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Home » Europe » Backpacking Travel Guide

The COMPLETE Backpacking Europe Travel Guide | 2024

Where in the world can you comfortably pass 3 countries and 3 different languages in a day? That’s the wonder that travelling Europe offers you. This continent has cultural variety, wild parties, mind-boggling history, world-class hostels, and new friends in spades. 

I was born in Europe, so my travels here go back as far as my memories do. I’ve basked on the glorious Spanish beaches, skied in the Italian Alps, and dived into the depth of Roman history. 

And yet, my crazy adventures in Europe are still only just beginning. I’m ALWAYS craving more. 

Whether you’re thinking of a quick beginners’ trip or a full-blown, life-changing interrailing affair, you’re bound to fall in love. Maybe it’ll be a place, or a person or two. 😉 

Although, if you don’t already know, backpacking Europe is no cheap thrill. Especially in the likes of Paris, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, even a hostel dorm can set you back and send you home with your tail between your legs if you’re not careful. I’ve heard one too many backpackers calling home asking mummy to pay their return ticket. 

But you don’t need to be like them. Because you’ve got this backpacking Europe travel guide!

I’m here to dish it all. I’ll give you the low down on costs, the best travel itineraries, and all the tips and tricks you’ll ever need. 

It’s so beautiful I’m going to cry.

Why Go Backpacking in Europe?

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Backpacking Europe has no equal. There is no region on earth with such a diverse range of landscapes, cultures and languages contained within such a small(ish) space. Everywhere else is frankly boring when pitted against the technicoloured dream coat of Europe.

From alcoholic Bavarian breakfasts, ancient ruins and train rides so pretty they could briefly render a local politician speechless, the breadth and scope of Europe is enormous. Not forgetting we can make a mess in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia too, you’re basically screwed unless you have about a year.

For many people, backpacking Europe is about ticking off a list of the famous and well-known cities . Let me tell you now. GET THIS SILLY IDEA OUT OF YOUR HEAD. You’re not hitchhiking with the Jehovah’s Witnesses or conquering Triglav, Olympus or Korab from a Starbucks/Costa/Pret a Manger are ya?!?

Find the balance. Visit some awesome cities, but make time to head out into the sticks and see the side of Europe you didn’t expect. There is an impeccable backpacking vibe in Europe, and you are bound to take some truly questionable stories home with you…

…If only you knew where to look… 😉

How to Tackle Europe Like a Pro

Right children, as a native European with more travel experience than Leonardo di Caprio’s wandering eyes, I have some juicy advice for you. First things first: Europe is expensive. Learn how to mooch through Europe on a budget !

Staying at a hostel in a well-known city (e.g. London, Rome, Paris, Barcelona) can set you back around $70. If you’re trying to make your trip last, it is worth knowing which are the cheap countries , and how to get some sleep in the ones that aren’t.

It’s also worth remembering which countries aren’t in the Schengen zone. Not only might you need to make additional travel adjustments, but it is worth knowing if you want to extend your stay in Europe . Basically, this is just the UK, a large swathe of Eastern Europe, and Turkey. Good for long stays!

You may want to grab an interrailing ticket if you’re travelling far and wide. These can work out much cheaper than paying for each individual train, which is another great boost for the budget. Taking a tent can also save you some serious bank whilst backpacking Europe.

Europe is fucking huge and it packs a punch too. This means that even on a (hypothetical) lifetime Europe backpacking trip, just accept it: you’re never going to see it all.

Backpacking Europe is best when you can travel it slowly . But don’t stress it because there’s plenty of ground you can cover even on a shorter trip to Western Europe.

If you only have a week or so, I recommend that you focus your Europe trip on either A) just one country or B) a few close-together cities. Luckily, the travel infrastructure is really good: train travel is a dream and buses are frequent. Plus, thanks to the European Union and its open borders, once you’re in one country, you can basically keep crossing borders as often as you’d like.

Here are a few ideas for an awesome backpacking trip to Europe.

2-Week Travel Itinerary for Europe – The Big Bois of Backpacking Europe

Start your travels from Berlin . Germany’s capital is like its own little islet – nothing like the rest of the country. Explore its history and party at world-famous clubs before heading out to Hamburg – you know, to get a taste of “normal Germany”. I highly recommend staying in St. Pauli which is the coolest area in Hamburg!

From Germany, cross over to Holland’s boozy, breezy, fun capital Amsterdam . From there, it’s easy to take a train or a bus to Brussels, in Belgium. (You could also stay in Ghent which is much prettier. Do take a day trip to Bruges, though!)

The next stop is dazzling Paris , undoubtedly the capital of romance in Europe. From Paris, take the Eurostar train to visit London .

This is the last stop in your itinerary. Wherever you’re headed next, London is one of the biggest transportation hubs in Europe.

1-Month Travel Itinerary for Europe: Southern Europe Gems

One month is the ideal Europe backpacking trip for first-timers. You’ll have time to explore a few countries and stay an extra few days in the places you fall in love with. In this itinerary, we’re diving into Southern Europe.

Start your trip in Lisbon , Portugal’s capital and one of the liveliest cities in Europe. Take trips to Sintra and Porto . Sintra can be done as a day trip whereas visiting Porto warrants at least a night’s stay.

Next, cross the border to Spain to explore Madrid . From the Spanish capital, finding onwards transportation to Barcelona is super easy. (Barcelona is also a long-time backpacker favourite!)

From Barcelona, cross over to France and spend a couple of days on the French Riviera. You could also do a lil’ side trip to Monaco to gawk at the rich&richer. But just a warning – this area is expensive as hell!

Next up, we head to Italy where you’ll spend the rest of your trip. First, explore Milan ; the fashion capital.

Then head to the floating city Venice, then the ultra-beautiful Florence . Lastly, end your trip in a highlight with a stay in Rome .

3-Month Travel Itinerary for Europe: Holy Shit, It’s the Grand Tour of Europe

Having 3 months or more for backpacking through Europe is an awesome experience. Make the most of the 90-day Schengen Zone liberty (plus the UK). You can move at your own pace and take the time to enjoy the places you love.

Still – need I remind you? – Europe is fucking massive. 3 months is a great trip but you’ll still struggle to cover everything possible. Sometimes it might even be the best option’s better to take a cheap plane ride between destinations rather than waste a day on a bus.

Stop first in Greece . Staying in Athens is really epic and it is a great gateway to the famous Greek Islands. ( Mamma Mia , anyone?) 

Next up – Italy . Explore Naples for the origins of that pizza in Naples. See the remnants of a super-influential ancient culture in Rome, and hike along the coast in Cinque Terre.

From Italy, visit Switzerland , AKA ‘the pit of doom’ when it comes to backpacking Europe on a budget. However, the Swiss Alps are some of the most beautiful parts of Europe so it’s worth a splurge.

Continue on to Vienna, Austria . It may look fancy but it has a punk rock heart and there are some great places to stay in Vienna too.

Then, we move on to Germany . Munich is your gateway to experiences in Southern Germany and it has great connections to other awesome cities in Germany: Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Dresden, and eventually, Berlin.

Travel through the Netherlands and Belgium to Paris, France . From there, you can easily get to London and further explore the UK . I highly recommend making a stop in Edinburgh to get a taste of Scottish life.

From the UK, you can fly down to Barcelona and conclude your trip by adventuring around Spain and Portugal .

If you are going to be spending a whole month in Europe bouncing between different countries, then we recommend downloading the HolaFly Europe eSim package before your trip begins. Packages start at just $1.20 per day and can offer data access and internet connectivity all over Europe for the entire duration of your trip.

Wherever you decide to go on your Euro backpacking trip, the magic will surely blow your mind. Each country in Europe is unique, full of surprises, and requires its own individual approach and strategy with regard to your travel budget in Europe.

Uh, just one thing: Europe, as a whole, has dozens of countries. (44 or 51, depending on what kind of geographical allowances we’re making…)

As I’m writing a blog and not a book, this Europe travel guide is focused on Western and Southern Europe . Meaning I’m only covering 11 countries and a bit today. Boo.

But don’t despair! There’s plenty more to explore in Europe.

• Backpacking Scandinavia travel guide
• Backpacking Turkey travel guide
• Backpacking the Balkans
• Backpacking the Caucasus

Backpacking Italy

Italy has been a popular vacation destination for a looooonggg time. Tourists have been coming here for years to see the likes of the Colosseum, drink wine in Tuscany , tour the canals of Venice – all that touristy stuff.

Consequently, few people stray far from the main backpacking route in Italy and, unsurprisingly, many say that tourism here has become a bit calcified. Some might say that Italy can offer nothing else besides the same postcard views and disgruntled baristas.

But there’s a lot more to see in Italy besides the usual attractions because, let’s be honest, everything in Italy is beautiful . Pound for pound, Italy might be one of the most beautiful countries in the world and you’d be hard-pressed to find a single ugly stone here.

The beaches of Puglia and Sardinia are among the most brilliant in Europe (they don’t compare the former to “The Maldives” for no reason). The Dolomites are truly one of a kind and few other mountains can really compete.

Rome … Rome is amazing . Where else can you find masterpieces from almost every era of western civilization?

Italian food, which has received a similar treatment, should be explored with equal enthusiasm. Sicily with its miles of coastline produces some of the finest seafood in the country, not to mention amazing desserts. The tagliere (deli meats) of Toscana are the best you’ll find.

So give Italy a chance! Don’t let the jaded, bitter tourists tell you there’s nothing new to see or do here; you just need to get off the beaten path a bit. Visit Florence , see the Almafi Coast but set aside some time for exploring the lesser-visited regions, like Marche, Umbria, Calabria, and so on.

But also – what’s wrong with seeing the same stuff as everyone else? There’s a reason Rome is popular. A gorgeous reason…

Backpacking Europe can never be completed without dipping a toe into Italy.

What to Know Before Visiting Italy

• Don’t miss out on … staying in Bologna . It evades most people’s radar even though it’s arguably the coolest city in Italy. Amazing food, beautiful architecture, and a nightlife that doesn’t quit.
• You know what’s overrated… the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Soooo many horrible selfies and awkward poses. Take a moment to actually appreciate the nearby duomo and baptistry guys.
• The coolest hostel is… The RomeHello Hostel . Offering some top-tier communal spaces, many activities for the guests, comfy beds, a great location, and good vibes atmosphere.
• The best food is found… everywhere! Really – you’re in Italy – you can’t go wrong here. Genoa, Bologna, Naples, and Sicily all take top honors.

Backpacking France

France might just be one of the most diverse countries you’ll set your foot in whilst backpacking through Europe. In addition to two coasts and two mountain ranges, France has a wide variety of cultures, landscapes, and food packed into one country.

Paris is amazing and seriously one of the most exciting cities in the world. It’s a city of romance, famous art, morbid history, and grand architecture. But don’t stop your exploration at the capital!

The Mediterranean coast, so-called French Riviera , is something straight out of your dreams. Trekking or skiing in the Alps is an unforgettable experience.

Bordeaux is one of the coolest cities I’ve ever visited, and staying in Lyon and Marseille are just as pretty. Let alone all the tiny little towns that are straight out of a postcard…

There are so many places to stay in France . Wherever you turn, you will find different kinds of wine, cheese, and even variations of the French language. If you love food, culture, and outdoor playgrounds, a stopover in France is an obvious choice for backpacking Europe.

Forget about the old stereotypes about the French being rude and uptight. The French can be like soft-boiled eggs: they have a shell on the outside but with it removed they are softies at heart. France is full of lovely soft-boiled eggs, uhm I mean humans…

Since France is quite a large country in European terms, there are so many hidden gems that I have lost track. From stunning medieval castles to picturesque villages and cities, backpacking in France is truly an unforgettable experience.

What to Know Before Visiting France

• Don’t miss out on… Staying a night at a mountain refuge in the Alps. Le Refuge de la Charpoua is particularly epic.
• You know what’s overrated… paying to go up the Eiffel Tower. Paris is expensive . Save money and see it from below.
• The coolest hostel is… The People – Paris Nation . Excellent location. It has beds with curtains (I love privacy), a cozy cafe/bar where to chill and work, and a great terrace to see the sunset.
• The best food is found in… Can’t go wrong with a bit of Brie and a bottle of Bourdeaux. But that’s just the beginning; as they say there, is a different wine and cheese to try every day of the year…

Backpacking Portugal

Portugal is a grand paradise of sorts. The pace is slower than other European countries (and compared to other offenders on this list, cheaper, too).

The country is packed with friendly locals, charming villages, fun parties, and one of the most chill vibes you will come across anywhere on earth.

Backpacking in Portugal is very easy and Portugal is my favourite country to solo travel in Europe too. Ultimately it’s a great place to begin your international adventure, solo or not.

Spot the famous blue tiles in Porto. Feel like a royal at the castles in Sintra.

Eat seafood in Lisbon. Drink ice-cold beer and smile like a fool whilst taking in an epic sunset over the ocean in Algarve.

Most backpackers start their trip in Lisbon as it appeals to just about everyone. There’s amazing food, good weather, great parties in Bairo Alto, and lots of places to see nearby. Definitely don’t skip Sintra ; the epic village full of fairytale castles is one the top places to see in Portugal.

The south of Portugal, also known as the Algarve , is the more Mediterranean part of the country. It resembles more southern Spain not only in the scenery but in vibes.

Expect a lot of tourists and more than a few drunken, wandering Aussies. But hey – the coastline is gorgeous and stays warm all year round. You can also find some of the best surf in the Northern Hemisphere off Portugal’s many beaches .

In Northern Portugal, Porto is a popular student city. It’s also bustling, busy, fun, and beautiful. Some backpackers even prefer it to Lisbon!

Portugal also has two semi-autonomous island regions: the Azores and Madeira. Both are very different from the mainland and absolutely magical.

Hiking in Madeira is uniquely epic! But visiting Azores is like backpacking a mini-New Zealand.

What to Know Before Visiting Portugal

• Don’t miss out on… Porto. Backpackers love Lisbon , but its northern neighbour is just as cool. Keep an eye out for its famous blue tiles.
• Keep an eye out for… drunken backpackers in Lagos. It’s not widely advertised but this place is a SHITSHOW at night. If you’d like to be one of them, stay in one of the party hostels.
• The coolest hostel is… Home Lisbon Hostel – The people’s favourite: mama’s cooked dinner, free walking tours, and a super homey feeling. You feel so welcome here.
• The best food is found in… the Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon. This is the Mecca of all food markets, the cream of the crop.

Backpacking Spain

Many backpackers claim Spain as their favourite country. Are they right?

I think so. You do not have to look too far to see why this country, in addition to producing some lovely human beings, is a magical land for backpackers.

Like to sleep? You came to the wrong country. The Spanish have breakfast at 10, lunch at 4, and dinner at midnight.

Spain is a country that truly never sleeps. It’s in the culture to practice sleep deprivation in style. Maybe all those midday siestas help?

Spain just has a certain charm to it. Small plates of delicious tapas , cool, cold wine served with sweet orange and melon…

Is it those fine beaches? Old olive groves running through tiny villages? Or the church in Barcelona that is a perpetual construction project?

My suspicion is that my love of Spain is deeply rooted in all of the little nuances you experience daily whilst travelling here. Many backpackers just roll through Barcelona and maybe go visit Madrid . Whilst those cities are not to be missed, backpacking through Spain without exploring its other regions is a mistake.

In the north, you can hike majestic mountains in Asturias and eat awesome seafood in San Sebastian . Track down the origins of paella when staying in Valencia .

Explore Andalucia in the south with its Islamic architecture, free tapas, and the cheapest prices in Spain. (Seriously – Granada, Seville, and Cordoba are AWESOME.) Go to a football game. Find some flamenco.

Doesn’t that sound like fun? This is Spain.

What to Know Before Visiting Spain

• Don’t miss out on… the Basque region. It’s like a completely different country, with epic landscapes and an extremely fascinating history. San Sebastian is the best place to stay.
• You know what’s overrated … bull fights. The Spanish hardly go to them – it’s cruelty set up for tourists’s entertainment. Opt for a flamenco show or tapas tour instead.
• The coolest hostel is… The Central House Madrid Lavapiés . Everything a hostel should have. Relaxation, work and social areas. A pool, a bar, a terrace, lockers, and curtains on comfortable beds.
• The best food is found in… Granada. Andalucia has some of the only totally free tapas in Spain, and Granada has the best tapas restos. Asian fusion or Moroccan tapas? You’ll find it here.

Backpacking Switzerland

If you are planning on spending time in the Alps, a hiking trip to Switzerland is an obvious choice. Switzerland is a land full of the Alps, quaint villages, and hip cities.

Heard of the Matterhorn mountain? (That’s the Toblerone mountain.) It lives in Switzerland.

In addition to its powdery peaks, Switzerland is also home to gorgeous alpine lakes. Take in some of the ancient castle fortifications lakeside by day and sip the legendary Swiss hot chocolate by night.

Zurich may be the financial heart of Europe but it’s still surprisingly cool. Lausanne is small but gorgeous, and the capital Bern is equally so. Don’t skip Luzerne since it just might be the most beautiful city in Switzerland. But these are just a few ideas of where to stay in Switzerland – numerous hidden gems await.

You do have to pay for the pleasure in Switzerland . For better or worse, the Swiss people have this whole thriving economy thing down to a T.

As a country long resistant to changing over to the Euro, the Swiss Franc is as strong as ever before. For backpackers, this translates into a scenario of high cost, high reward.

That said, Switzerland will certainly do anything but disappoint. It’s worth the splurge even if you are backpacking Europe on a budget.

What to Know Before Visiting Switzerland

• Don’t miss out on… the Bernese Oberland. This region features probably the most famous and stunning hikes in Switzerland . Check out the trails around Eiger and the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
• Keep an eye out for… the prices; the pure, unadulterated, merciless, eye-gouging, seemingly unreal prices. You’ll need to employ every trick in the book to keep costs down.
• The coolest hostel is… Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof Interlaken. It offers a ton of freebies!
• The best food is found in… the grocery stores. Swiss food is just ok; certainly not worth the prices at the restaurants!

Backpacking Germany

After gaining a (justified) terrible reputation on the world stage in the first half of the 20th century, Germany has emerged over the last 50 years as an economic powerhouse and centre of culture in Europe. Modern-day Germany is an awesome place to go backpacking through Europe – and a fan favourite among many gap year kids and older travellers alike. You won’t be hard-pressed to find a great hostel in Germany .

As a lover of cool cities and good beer, I am totally enamored with Germany. While famous for its fast cars and pretzels, there is so much more to see whilst backpacking Germany: historic towns, medieval monasteries and fantastical castles , culture-filled cities, fairy-tale forests, and majestic mountains.

To top it off, Germany has one of the strongest economies in the EU, yet traveling here is surprisingly affordable in comparison to the rest of Western Europe. (Pro tip: Eastern Germany is even cheaper than Western Germany.) Backpacking Germany is a great addition to any European travel itinerary!

Most backpackers gravitate towards Berlin , and for good reason: its nightlife is unbeatable and there is a wealth of culture to keep people interested. But the capital is its own thing – it doesn’t resemble the rest of Germany at all. For European backpackers, there are tons more awesome spots to uncover.

Dresden , beaten to shit during WWII, has been wonderfully restored. Hamburg is one of the coolest cities in the country, at least if you’re staying in the St Pauli neighbourhood.

Bavaria in the South is known for the Black Forest area (one of Germany’s National Parks ), an unintelligible dialect of German, and beautiful scenery. Finally, Regensburg may be the prettiest town in the country. But there are SO MANY others – some completely micro-sized.

What to Know Before Visiting Germany

• Don’t miss out on… visiting a beer hall. No one can drink like the Germans and by that, I mean with such control and enjoyment at the same time.
• You know what’s overrated… Munich. The city itself, whilst pretty, doesn’t offer a lot in the way of attractions. The locals can be pretty arrogant too.
• The coolest hostel is… Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft . A cozy social vibe. A bohemian retro-style hostel with a cafe that becomes a bar at night. And a common area open 24 hours with free coffee and tea.
• The best food is found in… Berlin. The gastronomic scene is incredibly diverse, unlike many other German cities where food tends to be homogenous. Vegetarianism is alive and thriving here!

Backpacking The Netherlands

Coffee. Canals. Cannabis. Windmills. Those are some of the things that come to mind when thinking about The Netherlands.

Visiting Amsterdam has long been a favourite backpacker haunt and is well worthy of exploration. It is THE place in Europe to (legally) rock into a coffeeshop, order a joint, and sit down to smoke it.

If you like riding bicycles long-distance, The Netherlands is a perfect country in which to feed that urge: The Netherlands is almost entirely flat. If you have had long challenging days trekking or biking in the Alps, the flatness here will be a welcomed change.

You will find that Dutch people often speak perfect English which is impressive as Dutch sounds nor looks anything like English. Because the country is relatively small, you can travel around here with ease whilst taking in a majority of it.

Most backpackers make a stop in Amsterdam and leave the rest of the country be. Don’t get stuck in the capital city – at least take a day trip from Amsterdam .

What to Know Before Visiting The Netherlands

• Don’t miss out on … partaking in some magic mushrooms while visiting Amsterdam. Seriously, those Van Gogh paintings are mental when you’re frying.
• You know what’s overrated… staying in the HEART of Amsterdam – it’s overly expensive and crowded. One could stay outside the city, save a bundle, and then take the train in. I suggest finding a hostel in Utrecht instead.
• The coolest hostel is… Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark . All the services that you need as a backpacker. Nice areas to chill, work, and hang out. Great atmosphere to meet other travellers. Probably the best location in Amsterdam. The park and Museumplein right next to you.
• The best food is found … while staying in Amsterdam , only because of the stroopwafels! These are one of the greatest treats ever.

Backpacking Belgium

Let’s be honest: Belgium doesn’t offer much in way of stand-out attractions. There is no Colosseum, no Montmartre, no legalized drugs, or raging Berghains. Just a lot of charming houses, calories, and dreary weather.

And for these reasons, I LOVE Belgium. How amazing is it that Belgium places beer in such high and hallowed regard? Bless the Belgians who seem to have no problem smothering their fried potatoes in aioli and mussels with heavy cream. I love that you can go backpacking in Belgium with zero expectations and still be impressed.

It’s almost as if Belgium is a guilty pleasure of sorts. The whole country is just one big bar where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content and no one gives a shit.

If you’re traveling between France and the Netherlands, it is absolutely worth stopping over in Belgium for a little while. Antwerp would be the best place to base yourself although Ghent and Bruges are worth seeing . Bruges gets absolutely zombified with tourists, though – prepare yourself.

And you shouldn’t skip the nation’s capital Brussels . It’s also the capital of the European Union but in addition to stiff people in suits, there are also many cool things to see in Brussels .

If you wanted a really enjoyable backpacking Europe experience, consider sleeping at a brewery for a few days! Most have guesthouses attached. In particular, Het Anker is great. Otherwise, Brussels’ hostels are the best place to stay on a budget.

What to Know Before Visiting Belgium

• Don’t miss out on… staying in Ghent , the prettiest medieval town in Belgium. It’s mostly known for its canal houses and local mustard. Gruut, a precursor to today’s beer, is also made in Ghent.
• Keep an eye out… when you’re in Brussels. Whilst certainly “edgier” than most European cities, Brussels can be a little too rough at times.
• The coolest hostel is… Hostel Uppelink Ghent . Though the building may be a bit old, the location is unbeatable. It’s literally next to the city’s famous Sint-Michielsbrug bridge.
• The best food is found in… the “brown bars”, where they serve the fried potatoes and mussels in excess.

Backpacking the UK

The UK is just one of those places that I have fallen in love with over the years. If you are in the mood for a wonderful campervan and trekking adventure, backpacking in the UK is the journey you have been waiting for.

Note to my geographically challenged friends – the UK is a country comprised of 4 countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. And the Brits WILL get mad at you if you refer to the whole area as “England” ( Ed: Sounds about right).

England and Wales have large sections of coast that are far off the beaten path and offer up excellent hiking/camping possibilities. The Highlands in Scotland have some of the last true wilderness areas in Western Europe. The Scottish Islands look like something out of a fairytale book.

Along with stunning natural landscapes, the UK is home to major centres of culture in Europe. In England, the ineffable London is an icon for obvious reasons. I also highly suggest chasing down ghosts in Canterbury , getting smart in Oxford , and basking on the beach in Brighton . And the Lake District in Northern England is incredible!

Scotland is a world of its own. The Scottish capital city of Edinburgh is full of awesome things to do. This region has landscapes so green that the hills seem to have been spray-painted in every sense of the word.

It has remote islands dotted with whiskey distilleries, lochs, and cascades. One could easily spend all their time backpacking in Scotland and could totally forget about “the south”.

The hiking trails and huts in the Highlands offer up an endless supply of hiking opportunities in a breathtaking environment. Throw in the vast cultural richness of the big cities and small villages and you have yourself one great place to go traveling.

Backpackers don’t go to Wales as often but for no good reason. It also offers awesome hiking opportunities, and Cardiff is a small-ish but cool, cultural city.

What to Know Before Visiting the UK

• Don’t miss out on… going off the beaten path in the Scottish Highlands. If you really want a unique experience, try island hopping in the Hebrides.
• You know what’s overrated… Buckingham Palace. Just skip it.
• The coolest hostel is… Onefam Notting Hill . This award-winning hostel is one of the best locations in the capital. It’s perfect for solo travellers to make friends for life.
• The best food is found in… The Indian food in the North (Manchester and Yorkshire). For that matter, the vegan scene nationwide is thriving and varied.

Backpacking Ireland

The lush, green, enchanted, and enchanting island of Ireland perches serenely at the furthest boundary of Europe. Beyond it, there is nothing but the Atlantic until it reaches the New World.

Somehow, Ireland’s location and geography are encapsulated in its culture. It is European but only just; civilized, yet it’s wild and rugged. It rains a lot but remains perpetually pleasant and inviting.

Sometimes crudely dismissed as the UK’s little cousin, backpacking Ireland offers visitors the chance to explore the most plucky nation in the world and get a glimpse of a simpler world that has sadly vanished forever elsewhere. That is not to patronize though, Dublin is every bit the cosmopolitan ( and expensive ) EU capital, and the once-troubled Belfast wears its gritty history with pride.

But head out to the Burren , or the lanes of Cork , and you will find warm taverns ringing with the sound of the fiddle and a way of life where time still takes its own time.

The headline draw in Ireland is the capital Dublin where you can visit Kilmainham Gaol and pull a pint at the Guinness brewery. But not to be missed are the Cliffs of Moher, the ancient streets of Galway , and the colored houses of Cork in the capital of “authentic Ireland”.

For the edgier side of the Emerald Isle, cross the (porous & invisible) border to the North and check out the murals of Belfast. From here you can easily visit Game of Thrones locations or check out the geologically wondrous Giants Causeway .

What to Know Before Visiting Ireland

• Don’t miss out on… Watching an Irish sport (hurling or Gaelic football) game in a pub.
• You know what’s overrated… kissing the Blarney Stone. You’ll wait sometimes hours in line just to share spit with other people over a hole in the wall. Yes, it’s as unnecessary as it sounds.
• The coolest hostel is… Jacobs Inn . Offering a super cool bar area and rooftop terrace, the pod sleepers will make sure your ready for a top day tomorrow.
• The best food is found… at the Galway Seafood Festival. If you happen to be staying in Galway in September and October, don’t miss out on this.

Backpacking Greece

Getting to know Greece is one of the most rewarding backpacking trips to be had in Europe. Those blue and white houses and perfect Mediterranean landscapes you have seen on postcards live up to their hype in real life.

Greece is a charming, laid-back country. Backpacking the Greek Islands has been one of my favourite travel experiences. This is due not just to the beautiful views, but to the food, beaches, wonderful people, and plethora of history.

