Swiss and Germany trains, you'll come out pretty much even.
Flights are dirt cheap if you can book them a few weeks in advance, they're usually not too far from the city center as well, with great transit options to and from (unlike YYC). Ryan Air, Vuel, Easy Jet.
Use www.canadianaffair.com to get there.
Swiss army knife was a good one, a spoon would be clutch as well. We ate a lot of yogurt, cheese and bread.
Lots of socks and underwear, shirts and jeans can last a few of days.
Earplugs!!! If you're staying in hostels, these are gold.
Always plan your exit strategy before you go out.
Euro chicks love adding Canadian guys to their list, so like everyone else is saying, lots of domes.

[Boric]

double post

[Boric]

Looking for advice, planning on meeting a friend over there July 6th. I have never traveled before, and have read this thread already so I got abit of an idea.

My travels will start July 6th where I plan on going to the running with the bulls festival in Spain. After a weekend of that I plan on flying up to Scotland where I will try and play some golf at the old course, check out a day or two at the British open, and check out castles and loch s and such. Then to Ireland for a week or so which includes a lot of beer drinking and leprechaun catching. After that I am hoping to crash at a friends place in England and check out the Olympics for a week.
This brings us to august were I plan on flying over to Denmark and beginning my journey down through Denmark, Belgium, Holland, northern Germany, France and then back in Spain for a couple days to try and make it to the tomato fight. The tomato fight is the last Wednesday of august and after this I am planing on traveling through a couple eastern European countries until circling back to Germany for Oktoberfest, which starts on September 22nd.
This will conclude my travels and I am hoping to be back in Canada for thanksgiving.
As far as booking anything I only plan on trying to book accommodation for places like the running with the bulls or British open or Oktoberfest.

Anyone with experience able to give me tips, how much I would be looking at spending most likely? What do i need to take? How much clothing/what type.

Also what are some must see in the locations mentioned above?

Thanks

[Aeneas]

Thats some trip Boric. Been to every country you specifically mentioned, plus been to much of eastern Europe.

There is no way I am typing an answer though, that would take quite a while.
You might want to elaborate a bit. After you get to Denmark, are you going to use buses, trains, rent a car?
Will you be using hotels, hostels, or campgrounds?

If you search a bit here, there have been many threads that will provide great advice and suggestions.

[icarus]

Originally Posted by Boric

Looking for advice, planning on meeting a friend over there July 6th. I have never traveled before, and have read this thread already so I got abit of an idea.

My travels will start July 6th where I plan on going to the running with the bulls festival in Spain. After a weekend of that I plan on flying up to Scotland where I will try and play some golf at the old course, check out a day or two at the British open, and check out castles and loch s and such. Then to Ireland for a week or so which includes a lot of beer drinking and leprechaun catching. After that I am hoping to crash at a friends place in England and check out the Olympics for a week.
This brings us to august were I plan on flying over to Denmark and beginning my journey down through Denmark, Belgium, Holland, northern Germany, France and then back in Spain for a couple days to try and make it to the tomato fight. The tomato fight is the last Wednesday of august and after this I am planing on traveling through a couple eastern European countries until circling back to Germany for Oktoberfest, which starts on September 22nd.
This will conclude my travels and I am hoping to be back in Canada for thanksgiving.
As far as booking anything I only plan on trying to book accommodation for places like the running with the bulls or British open or Oktoberfest.

Anyone with experience able to give me tips, how much I would be looking at spending most likely? What do i need to take? How much clothing/what type.

Also what are some must see in the locations mentioned above?

Thanks

That looks expensive. But its doable if you keep things really cheap, like staying only at hostels or campgrounds and only eat from supermarkets (pasta & pesto is always a good cheap alternative). Pack light and do laundry whenever you can.

The running of the bulls, Sanfermin, is bonkers, glad you'll be doing that. It will be a highlight of your trip. Pamplona is so much fun when its on, public drunkenness is encouraged. Have a sober one the night before you run with the bulls though! The build up is scary and people do get seriously hurt and killed every year so make sure you're feeling alert. Drink kalimotxo like the locals do (one part red wine, one part coke)--cheap and refreshing. If you don't have accommodation booked already you might be hard pressed although I stayed at a campground on the outskirts of town which was basically its own festival. Take a white t-shirt and white pants, and buy the scarf and sash when you get there. Read Hemingway's 'The Sun Also Rises' on the flight over to set the mood.

[Flame Of Liberty]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

One piece of advise, do not ignore eastern europe. it was THE best place i went. the people were nice, the bars stayed open all night.

amazing part of the world, and totally different from western europe.

