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What is Backpacking? A Comprehensive Guide to Everything You Need to Know

Backpacking is an increasingly popular way to travel, especially among young people. There are many reasons for this: it’s relatively cheap, it’s a great way to meet new people, and it gives you a sense of freedom that you can’t get from other forms of travel. However, there are a few things you should know before you go. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what is backpacking and we’ll give you a few tips for backpacking success.

Table of Contents

What is Backpacking: A Beginner’s Guide

There is no single definition of what constitutes “backpacking.” For some, it may simply be a way to save money on travel costs by carrying all of their possessions with them. For others, it may be a more deliberate decision to travel lightly and immerse themselves in the local culture.

In general, backpacking is a form of low-cost, independent travel. It involves the utilization of a bag that is comfortable to carry for longer periods; making use of civic conveyance; low-cost accommodation for example boarding house; often an extended length of the tour as compared to traditional trips; and normally a curiosity to come across local community in addition to other explorers.

Why is Backpacking Popular?

There are many reasons why backpacking is popular. For one, it is a great way to see the world. Backpacking allows you to travel to far-flung and exotic places that you would never be able to see otherwise. Additionally, backpacking is relatively cheap and can be done on a shoestring budget . This is especially appealing to young people who may not have a lot of money to spare.

Backpacking is also popular because it is a great way to meet new people. When you are on the road, you will meet other travelers from all over the world. This is a great way to make friends and learn about new cultures. Additionally, many people find the independence and freedom of backpacking to be very appealing.

So why is backpacking so popular? There are many reasons, but these are just a few of them.

The Backpacker Lifestyle

The backpacker lifestyle is one of freedom and flexibility. It’s a way of life that allows you to travel and see the world while still maintaining a sense of adventure. Backpacking is an excellent way to see new places and experience different cultures. Moreover, it is also an excellent means to avoid extra expenses on tours.

If you’re thinking about adopting the backpacker lifestyle, there are a few things you should know. Backpacking can be a great way to see the world, but it’s not for everyone. It’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the physical and mental challenges of backpacking before you embark on your journey.

What are the Benefits of Backpacking?

Following are some of the key benefits of backpacking:

1. Backpacking is a great way to see the world on a budget. One of the best things about backpacking is that it is relatively cheap to do. You can often find hostels and other accommodation options for very reasonable prices, and you can usually get by on a tight budget if you are willing to cook your own meals and skip some of the more touristy activities.

2. Backpacking is also a great way to meet new people and make friends from all over the world. When you travel alone, it can be easy to feel isolated, but when you are backpacking, there are always others in the same situation as you who are looking to meet new people and explore together.

3. Backpacking can also be a great way to challenge yourself and push your boundaries. If you are used to traveling in luxury, then backpacking may force you to step out of your comfort zone and experience something completely different. This may lead to the backpacker’s individual growth and development.

4. Finally, backpacking is simply an incredibly fun way to travel. There is nothing quite like packing a few sufficient belongings and setting off into the sunset to discover somewhere different – it creates some wonderful memories!

How to Get Started With Backpacking?

Backpacking is a great way to see the world and explore new places. It’s a relatively cheap way to travel, and it’s a great way to meet new people and experience new cultures. If you’re thinking about getting started with backpacking, there are a few things you should know.

First, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment. A good backpack, a tent, and a sleeping bag are essential. You’ll also need to make sure you have enough food and water for your trip.

Second, you’ll need to choose a destination. There are endless possibilities when it comes to backpacking, so take some time to research where you want to go. Once you have a destination in mind, you’ll need to plan your route. Make sure you give yourself enough time to explore and see everything you want to see.

Finally, pack your bags and hit the trail! Start exploring and have fun.

What are Some Backpacking Tips?

If you’re planning a backpacking trip, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. First, you’ll need to choose the right backpack. Make sure to pick one that is comfortable and fits well, as you’ll be carrying it for long periods of time. You’ll also need to pack light , as you’ll be carrying all your belongings on your back. Be sure to pack essential items like a map, a compass, and a flashlight.