Island hop the Cyclades. Pop over to Crete . Experience life with no cars on Hydra. Whatever you get up to in the Greek islands, a Europe backpacking trip that makes it here is hell of a good time.

But wait! Greece may be best known for its islands but there is a whole mainland of INCREDIBLE stuff to explore, too! (Also, it’s way cheaper than the tourist-crowded islands.)

Visit Athens , the capital full of ancient history and cool graffiti. I know the city gets a bad rap but it’s actually pretty cool. For one thing, the nightlife here is fantastic – rebellious, wild, and absolute fun. Another draw is the Acropolis.

Close to Athens, you’ll find Delphi , an adorable little town with the ruins of a once-famed oracle’s home. Meteora is known for its unique monasteries built on top of stone pillars. Thessaloniki , Greece’s second city, is full of good vibes and great food.

If you’re a history and/or mythology geek, backpacking Greece is gonna get your socks spinning out of excitement.

What to Know Before Visiting Greece

• Don’t miss out on… the Ionian Islands. This part of Greek islands receives a fraction of tourists yet hosts some of the most beautiful places in the country. Zakynthos has good places to stay .
• You know what’s overrated … Santorini. It’s overcrowded, expensive, and on the verge of being spoiled.
• The coolest hostel is… Athens Quinta . Travelling is all about finding those magic places that make you feel at home. This hostel takes that idea and runs with it. Including, free breakfast!
• The best food is found in… Crete. It’s well-known for its culinary culture. It’s far enough away from the mainland that the food is quite different as well.

Off the Beaten Path Adventures in Europe

Europe gets BUSY. Hundreds of millions of people, both from Europe and elsewhere, travel around it every year.

And you know what? 80% of those people do one of two things. Either they just visit a few cities or they go on cookie-cutter tours where they are shuffled around from one famous attraction to another, plowing through a sea of baguettes, gelato, and, tapas along the way.

(Actually – that doesn’t sound half bad…)

It’s easy to get off the beaten path by visiting Europe’s hidden gems . In the Netherlands, go anywhere that’s not Amsterdam; in the UK, anywhere that’s not London ( Ed: not quite sure about that, but close).

But there are also a few countries that have not been included in this guide yet, and I’d like to give them a little shout-out. They are not traditionally on the backpacker trail but they are awesome, plus they’re right on your route so it’s very easy to visit them!

For starters, Vienna in Austria is easily amongst the most beautiful cities in Europe. While visiting Vienna , everywhere you look there is some regal remnant of the Hapsburgs: a palace here, a monument there, and plenty of museums to go along with them.

Checking out Luxembourg can also be nice since it’s easy to get to and fro from the Netherlands or Germany. It’s expensive as fuck and the eponymous city doesn’t offer much to see but there are some awesome Luxembourg Airbnbs including enchanting countryside castles.

Check out some of the micro-nations, too. Vatican City is super easy to include since it’s literally smack-bang in the middle of Rome – the world’s smallest country measures less than a square kilometre. Visiting Monaco is an easy day trip from the French Riviera, and San Marino from Bologna, Italy.

Staying in Andorra , on the border between Spain and France, is a great idea. It’s particularly gorgeous in the autumn. Liechtenstein is one of the weirdest places in Europe. Full of cool stuff, most tourists visit the town Vaduz for a day but the Liechtensteinian Alps are worth a couple of days of hiking!

Other than that, explore small villages. Go on multi-day treks. Climb the mountains that aren’t the Alps (though they are stunning). You could also just fuck off to Georgia for a bit to extend your stay (who cares if it is actually in Europe or not).

Couchsurf with locals. Spend a few extra days getting to know a popular city. Do things that aren’t on the “must-see sights” in backpacking Europe travel blogs.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Well, with dozens of countries and countless cities in Europe to visit , it’s a bit hard to pinpoint the BEST things to do in Europe.

But you gotta start from somewhere. So here are some of the top things to do whilst backpacking Europe on a budget.

1. Go to a one-of-a-kind festival

Europe loves to celebrate every little occasion they can, be it the death of a saint, a harvest, or even just a long weekend. Between the cultural holidays – of which there are MANY – the seasonal festivals, and the more modern musical festivals, you’ll have many opportunities to just let loose. And let loose is what you should do.

You could check out the Carnival at Venice, get wasted in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day, and get tomatoe’d at La Tomatina in Valencia. Let alone some of the world’s best music festivals like Boom Festival (psytrance), Glastonbury (pop-adjacent), and Roskilde (also pop-adjacent).

2. Go island hopping in Greece

Greece is composed of over 227 islands – which means there are over 227 places to go on an adventure. Live out your mythical fantasies on the islands of Ithaca or Crete, escape the hecticness of life on Sikinos, or join the hordes of partiers on Ios and Mykonos. Your choice.

2. Eat all the tapas in Spain

In Spain, tapas are not just a plate of food; they’re a way of life. They require time, attention, company, and most of all, love, to truly appreciate.

When visiting Spain, it is absolutely mandatory to sit down to a tapas meal with friends and to converse over them, preferably for an entire night. The best tapas are found in Andalucia, especially in Granada .

3. Hike in the Alps

Of all the great mountain chains in the world, the Alps are probably the most accessible. Over the years, it has been tamed and crisscrossed with so many trails that just about anyone can visit here. Tours around the 3 highest mountains in the range, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Grand Combin, as well as the otherworldly Dolomites, are all exhilarating experiences and among the best hikes in the world .

5. Get cultured in Italy

The most historically significant and consequently most popular cities to visit in Italy are Rome, Venice, and Florence. These “museum cities” deemed culturally significant by the government are preserved as best as possible.

They are like interactive history lessons that you can walk amongst or even get lost in for days at a time. I highly recommend you make time for the Colosseum, the work of Di Vinci, and the Vatican museums.

6. Dance like no one’s watching

The party cities in Europe are on a different scale than the rest of the world. I’m talking about Berlin, Amsterdam, and Manchester. The stories from the clubs are the stuff of legends.

The level of freedom and debauchery is enough to make even the most open-minded do a double-take. Even if you aren’t able to get into the infamous Berghain, you can take your nights (or days) whichever way you please.

7. Change your plans

It’s always good to have an idea of itineraries while you’re backpacking Europe. But there’s nothing more heartbreaking than falling in love with a place (or person? ) and having to leave for your next destination. So leave a bit of wiggle room in your route for surprises.

Extend your stay at the cheap hostel with the cute bartender. Buy the last-minute plane ticket to meet that travel buddy again. Let the universe take control a bit too.

8. Take the scenic route

Europe has one of the most developed train travel networks in the world. You can get just about everywhere by rail, which is fantastic news when Backpacking through Europe!

These insane views and comfy carriages make some of the best train journeys in the world . It’s a classic; characters in The Murder on the Orient Express and Dracula have traversed the same rails. It’s damn romantic too, so settle down.

Granted, it’s more expensive than the bus so it’s not the best way to save money. But with high-speed trains, you can really make the most of your time on a Euro backpacking trip. So sometimes it’s worth the extra Euro.

9. Get High in Amsterdam

Would this really be The Broke Backpacker if I didn’t encourage you to sample some grade-A Dutch weed? The Dutch are very progressive when it comes to mind-altering substances so if you’re looking for a place to do some drugs safely and legally, Amsterdam might be to your tastes!

Just be respectful about it – residents of Amsterdam are not big fans of the hordes of drug tourists wandering the streets of the city.

10. Deep dive into London

London is one of those amazing cities that you could spend a lifetime exploring. It has a reputation for being expensive – and there’s good reason for that.

But there are so many museums and attractions to visit – many of which are absolutely free! With cheap flights, free walking tours, and a London Pass , it can actually be a surprisingly budget-friendly destination. The British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye are all worth putting on your Europe itinerary.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Hostels are the most affordable accommodation option for backpacking Europe on a budget. Well, aside from dreamy mountain huts, your awesome tent, and a stranger’s couch. Lucky for you, Europe is THE place for living da hostel life in all its glory.

This continent might hide some of the best hostels in the world – but arguably also the worst…

These incredible hostels in Europe come in all shapes and sizes. But remember, a cheap hostel isn’t necessarily a perfect hostel. In fact, it rarely is (but, yes, you can occasionally hit the jackpot).

But not all of them are dedicated to parties. You’ll also find loads of boutique hostels for flashbackers, quiet rooms for families, and even some female-only hostels for solo female travellers .

Well, back to the good stuff. When you’re backpacking Europe, you find accommodation is generally very safe, clean, and fun. Pub crawls and get-togethers are a staple in almost any hostel.

But if you’re wanting to plan a trip to Europe on a budget… well, you’ll have to make do with sharing the bigger dorms. Even hostels can sometimes be a bit pricey in Europe, especially in France or Switzerland. Still, they’re way cheaper than Airbnbs or hotels.

Airbnb is a great option if you want some space away from travellers and a more authentic experience. Though they’re not always the cheapest way. If you’re in a group, the prices can be more reasonable.

• Where to Stay in Spain
• Where to Stay in Portugal
• Where to Stay in France
• Where to Stay in Italy
• Where to Stay in Scotland
• Where to Stay in Ireland
• Where to Stay in Switzerland
• Where to stay in Greece

Backpacking Europe does not have a reputation as a budget-friendly place for travellers . The prices in the popular tourist destinations have sky-rocketed in recent years, and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down any time soon. 

It’s pretty cunning actually. The cheap flights entice you in and BOOM: you’re stuck paying the price for it – literally. 

For most travellers, booking hostels is your cheapest option. Cheap hostels range from around $25 – $50+ a night for a bed. If you’re in a group, Airbnbs can (but not always) be cheaper. 

Though, where there’s a will, there’s a way. There is, and always have been, savvy travellers making their way around Europe with clever tricks to save money. 

I recommend both of these options over hotels mainly because you usually get a kitchen to prepare your own food. Doing this can bring your food bill down to around $10 – $15 a day. You could easily spend more than this on one meal of you eat out. You can find street food for around $6 but it’s not always the best quality. 

Booking flights, trains, and buses in advance is the best way to save money. That way, flights go for as little as $20 and buses $10. The same goes for accommodation: the sooner you book, the better deal you will get. 

If you want to let loose a bit, drinks in bars are generally quite expensive which can be up to around $10 in some places! So most people in Europe pre-drink (buy cheap drinks from the supermarket to drink a home before they go out) . Hostel bars usually have the most reasonable prices.

One budget-saving tip for first-time backpackers is to sort out your travel banking . Currency conversions and ATM fees stack up.

Get a travel card like Wise (formerly Transferwise) . With this, you can easily combat extra charges. Especially if you’re backpacking trip through Europe has many countries, this will make things much cheaper.

A Daily Budget For Europe

I have broken down the average daily travel costs in Europe you can expect in order to help you get to grips with your own Europe backpacking budget.

Travel Tips – Europe on a Budget

Okay, so now that you got an idea of the average costs for backpacking in Europe… What if I told you that you could save even MORE? Here are some of the best money saving tips for travelling Europe on a shoestring budget.

• Camp : With plenty of awesome beaches, forests, stunning countryside, and far-flung mountains, camping whilst backpacking Europe on a budget is a great option. Grabbing a solid backpacking tent is never a bad idea! Just be aware that wild camping is illegal in most of Western Europe. So if you want to do it, you gotta be a little sneaky about it.
• Cook your own food:  Travel with a  portable backpacking stove  and cook your own food to save some serious cash whilst backpacking across Europe. If you are on a tight budget, cooking grocery store food is your best option to save. With a stove in tow, you can do this even without a kitchen.
• Hitchhike : Hitchhiking is a 100% free and adventurous way to get around. In Europe, it’s pretty safe and easy although some countries are tougher than others.
• Couchsurf:  The Portuguese, Greeks, Spanish, Germans — they are all awesome folks. Get to know some! Check out Couchsurfing  to make some real friendships and see a country from the perspective of locals.
• Dive some dumpsters: Dumpster diving helps if you’re a little broke for a store-bought meal, too. There’s an art to it but you can soon get the hang of it.

Why Should You Travel to Europe with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… So do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

So precisely when is the best time to visit Europe on a budget?!

Western Europe is a total madhouse in the summer; millions upon millions of tourists descend on the continent. Cruise ships fill the harbours, tour buses clog the road, and flight prices increase.

Whilst the middle of the summer can be a very beautiful time to visit, the summertime is the most crowded season and it is also the hottest. Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Greece can be so hot in July and August that all you want to do is switch places with that white wine bottle sitting in the bucket of ice.

Europe is also very prone to seasonal pricing. Prices rise with the temperatures in the summer.

Point being, come in the summer if you must, but I don’t recommend it. The spring and the fall seasons are the best time to visit Europe on a budget. The temperatures are mild, and a majority of the people who were here on summer holiday have now sulked back to their offices and suburban hells.

Springtime in Paris and other European cities is as romantic as it sounds. Flowers are blooming and the birds are out. You can go in a t-shirt during the day without having the sun cook you alive.

You will find the lowest prices in most regions in the winter. Southern Europe – Algarve in Portugal, Andalucia in Spain, and Greek islands – is still pretty warm in the wintertime.

If you love winter sports, a winter visit is an obvious choice to explore the French, Swiss, or Italian Alps. Just note that pricing in ski destinations goes heads-up in the winter. The snow season is hugely more expensive than the summer.

Also, note on common European holidays: Europeans get around on their own continent a LOT during peak school holidays. This doesn’t necessarily mean higher prices but it DOES mean impenetrable crowds. Times to avoid outside of the peak summer season are usually mid-September, mid-February, Easter, and New years/Christmas.

What to Pack for Europe

When you’re backpacking Europe, depending on where you’re going and WHEN you’re going will change your packing list. Spain in the summer looks very different from Germany in the winter. But on every adventure, there are some things that are an excellent addition to your backpacking packing list that will really help your Europe backpacking trip.

On every adventure, there are 6 things that are an excellent addition to your backpacking packing list. They will greatly enhance your Europe backpacking trip too.

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

In order to get the most of your backpacking trip around Europe, you want to ensure that you get your phone plugged in and connected to a local network as soon as possible. That way you can use map apps to save yourself hours of being lost in city streets, get on Tinder to find yourself some company, and order in food on those days when you just can’t be bothered to go outside.

Note that if already have an EU SIM then it will work seamlessly in all over EU member states. However it will stop working when you leave the EU (such as when you cross from Eire to Northern Ireland or Montenegro to Serbia) . Likewise if you are visiting Europe from the US or Australia, you may find yourself having to change sims multiple times during your trip…unless…

Our recommendation is to get yourself the HolaFly e-SIM Europe package . It works in 32 different European countries and offers unlimited data. There are a number of different packages available and the 30-day one costs $64 USD. What we particularly love about e-Sim is that you don’t need to remove your native sim, and can download your e-Sim package before you even leave home!

We have previously written a full HolaFly eSIM review which you can check out or else you can just hit the button below and check out the European Packages.

So how safe is Europe ? Very, very safe, actually.

There’s very little violent crime in Europe, traffic is mostly organised, and there are few natural disasters… The possibility of something bad happening to you on your journey backpacking Europe is slim, to say the least.

Your biggest concern is probably pickpockets and thieves. They particularly target crowded markets and train stations. Always be alert when moving about in big cities especially if you have all of your gear with you.

And those operating in big European cities are true pros – it’s not always enough to just keep your wallet in a purse instead of a back pocket. Keep a keen eye out, especially in Paris, Barcelona, and Rome.

The most popular European tourist sites are also teeming with scammers. With a little research on the most common tourist scams in Europe, it’s not hard to avoid them at all.

It is never a good idea to be out shit-faced drunk, alone, and loaded with cash – especially not at 3 am. Be smart, make good choices and it shouldn’t be too difficult to guard yourself and your belongings.

A few years back, Europe faced a string of terrorist attacks. Nothing new has arisen in the past few years so travellers shouldn’t feel worried about terrorism… And besides, unfortunately, we now know that these kinds of attacks are not only happening in Europe.

These events were rare but they did receive a lot of attention and negative press. That led to a lot of pro-nationalist anti-Muslim rhetoric across Europe even though plenty of other groups were also committing acts of violence.

And as diverse as a lot of cities in Europe are, Europeans, in general, are pretty damn white, and everyday racism is still well and alive. This doesn’t necessarily make Europe unsafe, it just means that it’s not impossible that ethnically diverse travellers might hear some snide commentary.

However, there are some happy news for other possibly-vulnerable backpackers: solo female travellers and LGBTQ+ travellers can thrive in Europe since Western Europe is generally safe for them.

• Is Amsterdam Safe?
• Is London Safe?
• Is Barcelona Safe?
• Is Naples Safe?
• Is Berlin Safe?
• Is Paris Safe?

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll in Europe

Europe likes to party, a lot .

And not just one kind of partying, but all kinds of European Backpacking trip debauchery. There are your squats in Paris, beach clubs in Ibiza , warehouse raves in Berlin, music festivals in the Netherlands, all of that, and then some. You can’t beat chilling on some church steps at 3 am sipping negronis with friends either.

When it comes to partying, each culture has its own way of doing things. The Italians like the slow burn, starting with a spritz at aperitivo, then a nice dinner with wine, a cocktail at a local bar, before finally moving on to shots at the bar.

The Spanish are similar except they start all of this at 9 pm and go until 4 am. The Dutch appear to be hydrating all the time, but don’t be so sure; they’re big fans of the molly water.

You get the gist though. If you’re going to tour the party cities in Europe , you need to choose your parties well .

There are a couple of parties that shouldn’t be missed:

• Staying at one of the legendary party hostels .
• Going to a nightclub in Berlin. (Berghain is overrated – there are multiple that stay open 24/7!)
• Drinking in the piazzas of Rome.
• Dipping into a baggy in Amsterdam.
• A night in the Delirium Brewery in Brussels.

Also, be aware that not all European cultures take kindly to drunkenness. The Mediterranean cultures tend to frown upon people who can’t handle their shit. The further north you go, the less people care about your state of mind.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Europe

Europe is a safe place to travel but that doesn’t mean you’re completely invulnerable. Sometimes you fall down the stairs in a club in Athens… or get your iPhone nicked on the Paris metro…

Going anywhere without travel insurance is too risky – so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. The best kind of travel insurance will cover both your material stuff as well as your physical self. Backpacking Europe can be a dangerous occupation.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Of course, there is no one answer to this question. Where do you want to go backpacking?!

Once you dial in where you plan to go, it is only natural to start your backpacking Europe trip in the country first on your list. Easy!

Whilst looking for cheap airfare to your destination, I advise that you look at multiple cities and find cheap flights – even if that city isn’t in your targeted country. You can easily fly between capitals in Europe on the cheap, or take a super-cheap bus.

For example, if you want to begin your backpacking Europe adventure in Spain but the tickets to Paris are going for $200 less, odds are you can score a budget flight to Madrid or Barcelona from Paris for less than you would have paid flying directly to Spain.

Be wary that the Schengen zone is threatening to introduce a nice new piece of red tape for anyone outside of the EU for 2024. Keep up to date on the ETIAS website , where the EU are concocting new ways of making it hard to travel.

Insider tip : Those budget-friendly flights often charge an arm and a leg for baggage. If you just travel with hand lugagge, you’ll save money and spend less time in the airports. That means more time to actually visit Europe.

Entry Requirements For Europe

If you want to travel long-term in Europe , then you may need a Visa. Entry and Visa requirements vary between different European countries although many of them do follow broadly similar criteria.

For travel in EU countries, a Schengen Visa is required (unless you are from another EU country in which case all you need is your passport/ID). Note that some EU countries are not part of the Schengen agreements and separate visas are required for visiting. Thanks to almost borderlessness of the EU though, travelling between EU/Schengen countries is usually super easy.

The ETIAS system will begin working in 2024, so make sure you stay prepared for that!

Out of the countries covered in this guide, countries that are not part of the EU are the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore can usually obtain visas for most European countries on arrival. It can be significantly harder for everybody else. Overstaying visas is not recommended.

It is very wise to work out which countries you wish to visit and check their individual entry requirements before you set off. Regarding overland travel, note that even if you are only passing through a country en route to another, entry requirements will still apply.

There are many great ways to get around Europe – and it’s super easy! Western Europe has excellent transportation networks and usually booking tickets online is hassle-free.

The cost of travelling around Europe CAN lighten your wallet though, especially if you travel a lot. To be able to travel Europe cheaply, you have to know the tricks to do it.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best ways to travel Europe.

Long-distance buses are probably the cheapest option, though they tend to be the most time consuming as well. A 9-hour journey with a company like Flixbus is likely to cost you between 25-50 Euros depending on when you book.

I like Flixbus because, if plans change, you can cancel for a small fee and re-book when you’re ready. You can score long-distance buses for as little as 10 Euros if you’re really on it.

Many Western European countries might also have their own national budget bus lines.

Train travel is an awesome way to backpack Europe. Many backpackers specifically build their backpacking Europe itineraries around travelling on a train – this is called interrailing.

They’re really easy to use and there are all different kinds. Smaller domestic trains connect all corners of the countries.

High-speed trains and sleeper trains connect countries. The central train stations are usually right in the middle of the major European cities, often making it more convenient than flights.

If you plan on hitting up multiple countries in Europe, the Eurorail Pass  is a great option. You can buy a rail pass for one country or for all of Europe. Buying train tickets individually adds up fast, so buying a pass is a great trick to travel Europe on a budget.

Renting a car is surprisingly affordable in Europe and will give you unrestricted freedom to go and do what you want. And finding a car rental is no trouble at all.

Booking in advance is the best way to ensure you score the lowest price and your choice of vehicle. Often, you can find the best car rental prices when you pick up the rental from the airport. You can easily rent a car from any major city in Europe.

Driving in Europe is also pretty easy with lots of well-maintained highways and clear signage ahead!

You don’t feel like driving yourself? BlaBlaCar is a great website for connecting drivers with people interested in carpooling. You do have to pay for the ride. However, it’s usually cheaper than a train, faster than a bus, and more fun than travelling alone!

Travelling by campervan is the most classic, most awesome option. You have unparalleled freedom and access to places you would not otherwise have. You also eliminate the need to pay for accommodation every night.

If you’re travelling long term, it can be a great way to travel Europe on a budget if you buy your own campervan. For shorter term travellers, renting a campervan is easy to do all across Europe. Then you get complete freedom within the contient.

Those long, long highways of Europe are just begging for someone to get on them on two wheels… Europe is an excellent destination for long-distance motorbikers and bicyclists.

For motorbiking, France and Germany are particularly popular. For bikepackers , the Netherlands is pleasantly flat to cycle around.

Europe is one of the best places in the world to hitchhike, even long distances. I recommend studying a map before sticking your thumb out there.

Try to get an idea of which roads you need to take to get to your destination. Europe is full of tiny, winding backroads that splinter off in all directions.

It goes without saying that you should not try hitchhiking in major cities. While hitchhiking in Europe is safe generally, it is important to be on your guard and use good judgement when accepting rides.

From personal experience, hitching rides in Western Europe can be tricky. Finding rides along major highways – that Western Europe is full of – can be hard as there aren’t good places for cars to stop (looking at you, Germany and Northern Greece).

In other places, like Spain, I struggled to find rides because lots of people (falsely) seemed to think that hitchhiking was illegal. Plus, Western Europeans’s got places to be and might not be receptive to picking up a stranger.

The best hitching luck I had was in Switzerland, Austria, and France. I highly recommend trying it everywhere though!

Onwards Travel from Europe

Europe is home to many major global travel hubs and international airports. This means you can get anywhere in the world – often with a direct flight – depending on where you’re going. If you are on a grand European or world tour, heading to Eastern Europe and making your way into Turkey and beyond is a straightforward affair.

In fact, you can fly from London or Paris to Istanbul for as little as 20 Euros with some forethought (although rare). Plus, you’ll find lots of train options going to Istanbul from all over Europe.

Keep in mind as well that countries in North Africa are sometimes just an hour or two flight away. Backpacking Morocco and Tunisia are great options after travelling Europe on a budget. There are also daily boats from Southern Spain to Morocco for about $40 USD – not too pricey at all!

Boats run to North Africa from Sicily too, so if you fancy marauding in Tunisia , you can easily hop over from Italy. I would strongly advocate for this, because backpacking Europe is not complete without a little Africa.

Want to spend more time in Europe? No problemo!

While the cost of living in most Western European countries is quite high and work visas can be tricky to navigate, there are lots of options available for industrious backpackers. (Though you DO need a work visa pretty much everywhere.)

The UK and Ireland are especially popular for native English speakers; there are tons of Aussies living in London.

EU nationals don’t usually need visas to work in other EU countries so things are easier for them.

And you didn’t hear this from me… but there might be a chance for backpackers to do a bit of work under the table as well. Get chatting with locals, stay open, and keep your ears perked. There are lots of backpackers earning a bit of extra cash from helping out in bars, farms, and festivals, especially in the summer travel season.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

The Digital Nomad Scene in Europe

Despite certain weather challenges, Europe is HUGE for digital nomads. Sure, most countries in Western Europe are real expensive to live in. That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t attract digital nomads.

London, Berlin and Amsterdam all have massive digital nomad communities. However, these nomads may not stay in the city all year. They are also usually more high-earning nomads.

Those just starting to learn how to be a nomad prefer to head to eastern Europe – Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, and Hungary are all top destinations for broke nomads.

Portugal is hands down the best country for digital nomads in Europe. It’s one of the more affordable countries (although getting more and more expensive), extremely nomad-friendly both in terms of community and locals’s attitudes towards nomads, and super fun. The weather also isn’t half bad! In the Algarve, you can get +30 Celsius temperatures even in the winter.

If Lisbon and Porto are not your speed, definitely consider staying in Madeira . The Portuguese island is rapidly becoming one of the top destinations in the world for digital nomads.

Other cool places for nomads are Greece (especially Athens) and the Canary Islands in Spain. Both are affordable on Western European standards. 

Internet is pretty much a non-issue in Europe . Most of the major cities have high-speed fiberoptic cables lain and the more remote villages have decent coverage. Whilst hiking the Dolomites, I even got 4G using my local SIM card. I could’ve worked in a local rifugio for a few days!

Is this the best digital nomad-friendly hostel in the world?

Come visit  Tribal Bali  – Bali’s first specially designed, custom-built co-living hostel… 

Bali’s most special backpacker hostel is finally open…. Tribal Bali is a  custom-designed, purpose-built co-living hostel  – a place to work, rest, play and stay. A place to find your tribe and hands down the best place in Bali to hustle hard and make new friends…

Volunteer in Europe

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Europe including teaching, construction, agriculture, and pretty much anything.

The list of volunteering opportunities in Europe is pretty much endless. Will you run pub crawls at a hostel in Spain? Help herd sheep in the French Alps? Give hand to a music festival in the UK? The sky’s the limit.

Short-term volunteers usually won’t need a permit, but anyone from outside the EU will need a Schengen Visa to volunteer in Europe for over 90 days. 

There are many ways to find volunteer opportunities but the best way is to start online. Check out some of the best work exchange websites to get started.

The team at The Broke Backpacker have used and can personally recommend Worldpackers . I feel like Workaway is the biggest platform but that doesn’t make it the best.

A heap of the European cultural identity is built on its history. Italy and Greece are home to some of the most brilliant ancient cultures; France is considered the origin of enlightenment; Portugal has a strong (although complicated) history in seafaring and exploration.

It’s no coincidence that Europe has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other continent. When it comes to art, heritage, sports, and music, Europe is considered by many to be the heart and origin of Western culture.

The first and absolutely most important thing that you need to know about culture in Europe is that people are not “just European”. In fact, using “European” as a blanket term for everyone who lives on the continent is pretty ridiculous since it doesn’t really begin to describe anything.

According to Britannica , there are over 160 distinct cultures in Europe, though if we’re being honest this number could be higher. Within each of these cultures are sub-sections and divisions with their own national, religious, and historical identities.