Amen to that!

[Boric]

Thanks for the information, its come pretty sudden for me so im just starting my research / planning.

When we start the Denmark --> Germany/France part of the trip we were planning to just use the train for the most part, maybe rent a car for a breif portion but we are not really sure. Ive heard pro's and con's for getting a Railpass and it sounds like its probably better to just pay as we go with trains. Anyone have experience with renting car (price / easy?) also with the trains and railpass (how expensive)?

For the majority of the trip we plan on staying in hostels, and from breif research it seems most are ~20-30 Euro's a night? Does that sound right?

Our only real plan as of now is the start point in Spain and the Running of the bulls festival which we have found a few hostels for ~120-130 for 3 nights each which sounds reasonable.

How much should I expect to spend a day ~? My quick estimate is 30$ a night average and 50$ a day for food/etc? Some nights when we go out partying will be more expensive I understand but is $80-$100 a day a realistic estimate (minus flights?). I have ~15,000$ saved up for the entire trip as of now, so hoping that will be enough with flight over/back etc. Sound like enough? too little?

Im going to be updating this thread as I research more and have a better idea of what we are planning to see in each country and would love any advice / feedback from others experiences.

Thanks,

[cDnStealth]

Originally Posted by Boric

Thanks for the information, its come pretty sudden for me so im just starting my research / planning.

When we start the Denmark --> Germany/France part of the trip we were planning to just use the train for the most part, maybe rent a car for a breif portion but we are not really sure. Ive heard pro's and con's for getting a Railpass and it sounds like its probably better to just pay as we go with trains. Anyone have experience with renting car (price / easy?) also with the trains and railpass (how expensive)?

For the majority of the trip we plan on staying in hostels, and from breif research it seems most are ~20-30 Euro's a night? Does that sound right?

Our only real plan as of now is the start point in Spain and the Running of the bulls festival which we have found a few hostels for ~120-130 for 3 nights each which sounds reasonable.

How much should I expect to spend a day ~? My quick estimate is 30$ a night average and 50$ a day for food/etc? Some nights when we go out partying will be more expensive I understand but is $80-$100 a day a realistic estimate (minus flights?). I have ~15,000$ saved up for the entire trip as of now, so hoping that will be enough with flight over/back etc. Sound like enough? too little?

Im going to be updating this thread as I research more and have a better idea of what we are planning to see in each country and would love any advice / feedback from others experiences.

Thanks,

I think it cost me on average 25 Euro a night during my trip last summer. Keep in mind that prices will differ from country to country and location plays a big factor. Something central close to major sites will generally cost more. I think the highest priced place I stayed was 36 Euros and the cheapest was 6 Euros. $50 a day sounds resonable. I know some days all I spent on food was less then $10 Canadian. Supermakets are your friend if you're looking to save money. Water can be had extremely cheap at these place too. We're talking under 1 Euro for a 2L bottle of water. Obviously you'll be drinking throughout your trip but don't forget to stay hydrated with water. It gets extremely hot in Europe during the summer and the last thing you'll want is to miss out on something because you're suffering from heat exhaustion.

As for what to bring. Take as little as possible because you have to carry everything around. Try to only bring things you think you'll use regularly. For instance, if you get to Scotland and it's raining you can just buy a cheap umbrella and the toss it later. No need to drag something around for your entire trip that you might only use for a couple days.

[Lt.Spears]

Im super jealous, you basically get to do in 3-4 months what most people dream of doing their whole lives. Lucky man.

[Boric]

Originally Posted by Lt.Spears

Im super jealous, you basically get to do in 3-4 months what most people dream of doing their whole lives. Lucky man.

Thanks, im getting super excited. Unfortunately the circumstance that made this possible arent the best (Breakup with long-long term girlfriend). So trying to wrap my head around it all and not make a hasty decision to get away from the situation... but from all the advice I would be dumb not to go on this adventure.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Eric Vail

Eurail passes are overrated. Most of your longer travel times you can fly for much cheaper and faster then the train. For the shorter routes, the train doesn't cost that much.

I'd never buy a Eurail pass again, not with the cheap charter airlines in Europe.

Kind of hard to see the countries you're passing through when you're 30,000 feet in the air.

[Boric]

So looks as if the first weekend of the festival in Spain is already pretty hard to find hostel/hotel. We are thinking of spending the first 3-4 days somewhere else in Spain and training over Monday for the festival.

Anyone have experience with some must see's?