There are over 160 distinct cultures in Europe , though if we’re being honest this number could be higher. Within each of these cultures are sub-sections and divisions with their own national, religious, and historical identities.

What this means is that many people are very proud of their cultural identities and can be mildly offended if you try to paint everyone in the same colour. For example, the Scots are very proudly Scottish, and you definitely shouldn’t try to call them English. 

At best, culture in Europe shows in celebration. At worst, rising tensions related to immigration have given wind to some ultra-right nationalist ideals. (Yikes.)

Europe is also, overall, very modern. Expecting “traditional” stereotypes is a bit silly. People mostly don’t dress in national costumes; at Oktoberfest, the people wearing the fake lederhosen and dirndl are tourists. Not everyone knows flamenco in Spain – in fact, it’s a dance that originated from the Romani community especially in Southern Spain. 

Football fans are crazy everywhere though, that much is true.

What to Eat in Europe

The food in Europe is so varied that my mind reels just trying to think about it. Where do I even begin?

First off, people are extremely proud of their culture’s cooking. Italians sing praise about the quality of ingredients and the simplicity of their style. The French boast about their prowess in the kitchen and complex techniques. The Spanish of course love to talk about their tapas culture.

Secondly, though European culinary traditions have very long histories, most changed completely in the last few centuries. The introduction of new ingredients from the new world was nothing short of revolutionary. The Italians received the all-important tomatoes, the English imported curry, and the Germans got the Turkish kebab.

Most European culinary traditions have very multicultural pasts. North African traders and immigrants have had a profound effect on the Mediterranean diets and cultures as distant as China have purportedly influenced the creation of pasta.

All I can say is that a backpacking trip through Europe will be like a tour of heaven for your stomach. There are so many different kinds of food to try and a staggering amount of diversity. My best advice: try the usual suspects but be sure to experiment a bit.

Must-Try Dishes in Europe

Here are some of the best foods you have to try while backpacking in Europe:

• Pasta (Italy) – A VERY general term: pasta can mean a lot of things. Be sure to have more than just spaghetti.
• Coq Au Vin (France) – A simple, yet delicious stew made from chicken, wine, mushrooms, and garlic.
• Pies (UK) – A staple of just about every pub and inn in the UK. Simple and satisfying.
• Haggis (Scotland) – A slightly spicy mixture of internal organs cooked in a lamb’s stomach is actually really delicious.
• Pastel de Nata (Portugal) – A small, custard-filled egg tart that originates in Lisbon.
• Paella (Spain) –  Rice prepared in a special pan and often prepared with seafood.
• Moules Frites (Belgium) – Mussels prepared in different kinds of sauces and served with fried potatoes.
• Souvlaki (Greece) – What most people imagine to be “gyros” when gyros is just a general term for shaved meat.
• Schnitzel (Germany) – Meat flattened, breaded, and fried.
• Sachertorte (Austria) – A delicacy of Vienna and perhaps one of the best cakes in Europe.
• Stroopwafel (Netherlands) – The best sweet treat ever.

Europe’s super-varied landscape and wealth of cultures mean that there are heaps of cool new experiences to have. Go beyond your regular pub crawls and walking tours and check out some unique experiences you can only have in Europe.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Hiking in Europe

Europe is a land blessed of incredible hiking opportunities with trails both for expert trekkers and beginner hikers . Each country has a wide range of day hikes and multi-day treks on offer. Trekking is a great way to get to know any country by experiencing its wild side.

In addition to well-maintained trail systems, many regions in Europe have a network of mountain huts. For a fee, you can enjoy these super comfortable and unique fixtures of the European mountains.

Here are a few of the best hikes in Europe to get you psyched for an outdoor adventure of your own.

• Mt. Etna Trek, Sicily, Italy : Climbing an active Volcano in Sicily is as much fun as it sounds.
• Walkers Haute Route, France-Switzerland (Chamonix to Zermatt):  A famous high route from Chamonix to Zermatt. The trek features absolutely classic alpine scenery, snowy peaks, glaciers, high meadows and deep valleys, and close-up views of such icons as Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
• Tour Du Mont Blanc, France:  The unforgettable circuit around the Mont Blanc massif. Outstanding views up to Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest at 4,810m, and out across the dramatic peaks, glaciers, and deep green valleys of the high Alps. If you have the time, this might just be the most scenic (and most trafficked) hike in Western Europe.
• El Camino de Santiago, France – Spain:  Perhaps the most popular long-distance trek in the world , El Camino is an important trek in the hearts of religious pilgrims and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The Camino is actually multiple trails leading to Santiago de Compostela and eventually Finisterre, “the end of the world”.
• Mount Olympus, Greece: The fabled mountain where the ancient Greek Gods were supposed to have lived is very climbable in just one day.

Surfing in Europe

Many backpackers are unaware that there is some killer surf to be found all across Europe. Portugal is certainly famous for having massive waves and the associated surf competitions.

That said, if you are keen on surfing at some point as you’re backpacking through Europe, you do have some options. Below I have provided a shortlist of surfing hotspots in Europe.

• Biarritz, France : One of the oldest known surf meccas of Europe. The surfing here is great for beginners as well as seasoned rippers.
• Newgale, Wales : Surfing on this beautiful stretch of coast facing out towards the Irish Sea; the waves here are powerful and the views are epic.
• Belhaven Bay, Scotland : This surf spot is only an hours drive from Edinburgh! Make sure you have a good wetsuit. Not the warmest water in the world, but the waves are good at times.
• San Sebastian, Spain : When not eating and drinking, it is easy to hit the beach and catch a few waves before resuming the former.
• Lagos, Portugal : Probably the unofficial capital of surfing in Portugal. There are many surf schools across Lagos that will help you tune up your surfing game in no time.

Museums in Europe

Europe is the world’s best continent to tour museums, both art and history adjacent. (That might have something to do with plundering other countries’ national treasures and refusing to return them… But uh, let’s not focus on that.)

Europe’s best museum city is London. Most of London’s museums are free to visit, and they have some of the best collections of art and historical relics from everywhere in the world. (Again, for certain reasons…) My favourite museums in London are The National Gallery, The Natural History Museum, The British Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum.

Paris is strong in the museum game too. Definitely visit the Louvre and its most iconic resident Mona Lisa. Don’t grumble about it being small, it’s still awesome. For more morbid explorers, the Paris Catacombs offer a cool glimpse into the city’s history.

More honourable mentions to go Reina Sofia in Madrid, Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and Dachau concentration camp in Germany (it counts).

Bring your ID – some places, like the Louvre, have free admission to students and people under 25.

Got questions about backpacking Western Europe? I’ve got the answers!

Where should I start backpacking through Europe?

Backpacking through Europe is a momentous task, but starting in Britain or Portugal will stop you having to make tedious back and forth journeys. You don’t want to be doubling back on yourself when distances are so large! That said, you can really start anywhere, just make sure you’ve got enough cash to fly home 😉

How long is the average backpacking Europe trip?

On average, backpackers make a 2-3 week route travelling around Europe. If you want to visit Europe properly, you can easily spend 6 months or more pedalling around. Try going for 2-3 months if you want to get a much fuller picture of what it is like.

What is the Cost of Backpacking Through Europe?

As with anywhere, the cost of backpacking Europe will be down to you, where you go, and how you spend. Western Europe is more expensive and will most likely require $50-$90/day, whilst heading east can put your budget lower, at around $30-$60/day. On top of transport and flights, Europe can seriously add up…

Where are the hottest people in Europe?

I’d say Finland. Source: I’m Finnish. Apparently Nordic people are, statistically, very sexually liberated on a global scale. But I would personally like to guide your attention towards Southern Europe… Greek Tinder is something else, hey.

Who feeds the Loch Ness monster in Scotland?

The park rangers feed the sea snake with tourists that behave badly and/or ask stupid questions. There’s also a bloke who has been on the lookout for years and never seen it. Take from that what you will.

Congratulations! You made it to the end of my Europe travel guide!

I hope the information I have provided will help you navigate the exciting European journey you have decided to embark on. Backpacking in Europe will be one of the most fun experiences of your life, I have no doubts about that.

Europe can be one hell of a place to let loose and have a good time. Between the party-hearty music festivals, discotheques, rave scenes, pub crawls, and other venues of hedonistic tendency, there is ample opportunity for backpackers to get down.

Have fun on your Europe backpacking journey – but like my mum would say, not too much fun! Partying every day is one of the most common backpacker traps that travellers fall into.

When visiting historic sights or religious monuments, be respectful. Certainly do not climb on old ruins or touch priceless paintings. Europe is full of historical treasures. Don’t be that dickhead that contributes to their demise and destruction.

When you can, make an effort to learn at least a few words of the local language of the country you are backpacking in. It’s a challenge as every country has a different language, but a little effort goes a long way. The world need not revolve around us native English speakers!

Do your best to support local artisans, organic farmers, and craftspeople while travelling around Europe. Keep your dollars local, especially in small villages or towns. 

Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go travelling. Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it.

Most of all, have the time of your life and spread the love!

Updated May 2023 by Abe Lea

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Nic Hilditch-Short

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16 Comments

I am dreaming of backpacking Spain. The only thing I found out of the league in this country is the timing of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Anyway, given the fact that Spain never sleeps, it can be understood.

Great post! I can’t wait to start planning my European backpacking trip.

My big dream is to visit Oia, Santorini. This place is just magical.

I would suggest you to put Slovenia in this list. In this small country you can find beautiful places for low price and save society

We can’t wait to get there! Once we do, we will add it to the list! cheers.

the most honest and helpful backpacking guide yet. thankyou!!!!!

I really enjoyed reading this post. Especially as a European.

Some insider tips of my own. UK: * Trains are expensive, budget airlines and coaches are great though. Maybe even cycle, we have some amazing National Cycle routes that really open up the countryside (borrow a Boris bike in London-great cheap way to discover the city) *The coastline in the UK is so varied, some of my favourite beaches in the world are on the West cost of Scotland (check out the isle of Skye and the fairy pools). Or try surfing in Cornwall. *Accommodation, Hotels are pricey but try the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) it’s a charity that run hostels up and down the country, usually near iconic landmarks and hiking trails. You can wild camp in Scotland but not the rest of the UK so you’ll have to find a proper campsite in England and Wales.

As for what season to go to Europe: My general rule of thumb is Mountains in the Summer, beaches in the Autumn. Ski resorts are much cheaper in the summer and offer amazing hiking opportunities (think the Dolomites of Ital or Soca Valley in Slovenia). It is simply too hot to be in Greece in August 100 degrees quite frequently. Places like Greece and Croatia are amazing but a lot less hot, and less crowded at the end of September/early October. Netherlands is great in the spring- think colourful fields of tulips. Also consider that the sun doesn’t really set in the summer in places like Iceland and northern Scandinavia.

For almost all parts of Europe wear layers and pack a light weight, windproof waterproof jacket. The temperature and weather conditions can vary so much in just a couple of hours. Leave high heels at home. Trainers are perfectly acceptable almost everywhere…A lot of streets across a lot of Europe are cobbled you don’t want a twisted ankle.

Some awesome tips there, thanks Kayleigh!

Wonderful post.Very helpful and awesome info.really informative post!Nice post.Amazing article.

Thanks for sharing ideas, really informative post! I’m thinking about to do The Kings Trail in Sweden. Is it possible to do only in summer or spring should be fine as well. I’m traveler with tents, so would like to sleep outside as much as possible. Cheers, Rob

You can do the King’s Trail hike in the spring, but you must be aware that there will be few other hikers (maybe that’s a good thing for you), it will be really cold still, and there will be lots of snow to walk through. You would need to be outfitted with the right gear for it to be possible/enjoyable for you. The later in the spring your start (Late April/Early May) the warmer it will be and the less snow you will find on the trail. The best weather for sleeping outside is obviously in the summer. You won’t need to carry as much cold weather gear then either. Hope that helps! Good luck on your hike 🙂

Very helpful and awesome info. Very entertainingly written as well!

Nice post. I’d have to recommend checking out Poland though if you haven’t already (it isn’t mentioned). It is great for backpacking through.

Amazing article. Each and every information shared here is very useful. I went to Europe on a short trip. Visited Switzerland and fell in love with its beauty. A must visit.

Wonderful post. Europe is super backpack friendly – I did Eastern Europe and it is full of hidden gems.

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

Backpacking Europe | Our Epic Step-by-Step Travel Planning Guide

An easy guide to budget travel in Europe.

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I created this step-by-step travel guide to prove that planning budget travel doesn’t have to be daunting — whether you’re backpacking through Europe or just a budget-minded independent traveler.

This guide is broken down into different phases of the planning process:

• Initial Trip Planning
• Budgeting and Money
• Packing Lists and Advice
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Travel Gear and Travel Services Recommendations
• More Helpful Travel Tips

Under each phase, you will find links to our most important travel articles — I suggest reading through each one. If you follow these steps you’ll be prepared to have an amazing trip to Europe.

Note: You can find even more information on this website’s the top menu.

PHASE ONE: Initial Trip Planning

These are the first steps to take when planning your trip to backpack Europe. Here you’ll start planning what cities and countries to visit, create a travel itinerary, estimate your travel costs, book your flight, and a range of other things.

You’ll probably spend a large amount of time on this phase  — especially the itinerary planning.

Europe Itinerary Planning and Travel Logistics  

How To Create a Europe Travel Itinerary that fits your travel style, travel goals, and budget.

I’ve also put together some sample itineraries to help give some ideas of places you might want to visit:

• Best Of Europe Mega Trip Itinerary (Travel Time: 8-10+ weeks)
• Eastern Europe MegaTrip Itinerary (Travel Time: 6-10 Weeks)
• Gateway to Eastern Europe Travel Itinerary (Travel Time: 2-4 Weeks)
• Our Most Important Tip for First-Time Travelers: Slow Down
• The Most Visited Cities in Europe

Choosing Travel Insurance

I recommend buying travel insurance for your trip to protect against any unforeseen travel mishaps. Here are some Tips For Choosing Travel Insurance .

The Savvy Backpacker’s City Travel Guides

Discover practical travel information, must-see sights, where to eat, how much to budget, public transportation tips, where to stay, and more about more than 20 of Europe’s Most Iconic Cities :

• Amsterdam Travel Guide
• Barcelona Travel Guide
• Berlin Travel Guide
• Florence Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Paris Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Seville Travel Guide
• SEE TRAVEL GUIDES FOR MULTIPLE OTHER CITIES

Related:  The Best Party Cities in Europe

Finding Cheap Airfare to Europe

Your plane ticket to Europe is one of your greatest expenses. Here’s our Guide To Finding Cheap Flights To Europe .

Best Travel Guidebooks and Online Resources

From Lonely Planet and Rick Steves’ guidebooks to Wikitravel and TripAdvisor, there is a wealth of information to help you choose what to do and see. I review My Favorite Online Travel Resources .

Choosing Travel Seasons

The summer might be the busiest travel season but Europe is a great place to visit year-round. We’ve listed the positives and negatives of traveling during each season .

Pre-Departure Travel Advice

Before you head off to Europe be sure to check out this Pre-Departure Travel Checklist  so you don’t overlook any small, but important, details.

Get an Affordable High-Speed Mobile Data Plan For Your Phone

Having fast and reliable mobile data for your smartphone is a requirement these days. Check out my guide on  how to use your phone in Europe  and our guide to  the best SIM Cards and Data Plans for Europe .

If you have a newer phone, check out our guide to the best Prepaid eSIM Data Plans for Europe .

Frequently Asked Travel Questions

I get sent a lot of questions about traveling in Europe that don’t warrant their own article — so I made a Mega-List Of Random Travel Questions .

Phase Two: Budgeting and Money

Let’s dive into the million-dollar question… how much does it cost to travel through Europe? Below are some helpful articles to help you estimate how much money you’ll need to backpack Europe on a budget.

I also cover various topics like using ATMs and credit cards, exchanging currency, and other money-related issues.

Estimating Your Travel Costs

Here’s a high-level guide to estimating How Much It Costs To Backpack Europe on a budget. I break down the average cost of food, alcohol, accommodation, sightseeing, transportation, pre-trip travel expenses, and other common expenses.

City Price Guides

I’ve created In-Depth City Price Guides that cover travel costs for 30+ cities in Europe. Each city guide includes average prices for food, accommodation, sightseeing, and more.

Using Your Money in Europe

Everything you need to know about exchange rates, using ATMs, using debit/credit cards, avoiding/minimizing foreign transaction fees, and more. Check out our Guide To Using Money While Traveling In Europe and our Guide To Using Credit Cards and Debit Cards in Europe .

Daily Money-Saving Strategies

Here are some Simple Money-Saving Europe Travel Tips you can do every day to save money while traveling. Here’s our  Guide To Eating On A Budget While Traveling Europe for more money-saving tips.

Phase Three: Packing Advice & Travel Gear

Packing for travel in Europe can be confusing and frustrating — especially if you’re backpacking across Europe or just trying to pack light. These guides will help you choose what clothes and travel accessories to pack and have advice on packing light.

Europe Travel Packing Lists

I’ve written numerous packing lists for multiple travel styles. Each article covers functional and fashionable clothes for traveling through Europe, helpful travel accessories, toiletries, electronics, and what items you should leave behind.  Check them out!

• Backpacking Europe Packing List (for Men)
• Backpacking Europe Packing List (for Women)
• Europe Packing List (general packing list that’s not solely “backpacking” focused)
• Ultralight Travel Packing List  (taking traveling light to the next level)
• Winter Europe Packing List
• Skincare, Makeup, and Beauty Essentials For Travel

The Best Travel Backpacks

I love travel backpacks and we’ve personally tested well over a dozen of the most popular backpacks. Here’s a list of the Best Travel Backpacks (Updated For 2022). Be sure to check out our Best Travel Backpacks for Women as well.

I’ve also compiled a list of the Best Carry-On Backpacks if you’re traveling light (which is highly recommended).

Related Article: Things to look for when buying a travel backpack & best travel backpacks for Europe (slightly old but still solid information).

Travel Gear Buyers Guides

I’ve reviewed a lot of travel products over the years. Here are a few of our most popular travel gear guides:

Travel Footwear

• Best Travel Shoes For Women
• Best Travel Shoes for Men
• Waterproof Boots for Women
• Waterproof Boots for Men

Travel Clothing

• Best Travel Underwear
• Best Travel Socks
• Guide To Finding Fashionable Travel Clothes

Travel Electronics

• Using Prepaid Data Plans and Smart Phones in Europe
• How To Buy A SIM Card In Europe
• Guide to Using Your Electronics in Europe
• The Best Travel Apps

Travel Aids

• Best Daypacks for Travel
• Best Packing Cubes

How To Not Look Like A Tourist

It’s not always easy to stay fashionable while also living out of a backpack or suitcase. Here are some tips for not looking like a tourist.

• Female Travel Fashion Advice
• Male Travel Fashion Advice

Travel Packing and Organization Strategies

Living out of a suitcase or backpack does pose a few challenges. Here are some Travel Packing Strategies to help you efficiently organize your travel gear and prevent wrinkles in your clothing.

Related: Tips for using Packing Cubes .

Backpack Vs Suitcase

Do you need a backpack for traveling around Europe? Of course not. Plenty of people use suitcases. Here are some Tips For Determining Your Luggage Style .

Winter Travel Packing Tips

Winter travel is great but you need to know how to dress properly for the cold. Check out our Guide To Dressing For Winter In Europe for tips on dressing in layers to keep you warm and dry without wearing a lot of bulky clothes. Also, see our Winter Europe Packing List  for some of our favorite winter gear.

Phase Four: Hostels, Hotels, Rental Apartments & Other Accommodation

Accommodation is one of your biggest expenses. In this section, I’ll focus on hostels, rental apartments, and Couchsurfing.

Guide to European Hostels

Curious about staying in hostels while traveling in Europe? Check out our Guide To Hostels In Europe — it covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about staying in hostels and how to pick the perfect hostel for your travel style.

Also, check out this handy Guide To Hostel Etiquette .

Europe’s Best Hostels

Europe has a ton of amazing hostels. We’ve listed a few of the best hostels in Europe’s most popular cities.

• Amsterdam’s Best Hostels
• Barcelona’s Best Hostels
• Berlin’s Best Hostels
• Budapest’s Best Hostels
• Dublin’s Best Hostels
• Edinburgh’s Best Hostels
• Florence’s Best Hostels
• London’s Best Hostels
• Madrid’s Best Hostels
• Milan’s Best Hostels
• Paris’ Best Hostels
• Prague’s Best Hostels
• Rome’s Best Hostels

See The Full List Of Europe’s Best Hostels By City

Couchsurfing in Europe

Couchsurfing is a super popular way to experience Europe, save money on accommodation, and meet friendly locals. Here’s our Guide to Couchsurfing in Europe .

Short-Term Apartment Rentals & Airbnb

Short-term apartment rentals — especially Airbnb — have exploded in Europe and it’s one of my favorite ways to experience Europe’s cities. But picking the perfect apartment can be a little tricky. Here’s my Guide To Renting Airbnb & Vacation Apartments In Europe .

Related: Airbnb Review: Why It’s Our Top Choice for Rental Apartments

Phase Five: Trains, Flights, and Other Transportation in Europe

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!

Europe has a great transportation network, making it incredibly easy to zip from city to city and country to country. The hardest part is choosing which method is right for your travel style and budget.

In this section, I cover each major transportation option system and give tips on finding the best deals.

Complete Guide to Train Travel in Europe

Traveling by train is the best way to get around Europe. Check out my Guide To Train Travel in Europe  to learn the ins and outs of European rail travel.

We’ve also written in-depth guides about country-specific train travel and how to score the cheapest tickets:

• Belgium  Train Guide
• England  Train Guide
• France  Train Guide
• Germany  Train Guide
• Italy  Train Guide
• Netherlands  Train Guide
• Portugal  Train Guide
• Spain  Train Guide
• Switzerland  Train Guide

How To Purchase Train Tickets

There are a number of ways to purchase train tickets — from at the station to online. Read our Guide to Buying European Train Tickets to learn about the different kinds of train tickets and ways to get the best price.

Eurail Pass Explained

Many travelers purchase a Eurail Pass to explore Europe. However, with so many different passes available it can be tough to decide which, if any, rail pass is worth the price. Read my Guide To Eurail Passes to see if a rail pass is right for you.

Budget Air Travel in Europe

Europe is home to multiple budget airlines so it’s not uncommon to find flights within Europe for less than $50. My Guide To Budget Air Travel In Europe will cover how to find the cheapest tickets and help you decide if air travel is right for your trip.

Related: Our Ryanair Survival Guide will help you navigate one of Europe’s most notorious ultra-low-budget air carriers.

Traveling Europe by Car

Exploring Europe by car is a great way to discover smaller towns and villages, but it is a nightmare if you plan on only visiting large cities. My Guide To Traveling Europe By Car  will cover what to look for when renting a car and tips for navigating Europe’s roads.

What’s Cheaper? Comparing Train vs Plane vs Car

I did a little comparison to find the cheapest way to travel around Europe — check out my findings . By the way, this isn’t a perfect comparison but it’s a good overview.

Bus/Coach Travel in Europe

One of the cheapest methods of travel is via long-distance coach service but it’s also the slowest. Check out our Guide To Long-Distance Coach Travel In Europe to learn more about this option for cash-strapped travelers.

Phase Six: Travel Service Reviews

There are many amazing travel products and services that will make traveling more enjoyable and less stressful — but the choices can be overwhelming. In this section read our reviews on everything from our favorite socks and underwear to backpacks and other travel services.

Airbnb Rental Strategies

Want to live like a local? Try Airbnb. Read our Airbnb Review to see why Airbnb is one of our top choices for finding great places to stay and see our top tips for finding the perfect rental.

Contiki Tour Review

Contiki tours are a popular travel option that thousands of people take each year. Read my Contiki Tour Review to see the good and bad of Contiki Tours and determine if this is a good option for you.

Hostelworld Review

See why Hostelworld is my top choice for finding and booking hostels in Europe. Read my Hostelworld Review and learn the strategies I use to find the best hostels.

Phase Seven: More Helpful Advice For Traveling Europe On A Budget

This section features general travel tips for everything from spotting tourist scams and fashion advice to solo travel pointers and group travel tips.

Avoiding Tourist Scams and Pickpockets

Don’t be one of the many tourists who get ripped off while traveling through Europe. Read our Guide To Pickpockets in Europe and our Guide to Avoiding Common Tourist Scams .

How To Use Data Plans and Smartphones in Europe

Using your smartphone and data plan in Europe can be costly. Read our Guide To Using Smartphones and Data Plans in Europe , How To Buy A SIM Card in Europe , and Guide to the Best eSIMs for Europe to make sure you don’t rack up a huge phone bill.

Solo and Group Travel in Europe

How are you going to travel around Europe — with friends, with your significant other, or maybe you want to travel solo? Check out these articles to help you make the most of your travels.

• How To Travel Solo in Europe
• Advice for Solo Female Travel
• How To Travel Europe with Friends (And Survive)

Using Electronics Abroad

Worried about using your electronics in Europe? Read our Guide To Using Your Electronics in Europe to see what kinds of electronics you can (and can’t) use in Europe.

Travel Styles and Sightseeing Strategies

Here are a few helpful articles to help you get the most out of your day-to-day travels.

• Day-To-Day Sightseeing Strategies
• Simple Money-Saving Tips While Traveling in Europe
• Avoiding Common Travel Mistakes That Are Super Easy To Make
• Why Slow Travel Is The Best Travel

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10 Day Europe Itinerary For First Time Backpackers

Adventure Travel , Europe , Travel Inspiration & Tips | August 15, 2018

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Visit seven countries and ten destinations in ten days with this Europe backpacking itinerary.

Backpacking in Europe should be a rite of passage for young, wanderlust-stricken souls, if you ask me. The continent has  so  much to reveal to travellers: from the terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik to the colourful bays of Malta ; Austria’ s rugged peaks and  Spain’ s soft shores.

Europe’s vast and varied landscape is matched by its smorgasbord of cuisines, local tongues and cultures. If you have ten days to travel around Europe, you’ll want to see the best cities and tourist attractions (and bars, obviously), so you’ll need a Europe trip itinerary that packs a lot in to a short space of time.

This jam-packed Europe backpacking itinerary will take you to the top of Paris’ teetering Eiffel Tower, along Switzerland’s Rhine, and inside Rome’s iconic Colosseum.

It will show you Venice from its romantic waterways, and have you wandering grand palaces in Vienna, then partying in Budapest. It will also let you taste real Belgian chocolate-topped waffles and see Amsterdam’s Red Light District for yourself – all in less than a fortnight.

You can plan and book your entire ten day Europe adventure with an Interrail pass . If you’re from outside of Europe, you’ll want to go with Eurail . Of course, it’s always worth comparing flight prices on Skyscanner before you book a train – sometimes you can fly for just as cheap (and it’s always an infinitely shorter journey).

A suggested 10 day Europe itinerary: 7 countries, 10 destinations

I’ve included some of the best destinations to see on your first backpacking tour of Europe (no offence to those I couldn’t fit in) and, where possible, found overnight journey options to help you save money on accommodation. It’s one of the simplest and best budget backpacking hacks in the book, and one I’ve used many times while travelling to over 40 countries.

Is this the ten day Europe tour for you?

Day 1: london to paris.

If you’re starting your Europe trip in the UK, it’s usually cheapest and easiest to kick off in London . Take a crack of dawn train to Paris , which takes just over two hours.

When you arrive in the French capital, make a beeline for the Eiffel Tower (you should check the cheapest tickets and tours before you go), cruise along the Seine and try to see other famous Paris attractions.

Because you only have one day to see as much of Paris as possible, it’s a good idea to buy a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket , to whip around the main tourist attractions without wasting time.

Paris tours and activities

Day 2: basel & bern.

Depart Paris late in the evening to catch an overnight bus or train to Basel , Switzerland. You can sleep on the bus, which will save you a night’s accommodation fee, and arrive in beautiful Basel refreshed and ready to explore.

If you’re in need of a proper wake-up, have a dip in the Rhine with the locals before you visit the tiny city’s many museums.

Get inspired: My Basel travel guide

Around lunchtime, take a bus or train from Basel to Bern , the capital of Switzerland. It’s an expensive city so you won’t want to hang around for too long there, but a few hours should be enough time to saunter around the old town and see the Swiss Federal Assembly, one of the world’s oldest democracies.

If you’d like to make sure you see the main sights, you can book an express tour of Bern .

Swiss sightseeing done, catch a late-night flight to Rome and get some sleep in a hostel there. You’ve got a lot of walking to do tomorrow!

Basel and Bern tours and activities

Day 3: rome.

Day three of your whirlwind ten day tour of Europe should be dedicated solely to exploring Rome. Walk its cobbled streets and crane your neck to see the city’s beautiful facades, visit the Colosseum, and gorge on gelato, pizza and pasta at every stop.

If you have time, tick another country off your travel bucket list: The Vatican . The best way to squeeze this in is to book a skip-the-queue tour .

Get inspired: My two day itinerary for Rome

Grab a drink in Trastevere and then, in the late evening, you can then make the journey to Italy’s jewel: Venice .

It’s quickest to fly but if you’re on a tight budget, take an overnight bus, which takes around seven hours. Use those seven hours to sleep. Another night’s hostel fee saved!

Rome tours and activities

Day 4: venice.

When you arrive in Venice, grab a bite to eat and then do the tourist thing: jump in a gondola and watch the world pass by, being sure to stop at Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica.

You could also do a boat trip to colourful  Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands , which takes around half a day.

As the sun sets on your day in Venice, catch another overnight bus or train, this time to Austria’s capital city.

Venice tours and activities

Day 5: vienna.

Vienna is a beautiful city, and while you’ll never see all of its highlights in a day, you shouldn’t miss the incredibly regal Schönbrunn Palace , with its endless decadent rooms and pristine gardens.

Eat some apple strudel, go to the opera and climb to the top of St Stephen’s Cathedral for a truly awe-inspiring view over the city. In my opinion, this is one of the most inspiring European cathedrals .

Vienna is another city where you’ll benefit from buying a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket , because the city sprawls.

Get inspired: My two day itinerary for Vienna

Spend the night in a hostel in Vienna – I recommend Wombats .

Vienna tours and activities

Day 6: budapest.

Next morning, take a train or bus from Vienna to Budapest . Stroll along the Danube and go to Fisherman’s Bastion for the best view.

Budapest’s most unmissable attraction is of course, its outdoor baths and Széchenyi Bath is said to be the best.

If you plan ahead, your night in Budapest might coincide with one of their crazy ‘sparties’ in Szechenyi Spa & Baths. If not, book a late night dinner cruise and then hit the famous ruin bars like Szimpla Kert. Alternatively, meet fellow backpackers on a pub crawl .

Get inspired: My guide to a short break in Budapest

Budapest tours and activities

Day 7: brussels.

On day seven of your trip, spend the morning in Budapest and then jump on a cheap flight from there to Brussels . See the impressive Grand Palace and its neighbours, the six guild halls, then munch on some proper Belgian fries, served with mayo.

No backpacker can visit Belgium without sampling one of its other famous products: beer. Spend your night in Belgium’s capital sipping the amber nectar, and book a  beer tasting if you’d like to learn about it as you sup. Not interested? A four hour pub crawl will do the job.

Brussels tours and activities

Day 8: bruges and/or ghent.

I highly recommend travelling within Belgium while you’re there. It’s one of the countries that I didn’t expect to love as much as I did, and my two favourite spots are Bruges and Ghent . They’re both fairytale places, but Ghent is slightly less touristy than Bruges.

Get inspired: My two day itinerary for Ghent

Ghent and Bruges tours and activities

Day 9: amsterdam.

You can take the bus from either Bruges or Ghent to Amsterdam , the final stop in this Europe itinerary – though it’s a shorter travel time if you go from Ghent.

Spend your last day cruising on Amsterdam’s canals, visiting their famous coffee shops and reflecting on your adventure. Still thirsty? There’s always the Heineken Experience .

By this point, you should be exhausted and have memories to last a lifetime – but the fuel in your belly for another trip soon.

Get inspired: My two day itinerary for Amsterdam

Amsterdam tours and activities

Day 10: back to london.

Day ten brings you back to the UK. I used to think that travel meant leaving ‘home’ behind, but now I know that the UK has so much to offer and there are loads of cool places to visit closer to home. Check out my UK travel section for some inspiration.

If I can offer you one tip for the best UK city to visit, I’d direct you to Edinburgh .

London tours and activities

Plan and book your europe adventure.

Use my Travel Resources page to save money

I see this lightning-speed, whistle-stop Europe trip itinerary as a taster tour, a flirtation with Europe if you will. Use it to sample the delights of some of Europe’s best spots, and make a mental note to go back for second helpings of the places you fall for the hardest.

You’ll never see all of Europe, whether you’ve got ten days or ten years, but I think this is a good way to experience some of its best destinations for backpackers in a small amount of time.

Of course, I’ve missed out too many of Europe’s wonders to list. This Europe tour doesn’t take you to Berlin or Bosnia or Bucharest , but it does introduce you to the European backpacking trail. The important thing to know is that you don’t have to stick to an itinerary when you travel. Use this itinerary as a guide and do it your own way!

I hope you find this ten day European backpacking suggested itinerary useful, and that it helps you plan the most incredible adventure. Remember, the world may always be there but you won’t be young forever. Go now, while you’re fresh-faced and have the stamina to tackle a trip like this!

Europe travel tips

If you’re off on a backpacking stint around Europe, the Lonely Planet Europe guide is bound to come in handy.

It’s also super important that you protect yourself with travel insurance – World Nomads are generally hailed as the best option among travellers.

Get a good rate on your Euros by ordering them in advance of your trip.

It’s also always worth checking out budget options for accommodation for each destination on your itinerary on booking.com. Opt for hotels or hostels who offer free cancellation, in case your plans change.

What are your favourite spots in this itinerary, if you’ve already travelled to them? Any top tips for first time backpackers who only have ten days to see as much of Europe as possible? Share the knowledge in a comment and please share this post with anyone planning their own Europe backpacking tour.

Want more travel inspiration? Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and Pinterest .

TeaPartyPrincess says

August 15, 2018 at 10:35 am

OK that’s incredible. Actually incredible. You’ve fit so much in! Cora

August 25, 2018 at 1:49 pm

that´s a pretty cool trip, especially, when you want to see as much cities in less time! Good to hear that Wombats hostel in Vienna is still there and be recommended. I stayed there on my Vienna trip in 2013 or so… damn, such a long time!

My First Solo Trip Review: Backpacking Europe

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: February 12, 2024

Categories Europe , Solo Travel , Travel Stories

Home » Europe » My First Solo Trip Review: Backpacking Europe

In the Summer of 2011 at 18 years old, I set out on my first solo trip. For three months I backpacked around Europe through 20 countries. I traveled by train, bus, and boat. In this article, I review my first solo trip. I’ll talk about planning, packing, budgeting, my route, experiences, and more. I’ll discuss the mistakes I made and the things I did right. Hopefully, you can learn from my experience to help make your first solo trip a bit smoother and less stressful.

Why I Decided to Take this Trip

I knew I wanted to travel after high school but I didn’t know where to go or how to go about it. While studying Spain in Spanish class, my teacher taught us about Europe’s extensive rail network. She shared her experience traveling around the continent with a Eurail Pass. After some more research, I concluded that Europe sounded like an easy destination for a first-time solo traveler like myself.

Research and Preparation for My First Solo Trip

Because this was my first trip, I wanted to be as prepared as possible so I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed when I arrived in Europe. I researched every aspect of the trip extensively and planned for every possible scenario. I didn’t want any unexpected surprises. Topics of research included visas, transportation, safety, pricing, accommodation, and more.

At the same time, I wanted to keep my plans as open as possible so I didn’t pre-book much. I didn’t know how fast or far I’d want to travel because everything was new to me. I also wanted to be a bit spontaneous. This turned out to be a good idea as travel in Europe was much faster and easier than I expected.

Building my Itinerary

I started off by studying the world map that I had hanging in my room to familiarize myself with the geography of Europe. I created several potential itineraries that I thought were possible with the time I had. My plan was to fly in and out of the same airport so I created a loop itinerary.

Next, I researched each country in the region. I read travel blogs, articles, travel forums, and borrowed a Western Europe travel book from a family friend. While researching, I made a list of potential activities, museums, monuments, and points of interest that I may want to see.

A few top destinations included Stonehenge, the Louvre, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the canals of Amsterdam. I’m also pretty interested in WWII history so I wanted to see Anne Frank’s house, Oskar Schindler’s factory, Anne Frank House, and Auschwitz, and a few more sites.

Transportation

The next step was researching transportation. I started by shopping for the cheapest flight from Los Angels to Europe. London seemed to be the cheapest city to fly into at the time.

I also researched the Eurail Pass extensively. I looked up the time tables for each leg of my itinerary to check whether or not the Eurail pass covered it and what time I would leave and arrive in each city. When it didn’t, I looked at bus tickets. I found that Europe is so well connected that almost every route is possible.

Before the trip, I applied for my first passport. While I was waiting for it to arrive, I researched visas. I learned that my US passport allowed me to travel pretty much anywhere I wanted without arranging any visas in advance. The only one I would need was for Turkey, which was available at the border on arrival.

Accommodation

I planned to stay in hostels most nights and camp once in a while. I looked for hostels on Hostelworld and Booking.com in each city that I planned to visit. While researching, I checked prices, the location in the city, whether or not they included breakfast, and how to get there from the train station.

I only booked my first three nights in London but I wrote down the names and prices of some hostels that I might stay in along the way. Because summer is so busy, I knew that I would need to book in advance most of the time so it helped to be prepared.

Next, I started thinking about what kind of clothing and gear I would need for the trip. I needed to buy a new backpack to carry my clothing and gear. I already had most of the clothing I needed. The only other gear I needed to buy was outlet converters, a money belt, and a few small items.

Finally, I needed to make a budget. As I researched, I wrote down the price of everything I could think of including my flight, Eurail pass, reservations, bus tickets, hostels, food, drinks, entry tickets, and more. I then added it up. I’ll talk more in-depth about budgeting later on.

Telling My Family About my Solo Travel Plans

One issue I ran into while planning my first solo trip that I didn’t consider beforehand was how difficult it was going to be to tell my friends and family about my plans. I got some pushback and questioning. Particularly from my grandparents. Some people just don’t get solo travel. My dad got it. My mom was unsure but accepting.

Common questions, comments, and concerns I heard include: ‘Why are you doing that?’ ‘Why don’t you go with a friend?’, ‘Isn’t that dangerous?’ , ‘Why don’t you travel in your own country instead?’, ‘Why don’t you wait until you’re older?’, ‘How are you going to pay for that?’ ‘Why do you want to go there?’, ‘Why don’t you get a job instead?’, ‘you don’t want to do that’, ‘you’ll never make it’, etc.

At times, I began to doubt myself. I wondered if I was biting off more than I could chew. If I was capable and competent enough to complete the trip. Luckily, I was strong enough to push through the criticism and go through with my plans. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t have second thoughts though.

I’m not the only solo traveler who has run into this issue. Telling friends and family about solo travel plans is a common concern. It comes up frequently on the subreddit r/solotravel. I’ve read some horror stories there about people’s families forbidding them to travel or even threatening to disown them if they go through with their travel plans. Luckily my family wasn’t that extreme.

If you face this problem when planning your trip, my best advice is to answer their valid questions about safety, transportation, budgeting, accommodation, etc. to put their mind at ease. Try to avoid talking about the trip as much as possible. If you let them dwell on it and bash your plans, you’ll just start to doubt yourself. No good can come of it. You may even feel tempted to cancel your trip.

For some more tips, check out this great guide to dealing with unsupportive friends and family.

Money and Budgeting for My First Solo Trip

My first major obstacle in planning my trip was making sure I had enough money. I saved up around $5000 for the trip from working at McDonald’s, 18 years worth of birthday money, and some painting work I did for my friend’s parents. This had to cover all of my expenses including airfare, the Eurail Pass, other transportation, accommodation, food, drinks, entertainment, activities, souvenirs, travel gear, etc. My goal was to make it last 3 months.

I made a rough budget to find out what this whole thing would cost me. I spent a significant amount of time researching the pricing of everything I could think of and adding it all up. To make my budget, I priced out the following:

• Travel gear- I needed to purchase a backpack, outlet converters, a tent, some clothes, new shoes, travel-sized toiletries, and a few more small items.
• Plane ticket- I shopped around to find which city was the cheapest to fly into from Los Angeles. It turned out to be London.
• Eurail pass- I considered which pass I would require based on the duration of my trip and the number of trains I planned to take. I found that the Eurail pass was economical for my particular trip. I went with the 3 month global pass.
• Hostels- I went on Hostelworld and Booking.com and researched the price of dorm beds in most of the cities that I planned to visit in order to get a rough idea of the price of hostels. I found an average price for each city, multiplied it by the number of nights I planned to stay, then added up all of the hostel costs to get a rough accommodation budget idea.
• Entry fees, tours, and activities- I looked into the prices for various things that I wanted to do while traveling including entry to museums, parks, tours, etc. I’m not really into organized activities so this cost was pretty low.
• Food- I considered the cost of restaurant meals and cooking my own food in hostel kitchens. This one is difficult to estimate. I planned to cook for myself most of the time.
• Alcohol- This one was tough to price as well. I couldn’t legally drink in my home country at the time but I knew I’d be drinking on my trip.
• Miscellaneous- I budgeted a bit extra for various unexpected expenses just to be on the safe side. I think I ended up buying a couple of new shirts and a new pair of shorts when mine wore out.
• Souvenirs- I don’t buy souvenirs but if you plan to, you’ll want to budget for them.
• Travel Insurance- I did not have travel insurance on this trip but I probably should have.

After adding everything up, my total costs came out above my $5000 budget for my three-month trip. To cut costs, I made some changes to my itinerary. I cut out a few expensive Western European cities and added a few more affordable Eastern European cities. I also eliminated a couple of destinations that my Eurail Pass wouldn’t cover. Eventually, I was able to get my budget to around $5000.

First Solo Travel Tip: Make sure you have some emergency money in case a problem arises. You don’t want to spend every penny you have on your trip. You need some backup in case an emergency arises. That way, you’re covered if your phone gets stolen or if you need to buy a ticket home in an emergency. You also need some money to re-establish yourself when you return home. For example, maybe you need to rent an apartment.

Exactly how much you need depends on your age, budget, financial situation, etc. I like to carry at least $300 in cash plus have a couple thousand extra in my checking account. I didn’t have any emergencies on this trip but it brought me peace of mind knowing I had some extra cash just in case.

For more info on travel budgeting, check out my guides:

• How to Make an Accurate Budget for Long Term Travel.
• Guide to Ultra Low Budget Travel on $10 Per Day.

Tickets and Reservations I Booked in Advance

About a month and a half before my trip, I bought the following tickets and made the following reservations:

• Plane ticket- I bought a round trip ticket between Los Angeles and London with Air Canada. It cost around $1200.
• Eurail Pass- I bought the 3 month global unlimited pass. It cost around $700.
• Hostel- I booked 2 nights in a hostel in London. I wasn’t sure how many days I’d want to stay or where exactly I’d go next so I just booked the first two nights.
• Tour- I booked myself on a tour from London to Stonehenge for the day after I arrived.

First Solo Travel Tip: Book your first few days of accommodation in advance. Having a hotel or hostel bed already reserved brings peace of mind because you know where you’re going when you arrive. It also helps when passing through immigration.

To make things even easier, consider booking your airport transportation in advance as well. Many hotels and hostels offer a shuttle service. If you plan to take public transport from the airport to your accommodation, make sure you know which bus or train lines you need to take. Also, have the hotel’s phone number and address handy in case you need to ask for directions or tell your driver where you need to go.

Gear and Packing for My First Solo Trip

Travel doesn’t really require much specialty gear. Before I left, I bought a few items including:

•  Travel Backpack- I needed something lightweight and voluminous enough to accommodate all of my clothes and gear. I wanted a backpack that was small enough to carry on an airplane and large enough to accommodate 3 months worth of gear. I bought the Osprey Talon 44. This is a great bag. After 10 years of rough use on 6 continents, it’s still in excellent condition. Read my full review of the backpack here.
• Outlet converters- For charging my camera. I didn’t pack a laptop or cell phone on this trip.
• First aid kit- I bought a small first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrhea medicine, etc.
• Tent- I bought a cheap one person non-freestanding tent. I wasn’t sure whether or not to travel with a tent. I figured I could at least save some money by camping.
• Sleeping bag- I bought a lightweight synthetic travel sleeping bag. This turned out to be pretty useful. These days, I always travel with some type of blanket, quilt, or sleeping bag. It comes in handy surprisingly often.
• Money belt- Instead of using a wallet, I used a money belt to carry my passport, cash, and cards. This helps to protect valuables from muggers and pickpockets. I bought the Eagle Creek Silk Undercover money belt on Amazon. I’m really happy with it. I actually still use the same one to this day. It’s one of the only pieces of original travel gear that I still use. Read my full review of the money belt here.

Pretty much everything else I needed I already had. I packed:

•  1 pair of shoes
• 1 pair of sandals
• 3 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 pair of swim shorts
• Glasses, contacts, and sunglasses
• A toiletries kit

The following two sections cover the first week or so of my trip. Things started out a bit rough. There is definitely a learning curve to solo travel. In this section, I’ll outline a couple of mistakes I made and the lessons I learned. I’ll also describe a few unexpected hiccups I experienced along the way. Hopefully, my stories can help you avoid experiencing similar problems.

My First Day of Solo Travel

My dad drove me to LAX and dropped me off. I don’t remember being particularly nervous which is surprising because I’m generally a pretty anxious guy. I felt confident and prepared.

The flight itself went smooth. I checked in and checked my backpack then boarded my flight without any issues. I had a brief stopover in Toronto before catching my first intercontinental flight to London.

After landing in Heathrow, the first problem immediately arose. While standing around the baggage claim, the crowd slowly thinned out until I was the last guy standing next to the belt. My bag didn’t arrive. Air Canada lost my backpack full of all my travel gear that I had so carefully packed. Stupidly, I packed everything in my backpack, including my contact lenses and camera.

I walked over to the baggage counter and told the agent that my bag didn’t show up. The guy was incredibly unsympathetic. He just handed me a form. All I could do was fill it out and hope that Air Canada found my backpack. I was offered no compensation.

Luckily, I did have my debit cards so getting cash wasn’t a problem. After clearing customs and immigration, I navigated the tube into central London.

I had a bit of trouble finding my hostel. I ended up wandering around Borough High Street for around an hour before I managed to find the entrance. Once I found the place, I checked in and went to sleep. This was my first day of solo travel. So far I hated it.

Over the next couple of days, I walked down to the nearest payphone to call Air Canada a couple of times per day. I tried my best to get some type of compensation out of them but they offered nothing. They just expected me to wait in the city for my bag to arrive.

Finally, on the third day, my backpack made it to London. Someone dropped it off at the hostel reception. Now my trip could begin.

A few important lessons I learned on my first day of solo travel:

•  Only bring a carry-on bag- I overpacked. Probably because this was my first trip and I didn’t know exactly what I would need. Now I know that a carry-on-sized bag is sufficient to accommodate enough gear for almost any trip. These days, I never check a bag unless I’m packing camping gear. Check out my guide to checked vs carry-on luggage for more info.
• Never fly Air Canada- At this point, I have flown on dozens of airlines and Air Canada has the absolute worst customer service that I have ever experienced. I found this particularly shocking since Canadians are such nice people in general. I will never fly Air Canada again.
• Always have travel insurance- I probably could have gotten some type of compensation for the trip delay. Luckily my bag was found this time. If it wasn’t I would have been out several hundred dollars. Travel insurance would have come in handy.

My First Solo Trip Begins

From London, I decided to travel to Amsterdam. The Eurostar cost too much so I decided to take the bus then transfer to a train. I left London without knowing exactly how I was going to get to Amsterdam, where I would sleep, or when I would arrive. This turned out to be a mistake.

I caught an afternoon bus from London to Brussels. There, I activated my Eurail pass and caught my first European train. I ended up on an afternoon train to Antwerp then transferred onto a night train to Amsterdam. Unfortunately, I didn’t arrive until midnight.

This was my mistake. I arrived in an unfamiliar city in the middle of the night without any accommodation booked. I had no way of accessing the internet to look for a hostel because I didn’t have a phone and all of the internet cafes were closed. At this point, my only options were to spend the night in the train station or go out wandering around the city looking for a place to sleep.

I walked out of the train station, not knowing that I couldn’t re-enter until the following morning. Essentially, I ended up spending a long, cold night wandering the streets of Amsterdam with my backpack. I didn’t know where to go so I just walked.

Over the course of the night, I ended up meeting a series of strange and interesting characters including a drunken cyclist, a homeless Welshman, and an odd bald guy. The whole night was just bizarre, like a fever dream. I didn’t sleep at all. Luckily I didn’t get robbed. You can read about my night in Amsterdam here.

The following day, I started my search for a place to sleep for that night. After visiting half a dozen hostels, I realized that everything was fully booked or out of my price range. I never considered that Amsterdam would be fully booked out and I couldn’t afford to pay $50 per night for a dorm bed. This is peak summer season travel in Amsterdam.

Eventually, I found an internet cafe and went online to look at my options. I knew that worst case, I could catch a train to another city. Of course, I really wanted to experience Amsterdam.

Hostelworld had nothing in my price range. I found a campground just outside the city that was accessible by tram. I ended up camping there for the next few nights. This turned out to be cheaper and more pleasant than a hostel anyway. Luckily, I was traveling with a tent.

From this ordeal I learned to:

• Avoid arriving in an unfamiliar city late at night or early in the morning without confirmed accommodation and transport plans- Everything becomes more difficult at night. For example, public transportation often stops running, hotels and hotels lock their doors for security reasons, and restaurants are all closed. Arriving at night is also slightly more dangerous because most crime happens at night. You don’t want to be out wandering around a foreign city in some random neighborhood at 2 am looking for a hotel with a vacancy. Nothing good can come of it. If you plan to arrive in a new city in the middle of the night, book ahead and arrange your transport in advance. Also, make sure your hotel reception expects you. Better yet, arrive during the day.
• Book ahead in popular destinations or during peak season- Some touristy cities, like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Paris for example, fully book out during the busy season. Sometimes you need to book up to a couple of weeks in advance in order to get a bed in a decent hotel, hostel, or Airbnb.
• Carry a tent- You can almost always find a place to camp. Most campgrounds won’t turn you away, even if they’re packed. There is always a bit of space. If you have a tent, you can also wild camp. If you don’t want to carry a tent, consider packing a hammock. For more info on camping while traveling, check out my guide to traveling with a tent.

The Rest of the Trip

The trip started out pretty rough but I feel like I learned a few valuable travel lessons early on. From there on out, it was smooth sailing.

A few highlights from my first solo trip included:

• Stockholm- For whatever reason, I loved this city. I also met a great group of fellow travelers at the hostel.
• The hostels- I’m probably in the minority here, but I love staying in hostels. This trip gave me my first hostel experience. I’ve stayed in hundreds since.
• The train rides- On this trip, I learned that I’m a train guy. While traveling, I ride them whenever possible. This trip gave me my first taste of train travel.
• Prague- This is probably my favorite European city. It’s cheap, beautiful, and the beer is great. I love it.
• Wandering around on foot- Most European cities are compact and walkable. For the most part, you don’t have to worry about wandering into a dangerous neighborhood. One of my favorite things to do while traveling is walking around. Europe is perfect for this.
• Krakow- Another historic and beautiful European city. It’s affordable too.
• The ferry ride from Greece to Italy – I slept on the deck in my sleeping bag. The weather that night was perfect.
• Istanbul- As an inexperienced traveler at the time, this city felt really exotic.
• Camping- Many European cities have campgrounds within the city or just outside. They’re usually accessible by public transport. My favorite places I camped were Munich and Amsterdam.

My First Solo Trip Route

I put my Eurail pass to good use and ended up visiting about 20 countries during my first solo trip. On average, I stayed in each city for 3-4 nights. That gave me enough time to see the main sites and go out one night. If I was really enjoying a city, I’d stay 4-5 nights. Travel time between cities was always less than a day.

I visited the following cities during my first solo trip:

London – Amsterdam – Copenhagen – Stockholm – Berlin – Munich – Prague – Krakow – Bratislava, Slovakia – Vienna – Budapest – Bucharest – Sofia – Istanbul – Thessaloniki, Greece – Rome – Zurich – Interlaken, Switzerland – Barcelona – Madrid – Paris – Bruges

My personal favorites were Amsterdam, Stockholm, Prague, Krakow, Istanbul, and Barcelona.

The Eurail pass covered every trip except London-Brussels, Sofia-Istanbul, Istanbul-Thessaloniki, and Bruges-London. I bought these tickets separately at the bus or train station.

Accommodation: A Note about European Hostels

Europe is the birthplace of youth hostels. The first one opened in Germany in 1912. That means that travelers have been hosteling in Europe for over 100 years. My dad backpacked Europe in the 60s and probably had a similar experience to me.

At this point, I have stayed in hostels on 6 continents. In my opinion, Europe offers the best hostels in terms of facilities and cleanliness. There are also a lot of them. Hostels are absolutely everywhere on the continent.

Unfortunately, European hostels are expensive and prices keep increasing. During my first solo trip, the most expensive hostels cost around $30 per night in Stockholm and Amsterdam. Average prices were around $7-$15.

These days, hostel prices are significantly higher. In most Western European capital cities, expect to pay $25-$35 per night for a dorm bed in a centrally located hostel during busy season. In the most expensive cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Oslo, and Stockholm, you might pay $40-$50 during peak season. That’s getting a bit too pricey for most backpackers traveling long term.

Luckily, prices are still reasonable in Eastern Europe. For my next European trip, I plan to visit Ukraine, Moldova, the Balkans, and the Caucuses. Hostel prices still seem very reasonable in that part of the continent.

First Solo Trip Tip: Stay in Social Hostels

Solo travel gets lonely. Particularly at night. To help you meet people, stay in a social hostel. Hostels offer a common area, bar, walking tours, group meals, pub crawls, and a variety of other social events. These offer great opportunities to meet fellow travelers to go out with, sightsee with, and even travel with.

One thing to remember when booking is that hostel atmosphere varies greatly. Some are more oriented to partying while others are more chilled out. Some are designed to be social while others are geared pretty much only for sleeping. Be sure to check reviews before booking. Check out my guide to choosing a hostel for some helpful tips.

If you’re not comfortable sleeping in a dorm room with other people, most hostels offer private rooms. This way, you get to take advantage of the social aspects of hostels while still maintaining some privacy. Couchsurfing is another great social accommodation option.

Transportation: European Trains and the Eurail Pass, Budget Airlines, and Buses

Europe has maybe the best transportation infrastructure in the world. Between trains, buses, and budget airlines, you can travel pretty much anywhere on the continent quickly and usually affordably.

The European rail system, in particular, is world-class. Trains are reliable, comfortable, fast, and the system is extensive. You can travel almost anywhere by train. It’s impressive if you come from a place where train travel is less common.

I bought the 3 month global unlimited Eurail pass before my trip. At the time, the pass cost around $700. While writing this article, I checked the price on their website and found that the pass costs about the same now. Somehow the price hasn’t increased in 9 years. That’s actually pretty impressive.

I absolutely recommend traveling by train in Europe but I’m still not sure whether to recommend the Eurail pass. On one hand, I used my Eurail pass extensively and definitely feel that I got my money’s worth. The pass even included my fairy fare from Greece to Italy. On the other hand, I think it would be easier, and for some trips cheaper, to just buy tickets as you go.

One thing that annoys me about the Eurail pass is the fact that you have to pay a reservation fee for most longer routes. They generally charge 10-15 euro per trip. Shorter routes often don’t require a reservation. You just hop on. The reservation fees add up quickly. I probably spend a couple of hundred Euro to reserve seats.

If the train is too expensive, I recommend you check bus ticket prices. It’s almost always cheaper to travel by bus. A few budget European bus lines include Flixbus, Megabus, and Eurolines. Bus companies vary by region as well. If you shop around, you can score some great deals. For more info, check out my bus vs train travel guide.

When traveling between cities that are more that a day apart overland, consider flying instead. European budget airlines offer surprisingly low rates. In some cases, it’s cheaper to fly than take the bus. A few popular European budget airlines include Ryanair, Norwegian Air Shuttle, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Pegasus Airlines, AirBaltic, and Eurowings.

First Solo Travel Tip: Travel by night. This benefits you in two ways. First, you’ll save money on a night of accommodation. Second, you’ll save valuable time. Rather than wasting a whole day sitting on the train or bus, you can sleep through the trip and wake up in a new city ready to explore. Of course, your sleep will suffer unless you book a bed in a sleeper car.

Accessing Money on My First Solo Trip

Before my trip, I got my first debit card from my local credit union. I was still 17 while planning the trip so I had to have one of my parents sign for the card. I kept most of my money in my checking account so I could access it through ATMs. At the time, I did not have a credit card. As I traveled, I withdrew cash from ATMs. I never had a problem finding one in Europe.

I also left home with about $500 USD in cash, which I stored in my money belt. This was as a backup just in case my debit card was lost, stolen, or shut off for some reason. Occasionally, I would exchange some cash for the local currency when I found a good exchange rate.

The cash came in handy on one occasion. For whatever reason, my debit card did not work in Romania. Even after calling my bank, they couldn’t figure it out.

I ended up spending a decent chunk of money on currency exchange fees and ATM fees. I learned my lesson after this experience.

These days, I use a travel credit card instead of a debit card or cash whenever possible. I do this for three reasons.

• There are no exchange fees- Travel credit cards eliminate most fees. This saves you 1-3% on every transaction. Most debit cards charge a fee. You also avoid the conversion fee of exchanging cash.
• Using a credit card adds security- Credit card companies can do chargebacks. They can refund you if your card gets overcharged or stolen and used by a criminal. This is possible because credit card companies usually don’t pay vendors until the following month. They still have the money so they can give it back to you if you fall victim to fraud or a scam.
• I can take advantage of the points to travel more- Rewards points add up fast. Most credit card companies offer bonus points when you open a new card as well. For example, I paid for my round trip airfare to Africa with credit card points. That saved me around $1200.

I also carry a debit card with no foreign transaction fees or ATM withdraw fees. This has saved me hundreds of dollars in fees over the years.

Things I Would Have Done Differently on My First Solo Trip

Even thought the trip was a success, it wasn’t perfect. If I were to take this same trip again, I would:

• Pack lighter- I didn’t want to buy everything new for the trip. I just didn’t have the budget. I ended up packing heavy clothing and gear that I already owned. As a result of this, my pack was pretty heavy. I’ve since upgraded to mostly ultralight gear. A lighter pack makes travel so much easier and less stressful. For help packing, check out my ultralight travel packing list.
• Pack better shoes- I packed one pair of Converse All-Stars. These are great looking shoes but just aren’t comfortable enough for long walks. Over the course of the trip, I walked several hundred miles in them anyway. My feet hurt. These days, I pack running shoes or trail runners. I can walk all day and experience zero foot pain.
• Spend more time in the outdoors- Europe offers some beautiful natural scenery. I spent most of my time in cities. On a future trip, I’d like to do some hiking in the Italian Dolomites, Norwegian Fjords, and Mont Blanc.
• Spend less time in Western Europe – The region is beautiful and historic but too developed and touristy. In fact, the central tourist zones are so clean and well kept that they feel like Disneyland. I found Eastern Europe to be much more interesting. Having said this, I’m glad to have visited the famous western European capitals.
• Spend more time in smaller towns- I mostly stuck to big capital cities like Berlin, Rome, Paris Amsterdam, London, Stockholm, etc. On a future trip, I would like to explore some second tier cities like Bergen, Norway, and Frankfurt, Germany. I would also like to visit some rural regions.
• Visit fewer destinations- I was packing up and traveling to a different city every 3-4 days. I ended up visiting about 20 countries in just 3 months. I wanted to see everything, which got exhausting. These days, I travel much slower. I like to take some time to get to know each city and relax a bit. I’m over my country counting phase.

Things I Should Have Left at Home

Most first time travelers end up overpacking. Myself included. Some of the things that I shouldn’t have packed include:

• DSLR camera- Too bulky and heavy. I don’t even travel with a camera anymore. I just use my phone. Of course, phone cameras were pretty bad at the time of this trip so that wasn’t really an option.
• Some of my clothes- I packed too many clothes. I could have left a couple a couple t shirts, underwear, and socks at home. These days, I just pack a couple of shirts and pants and buy more when my originals wear out.
• My heavy tent- The thing weighed like 4 pounds. I still carry a tent. Just an ultralight model. I have the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 and love it.
• Sleep sheet- While researching for the trip, I read online that it’s a good idea to sleep in your own sheet or sleeping bag liner in hostels for hygiene reasons. This is unnecessary. Hostels are clean enough.

Loneliness During My First Solo Trip

During this trip, I quickly learned that solo travel is a lonely experience. I spent hundreds of hours alone in transit. I cooked and ate many meals alone. Much of the time I went sightseeing alone. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just something to consider before taking a solo trip.

This wasn’t really a problem for me because I’m a bit of a loner naturally. Having said that spending so much time alone can take its toll. Sometimes I wished I had someone to talk to and enjoy the experience with. Sometimes I wished I had someone to suffer with during the low points.

Of course, most of the time I wasn’t alone. I met fellow travelers as well as locals everywhere I went. At most hostels I met people to sightsee with, eat with, and go out with. On a couple of occasions, I even met people to travel with for short stints.

Luckily, meeting people as a solo traveler is pretty easy. A few ways to meet people include:

• Stay in a social hostel- Choose a hostel with a large common area and a bar. These features make it easy to meet fellow travelers. If the hostel offers outings or group activities, even better.
• Go on a free walking tour- These are incredibly common in Europe. You’ll definitely meet fellow travelers.
• Try to keep a positive attitude and try to look approachable- If you appear friendly, you’ll make friends more easily. People don’t want to talk to you if you look like you don’t want to be bothered.
• Share food and drinks- Buy some beers or snacks and share them with other guests in the hostel. You’ll make friends quickly.
• Go to a bar- Hotel and hostel bars are great places to meet people.
• Stay with a local host or go couchsurfing- This way, you’ll automatically have a friend when you arrive.
• Chat people up while in transit- You might make a friend and the time passes faster.
• Take a class- Cooking, yoga, diving, and surfing classes are all great places to meet people. You’ll instantly become frineds with your classmates because you all share a common interest.
• Volunteer or work- You’ll become quick friends with your host and fellow volunteers while working together.

For more help, check out my guide to meeting people while traveling alone.

First Solo Travel Tip : If you’re thinking about taking your first solo trip, it’s important to recognize that you will be spending a great deal of time alone. Even if you’re a chatty people person, you won’t meet people everywhere you go. Some hostels aren’t that friendly. In some cities you simply don’t meet anyone you connect with. You will be eating alone, sightseeing alone, and sitting alone for hours on the bus or train. If you’re the kind of person who needs constant social interaction, you may not enjoy solo travel. It’s not for everyone, which is fine.

A Note About Technology on My First Solo Trip

When I took this trip in 2011, smartphones and Wifi were just becoming common. I didn’t bring any kind of internet-connected device. I didn’t even bring a regular cell phone. During the trip, I only saw a handful of travelers with laptops or phones.

Back then, pretty much every hostel offered computers in the common area. I used these to research and make bookings as I went and to keep in contact with family and friends through email and Facebook. Occasionally, I used payphones to call home. I feel like I got to experience the tail end of the pre-smartphone era of travel.

Travel has changed significantly since 2011. These days, I always bring my phone and laptop when I travel. Every hostel has Wifi. Common computers and payphones are a thing of the past. A few major advantages of technology include:

• Navigation- GPS makes it so much easier to find hostels, restaurants, points of interest, transit stations, etc. Even when I don’t have internet, I can download maps from Google Maps or Maps.me and use my phone’s GPS to find where I need to go. One of the most annoying parts of my first solo trip was finding the hostel when I arrived in a new city. Before leaving the previous hostel, I had to handwrite directions to my next hostel. I could usually get to the neighborhood pretty easily but actually finding the hostel was a challenge. In Budapest, I spent almost two hours wandering around until I finally found the hostel’s postage stamp sized sign on the side of a building. Now I could walk right there with my phone.
• keeping in touch- These days, I can call and text my friends and family back home and around the world whenever I want. There are dozens of free apps available including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, WeChat, etc. Sometimes I buy a local SIM card so I can call local numbers and use mobile data. Calling home was incredibly expensive during my first solo trip.
• Communication with locals- With Google translate, I can communicate with pretty much anyone in their language. I usually download the offline version if I don’t have a local SIM card with mobile data.
• Currency conversion- Instead of trying to calculate the prices in my head, I can whip out my phone and quickly convert prices into dollars with the most up to date exchange rate. This helps greatly with budgeting and avoiding scams.

A Few Tips for Your First Solo Trip

• Choose your destination wisely- Some places are easier to solo travel than others. For your first solo trip, you probably don’t want to go to Nigeria or Afghanistan. Choose an easy destination with established tourist infrastructure. This makes it easy to get around and find decent accommodation. Choose a region that is popular among backpackers. You’ll have an easier time meeting people. Also, consider the language barrier. A few great destinations for first-time solo travelers include Southeast Asia, Western Europe, and Central America. For some more ideas, check out my guide to the best solo travel destinations.
• Meet people- As mentioned above, traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time. Put some effort into meeting fellow travelers and locals. Looking back, some of my best memories of the trip were created with the people I met along the way.
• Try to blend in- Tourists are a target for scammers, pickpockets, and muggers. By blending in, you reduce your risk of falling victim to a crime. To blend in, try to dress like a local rather than a tourist and avoid speaking too loudly. I blended in pretty well on my first solo trip. In the hostel in Stockholm, someone recommended I roll up my jeans at the bottom so I would blend in more. I guess that was in style in Northern Europe at the time. About 5 minutes after I walked out of the hostel some guy approached me speaking Swedish. After he learned that I didn’t speak the language, he told me that he thought I was a local because I was dressed like a Swede. It was a funny coincidence.
• Always have a backup plan- It’s important to have a plan B in case things turn south. Carry some extra cash in case you need to take a taxi back to your hotel. Upload copies of all of your important documents to the cloud in case your passport gets stolen. Make sure you always have the address of your hotel on your person in case you get lost. Try your best to be prepared for every situation.
• Pack light- Schlepping around a massive 90 liter backpack full of 50 lbs of gear grows old quickly. Try to pack everything you need into a carry-on-sized bag. 40-50 liters is ideal. Try to keep the total weight under 10 kg or 22 lbs if possible. If there is any question about whether or not you’ll need something, just leave it at home. Be sure to weigh your luggage before you leave to make sure it meets the airline weight limits. A light and compact bag allows you to avoid luggage fees. You can also easily walk with it across the city. You don’t need transportation everywhere you go.
• Don’t plan too much- It’s fine to make a basic itinerary but I recommend you avoid booking anything beyond the first few days. Try to leave some room for spontaneity. Your plans will probably change once you reach your destination anyway. For example, maybe you end up falling in love with a particular city and you decide that you want to extend your stay. Maybe you end up hating a country and want to get out of there. If you already planned everything and booked everything in advance, changing your plans becomes difficult. If you keep your plans open, you can play it by ear.
• Slow down- Many first-time solo travelers try to cram too many destinations and activities into their itinerary. I made this same mistake. Instead of trying to do everything, pick out a few things to do in each city. Instead of visiting 10 cities in a month, visit 3 or 4. Give yourself time to relax and explore. You’re on vacation after all.
• Do your own thing- The best part of solo travel is the absolute freedom of it. You can do whatever you want without having to take anyone else’s preferences into consideration. It’s all about you. If you feel like renting a bike and riding across the city, you can. If you feel like going to a water park, you can. You also get to avoid things you don’t like doing. If you hate museums, skip them. If you don’t care for the local cuisine, eat something else. It’s your vacation. There is no right or wrong way to solo travel.

Final Thoughts about My First Solo Trip

I realize this is a cliché, but this trip was life changing. Not in the sense that I ‘found myself’ or that I changed in any way. Rather, that I found what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to travel. By the time I arrived back home, I was already planning my next trip, Asia.

10 years have passed since I took my first solo trip. During that time, I designed my life around travel. So far, I have visited 60 countries on 6 continents with plenty more trips planned for the future. I also started this travel blog and become a digital nomad. In this sense, the trip changed the course of my life.

Are you a solo traveler? Share your story about your first solo trip in the comments below!

More from Where The Road Forks

• Solo Travel Vs Group Travel: Pros and Cons
• 35 Types of Tourism
• 22 Benefits of Traveling
• Backpack Vs Suitcase: Pros and Cons
• Am I Too Old for Hostels?

Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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Backpacking Europe Winter Itinerary: 10 EPIC Routes (2024)

Are you looking for the best winter backpacking routes in Europe? Between different winter events and unpredictable weather, creating a perfect backpacking Europe winter itinerary can be challenging!

I backpacked through most European countries and spent almost every winter in Europe. 

I already talked about the advantages and disadvantages of backpacking through Europe in winter . 

With all that in mind, I’ve created these 10 comprehensive itineraries covering the best regions for backpacking Europe in winter.

Keep reading to find your perfect route for an unforgettable winter in Europe!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

The best winter backpacking Europe routes

1. The Ultimate Major Cities Route 

London – Paris – Brussels – Amsterdam – Berlin – Prague – Krakow – Budapest – Zagreb  

This backpacking itinerary covers the main hot spots you need to see in Europe.

Depending on how much time you have, you can do the entire route which will take you over a month, or choose a leg that you find interesting.

Make sure to hit some of the winter in Europe bucket list activities, such as:

• stroll the Christmas Markets in Prague,
• discover nightlife in Krakow ,
• swim in Thermal Baths in Budapest,
• take a day trip from Zagreb to magical Plitvice lakes.

Best time to do this route: You can do this route any time during the winter. All cities on the itinerary are lively any time of the year. To visit Christmas Markets, plan your visit in December. 

If you don’t have enough time for the Ultimate major cities route, here are some ideas to create a shorter backpacking European capital itinerary!

2. 2-week Classic Route For First-timers

London – Paris- Brussels

This route covers the three most visited European capitals. 

I suggest you spend 4-5 days in each city for a 2-week trip or shorten your stay for a shorter vacation. 

• London, UK –   a lively capital with an endless list of things to do!
• Paris, France – the city of love and lights, the most visited city in the world!
• Brussels, Belgium – you can see the main tourist attractions in Brussels in two days , but you will want to spend at least one day on a day trip from Brussels to Bruges or Ghent . 

All of these cities are well-connected by fast train! Check the price and schedule on Trainline . It is my favorite app for booking international train tickets.

You can do this itinerary as a circle route if you want to fly home from London. Eurostar train takes you from Brussels to London in just 2 hours!

As you can probably assume, these are some of the most expensive cities in Europe to visit. Most hostels don’t have age restrictions , so don’t worry about staying there.

Best time to do this route: You can do this route any time during the winter. All cities on the itinerary are lively any time of the year. These cities are also some of the best places for New Year’s in Europe !

3. Benelux Backpacking Route

Amsterdam – Brussels – Luxembourg

This route covers the Benelux region and is perfect for a 1-week backpacking trip. You can spend 2-3 days in each city or add a couple of day trips to discover more of the region.

Winter weather in the Benelux area is damp and cloudy, so remember to pack an umbrella!

• Amsterdam, The Netherlands – bike along the canals in Amsterdam and enjoy the lively nightlife.
• Brussels, Belgium   – visit the capital of Europe and the charming towns of Ghent and Bruges.
• Luxembourg – discover this rarely visited country and stroll the fortified medieval old town perched on cliffs

Best time to do this route: You can do this route any time during the winter. To visit Christmas Markets, plan your visit in December.  The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from December through January.

4. Central European Capitals Backpacking Route

Berlin – Prague – Vienna – Bratislava – Budapest

This winter Europe trip itinerary takes you through 5 stunning, lively Central European capitals where you will forget about cold winter weather. 

Cities on this itinerary are some of the best places to backpack in Europe in winter !

• Berlin, Germany – experience the big city vibes of the vibrant German capital
• Prague, Czech Republic – stroll the cobblestone street of the Old City and admire the world’s most extensive castle premises
• Vienna, Austria – home to one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe and a cultural hub of central Europe
• Bratislava, Slovakia – this underrated European capital will charm you with its picturesque historic center and hilltop castle overlooking the city
• Budapest, Hungary – discover the backpackers’ hotspot and one of the most popular backpacking destinations in Europe

Best time to do this route: You can do this route any time during the winter. However, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are quite stunning during the December Christmas Market Season.

Backpacking Europe Routes: Along The Coast

This route takes you through Southern Europe, along the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts.

It might sound rather unusual to suggest a beach route in the middle of winter, but the South is a perfect area to escape the cold European winter. 

This Coastal route features some of the most popular European summer destinations but offers a different perspective focusing on cultural aspects instead of the beaches. 

5. Mediterranean Coast in winter Backpacking Route 

Madrid – Porto – Lisabon – Algarve – Sevilla – Granada – Valencia – Barcelona – Marseille – Nice – Milan – Venice – Florence – Rome

This itinerary takes you through the most popular European summer destinations with a winter twist. It covers Portugal, Spain, the South of France and Italy.

Start your trip by backpacking in Spain ‘s capital Madrid, the biggest hub for international flights on the Mediterranean Coast and a vibrant city with plenty of things to do. 

Following my 7 days in Portugal itinerary , make your way to Porto and then down to southern Portugal to backpack the Algarve with its majestic cliffs and breathtaking views.

Winter is the perfect time for backpacking Andalusia , as the weather is pleasant, and you enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage sites like Alhambra without crowds.

Barcelona is well-known for its nightlife, football, and art. It is a popular spot on every backpacking route!

Make your way to the South of France, starting with Marseille.

• You could take a train or a bus from Barcelona, but this route is the most comfortable if you take a quick flight. Check flights on Skyscanner – if you are lucky, you might get one for under 20€!

Finally, this route takes you through some of the best places to visit in Italy, ending in Rome.

Visiting this route in the winter is a fantastic way to save money, as these cities are far from the cheapest European beach cities in the summer.

Best time to do this route: You can do this route throughout winter. However, cities on this itinerary are not well-known for their Christmas atmosphere. Therefore, I suggest visiting in January or February.

6. Winter Sun in Europe Backpacking Itinerary 

Madrid – Porto – Lisabon – Algarve – Sevilla – Cordoba – Granada – Malaga

This itinerary takes you through the Iberian peninsula, covering Portugal and Andalusia. 

It combines my Portugal itinerary, Algarve itinerary , and Andalusia itinerary .

You can also start in Porto, following the Portugal backpacker route from the north to the south before making your way to Spain and ending in Madrid!

Best time to do this route: You can do this route throughout winter. Cities on this itinerary are not well-known for their Christmas atmosphere. Therefore, I suggest visiting in January or February.

7. Adriatic Coast In Winter Backpacking Route

Venice – Pula – Rijeka – Zadar – Dubrovnik – Kotor – Durmitor – Tirana – Athens

This is not a classic European winter itinerary, as you’ll visit destinations that are usually summer hot spots.

The route starts from Venice and takes you down the Croatian coast to Montenegro and Albania. 

You can easily travel this route from Venice to Albania by bus. There are no trains worth mentioning on the Croatian coast or in Montenegro. 

Usually, when backpacking Europe, I just take Flixbus, but in this region, it is worth checking out Omio. 

• Omio compares all bus operators in the area as there are many local bus operators, and Flixbus is not that common the further you go down south. 

You could figure out a road route from Albania to Greece, but the flight is the most effective option. Especially since flights are very cheap in winter! You can find a cheap flight to Athens from Tirana to continue backpacking Greece or return home.

• Venice, Italy – visit Venice before they impose entry fees! Stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the charming canals.
• Pula, Croatia – if you are interested in Roman culture, you will love Pula. Discover all ancient monuments, including a majestic amphitheater (better than the one in Rome IMO), although you will not be able to fully enjoy Pula beaches .
• Rijeka, Croatia – Rijeka was the European capital of culture in 2020. Spend one day in Rijeka before making your way down to Dalmatia
• Zadar, Croatia – spend a day in Zadar and take a day trip from Zadar to one of the national parks in the area – Kornati islands or Krka waterfalls.
• Dubrovnik, Croatia – Dubrovnik doesn’t need an introduction – the most well-known city in Croatia.
• Kotor, Montenegro – stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Town and climb the Kotor fortress for a breathtaking view of the Kotor Bay.
• Durmitor, Montenegro – If you are a nature lover, you might want to rent a car and explore the Montenegro mountains. Just remember to check the weather conditions!
• Tirana, Albania – Albania is a true hidden gem. Stunning nature, friendly locals, and affordable prices!
• Athens, Greece – a must-visit destination for everybody interested in history, ancient monuments, and culture

Unusual winter backpacking routes in Europe

These itineraries stray off the beaten path and allow you to discover some of the less visited European destinations. 

8. Backpacking Eastern Europe Winter Itinerary

Budapest – Cluj Napoca – Brasov – Bucharest – Sofia – Skopje – Niš – Belgrade

It doesn’t get more budget-friendly than backpacking Eastern Europe in the winter. 

This circle route itinerary takes you from the backpacking hot spot Budapest to the least visited part of Europe. 

• Budapest, Hungary – start this itinerary in a popular backpacker’s spot before going off the beaten path.
• Cluj Napoca, Romania -this busy university town is a perfect stop on your way through Romania.
• Brasov, Romania – admire mysterious Transylvania castles and hilltop forts.
• Bucharest, Romania – visit Romania’s capital and learn more about the communist past of the country
• Sofia, Bulgaria – discover the capital of Bulgaria.
• Skopje, Northern Macedonia – explore the mountainous country of Macedonia and its stunning Ohrid Lake.
• Niš, Serbia – make a quick stop in Ništ to visit Niš Fortress and their macabre skull tower
• Belgrade, Serbia – find out why Belgrade is known as the city that never sleeps (Ye, it’s the nightlife) 

Apart from Hungary, the countries on this itinerary are not part of Schengen, so they are ideal for everybody who wants to reset their 90-day Schengen visa! 

You can easily adapt this itinerary to 3 months by staying longer in each country or adding Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia or Albania to the itinerary!

Also, this is a great route if you want to enjoy the nightlife in Europe for a fraction of the price!

Best time to do this route: This route is a fantastic alternative to the classic Christmas Market route in December, as you can learn more about the Christmas traditions in Orthodox Christian countries!

9. Backpacking Baltic countries winter itinerary

Estonia – Latvia – Lithuania

This short 1-week to 10-day itinerary takes you through Baltic countries. They are usually unjustifiably overlooked by backpackers.

Unlike their northern neighbors, Baltic countries are budget-friendly destinations. They are a great place to enjoy the fairytale-like winter scenery.

Backpacking Baltic countries in winter can be a great experience if you can handle the cold. If you are not a snow lover, maybe it’s better if you wait for spring before visiting the Baltics.

Start your trip from Tallinn in the North and make your way down to Vilnius. 

• Tallinn, Estonia – stroll the cobblestone streets of the walled Old Town.
• Riga, Latvia – discover colorful Latvia’s capital.
• Vilnius, Lithuania – wander the picturesque Old Town and learn more about the region’s history in a KGB Museum. 

The best time to do this route: If you are backpacking in Baltic countries in winter, that means you are a true winter lover. December is a lovely time to visit if you are interested in Christmas Markets.

10. Backpacking European Christmas Markets

I have an entire post on the Ultimate European Christmas Market itinerary for Christmas lovers, but I wanted to touch on it here as well since it is a classic Europe December itinerary.

Christmas Markets are a quintessential European winter experience. If you’re backpacking Europe in December or late November, visiting some of the Markets is required! 

Even if you don’t want to focus your entire trip around the holiday atmosphere, you can easily incorporate visiting Christmas Markets into any of these routes. 

When you’re planning your backpacking Europe winter itinerary, these are the best Christmas Markets in Europe to add to your itinerary:

• Strasbourg, France – the self-proclaimed Capital of Christmas
• Nurenberg, Germany – one of the oldest and most famous Christmas Markets
• Prague, Czech Republic – fairytale-like Christmas Market
• Vienna, Austria – the most visited Christmas Market in Europe
• Budapest, Hungary  – the best Christmas Market for 2022
• Zagreb, Croatia  – the best Christmas Market 3 years in a row.

However, practically every European city has a Christmas Market nowadays, so don’t worry if these cities don’t fit into your itinerary!

Best time to do this route: European Christmas Markets are open from mid-November to the end of December. 

Where To Start Backpacking In Europe?

Where to start European backpacking trip will depend on where you are coming from and what is your itinerary. 

If you are already in Europe, you can probably take an affordable flight to most European destinations. 

• I use Skyscanner to find cheap flights. Their “everywhere” destination option is a lifesaver and perfect for spontaneous trips!

If you are taking a cross-continental flight, the cheapest airports to fly to are usually London, Frankfurt, Madrid, Paris, or Amsterdam.

The itineraries I assembled take that into account!

How To Get Around Europe?

Public transport is all you need to move around Europe.  

I created these itineraries with the presumption you use buses or trains, as that is how I backpacked through Europe.

Nonetheless, sometimes it is just easier to fly. Yes, as strange as it sounds, sometimes it might be cheaper to book a quick flight than to take a 6-hour bus.

• I use Skyscanner to plan out my itinerary when flying. Their “everywhere” destination option is a lifesaver for finding the cheapest place to fly to!

That is especially true for traveling through Europe in winter and off-season generally. If you can afford to fly during the week, you can find flights from one to the other side of Europe for under 20€!

To keep the flights cheap, you need to pack light – you need to learn how to pack for a week in a Ryanair free bag !

You don’t need a car for any of the listed itineraries! 

However, if you want to rent a car, with Discover Cars, you can compare fares from all available rental companies to choose the best option! 

How Many Days Is Enough For Europe?

The answer to this question depends solely on how much time you have!

Most people have 1 to 2 weeks of holiday in winter. That is enough time to visit a few cities in several countries or explore one destination in-depth.

When traveling to a new destination, I aim to spend at least a week in a country.

That said, if you want to see all the different regions in Europe, you will need to backpack Europe for at least 3 months! 

You will find 1-week to 1-month-long routes among the itineraries listed in this article. 

If you have more time for backpacking Europe this winter, you can easily combine two or more itineraries.

Likewise, if you only have one week available, you can customize the itineraries to fit your schedule!

When Is The Cheapest Time To Go To Europe?

Generally, the cheapest time to backpack Europe is November to March. Late autumn and winter are the low seasons in Europe. 

Accommodation, transportation, and activities are significantly cheaper than if you were backpacking Europe in summer . 

December, especially around Christmas and New Year, is an exception to this rule!

It’s a high season for Christmas Market destinations.

How Much Does Backpacking Europe In Winter Costs?

On average, you should budget 50€ per day for backpacking Europe on a budget! 

That includes staying in hostel dorm rooms, cooking some of your meals, and taking Flixbus to move around.

Europe is a small continent but with notable differences in travel costs – your backpacking Europe budget will be very different depending on where you go.

If your Europe in winter itinerary goes through Western Europe it will be significantly more expensive than Eastern Europe. Your daily budget will double for London compared to Budapest. 

Is Backpacking Europe Safe?

Generally, Europe is a safe destination for solo female travelers. However, it depends on where you go. 

It is easy to travel around Europe. You can get accurate travel information online and book your transportation, accommodation, and tickets. 

English is widely spoken in most countries, so there is no language barrier. 

Summary: Backpacking Europe Winter Itinerary

And that’s it! You have 10 customizable routes for your winter Europe itinerary.

Pick one of these Europe backpacking routes and visit must-visit destinations like Paris and London or go off the beaten track and discover the Balkans.

Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere or soak up the winter sun in the Mediterranean! Winter is the perfect time to discover Europe on a budget and avoid the crowds.

Now that you have all the routes for backpacking Europe this winter, what is the first destination on your European winter bucket list ?

Natali is the founder of She's Abroad Again. She is a solo female travel and backpacking expert who traveled to more than 30 country over 3 continents, mostly solo and on a budget! She is a lawyer turned travel blogger as she traded long office hours in Croatia for a digital nomad life and currenly calls France her home.

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Five Great Backpacking Europe Routes

Last Updated on February 14, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

For many, the act of donning a backpack and wandering aimlessly throughout the European continent is seen as something of a right of passage. Travelling on a budget is becoming easier and more accessible for people of any age with many options available for some non-traditional backpacking Europe routes.

Most people don’t have an unlimited amount of time to set aside for travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a backpack Europe at all. With this in mind, here are some things to keep in mind when planning a budget trip and also some itinerary ideas for any length of time!

Table of Contents

Planning a European Backpacking Route

Before I dive headfirst into all of the possible backpacking across Europe routes you could take, there are a number of things to consider before you begin planning your itinerary. Everything from your own particular travel style, your budget, and the season in which you plan to travel are all significant components that should be appraised prior to booking a flight.

Travel Style

One of the biggest factors that needs to be considered when planning a backpacking Europe trip is how you intend to travel. More often than not, people planning a trip tend to get overly excited and seem to think that it’s a good idea to pack as many places as possible into a short period of time.

This can be one of the biggest mistakes you can make, as it will more likely lead to exhaustion and travel burn-out rather than a fulfilling backpacking experience.

I am definitely a massive advocate for slower-paced travel as I believe that it allows travellers to really experience a city, town, or country while reducing the possibility of overwhelm and exhaustion. This is why, generally speaking, I would recommend spending an average of three nights in each place you intend to visit.

For bigger cities with many points of interest, I would recommend extending this to four or five nights (or more) and for a smaller town or city, I honestly wouldn’t recommend spending fewer than two nights.

While it may seem on the surface that destinations are close by, travel days are a huge time drain and take, at least, half of an entire day and can be tiring. This inevitably leaves less time to adequately explore your destination. A good way to counter this is by staying in one strategically located destination where you can easily access other places for day trips.

Getting Around

How you plan to get around Europe is also another key consideration when planning your Europe backpacking route. Depending on which region you happen to be visiting, there are different transport options that are available to you.

For instance, if you’re planning on spending the majority of your time in the Balkans or the Baltics , you’re not going to want to rely on train travel — trains aren’t well-developed in these regions! No, you’re going to want to take the bus instead.

In fact, if you’re looking to save money in a lot of countries throughout Europe (even if there is a well-developed train system), then the bus might be the best option for you, especially in countries with expensive train networks.

Whether you’re looking to book a bus or a train, however, we recommend using Omio , which compares bus and train routes and allows you to book the best option for you. For buses, we also recommend using Flixbus. They are an affordable bus company that operates throughout Europe and have prices that are particularly friendly to those trying to stick to a budget.

If you are in a country where it makes more sense to take the train or you just prefer it to the bus, then it is worth it to look into getting a rail pass. Depending on where you’re from, purchasing to Eurail pass or an Interrail pass could be one of the smartest financial decisions you could make while planning out your trip.

If you’re interested in visiting a lot of regions around Europe, there are also budget airlines on the continent such as Ryanair, WizzAir and EasyJet. These are not as cheap as they used to be, but you can still find affordable flights on occasion – especially if you’re not checking in any luggage.

It’s likely that you’re going to be trying to be backpacking Europe on a budget and this directly effects what kind of route or itinerary you devise.

Contrary to popular belief, the entire European continent isn’t outrageously expensive and there are certainly a number of regions that can be incredibly affordable for Western travellers. That being said, however, your money can definitely go a lot further in most Central and Eastern European countries than in Western Europe.

When trying to figure out a budget for a backpacking Europe itinerary, it is best to just come up with a general ballpark figure of how much you’re willing to spend and how long you want to travel. This can give you a greater idea of where it would be best to go and when.

The main costs that need to be considered during any number of backpacking through Europe routes are the prices of accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and entertainment.

However, there are also pre-trip expenses to consider like travel insurance. World Nomads offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

Another option if travelling long term is SafetyWing . They offer travel medical insurance policies at one of the lowest rates on the market.

To overgeneralise, it’s hardest to stick to a tight budget for backpackers in most Western and Northern European countries. Central Europe is best for a mid-range budget and Eastern Europe and the Balkans tend to be the most affordable regions on the continent. Obviously, there are exceptions to these guidelines depending on the country or city you happen to be travelling in.

The last major thing to consider is which season is best to travel in. The European continent very much experiences all four seasons, with most countries experiencing cold, snowy winters and hot, muggy summers.

Tourist seasons in Europe are broken up into three distinct categories: high season (June – August), low season (December – February), and shoulder seasons (March – May and September – November).

There are definite pros and cons to planning your route through any of these seasons. If you plan to travel during the high season, you can definitely expect some of the best weather.

The days are normally very warm and, due to Europe’s more northern location, also quite long. Most of the tourist facilities will be open and there are also a number of festivals and cultural events that tend to take place during the summer.

Conversely, travelling in the high season does come with its own setbacks. As it is the most popular time to visit Europe, accommodation, restaurant, and tourist attraction prices are often inflated. Popular sites and seaside cities and towns can become incredibly crowded and with that comes a high demand for everything, making it a lot less easy to be flexible.

If you do plan to travel in the high season, it’s generally pertinent that you book most things ahead and plan well in advance. We recommend booking hostels through Hostelworld or budget rooms through Booking.Com which often allows you to book without paying upfront. Another great option, particularly if travelling as a couple is to use Airbnb, which is available throughout Europe.

Travelling in the low season can be an appealing option for those who are looking to avoid tourist crowds and who don’t mind the inevitable cold weather. Travelling around the Christmas season can be especially rewarding, as most cities and towns go all out with cheerful decorations, lights, and wonderful Christmas markets.

Prices are also often a lot cheaper than in the high season and it can be a lot easier to be flexible with your travel plans. Due to low demand, however, you may find that some tourist attractions either have very limited opening hours or are closed entirely and, due to cold weather, a seaside escape isn’t really in the cards if you’re travelling in the winter.

If you were to ask my opinion, I would say to plan your trip in the shoulder seasons. The weather, while sometimes unpredictable, is generally milder and often pleasant and the tourist crowds are few. The inflated prices of the summer aren’t usually in place and also the accommodation demand isn’t as high, leaving more room for flexibility.

Three-Week Backpacking Europe Routes

If you are short on time but still want to experience the travelling mindset that comes with backpacking, then three weeks is the perfect length for an itinerary. Because it is synonymous with travelling on a budget, these routes for backpacking Europe will concentrate on Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Central European Highlights Itinerary

The best place to begin many Central and Eastern European trips is in Budapest , which is a fantastic and vibrant city for budget backpackers. This itinerary sees you visiting some of the biggest and brightest major cities in Hungary, Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Budapest – plan to spend at least five days in Hungary’s capital city. This will give you enough time to see all of the great sites, experience its great nightlife and thermal bathhouses and also take a day trip. Budapest is truly one of the best places to visit in Europe so it’s worth taking your time here.

Krakow  – plan to spend at least three days in Krakow , which will allow you explore its beautiful Old Town and Kazimierz Quarter and take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Wroclaw – this charming student city is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Spend three or so nights here and take the time to explore the Old Town, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, lounge in the many parks, and hunt for the many dwarf statues scattered throughout the city.

Berlin – Germany’s achingly cool capital deserves to have at least five nights devoted to exploring it. There are so many cool things to do in Berlin , including eating delicious international cuisine, experiencing its legendary nightlife, admiring the street art in neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg, and getting cultured in some of its many museums.

Prague  – while Prague’s main tourist spots are easy to explore in just one or two days, it is worth spending about four days in the beautiful Czech capital. This will allow you to get off the beaten path in the city. Alternatively, you could use one of these days to spend a night in nearby Cesky Krumlov.

Balkan Highlights Itinerary

If you’re looking to avoid the tourist crowds that are inevitable in the former itinerary and want to get a little bit off the beaten path, heading to the Balkans is a fantastic option. This is one of the most underrated corners of Europe and the Balkan countries are very much worth exploring. Consequently, Budapest is also a fantastic starting point for exploring this under-explored region.

Budapest – though Hungary is not considered a Balkan country, its capital city is a great place to start. Five nights in Budapest is the perfect amount of time to really get to know this amazing city well.

Pécs  – the charming Hungarian city of Pécs is still fairly undiscovered by international tourism, which gives you all the more reason to go! The city itself is wonderful to explore, but it is also surrounded by beautiful nature. Three nights here will give you a taste of a different side of Hungary.

Novi Sad  – as Serbia’s second-largest city, Novi Sad is small but charming. It is worth spending at least two nights here in order to explore its lovely Old Town, fortress, and thriving cafe culture.

Belgrade  – Serbia’s capital city may seem a bit rough around the edges, but it is easily one of our favourite European cities and it is well worth taking a fair amount of time getting to know it. It is becoming infamous for its incredible nightlife, but the cultural and historical significance are worth learning about as well. Spending five or so nights here would be ideal.

Sarajevo – the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina has a long and troubled history. Today, it is a wonderful city that has a definite east-meets-west feel. Three days in this city will allow you to enjoy it’s laid-back lifestyle while also giving you time to go to some museums to learn about BiH’s history.

Mostar  – Mostar is probably one of the most popular cities to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but many treat it solely as a day trip. While the city itself is small, it has quite a tumultuous history that is worth learning about. There are also some great day trips and tours to take from Mostar, including to the Kravice Waterfall and Blagaj Monastery. Three nights in Mostar is a great way to end this trip.

6 Week Backpacking Europe Routes

If you have more time, six weeks is really the ideal trip length. Especially if you’re travelling in the low or shoulder seasons, six weeks allows for more flexibility in your trip planning as well.

Central European Greats Itinerary

If you’re keen to explore more of Central Europe, this is a fantastic route to follow. It sees you exploring both the capitals and smaller towns and cities of Hungary, Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Budapest  – The best starting point for any Central Europe trip , if you have six weeks for your backpacking Europe itinerary, I would recommend spending one of them in Budapest. Seven days in the Hungarian capital will give you a solid amount of time to really get to know and appreciate this fantastic city.

Krakow  – Krakow is a good place to begin exploring Poland. Three to four days here is probably enough to see the sites and take a day trip or two.

Wroclaw  – spend three or four nights in this charming student city

Warsaw – it is worth spending at least three nights exploring the Polish capital

Poznan  – another beautiful Polish city, Poznan’s Old Town is worth spending one full day exploring and it is also a great idea to head to nearby Wielkopolska National Park. Three nights is ideal.

Berlin  – the German capital is another great city to spend at least a week in. This way, you can see the main sites while also getting a bit off the beaten tourist path.

Dresden – a lesser-visited East German city, there are two unique sides to Dresden . Spend three or so nights here to get to know it.

Prague  – the main sites of the Czech capital can easily be seen in two or three days, but spend four or five days here so you can explore other quarters, such as Zizkov. Despite its popularity, there are definitely ways to get off the beaten path in Prague.

Cesky Krumlov  – while this city can be visited as a day trip from Prague, it can be worth spending one or two nights here to see with when the hoards of day tourists go home for the day.

Olomouc  – we are sure that Olomouc is going to become a tourist hotspot in the years to come, so it’s worth spending three or so days exploring this laid-back city before it’s discovered by the masses.

Obviously, there are several other places you could put on a Central European trip, but this is a good outline to follow.

Balkan Greats Itinerary

As I said earlier, the Balkans are a fantastic place to get off the beaten path in Europe. Travellers could easily spend months and months exploring these fascinating countries (we have!), but six weeks is a fantastic length of time to really get an in-depth feel of this wonderful region.

Budapest – 4 to 5 days in the Hungarian capital is a great way to kick off this Europe backpacking trip

Pécs  – three nights is a great amount of time to explore this Hungarian city

Novi Sad  – two or three nights is ideal to get to know the second-largest city in Serbia

Belgrade  – spend a few days getting to know this truly underrated European capital

Sarajevo  – three or so days is a good amount of time to explore the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar  – spend two to three days in this city in the south of BiH

Kotor – two or three days is perfect to explore this beautiful Montenegrin city

Albania – Albania is a really fascinating country to explore, you could spend a couple of days in its capital of Tirana and then a couple more visiting the UNESCO-listed sites in Berat and Gjirokaster. Albania also has miles of pristine Adriatic coastline — Sarande is a great city to enjoy the beach.

Ohrid  – a charming Macedonian city on the banks of Lake Ohrid . Two or three days is perfect to see all of the sites.

Skopje – North Macedonia’s capital can be seen and explored in three or so days

Sofia  – the capital of Bulgaria is often overlooked by tourists , but it is worth spending at least four days exploring this ancient metropolis

Plovdiv – Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, Plovdiv has a number of ancient ruins and cool things to do . Three days at least is a good amount of time to spend here.

If you have more time, I would recommend travelling to Kosovo and visiting cities such as Prizren or Pristina. Heading into Northern Greece can be very much worth it as well, especially to see the stunning monasteries at Meteora .

Eastern Europe Itinerary

If you want to stay off the beaten path but would prefer to head north rather than south, consider adding the Baltic States onto your six-week backpacking Europe route. This itinerary sees you starting in Berlin and travelling north through Poland up to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Berlin – spend a few days in the effortlessly cool German capital

Wroclaw – three days is the perfect amount of time to spend is this cool Polish city

Krakow  – three days in Krakow gives you enough time to experience the best of the second-largest Polish city

Warsaw – spend two or three days exploring the Polish capital

Vilnius  – the severely underrated capital of Lithuania deserves at least four days to explore. Consider taking a day trip to nearby Trakai with its charming lake and castle.

Kaunas  – the second-largest city in Lithuania can be explored in two days

Palanga  – enjoy the beautiful Baltic coastline from this popular Lithuanian coastal town. It is also possible to head to the Curonian Spit from nearby Klaipeda .

Liepaja – Latvia’s third-largest city boasts an interesting history, wonderful art nouveau architecture, a former Soviet prison that you can actually spend the night in, and a beautiful beach. Spend at least three nights enjoying this Baltic gem.

Riga – try to spend at least four full days in Latvia’s vibrant capital city

Tartu – Estonia’s second-largest city has a large student population and many cool things to see and do. Two or three days here should allow you to experience the highlights.

Tallinn – Estonia’s beautiful medieval capital is a popular cruise ship port. The city itself is quite small, however, and can easily be explored in two or three days.

There are so many routes you could take whilst backpacking in Europe, but these five will see you getting a little off the beaten path. They will also allow you to get better value for money than other routes through some Western European countries.

Are you looking for routes for backpacking in Europe? What does your itinerary look like? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

18 Must-Have Backpacking Europe Essentials

Backpacking Europe Packing List & Pre-Trip Checklist

How Much Does Backpacking Europe Cost in 2024?

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Highly recommend Estonia! I spent a whole semester in Tartu and it’s a beautiful place. Saaremaa is also great, with a unique culture and beautiful scenery. Stay in the cottages/cabins for the perfect stay. Also if you can, try the local bread in Muhu. 🙂 It’s a whole thing. Best rye bread ever, and Estonia loves their rye!

Tere õhtust!

Thanks for your comment, Madison! Tartu is one of our favourite cities – highly recommend it, as well! We haven’t made it to any of the islands yet, but it’s on our list as soon as we can. Estonia has so much to offer!

Hey Maggie. Thanks for the awesome article! Im currently in Amsterdam (Hague now actually) but leaving from Amsterdam. I have around 4,000 Euros saved. Im quite a budget /self cooking/ not into touristy sites but am a semi professional portrait /street photographer.

What route would you recommend? Im super interested in the Baltics,Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Hungary. I’ve cancelled Scandinavia as too expensive as its much too expensive.

is 4,000 Euros enough for 1-3 days I each of the main cities in those countries? Lyon(France), Dresden, Ansbach, Berlin, Santorini, Prague, Budapest, Andalusia/Grenada/Madrid/Barcelona, Milan/Sicily.

Im trying to get some online web design work / Couchsurfing as much as possible.

Whats your advice please? This is the first time ive left New Zealand -my home. I really want to do as many countries as possible before 2020 hits.

Many thanks! Love your blog

Hi Aly, it really depends on your interests which route you should take. It sounds like you want to hit a lot of places in Europe, so I would recommend that you go where the road takes you. As per budgeting, it depends on how long you plan to travel for, but I think that €4000 should be plenty for at least a couple of months of travelling on the cheap. If you want a better idea on prices, check out our backpacking budget article here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/cost-of-backpacking-europe/ Hope this helps and you have an amazing time!

hey, if you backpack in Budapest, make sure you come and visit Bucharest, Romania too… it’s next to us! 🙂

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How to plan a trip to Europe: Guide to Backpacking Europe Routes

The diversity that Europe – as a continent – provides is not replicated anywhere in the world and you can find it all while backpacking Europe routes. If you’re looking for fairytale scenery, rewarding culture, and a history like none other; travel no further because plan your backpacking Europe itinerary carefully and it will bring you all of it at once.

If sandy beach gems with thousands of miles of stunning coastline are what you’re looking for, head to southern Europe. Or if you can stand a cooler climate, the North Sea offers some of the most imposing cliff-lines in the world.

If the beach and sea isn’t your thing, Europe can offer astonishing mountain terrain that even the most devoted mountain-hikers can obsess over. The Alps protrude high from central Europe; taking in France, Switzerland, Austria, and northern Italy.

If you’re a history buff , look no further than a continent whose history has defined dozens of ages – both dark and inspiring – throughout time. From the dark, well-known pasts of the British and German peoples to the inspiring fight for independence for many other countries.

Europe is the world’s greatest fairytale and the story is far from untold.

European travel is different from travel within the United States. There are different languages, sundry cuisines that are unique in their own ways, and the variety of old and new architecture found throughout the continent will bewilder even the most cultured traveler. Walking the streets of Europe can feel like a walk through a far-off fantasy land , and that feeling of exploration is worth it all.

I started backpacking Europe alone around three years ago when I took my first trip abroad. Admittedly, I was completely unsure and had to do copious amounts of research to get a grip on the idea of traveling to a world so different than what I had grown up in.

However, with the lack of assurance came learning experiences I believe every American traveler backpacking Europe routes goes through and soon I was opened to a world I never knew existed. Now, I have many tips for backpacking Europe cost and how to travel Europe on a budget so that you know how much backpacking through Europe cost.

Ultimate backpacking Europe Itinerary on the best backpacking Europe routes

Did you know that only 3.5% of Americans will ever leave the United States to travel abroad? This series of European travel guides were written to inspire the American traveler to explore outside of their comfort zone and outside of their country to see another side of the world; to bring valuable information in helping you achieve that, and to point you in the right direction of where to begin – all from the perspective of a fellow American.

Europe’s almost inconceivable growing list of attractions is its largest lure:

Become further educated on the dark  Holocaust  history found in  Berlin  – one of my personal favorites to learn about is just a small part of the history in this open-minded city. Take a tour of the fascinating, popular street-art scene and take time to appreciate the details of each masterpiece.

Gaze upon the ever-increasingly jaw-dropping beauty of Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece –  La Sagrada Familia  in Barcelona . It’s slated to complete its century-and-a-half-long construction later this decade. Then, dance the night away as you sip away on Sangria in the city’s thrilling nightlife.

Roam the narrow cobblestone streets that Mozart graced centuries ago in Salzburg .  The snowy Alps surrounding Salzburg make it one of the best places to visit in Europe in December. Skiing in Salzburg is an infamous European winter vacation.

However, if you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Europe in December and need an escape from the cold, soak up the always-sunny  Mediterranean island climate of Maltese beaches and its clear, calm sea water.

Stomp around the unfathomable-looking northern landscape of the Faroe Islands  that Vikings controlled over a dozen centuries ago. The archipelago is virtually unexplored  by tourists today. You can easily hitchhike from island to island and converse with locals on the way. They are some of the friendliest people you will meet while backpacking Europe routes.

Stroll through the culture-packed, two-sided city of Budapest with its impressive fairytale architecture  and world-renown thermal baths. At night, watch the city lights come on and witness the sparkle of the Danube from atop the Citadel. Don’t forget a bottle of wine! Afterwards, party the night away in Budapest’s unique ruin bars.

Tour the stunning multi-million dollar  imperial palaces of Vienna  that millions of people flock to each summer. Experience the traditional Austrian coffee halls and the beloved Austrian specialty; Wienerschnitzel. Explore your taste buds in the city’s most popular food stall street, Naschmarkt!

Barcelona, Berlin, the Faroe Islands, Malta, Budapest, Salzburg, and Vienna should be on any Europe travel itinerary and the sights that these places have to offer should be on everyone’s Europe bucket list. Whether you’re backpacking Europe alone, with a travel buddy, or with the whole family, these cities and countries outline one of the best backpacking Europe routes in the continent.

These destinations and backpacking Europe routes fall in line perfectly with each other. Their accessibility to one another (for the most part) makes these cities the perfect backpacking through Europe itinerary. With the information from the guides , you will be able to make backpacking Europe cost efficient and more rewarding than imaginable.

There’s a backpacking Europe itinerary to satisfy even the greatest adventurer’s thirst for exploration. Use these guides as a way to build your own backpacking Europe itinerary!

American Travel guide

I remember the first time I traveled to Europe I had gobs of questions: How much does backpacking Europe cost?  What’s the best backpacking Europe itinerary? Where are the best backpacking Europe routes? And most importantly – what do I bring with me while backpacking across Europe?

A United States Passport is needed for any travel outside of the United States. Therefore, to travel to Europe, you must apply for and receive your passport before you can board your plane. Remember to factor in the application fee as a backpacking Europe cost.

Visit this website to see what is required to obtain a passport along with all other governmental information. Alternatively, passport application forms are also available at any U.S. Post Office location.

Choosing a Destination

Once you have applied for your passport, it’s time to begin the fun stuff like mapping out your Europe backpacking routes and building your Europe travel itinerary.

Whether you want to base your Europe travel itinerary on your Europe travel bucket list or follow our Europe travel guide is up to you! I have mapped out some of the best backpacking Europe routes and included detailed tips for backpacking Europe and how to travel Europe on a budget. To see those cities from an American traveler’s perspective, just take a look at the guides!

How to plan a trip to Europe on a budget

To know how to travel Europe on a budget, you must understand the essential costs of backpacking across Europe. Even more so, to build a budget, you need to know what type of traveler you are. You will need to do normal budget planning such as determining what you’re willing to sacrifice and where you draw the line in terms of accommodation.

If you are a citizen of the United States, you have the privilege of being granted an automatic tourist visa within the European Union. The European Union (E.U.) is an agreement between 28 countries within Europe that grants free travel across borders.

The tourist visa granted to American citizens comes with relatively no complications for most with an ordinary backpacking Europe itinerary. However, if you will be traveling for longer than 90 days, you may need to do additional research . However, if you will be in Europe for less than 90 days, you have nothing to worry about in regards to a visa and you can check that off your to-do list.

You can build a solid Europe travel itinerary within the European Union, but it’s important to make sure that your chosen destinations are in the E.U. before leaving.  If they are not, you will have to do a quick Google search to determine whether you need a separate visa for traveling to the chosen country.

How much does backpacking Europe cost?

The main backpacking Europe cost is, obviously, your flight across the pond. I believe it’s a long-believed myth of Americans that you should expect a roundtrip ticket to Europe to exceed one thousand dollars. However, that is not true. You just need to know how to plan a trip to Europe on a budget to understand that intercontinental flights are becoming cheaper every day .

Purchasing an  Interrail  Pass

Backpacking across Europe is made easy by a very thorough network of railways connecting all countries. To complement the network of trains, travelers are also offered the option to purchase an  Interrail Pass which is designed to make the process of buying train tickets less complicated – matter of fact, with an Interrail Pass, you don’t even have to purchase a train ticket before riding.

While it does make the process easier, I would strongly urge against purchasing an Interrail Pass. I traveled by way of Interrail Pass during my first summer backpacking Europe routes and found it to be very limiting and inconvenient.

Extra things to know  

Where do i get euros.

It is not absolutely necessary; however, you can cut some stress from your travels by exchanging dollars for Euros before you leave the United States. Most banks are able to order Euros for you at a fair exchange rate . Consult with your bank about doing so.

If you choose to wait to exchange your dollars for Euros, just ask your bank about international ATM fees first! Alternatively, in most European cities, you will find currency exchange shops near the city center. Make sure you know the current exchange rate of dollars to Euros so that you can ensure you’re not getting ripped-off!

Can I use my cell phone in Europe?

Most cell phone providers offer international roaming at an additional charge. However, some carriers include it in the price of your monthly bill. It’s best to ask your provider what your plan includes.

Alternatively, if you’re going to be in Europe for an extended period, it may be less expensive to purchase a European SIM card upon arrival. Vodafone is a large carrier inside the E.U. and allows coverage in every country a part of the European Union. In order to use a European SIM card, you must first check to make sure your cell phone is GSM unlocked.

Can I use my credit card in Europe?

Most every credit card from the United States can be used in Europe. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come with an international fee attached to the transaction. Inquire about it with your credit company.

If you’re looking for a new credit card, try to find one that boasts “ No International Transaction Fees ”.

Do I tip in Europe?

It’s a myth that restaurant-goers are not obligated to leave a tip in Europe as they are in the United States. This isn’t true. In most countries, one must still tip. However, rarely will you ever have to leave a tip as large as tips in America. Make your trip more affordable with knowledge of the t ipping practices of every country you visit.

What about speaking English in Europe?

The simple answer to that question is – Yes , most cities on any Europe bucket list have plenty of people who speak English.

That doesn’t mean everyone is speaking English in Europe, however, you’d have a difficult time not finding anyone who could help you with whatever you need in English.

What should I bring?

This is the hardest question to answer because it really depends on the type of traveler you are. For an all-inclusive Europe packing list , check out what I’ve put together based on my own knowledge and experiences of backpacking across Europe.

Why travel to Europe

I have been backpacking through Europe routes for almost three years now . I’ve seen my fair share of a lot of ups and some downs to intercontinental travel.  However, I wouldn’t trade my experiences backpacking Europe routes to save my life. The amount of knowledge you gain and people you meet who change your life is priceless. I will take that opinion to the grave with me.

In addition, it’s important to get outside of America. We’ve built a stereotype of ourselves revolving around American’s ignorance to other cultures and places. And it’s partially true – at least, for me before I ever came abroad.

I couldn’t point out a single city on a European map. I’d be hard-pressed to even point you to a handful of countries.  I probably couldn’t name more than a handful of countries and I sure as hell didn’t know anything worth noting about each of those.

It’s important to educate ourselves not only on the geography but the culture and history of other places and become more united with the world this way.

Stereotypes  

Americans, as everyone else in the world, are very influenced by media. Unfortunately, the media can be very biased and corrupt . Evil and sad stories sell; culture and the amazing secrets about traveling never get told in the media.

In a way, that’s the beauty of travel . Your world is opened up to your own experiences. No one can tell you all that awaits you when backpacking around Europe.

There’s a lot of bad things we hear about happening in Europe. However, I can tell you that these things are by no means the norm. Just don’t let the media stop you from ever going.

Start your backpacking Europe itinerary!

Europe is a continent for any type of traveler . Whether it is the history, culture, scenery, or diversity – backpacking Europe routes will never leave you disappointed. There is a far-off fairytale fantasy world waiting for you and the only thing you need to do is go.

So what are you waiting for? Start packing those bags with Flying and Travel’s all-inclusive Europe packing list for Americans . And while you’re at it, you might as well start planning your Europe travel itinerary . Use these full city guides and start to learn the backpacking Europe cost! There is a completely new and different world waiting, and it’d be a shame to keep it waiting any longer.

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AMERICAN GUIDE TO EUROPE

Travel Europe with Adam

Adam presents his series for Flying and Travel: an American’s Guide to Europe . He’s been traveling Europe and the world whilst living as a digital nomad for 3 years.

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Backpacking Europe Routes: 4 Epic Itineraries!

If you’re planning the Euro backpacking trip of your dreams but don’t know where to start, fear not! We’ve put together four Europe backpacking routes that appeal to different interests and types of travelers – the ‘Grand Tour’ of most commonly-visited places; a history buff’s guide to Southern Europe, a budget guide to Eastern Europe and for those of you who just can’t stop traveling, an epic around the continent route at the end!

These handpicked Europe itineraries will suit all kinds of travelers, from those on a blow-out gap year to backpackers who want to get the most adventure for their buck. Sit back and grab a cuppa as we’re about to take you on a whirlwind tour of Europe. 

Related: (opens in new tab)

• How Much Does it Cost to Backpack Europe?
• A Guide to Visas for Europe
• Amazing Hostels in Europe for Backpackers

Top Europe Backpacking Trips: 4 Travel Itineraries

While you may associate backpacking through Europe with train travel and dormitory-style hostels, it’s been a rite of passage since the 18th century, when young people (mostly men) would spend a few years traveling around ‘The Continent’ prior to fully joining society. This was seen as a capstone educational experience – both in terms of seeing classical antiquity up close and interacting with new and different situations, people, and challenges.

This is still the case today too. While Europe’s countless museums , cuisines, and cultural contributions make it a premier travel destination, long-haul travel is also a fantastic way to learn about yourself. 

There are countless combinations of countries, sights, and transit options for a backpacking trip in Europe, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. The itineraries we’ve mapped out below are very customizable for this very reason. You can add more destinations, or stop a route partway through depending on how much time you have. 

We recommend not squeezing in too much as things will start to blur together and you may find yourself getting fatigued. If you’re limited on time (say, you only have a month or so), pick your favorite neighboring countries to explore in-depth. That way, you’ll still get a bit of the backpacking experience, but you won’t run yourself ragged.

As you plan your Europe backpacking route, consider the best time to visit each place . Southern Europe in particular gets very hot and very busy in the summertime but is very comfortable in the winter. The Low Countries are very gray and rainy in the fall and winter but have mild and lovely summers. 

Relatedly, countries like Austria and Switzerland, as well as the Scandinavian region, are typically not considered budget-friendly destinations. Depending on your funds, you may want to plan to spend a bit less time in these countries or forgo them entirely if you’re sticking to shoestring style travel. Off-season travel can also be a way to save if you can be flexible with dates!

If you’re travelling solo and are nervous about the safety aspect of your trip, we urge you not to worry. There are a number of really safe European countries with excellent tourist infrastructure in place. This means that you can backpack worry-free!

1. Western Europe Backpacking Route: The ‘Grand Tour’

This tour starts in London because Heathrow is a great international hub for incoming flights, but we encourage you to shop around a bit and see if another city (like Paris, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam) is a cheaper place for you to start. 

London is one of the world’s premier cities. It’s absolutely massive and would take months to explore in full. As such, it’s good to prioritize based on your budget and interests. First-time visitors usually hit the following sites: 

• Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace (the residence of the Queen) and its changing of the guard ceremony for royal enthusiasts
• The Houses of Parliament
• Number 10 Downing Street
• The Churchill War Rooms for fans of politics
• Big Ben clock tower
• The (free!) British Museum
• The Victoria and Albert Museum
• The Tower of London (home to the Crown Jewels)
• The National Gallery
• Covent Garden and Neal’s Yard 
• Piccadilly Circus
• Notting Hill for its Portobello Road Market

If you’d like to stay in England a bit longer, consider some cozy cottage time in the Cotswolds , a football match and a few pints in Liverpool or Manchester , or some seaside charm in Brighton . You can also visit famed educational institutions at Oxford and Cambridge , as well as Roman-era baths in Bath . 

Glasgow has great art galleries, like the notable Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It’s the largest city in Scotland, particularly known for an architecture style that mixes Art Nouveau and Victorian styles. 

Edinburgh , Scotland’s capital, is a great student city, with all sorts of things to do. Trek up Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill, visit the Edinburgh Castle and don’t forget to check out both the Old Town and New Town.

See more: Edinburgh itineraries.

Other great places to backpack in Scotland include Inverness , Dundee , and of course, Loch Ness where you can go monster hunting! The Cairngorms and Glencoe have beautiful mountains for hiking, and fans of critters will love the puffins, ponies, and otters on the Shetland Islands . 

Ireland and Northern Ireland

Dublin , Ireland’s capital, has castles, museums, cathedrals, universities, and of course, great pub culture in the Temple Bar area. St. Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park are beautiful emerald green spaces, and the Guinness headquarters is here as well. 

Galway is an easy day trip from Dublin by bus and is a great example of relaxed, charming Irish life. The home to the Claddagh ring, its Latin Quarter still has medieval city walls, and the city is quaint and adorable.  

Many visitors flock to the astounding Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, which offer 14 kilometers of sea cliffs along the Wild Atlantic Way.

If you’d like to spend more time in Ireland, the Aran Islands , or smaller cities or counties like Cork , Killarney , and Sligo are good options. Ireland also has fabulous nature to explore and ample national parks for hiking, swimming, and outdoor fun. 

Northern Ireland is also a destination to consider, famous for the gorgeous Giant’s Causeway. A quick stop at the beautiful capital of Belfast is also highly recommended.

The Netherlands

Amsterdam is perhaps best known for its tolerant attitude towards partying, prostitution, and recreational drug use, but it’s so much more than that. 

The canal area (Grachtengordel) is like stepping into the Golden Age, the museum district (home to the Rijksmuseum, van Gogh Museum, and more) is world-class, and the funkier Noord and West districts allow you more of a taste of local life. Haarlem is just 15 minutes away by train and offers much of what Amsterdam does so well (in terms of cute houses, cute canals, and cute cafes) with a lot less chaos. 

Rotterdam was bombed almost to nonexistence in World War II, so it’s one of the only cities in the Netherlands that doesn’t have the Golden Age architecture. Instead, it is modern and utterly cool, a stark departure from the rest of the country. 

If you’re visiting in the spring, don’t miss the world-famous tulips in bloom at the Keukenhof or other family-owned farms in the Lisse area. 

Other lovely day trips in the Netherlands include Giethoorn , called the ‘Venice of the Netherlands’ for its extensive canal system; the cheese market in Alkmaar ; the collection of windmills in Zaanse Schans ; Utrecht , a quaint college town with ‘double-decker’ canals; the hub of human rights in The Hague ; pottery and history in Delft ; or the North Frisian Islands on the Wadden Sea for super-cool seascapes and sand dunes, namely Texel . 

Don’t miss these Amsterdam itineraries written by our resident writer!

The capital of Belgium , Brussels has a chic and cosmopolitan vibe. You can’t miss the Grand Place with its stunning guildhalls, as well as the Town Hall. Belgians are also well-known for fries and waffles, treats to indulge in on any visit!  

History enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the historic diamond district in Antwerp , as well as the Ardennes , the site of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. For your dose of medieval charm, check out Ghent or Bruges , which aren’t too far from Brussels.

Luxembourg is a great day trip if you’re passing through en route to France or Germany. It has medieval fortifications, a cute old town called the Grund, and a fascinating interconnected tunnel network called the Bock Casemates. You can see the city from above from the Chemin de la Corniche viewpoint. 

If you’d like to stay longer, other cute cities include Clervaux , the medieval castle in Vianden , and the historic abbey at Echternach . 

Berlin has fantastic clubs and nightlife, a wide range of museums on Museum Island, and a variety of historical monuments, including the Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. 

It has a very different vibe to other German and European cities, much grittier and more modern, and is also quite budget-friendly. Close by on the metro, visit Potsdam for your dose of royal life, with its beautiful Sanssouci Palace and park. 

Munich is a popular destination for tourists, and for good reason. Bavarian culture is perhaps what most foreigners associate with Germany , and you can have your fill of beers, pretzels, and German pub culture here. While away an afternoon at the English Garden, and don’t miss the Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens.

Frankfurt is a banking capital and financial center, as well as being the home of the European Central Bank. It also has a lot to offer tourists in terms of museums and culture. Note that this may be a good hub to fly into, as it is home to one of Europe’s largest airports.

As you can see on a map, Germany is quite large! If you like German culture or want to brush up on your German language skills, this is a great place to spend some extra time if you have it. 

Other popular cities in Germany include Hamburg , Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Heidelberg, and Hanover. Baden Baden and Freiburg in the Black Forest are beautiful as well, and there are myriad quaint small towns in the countryside to enjoy. 

Czech Republic

Prague is nicknamed ‘the City of a Hundred Spires,’ due to its baroque Old Town and surrounding Gothic churches. While a relatively small city, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its quaint and compact center. Don’t miss the Astronomical Clock show and the iconic Charles Bridge, which dates back to the 1400s.

Český Krumlov is best known for its castle and mix of baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic styles. For more modernist architecture, check out Brno . If you’d like to visit the home of one of the world’s most popular beers, check out Pilsen .

Vienna is another historical heavyweight, with loads of cultural contributions and museums. It is very calm and quiet for a large city, and you’ll enjoy strolling through its parks and gardens, including the Hapsburg summer residence at Schönbrunn.

Salzburg packs quite a punch for a small town. While perhaps most famous as the setting for the iconic film The Sound of Music , it is also the birthplace of Mozart and has a fantastic medieval fortification called the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Don’t miss the great vegan food available here !

Fans of winter sports will enjoy skiing at Soelden , Saalbach , and Lech , in addition to the winter dreamland at Innsbruck . Many visitors also flock to Hallstatt for the classic view of the church reflected on the water. 

Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals and home to the Duomo of Milan, one of the world’s most iconic churches. Nearby Lake Como is a haunt of the rich and famous during the summer months, but is lovely off-season as well (and cheaper!)

Rome is a must-stop on any European backpacking route, for fantastic cuisine, awe-inspiring history, and beautiful fountains. Don’t miss the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon for history, and the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Spanish Steps for iconic photo opportunities. St. Peter’s Square and Basilica are iconic Catholic sites, and the Vatican Museums hold many treasures. 

Venice is a one-of-a-kind place, built exclusively on canals. The Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica (and its resident pigeons), and yearly Carnival celebrations attract a lot of visitors, and you can’t miss the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. Keep in mind it gets very muggy (sometimes stinky) and crowded in the summertime.

Florence, San Gimignano, Lucca, Siena, and broader Tuscany are in a class all their own, with rolling countryside, Renaissance icons like Michelangelo’s David and the Duomo cathedral, and wonderful cuisine and wine. A quick pit stop in Pisa to see its iconic Leaning Tower is never a bad idea while you’re in the area.

In the south, check out Naples, Sorrento , and the Amalfi Coast for a bit of a seaside escape. Neapolitan pizza is arguably the world’s most famous and originated here. Nearby Pompeii is quite a sight to behold, totally buried under the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, consider Cinque Terre for a similar vibe to the Amalfi Coast. 

There are countless things to do in Italy , and it may be best to prioritize based on what you like best – history, the outdoors, the coast, etc. as well as your budget. While cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are considered must-sees, customize the rest of your time in Italy with a mix of other things. 

Landscapes, cultural contributions, weather, and dialects vary hugely depending on where you are, and you’ll want to get a good mix in order to make the most of your trip. In general, southern Italy is much cheaper than northern Italy. 

Switzerland

Switzerland is a very pricey location, and as such, may be a country to skip unless you have your heart set on certain destinations. Geneva and Zurich are its most popular destinations, for beautiful lake views and glamorous city life. Its smaller cities, like Basel , Lucerne , and Lausanne are lovely as well, with Interlaken a hub for winter sports fans.

Paris is another of the must-sees on any Europe backpacking itinerary. Similarly to London or Rome, you could spend months in Paris easily, so it’s important to prioritize based on your budget and preferences. Don’t forget, there are plenty of free things to do in Paris too!

Alongside its most popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, don’t miss Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge in the iconic Montmartre neighborhood; the Latin Quarter; shopping (or window-shopping) along the Champs-Elysées; the Luxembourg and Tuileries gardens; and its variety of other museums, like the d’Orsay, the Orangerie, and the Pompidou. 

Versailles is an easy day trip from Paris as well. If you’re spending a lot of time in museums, consider buying a museum pass. It includes a surprising wealth of museums, and if you plan accordingly it will save you a lot of money. 

To get out of the big city, consider spending some time in Provence on the Cote d’Azur or Nice on the French Riviera. Both are fairly posh locales, but possible to do on a budget with some planning. 

Wine fans can flock to Burgundy or Bordeaux , and film aficionados to Cannes . The beaches at Normandy are a sobering and reflective place, and in the intriguing Alsace-Lorraine region, don’t miss the half-timbered houses in quaint Strasbourg , Kaysersberg , or Colmar . 

Also read: Top Destinations for Wine in Europe .

Madrid is a hub of culture, from the amazing art museum El Prado to its wide boulevards and romantic Buen Retiro park. You can also check out the Royal Palace, home to Spain’s royal family, the main square in Plaza Mayor, or catch a Real Madrid game at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Don’t miss the delicious ‘Chocolate y Churros’ at the San Miguel Market. 

Barcelona , the capital of the semi-autonomous Catalonia region, is home to whimsical architecture from native sons Gaudí and Miró , like the Park Guell, Casa Batlló, and Sagrada Familia church. Another church you shouldn’t miss is the iconic Cathedral of the Sea or Maria del Mar. The famous shopping area La Rambla is home to Mercado de la Boqueria, where you can get lots of fresh juices and other goodies. 

Sevilla is a regal place, boasting the sprawling Plaza de España, a massive gothic cathedral, and Royal Alcázar palace. The former Moorish presence is quite felt here in converted architecture like La Giralda, a former minaret-turned belltower. Sevilla is also the birthplace of flamenco dancing, so be sure to catch that while you’re in town. 

Overall, the south of Spain is a particularly wonderful part of the country, with a relaxed vibe, amazing cuisine, and the bonus of being a bit more budget-friendly. 

Check out Valencia, Córdoba, Granada , Ronda, and Málaga for sunshine, citrus fruit, and stunning historical sites like the Mezquita in Córdoba and the Alhambra in Granada . 

For something different, consider spending some time in Bilbao and San Sebastián in the Basque Country, beautiful and modern cities with museums and skyscrapers. Relatedly, one of Europe’s most popular hikes is in this area: the Camino de Santiago . While formerly a religious pilgrimage, many people undertake this journey for non-religious reasons. There are places to stay each night and you can walk anywhere from a day to several weeks. 

If you’re seeking a beach-and-partying break, the beaches in the Canary Islands or the Balearics, like Ibiza, Tenerife , and Majorca . can’t be beaten. Keep in mind transport and lodging can get very pricey in the wintertime, as these boast some of the warmest temperatures in the region. 

Lisbon is a fantastic budget destination, with great weather, delicious cuisine, and a laid-back vibe. The iconic yellow streetcars are a quaint way to travel, or you can trek up the hills to the breathtaking São Jorge Castle for sweeping city views. Don’t miss the lovely azulejo tiles adorning the buildings, and the cool fortifications at Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.   

Close to Lisbon, don’t miss the unbelievable castle and gardens at Sintra . Porto has a cute, cobblestoned medieval district and (of course) fantastic port, and Faro boasts Moorish walls and a great gateway to the rest of the beautiful Algarve region. 

Athens is a vibrant ‘old-meets-new’ place, boasting ancient relics like the Acropolis complex and the Parthenon, amid a great food scene, parks, and gardens.

The Greek Islands are a really special destination suitable for all sorts of backpackers. Party animals will love Mykonos, while Santorini’s white-and-blue buildings are a common bucket-list destination. Milos and Paros are a bit more off-the-beaten-path, and Crete is quite large, perhaps giving you more bang for your buck. Keep in mind the Greek Islands are not often a budget destination, so if you’re traveling shoestring consider planning ahead and comparing transportation options.    

2. Southern Europe Backpacking Route: The ‘History Buff’

History buffs will love Southern Europe for its jaw-dropping array of ancient ruins, medieval fortifications, art, and beyond. 

Southern Spain has a wealth of historical attractions. In Andalucía alone you have the  Mezquita in Córdoba , the Alcazaba in Málaga , the Real Alcazar in Sevilla , the Alhambra in Granada , and Baños Árabes and Puente Nuevo in Ronda . Outside of Andalucía, Tarragona has a Roman Amphitheare, and Cádiz has the Castillo de Santa Ana, as well as a storied naval history.

Southern France has Roman history, Gallic history, papal history, and beyond, with innumerable sites to check out. Visit the iconic double-walled medieval fortifications in Carcassonne ; canals and chateaus in Annecy ; scenes of papal intrigue in Avignon and Orange ; the site of a 2nd-century fortified town in Uzès ; the ‘red city’ of Albi ; Roman ruins in Nîmes ; and The Calanques from the fortifications of Cassis . 

Larger cities in southern France are chock-full of history as well. Arles is one of the oldest cities in France and pre-dates the Romans. Marseilles was originally founded by the Greeks and is thought to be the oldest city in France. Toulouse changed hands from the Visigoths to the Merovingian and Carolingian Franks, originally known as Tolosa in Roman times.

Check out the Bonifacio Citadel and Citadelle de Calvi, as well as Napoleon’s birthplace in Corsica (part of France.)

Italy has a wealth of historical attractions, and not just in Rome. After you’ve seen the Colosseum, the Appian Way, the Forum, and beyond in Rome , be sure to check out some sites in the rest of the country. 

In southern Italy, check out the scene of the volcanic eruption at Pompeii and Herculaneum, lovingly-preserved Doric-style temples at Paestum; ancient cave dwellings at Matera ; and intriguing stone huts in Alberobello . For Napoleon buffs, you can also visit Elba , where he was exiled in 1814.

Sicily has a wealth of ancient sites and offers a great bang for your buck for a Euro backpacking trip. Agrigento is famous for its Valley of the Temples, and the Villa Romana del Casale outside Piazza Armerina boasts one of the most complete mosaics collections in existence today. 

Siracusa and nearby Ortigia Island also have large complexes of ruins in excellent conditions, well worth at least a day or two to explore. For other standalone sites on the island, consider the Tempio di Segesta in Trapani , the Cathedral in Palermo ; the Necropolis of Pantalica ; and Taormina’s Greek theater.

UNESCO describes Valletta, Malta as “one of the most concentrated historical areas in the world.” Established by the Knights of St. John, a Catholic order, Valletta has fabulous gardens, churches, and fortifications dating back to the 1500s. Even older than Valletta is Mdina , the capital of Malta before the arrival of the Knights. 

It goes without saying that a large draw of Greece is its historical offerings, similarly to Italy. As mentioned in the itinerary above, you can’t miss the Acropolis and Parthenon complex in Athens , and the country is littered with other ancient sites of interest. 

A small selection of your endless historical options include:

• Byzantine frescoes in Mystras
• The Oracle at Delphi
• Eastern Orthodox monasteries atop spindly rock formations in Meteora
• The site of the original Olympic Games at Olympia
• The canals at Corinth
• The world’s oldest city in Knossos , Crete
• The Ancient Theatre at the Sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus
• The Mycenae archaeological site of Trojan War fame
• Delos , the birthplace of Apollo 
• The remains of the walled city of Philippi
• The site of the Battle of Thermopylae

North Macedonia

Similar to Greece, North Macedonia has much to offer the history buff. The area around Skopje offers fortresses, bridges, and a market dating back to the 12th century. There is also a Byzantine fortified town at Bargala , the ‘Jerusalem of the Baltics’ in Ohrid , the archaeological site of Tauresium in Gradište , and another fabulous fortress in Isar .

3. Eastern Europe Backpacking Route: The ‘Budget Maximizer’

Eastern Europe is known for being a budget-friendly destination, and this is definitely true. The region is also chock-full of amazing cities, nature, and things to do and explore so it’s a win-win for aspiring backpackers! 

You can start this tour in the Czech Republic, flying into Prague and following the Grand Tour itinerary for Prague, Český Krumlov, Brno , and beyond . From there, head to Slovakia! 

Slovakia has the most castles per capita in Europe, and its capital of Bratislava has a charming old town that is pedestrian-only, lined with cute shops and restaurants. In addition to its castle and castle ruins, it also has majestic churches in different styles.

Košice dates back to the 13th century, and you can still visit the medieval city walls, with the largest preserved historic city center in Slovakia. Today, it is mainly known for steel production, but its historic center is arguably the best in the country. 

For some nature, go bear-watching in the High Tatras National Park or hiking in the aptly-named Slovak Paradise National Park .

Hungary is also a great alternative in which to start this Europe backpacking route, flying into the large hub of Budapest . Budapest is an absolutely fantastic city, with a variety of attractions at a great price point. 

The city is on a geographic fault line, so you have lots of options for thermal baths: check out Instagram-hyped Szechenyi, avoid the tourists at less popular but equally gorgeous Gellert, or have a truly local experience at Lukacs. 

Don’t miss the jaw-dropping Hungarian Parliament building, stroll along the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, and explore both Buda and Pest via the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Have a beer at one of Budapest’s ruin bars, filled with all sorts of oddities, and try some Hungarian goodies at the Central Market Hall. 

For a less urban experience, check out serene Lake Balaton , try some local wines in caves in the Valley of the Beautiful Women in Eger , or cycle around quaint Szentendre .

Slovenia is also a great destination for those seeking a mix of smaller, beautiful cities and lots of nature opportunities. Capital Ljubljana has a similar vibe to Prague and Budapest (with lovely castles, parks, bridges, and museums), and Piran is famous for Venetian architecture along the Adriatic coast. 

Arguably the most popular location in Slovenia is Lake Bled and its iconic Bled Island and church, surrounded by surreal turquoise water. The Julian Alps surround the lake and are a great, nearby location for hiking. 

Croatia has long been a favorite destination for backpackers due to low prices and few tourists. However, Game of Thrones has led to large crowds visiting very small Dubrovnik (AKA Kings’ Landing.) 

Split is also on the Adriatic Sea and is fairly similar, but a bit bigger. This can lead to more reasonable accommodation prices and a bit more breathing room. Croatia’s capital, Zagreb , is also worth a visit for very different architecture to Split and Dubrovnik in a more Austro-Hungarian style, and also boasts the beautiful Medvednica area just north of the city. 

For natural splendor, nothing beats Plitvice Lakes National Park , a series of gorgeous turquoise lakes linked quasi-vertically by waterfalls. There are also all sorts of beaches in Croatia if you’d like to take a few days to relax by the water, like Golden Horn Beach ‘ s world-famous white sand. 

Montenegro is a great destination for budget travelers and an ideal place for those seeking something a bit less touristy, but still gorgeous. The area around Kotor resembles a Scandinavian fjord, and the Stari Grad (Old Town) and city walls are fantastic to scramble around.

The capital Podgorica isn’t as exciting as other Eastern European capitals but has a cool clock tower and proximity to Lake Skadar National Park . If you want to splash out a bit, consider a visit to resort island Sveti Stefan , one of the most popular destinations in the country. 

Serbia is often overlooked in favor of Croatia and Montenegro but is absolutely worth a visit. Capital city Belgrade is lovely, with competing Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Austro-Hungarian influences as well as great green spaces and cuisine. Novi Sad has the Petrovaradin Fortress and its network of tunnels, as well as very different architecture and vibes to Belgrade. 

Bulgaria is a treasure, with a long and storied history displayed in its folklore, like traditional dancing and arts and crafts. It is also said to be the birthplace of yogurt! Capital Sofia is a great place to see all of Bulgaria’s cultural attractions, or you can visit Nessebar on the Black Sea for a completely different vibe, and its world-famous Sunny Beach. For history and archaeology fans, check out Plovdiv in southern Bulgaria for Roman ruins. 

Did you know? Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in Europe !

Romania is perhaps most famous for its mythical Transylvania region, home to beautiful gateway cities Cluj-Napoca and Brașov , medieval fortified towns like Sighișoara, and world-famous Bran Castle , said to be where Dracula lived. 

In the Bucegi Mountains , hike to natural rock formations Babele and the Sphinx, or go underground for salt mine tours at Salina Turda . Capital Bucharest is known for its massive, Soviet-era Palace of Parliament and Old Town Lipscani district. 

Ukraine also has a variety of places of interest for budget travelers. Capital Kyiv has beautiful Eastern Orthodox-style churches, museums, and a reconstructed medieval gate. Lviv is a great place to see Polish and Austro-Hungarian culture collide, and has a world-famous opera and ballet that may be worth a splurge for tickets. 

For something a bit different, Odesa on the Black Sea is also famous for its opera and ballet, as well as the iconic stairway from The Battleship Potemkin and beautiful sea views. Intrepid travelers may be interested in visiting the nuclear disaster site Chernobyl . A tour to the exclusion zone has been determined to be safe and is possible with an official guide. 

Poland has a wealth of cities, attractions, and natural wonders to offer travelers. Similar to other countries in the region, it is a great budget destination, with fantastic food, friendly people, and enough museums and cultural contributions to entertain any tourist for years. 

Capital Warsaw suffered a lot of damage in World War II and was almost entirely rebuilt. The Soviet-style buildings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but don’t make the mistake of skipping the city! Spend some time eating pierogi, strolling Łazienki Park, visiting the Warsaw Uprising Museum and POLIN Museum, and taking a tour of the Royal Castle as an absolute minimum. 

Cute Krakow is much more popular with tourists for its medieval Rynek Glówny quarter, as well as its proximity to underground marvel Wieliczka salt mine and concentration camp Auschwitz . Poland also has a variety of former German cities with a distinct architectural flair, like Wroclaw , Gdansk , and Gdynia , which are all highly worth a visit. 

In Lithuania, don’t miss baroque capital city Vilnius and nearby Trakai Island for its fairytale castle. At the Curonian Spit , you can see sand dunes that stretch up to 35 meters in height, and those seeking something a bit spookier can visit the sculpture garden at the Hill of Witches. A popular pilgrimage site is the Hill of Crosses , where over 100,000 crosses have been placed over the years. 

Latvia is also an often-underrated country to visit. Its capital Riga has slightly different architecture to its Eastern European contemporaries, with a lot of wood-based and art nouveau buildings at a similarly great price point for budget travelers. 

Nearby Rundāle Palace has a similar aesthetic to Versailles, and Jūrmala is a fantastic resort town that is also close to Riga.

The last stop on this Eastern European tour is in Estonia, a small country with over 1500 small islands. Its capital, Tallinn , has a cute old town with various structures dating back to the 13th century, as well as a medieval fortification tower called Kiek in de Kök. 

Seaside resort Pärnu is known for its distinctive wooden villa-style houses and the ability to mud-bathe. Bog and wetland enthusiasts will love Lahemaa National Park , the former USSR’s first national park.  

4. Around Europe Backpacking Route: The ‘Whole Shebang’

And for those of you who refuse to take your backpack off, we’ve created this final mammoth Europe itinerary. An amalgamation of the Western and Eastern routes (with a couple of tweaks for logistical reasons), this comprehensive Europe backpacking route showcases the best of what the continent has to offer, from balmy beaches, to dramatic castles and everything in between!

The adventure is limitless with this Europe itinerary, you just need to hope that your wallet is too!

Ways to Travel Around Europe

One of the best things about backpacking in Europe is the relative ease of transport between countries. As you plan out your trip, start by analyzing how you can best get between the countries you want to visit. 

A tip here is to combine trains, buses, and flights strategically. These vary widely in price, and you may be surprised at what deals you may find. 

Overall, the big advantage to buses and trains is that they usually drop you off at a more central location, sparing you transport to and from a farther-away airport. However, sometimes you may find that flights are the best fit for your budget or timeline. 

Traveling by train is often considered to be the quintessential way of getting around Europe. Companies like Eurail offer customizable train passes between 33 countries, with regional options and timing options (e.g. 15 days, 30 days, etc.) now on a mobile app. 

This ‘all-in-one’ style pass can be as simple as a hop-on-hop-off, where you show your pass to board the train of your choice. However, some places (like France and Germany) sometimes charge supplements or have a limit on how many passengers can board with a pass per train. For that reason, you may want to book tickets in advance during busy seasons, and always make sure that the journey you are taking is included in your pass! 

The associated downside to Eurail is that it is quite pricey, so you should do the math carefully to make sure you’ll actually save money with this pass. As a rule of thumb, it is largely worth it if you’re spending a lot of time in countries like Switzerland. Conversely, if you’re doing a trip mostly focused on central or eastern Europe, it’s probably cheaper to buy single tickets. 

Although train travel is the most talked-about transport for backpackers in Europe, don’t count out buses ! Companies like Flixbus and Eurolines sometimes have absolutely jaw-droppingly low fares, and charter buses are largely comfortable and reliable. 

Like trains, buses also usually drop you off in central locations, and it’s a really economical way to get from place to place. The associated downside is, of course, time. Buses get stuck in traffic and delays can be common, as well as the fact that buses are without a doubt slower than trains and planes. 

Like Asia, Europe has a variety of budget airlines that have ultra-low fares, like RyanAir, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and beyond. Be warned though, f the fares seem too good to be true, that’s because sometimes they are. 

These airlines are infamous for nickel-and-diming travelers, with add-ons for anything larger than a (small) backpack and hidden fees. However, that said, if you’re at a point in your journey where you have a longer distance to travel, or want to visit an island or somewhere logistically more challenging, you should definitely look into plane travel.

Time to Plan Your Europe Backpacking Trip!

Backpacking through Europe is definitely something that you should take advantage of. It’s totally doable to stick to a budget with some savvy planning, and you will make memories that will last a lifetime. 

We hope this article has helped to show you a few ways to put together your dream Europe backpacking trip. Of course, these routes are just a few among infinite options! 

In case nothing has tickled your fancy just yet, we’ll leave you with some more food for thought… 

• An island tour through the Canary Islands, the Azores, the Greek islands, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Malta
• A royal jaunt through castles in the British Isles (England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland) France, Germany, Romania, and Slovenia
• An Alpine ski bum tour through Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France, and Monaco

If you have questions about specific countries not mentioned, or have another idea for cool groupings, we’d love it if you’d share it with us in the comments! Happy travels!

Tegan George & Alex McKenzie

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Backpacking Europe Essentials: The Ultimate Europe Packing List

Are you planning your first European backpacking travel adventure? Packing for a trip can be exciting but stressful, especially if you don’t know what to bring. Whether you’re going for a week or for an entire summer, there are a few backpacking Europe essentials for your packing list. To help you get started, take a look at our backpacking Europe checklist, which will ensure you have everything you need for your trip. 

1. The Right Backpack

The right backpacking can make or break your trip. A backpack that’s too big can make traveling uncomfortable, while a backpack that’s too small won’t allow you to fit all your belongings in it. 

When backpacking Europe , you won’t want to bring a large, rolling suitcase. European cities were built before the age of elevators, which means that you’ll be walking lots of stairs. When navigating the metro, the old buildings, and the hotels , you’ll be happy to be able to take the stairs instead of lugging around an unwieldy backpack.

When it comes to essentials for your backpacking Europe packing list, it’s best to bring a carry-on sized backpack to avoid baggage fees on budget airlines. A carry-on sized backpack will also be small enough to keep nearby if you’re taking a bus or train tour in Europe .

Backpacking backpacks come in sizes based on the liter volume that they can carry. A 30-40 liter bag is comparable to a carry-on size suitcase, while a bag that’s 50-65 liters will be too big to take with you as a carry on.

Make sure you choose a bag that fits comfortably on your body. If you’re visiting a store, the employees will be more than happy to help you select a few bags that are suited to your body size. 

If you’re looking for the best backpack for backpacking Europe, the Osprey brand has some great all-rounder backpacks. Osprey is the go-to essential Europe backpacking option and fits most people comfortably. 

• Carry-on Sized Backpack for Women: Osprey Fairview 40L
• Carry-on Sized Backpacking for Men: Osprey Farpoint 40L
• Larger Women’s Backpack: Osprey Ariel 65L
• Larger Men’s Backpack: Osprey Atmos 65L

When you’re taking a day trip or going on a hike, you won’t want to bring your huge backpack with you. Leave most of your items locked safely at your accommodation and take along a day bag. Your best bet would be to purchase a foldable daypack that can fit into your bigger backpack.

It will need to fit essentials such as money, a snack, water, and maybe a change of clothes, so it shouldn’t be too big or bulky.

3. Padlocks

Padlocks are a quick, convenient, and inexpensive way to secure your bags and hostel lockers. When assembling your backpacking Europe essentials for your packing list, a small item like this can be a lifesaver!   You can also use your luggage lock on your backpack during travel days, ensuring all your belongings are safe, including your passport.

4. Universal travel adapter

Your Europe backpacking packing list should include a universal travel adapter , which will work for your phone charger or any other electronic devices. 

The outlets in continental Europe use the same 2-pronged plug, but if you’re traveling in the UK and Ireland, you’ll need a different 3-pronged system. Rather than taking multiple chargers with you, a multifunctional adapter will do. 

Your phone camera is sufficient for everyday life, but backpacking around the world is an incredible experience that you will never want to forget!

Your travel photos will prove invaluable once you return from your epic journey, so be sure to capture all the incredible things you encounter along the way. Bring a camera that not only takes great pictures but also fits easily into your backpack.

These days, the majority of cameras are equipped with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities, so they can be transmitted easily to your laptop or phone to post them online.

You may wish to bring a high-tech DSLR camera to take stunning photographs.

I f you want to take your backpacking adventures to the next level, then consider bringing along a waterproof GoPro , which will accompany you everywhere from underwater adventures to skydiving during your European backpacking adventures.

6. Travel towel

Your essential backpacking Europe packing list should include a quick-drying travel towel, since you will be moving from hostel to hostel as you backpack between cities. My favorite travel towel is a Turkish towel which is quick to dry and easy to fit in your backpack. You can also use the towel as a privacy screen if you secure a bottom bunk in a hostel.

7. Power Bank

A power bank is one of the essentials on my backpacking Europe packing list, for multiple reasons. While traveling, you’ll be using your phone much more than normal – for navigation, taking photos, videos, or researching travel tips. On days like this, you’ll want to have a backup battery for your phone. 

I’ve also relied on my power bank during long travel journeys when I use my phone and want to make sure I have enough juice to find my way to the next destination.

8. Change purse

Reliance on physical money is surprisingly still pretty high throughout Europe. Plus, having lots of €1 and €2 Euro coins is a good idea if you want to leave behind tips or donate to street musicians that you’ll see on your trip. 

9. The right shoes

For your backpacking Europe packing list, don’t forget to throw in a pair of rubber sandals for the hostel showers. You should also bring a pair of c omfortable but stylish walking shoes. Some nightlife spots will require a certain dress code, but you can get away with leather-style sneakers. And women can get away with stylish-looking flats that are secretly super comfortable.

10. Hostel survival kit

If you’ll be staying in hostels , don’t forget these 4 backpacking Europe essentials. We call it the hostel survival kit:

• Silk Sleeping Liner
• Extra-long charging cable for your phone

11. The Best Apps for Backpacking Europe

And lastly, before heading off for your European backpacking adventure, you should load up your phone with a few essential apps that will make backpacking Europe a breeze.

Apps to book transportation from place to place

Given the relatively compact size of Europe, you can travel between major cities by train  or bus . There are a few useful apps for European transportation that can help make sure you find the best deal while sticking to your schedule.

• Omio – compare trains, buses, and flight options in Europe and travel using mobile tickets
• Trainline – a popular app in the UK to find train and bus tickets 
• Flixbus – a long-distance bus company that is a favorite mode of travel for budget backpackers
• Kiwi – a flight search comparison site that helps you find the lowest prices
• Skyscanner – another classic flight search website that has powerful flexible search options
• DiscoverCars – car rental search engine with direct booking to 500+ suppliers

Apps for Finding Accommodation in Europe

• Booking.com
• Hostelworld.com

Apps to book discounted activities and Skip the Line tickets

• Get Your Guide

Apps to stay in touch with friends and family back home

If you don’t want to change to an international mobile plan , you can use these apps over free public WiFi to stay in touch with people back home.

About the author

Monica Woerner

Monica is an avid traveler and backpacker who seeks to inspire others to embark on great adventures off the beaten path. Originally from California, she has travelled to over 60 countries, most of which she explored while backpacking or camping.

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Travels with Erica

A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

What I Wish I Knew Before Backpacking Europe Alone

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on my affiliate link and purchase something (at no additional cost to you!), I may earn a small commission that helps me keep the blog running. Thank you so much for your support!

Backpacking Europe alone after high school is one of the biggest clichés out there.

I’m proud to say that I avoided that cliché and travelled Europe alone for the first time right after University. 😉

Cliché or not, there is a reason why backpacking Europe alone is one of the most popular things for young people interested in travel to do.

Hell. I travel Europe alone as often and as frequently as I can even though it has been years since my first solo trip to Europe!

Europe is my favourite place on the planet, and the best part is it is super easy for solo travellers to explore Europe.

However, there are a few things I wish I knew before backpacking Europe alone.

These things would have saved me a lot of anxiety, money, and a few tears along the way.

If you’re planning your first backpacking trip through Europe, this is the post for you!

Hopefully you’re a little bit more prepared than I was!

Tips for planning your first solo trip

Table of Contents

You Don’t Have to Stay in Hostels

When I was researching before my first solo trip to Europe, every blog I read said that solo travellers stay in hostels.

The fact that I had to stay in hostels, and there were no other affordable options was beat into my head.

There were other reasons, such as the social aspect, that people were recommending hostels. But those reasons didn’t resonate with me as an extreme introvert.

The biggest thing I wish I knew before backpacking Europe alone is that I didn’t have to stay in hostels.

They’re a great, affordable option.

But they’re not the only option.

I spent months staying in hostels and hating it. They’re just not my jam.

If you’re like me and don’t love hostels, know that there are tons of affordable options out there!

I highly recommend you try to find guest houses to stay in or Airbnbs.

A lot of the time they are less expensive to stay in than a budget hotel and aren’t much more expensive than a hostel.

They’re a great option for people like me who don’t enjoy staying in hostels but also don’t want to spend a ton of money on lodging.

Of course, there are limits to how well this works.

If you’re in an expensive city like London, you’re going to be paying a pretty penny no matter where you stay.

Including hostels.

So, figure out what your budget is and research all your options before automatically searching and booking a hostel.

Don’t Take Internet Safety Lightly

Not enough people take internet safety seriously when they travel, and that is a mistake.

In fact, being internet safe is one of the most important travel safety tips I can give you!

As a traveller, you connect to public wifi networks on a daily basis, and this puts your devices at risk of being hacked.

And, yes, even hotel and café wifi networks that have a password are considered public wifi networks!

Anybody can access public wifi networks, and you’d be surprised at how easy it is for someone to steal your online data without you even knowing it.

I can’t imagine a worse scenario than backpacking Europe alone and having someone steal my banking information.

The hassle of canceling all your banking cards and then trying to figure out a way to fund the rest of your trip is not the type of thing you want to deal with when you’re on a solo trip.

The only way you can protect your devices when using a public wifi network is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts a forcefield around your devices and makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your online information.

It makes using a public wifi network just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

In my mind, installing a VPN on your devices is a non-negotiable.

It is the responsible thing to do, and there are no excuses for not protecting your online information and data when you travel.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used quite a few different VPNs over my years of travel, and, to be frank, most of them suck.

They slow your phone down to a snail’s pace. It is so frustrating to use most VPNs that you end up turning them off and exposing your online information.

Which totally defeats the purpose of having a VPN!

The only VPN I use and trust now is NordVPN .

I’ve been using them since 2018 and have no plans change provider.

They are the fastest VPN on the market, which is why I recommend them to my fellow travel lovers.

We need our internet to be quick, and if you’re like me, you don’t have the patience to deal with lagging internet.

That is never an issue with NordVPN .

You hardly notice a difference in the speed of your internet. You can use your devices and be safe without sacrificing any internet speed.

Plus a NordVPN subscription is super affordable.

It costs less than a latte per month, and you can install a VPN on up to six devices with on subscription.

There are no excuses not to protect your online information and data when backpacking Europe alone.

My motto is that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information and date!

Get Off the Beaten Path

One of the biggest mistakes most people backpacking Europe alone make is not getting off the beaten path and visiting less popular tourist destinations.

This includes what cities you choose to visit and what you choose to see and do in those cities.

Even if you only visit the most popular cities in Europe, there are still less common things you can do to experience a different side of the city.

Now that I’m an experienced traveller, there is nothing I love more than finding lesser known cities and exploring them.

They give you a different taste of what life in that country is like without all the tourists swarming around.

There is nothing wrong with visiting the most popular tourist sights and cities.

They’re popular for a reason!

I just think you should also go out of your way to see a different part of the place you’re travelling.

Taking a day trip to a nearby town or village is one of the easiest ways to get off the beaten path and see more of a country.

I personally like to spend three or four days in three or four different cities when I visit a country, but I know not everybody has time for that.

All I’m asking is that you do at least one thing on your backpacking trip through Europe that can’t be found on the first page of every guide book ever written.

Overrated cities in Europe

Set a Realistic Budget

This is one of the biggest mistakes I made the first time I was backpacking Europe alone.

I read a ton of blogs that said you should only spend $50/day in Europe. That’s all you need.

It created this image in my mind that $50 is what I should spend a day, and if I spent more than $50, I wasn’t a very good traveller.

Now I know that is absolute rubbish, but I didn’t back in 2015 when I went on my first solo trip to Europe.

I also failed to take into consideration the exchange rate. The blogs were referring to $50 USD/day. I was budgeting $50 CAD/day, which came out to about $32 USD/day!

If there is only one tip for backpacking Europe alone on this list you listen to, let it be this one.

Do not blindly listen to anybody on the internet who tells you how much it costs to travel anywhere.

That is their experience. You can use it is a guide, but do not take it as a hard fact.

Instead, think about what your travel style is. How you imagine your backpacking trip to Europe looks and go from there.

You’re travelling alone, so if you underestimate how much money you need, you’re kind of screwed.

There is nobody travelling with you that you can potentially borrow money from, and you need to figure out how to make too little money stretch your entire trip.

It is not a fun place to be!

So, set a realistic budget and have a little extra money saved just in case some things are more expensive than you anticipate.

You don’t want to have to skip meals or stay in terrible accommodation just because you didn’t set a realistic budget!

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Backpacking Europe Alone Isn’t Glamorous

Backpacking Europe alone is over glamorized in the media.

Images of meeting an Italian man and falling in love, finding your true self, and becoming an influencer are attached to the idea of travelling Europe aline.

While all those things are possible, I’m here to tell you that they are not the norm.

Backpacking Europe alone is amazing- don’t get me wrong- but it isn’t quite as romantic as you might think it is.

I guarantee that you’ll shed a few tears, your clothes will stink (and you’ll hate doing laundry), you’ll get lost more times than you can count, and I see a number of cheap grocery store meals in your future.

It’s all part of backpacking Europe alone, and it also might be some of the best parts of it!

If you’re going into Europe with your rose coloured glasses on, you’ll be disappointed.

One of the fun parts about backpacking Europe alone is figuring out how to solve the little problems that pop up along the way.

Because trust me no trip goes 100% to plan!

And, in my opinion, the best way to make sure your solo trip to Europe is amazing is to have realistic expectations and know that what you see in the media probably isn’t how your trip is going to go.

But it will undoubtably be an amazing trip though!

Undeniable benefits of travelling alone

Currency Can be a Pain in the Butt

A lot of people think of Europe and see it as one big economic zone where everything is the same.

While a lot of European countries use the Euro, there are many who don’t. And that makes currency a bit of a pain.

Not only do you have to figure out how to get the different currencies you need, you also need to keep the currency conversion straight in your head.

Again, it isn’t much of an issue if you only visit countries that use the Euro , but most people visit countries with different currencies.

When you’re backpacking Europe alone, you need to have a plan on how you’re going to handle all the different currencies you need.

My recommendation is to get convert some of your money into the currency of the first country you’re visiting before you leave.

You’ll have money to pay for whatever transportation you need to take when you land and buy food.

You do not want to deal with converting currency after a long flight when you’re tired and just want to get to your accommodation!

After that, I like to use ATMs to the currency I need for the rest of my trip.

Beware of ATMs in Europe

ATMs can cause a bit of confusion in Europe.

The most important thing you need to remember is to never select the option that does the currency conversion for you and removes money from your bank account in your local currency.

Always select the option to have the money withdrawn in the local currency and let your bank do the conversion.

ATMs in Europe are notorious for giving you a horrible exchange rate, and you’ll waste a lot of money if you remove money in your home currency rather than the local one.

No matter what option you choose, you will receive money in the local currency. I know that section may sound confusing, but it will make sense once you get to Europe.

Another major tip I can give you is don’t take too much money out at one time.

I’ve been in situations where I’ve overestimated how much money I’ll need and then have a bunch of left over currency that isn’t accepted in the next country I’m visiting.

It is a fine line to walk between getting enough money versus getting too much money.

Finally, be sure you have a currency conversion app on your phone. It helps you keep track of what the local currency is doing based on your home currency.

This is a huge help for staying on budget and understanding what you’re paying for things while backpacking Europe alone.

Transportation is a Breeze

I was a bit nervous about getting around Europe on my first backpacking trip. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and didn’t want to spend a ton of money and fly from place to place.

It didn’t take long before I learned that Europe isn’t like other parts of the world (like Asia) where it can be a challenge to get from city to city and country to country.

There are trains and buses that take you pretty much anywhere you need to go.

Even across international borders!

The last time I was in Europe for an extended period of time, I took a total of four flights in three months!

From London to Dublin and back. From London to Finland. And Prague to Paris more due to needing to be in Paris quickly for an event rather than there not being a way to overland between the two cities.

The only thing you need to be aware of is there are some countries where the price of train tickets steeply rise the closer you get to the day of departure.

The biggest culprits of this price hike are the UK and France .

If you’re travelling within or between these two countries, be sure you book your train ticket as early as possible.

Tickets go on sale three months in advance, and you want to buy your tickets as shortly after that as possible.

If you’re not a planner, the bus may be a better option than the train. Bus ticket’s don’t see a price increase the same way train tickets do.

But, transportation is not something that should hold you back from backpacking Europe alone.

It is super easy to use, and even a beginner traveller can breeze their way around Europe without too much sweat.

A solo traveller’s guide to London

A solo traveller’s guide to Paris

Don’t Ignore Eastern Europe

Okay. So, this is one thing I did know before backpacking Europe alone, but I feel like not enough people know it!

Eastern Europe is amazing and doesn’t get enough love!

I’m talking the Baltic States, the Balkans, Central Europe, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, everything outside Western Europe really.

Most of my favourite European countries are outside of Western Europe and along the road less travelled.

They are beautiful, full of history, and are home to some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

And as a bonus for people backpacking Europe alone, they are extremely affordable.

I once got a plate of pierogi, a salad, steamed vegetables, a drink, and a piece of cake for about $10 USD in Ukraine! Where else are you going to find such great value in Europe?!

I fully understand the desire to tour Western Europe. It is home to some of the most iconic sights in Europe.

But that doesn’t mean that Eastern Europe deserves to be ignored.

I highly, highly, highly recommend you arrange your itinerary so you spend at least a third of your trip in Eastern or Central Europe.

Not only will your wallet thank you, but I have a feeling it will also result in some of the best memories that come out of your trip.

A solo traveller’s guide to Prague

Take Your Time

I’m seeing a trend here, and it is following bloggers blindly.

Says the person who is now a travel blogger writing this post.

But the blogging content put out in 2014/2015 when I was planning my trip and backpacking alone in Europe is vastly different from what is online now.

Back then, I saw post after post after post saying you should never stay in a city more than 3 days.

Yes. That includes major cities like London and Paris!

The sentiment online at that time was you have to keep moving and see as much as possible as quickly as possible or you’re not travelling properly.

Thankfully the travel blog world has change a bit, and now there is more of a focus on slowing down and getting a more in-depth taste of a city or country.

I spent the first month and a half of my backpacking trip to Europe rushing around. I was exhausted from never settling in anywhere and never having a break to people watch in a café.

Don’t be like me!

Thankfully I figured out that it is worthwhile to slow down and spend more time in each city.

It is much more enjoyable, relaxing, and it gives you a better appreciation for the place you’re visiting.

I mean it is ridiculous to think that you can get a true taste of a major European city in three days or less. That’s nonsense.

I’m not going to tell you how much time to spend in each place.

That’s super personal and changes based on what city you’re visitng.

I am going to tell you to do your research and figure out a reasonable time to stay to see everything you want to do.

I also like to add on an extra day just in case the weather is bad, I’m tired one day, or I discover something else I want to do.

Plus, you can always take a day trip if you don’t need that extra day!

Backpacking Europe Alone is Safe but Know the Local Scams

Before I went on my first solo trip to Europe, I had people in my life telling me it wasn’t safe for solo female travellers.

Or that certain countries (like Ukraine) I planned to visit weren’t safe.

I didn’t listen to them and went on my trip anyways, but I would be lying if I wasn’t a bit nervous at the start of my trip.

Especially when I got to some of the lesser travelled countries in the Balkans.

Now I know that it wasn’t something I ever had to worry about, and you don’t have to either!

Europe is very safe.

Even in less financially rich countries you don’t have anything to worry about.

You can start backpacking alone in Europe and know that you’re safe and don’t have to stress over your personal safety.

The one thing you do need to worry about though is knowing local scams.

Every country and city in the world has local scams.

These can range from something as simple as pick pocketing to something much more elaborate like people not giving you the proper change or giving your counterfeit money.

You need to be aware of what the local scams are wherever you’re going.

This will help you know what to look out for.

As a solo traveller, you are solely responsible for your safety. You don’t have a friend to watch your back, so it is even more important you familiarize yourself with local scams.

But, aside from scams, Europe is super safe. Even for solo female travellers.

Overcome your fear of solo travel

Best European Countries for Solo Travellers

There you have it. You’re now in the know and are more prepared for your first solo trip to Europe than I was!

Europe is one of the best and easiest places for solo travellers. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can successfully backpack Europe alone.

If I can do it, you can do it. I was a horrible traveller when I first backpacked Europe alone.

It is so important to understand that not everything is going to be perfect and know that you’ll have to problem solve along the way.

Backpacking Europe alone is one of the best experiences you’ll have in your life.

The continent is so full of life, food, and beauty. And no two countries are the same!

So, book that ticket, strap your backpack on, and have the time of your life!

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Why Backpacking Is The Perfect Way To See Europe (According To Reddit)

You can easily make new friends and have an even deeper and more well-rounded understanding of the town or city where you are.

Backpacking through Europe seems like a totally dreamy thing to do. Since forever, people have been talking about going on backpacking trips, and it once seemed like a challenge that more bohemian travelers would take on. But anyone can do this and Europe is definitely an exciting place to backpack through.

Reddit is a wonderful place when you want advice, especially when it comes to travel. People share their personal stories and want to help each other have the best vacations that they can, and many have posted about what it was like to backpack through Europe. Whether they did this for weeks or months at a time, people have a lot to say on this topic, and they're interested in giving really detailed accounts of what they saw and did.

Read on to find out why backpacking is the perfect way to see Europe , according to  Reddit .

It's More Affordable (If You're Careful)

One reason why backpacking through Europe is a recommended way to see the country? It's more affordable... if you're careful about the money that you're spending. Sure, you could technically backpack through Europe while eating in lavish, fancy restaurants and staying in nice hotels, but that would kind of defeat the purpose as you would be shelling out a lot of cash.

People on  Reddit  recommend staying in Airbnbs and hostels as this is a good way to save money.  One post gives two really helpful suggestions: find a hostel that has breakfast without an extra cost and take buses to get around whichever city you're in. How much do hostels cost? The Walrus Bar and Hostel in London , for example, costs around $35 USD for one night and there is a no-cost breakfast as well. It's easy to see that this would be a huge savings over hotel rooms, and if you book an Airbnb, you'll have a kitchen which saves on restaurants as well.

Someone gave this awesome advice to budget a lot for one day and another, spend a bit of money. As long as you're not spending too much money on where you're staying each night, you can definitely find a nice restaurant or pay for a tour. You still want to have a great experience.

You Can Be A Free Spirit And Explore This Beautiful Place

According to  As We Travel , someone who goes backpacking is basically going on a trip with a backpack instead of any other kind of luggage. While some will hike while backpacking, others won't, but hostels and relying on buses, the subway, and getting around on foot are common themes. It does sound dreamy not to have to lug around tons of bags and too much stuff.

Backpacking is definitely the best way to see Europe as you can be a free spirit and explore this beautiful place.

This  Reddit   post says it all: "Don't stick to your itinerary if you hear about a fantastic place somewhere else. Listen to people. Ask them about stuff."

Because of the nature of backpacking (staying in a hostel, perhaps traveling on your own or with only one other person, being used to talking to strangers), you'll be interested in going with the flow. Another user posted on Reddit and shared their opinion of why being chill while backpacking through Europe is so great. They wrote, "Sometimes our best travel experiences come from recommendations from locals on the road, who may open their home or share an experience with you, all things you won't know about until you arrive. It'd be a shame to miss out on everything because you've pre-scheduled the heck out of your itinerary."

And that will bring on the best times since planning too much could mean missing out on what's right in front of you. It could be as simple as planning to go to a famous restaurant in one European city and then stumbling upon another one that appeals to you more... and then having an incredible meal that you won't forget. Backpacking is unique and special as it basically forces you to let things happen during your trip.

It also seems like backpackers are more interested in talking with people who live in the city that they're visiting, which will be cool. You can make new friends and have an even deeper and more well-rounded understanding of the town or city where you are.

Looking to backpack through Europe? According to  Reddit , this is a really good way to see it as you can save money by staying in hostels and Airbnbs, walk around and take buses, meet some new people, and refrain from planning too much. These things will all result in an incredible backpacking trip.

Sources: Reddit.com , Reddit.com , Booking.com , Aswetravel.com