In addition to the physical preparations, you’ll also need to do some mental preparation. Plan your route ahead of time and make sure you have a good understanding of the area you’ll be exploring. Familiarize yourself with the local weather conditions and be aware of the risks of wildlife and plants in the area. By taking the time to do these things and preparing for a trip before you set out, you can make the experience much easier on yourself.

Also Read: How Do Backpackers Make Money?

We hope you enjoyed learning about what is backpacking . This activity can be a great way to see the world and connect with nature. There are a few things to keep in mind when backpacking, such as being prepared for the elements and being aware of your surroundings. By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable backpacking experience.

What is Backpacking: FAQs

What does it mean to go backpacking.

Backpacking is a term that is used to describe a form of travel that is characterized by carrying all of one’s belongings in a backpack instead of using traditional luggage. Backpacking trips can last for days, weeks, or even months, and usually involve sleeping in a variety of places, including camping grounds, hostels, and couchsurfing arrangements. This type of travel is usually undertaken by young people or students who are looking for an adventure, and it is often seen as a more budget-friendly way to travel. Backpacking trips can be taken all over the world, and there are many different routes that can be taken.

What is the difference between hiking and backpacking?

The main difference between hiking and backpacking is that hiking is typically done for day trips or shorter overnight trips, while backpacking can involve multi-day trips or even extended trips of several weeks or months. Backpacking also typically requires more gear and supplies than hiking, as you need to be prepared for more self-sufficient travel.

What’s the difference between backpacking and camping?

Backpacking trips usually involve hiking into the wilderness for several days, where you will set up camp and sleep in a tent. Backpacking trips can be challenging, as you will need to carry all of your food and supplies with you, but they can also be very rewarding. Camping, on the other hand, can be done in a variety of ways. You can camp in a car-based camp, using a camping trailer, or even in your own backyard. Camping trips can be for a few days or even just one night. Camping can be a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, without having to worry about carrying all of your gear with you.

Where do people stay when backpacking?

There are a variety of accommodation options for backpackers, from hostels and camping to couchsurfing and home stays. The type of accommodation you choose will depend on your budget, your travel style, and your preferences. Hostels are a popular choice for backpackers, as they are typically cheap and offer a social atmosphere. You can also find hostels that cater to specific interests, such as arts or sports. Camping is another popular option for backpackers, as it allows you to experience nature and save money on accommodation. Couch surfing and home stays are other great ways to save money and meet new people.

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What is backpacking? The eternal travel debate

Jan 27, 2020 • 4 min read

Backpacking isn’t a new concept, but it is one with varied connotations. It can refer to low-budget globetrotting with little more than a passport, ticket stubs, and a little fear and excitement for good measure, often to relatively cheap, flavorful destinations like Thailand , Mexico , and South America . Backpacking can also refer to rugged forays into the backcountry, whether for a weekend or a longer trek along trails like the Pacific Crest Trail , the GR20 in Corsica , or the Inca Trail in Peru.

In either form, backpacking is really shorthand, an attempt to pin down an attitude toward adventure, a subculture, and a style of travel that’s challenging to articulate. So when we talk about backpacking, what do we mean – really? 

To some, backpacking evokes a montage of cities, beaches, hostels, and a few architectural marvels or UNESCO world heritage sites for good measure. Perhaps you’ll meet a new love from a distant corner of the globe, or realize a kindred spirit was in your orbit the whole time once the right adventure casts them in a brand new light . 

You might eat the wrong thing or step in the wrong place, adding illness or injury to your library of travel tales to pull out for friends back home or new acquaintances a few hostel common rooms down the road. There are new skills to learn, from scuba diving to the art of working remotely from whatever WiFi connection makes itself available. To backpack is to open oneself up to a host of new experiences.

The origins of backpacking

Backpacking also comes down to gear – the term, after all, refers to the piece of equipment on which travelers rely for relatively nimble movement from place to place. Originally designed for forays into the outdoors, a large-format backpack is constructed of rugged fabrics and outfitted with straps and clips and pockets to hold everything from ice axes and trekking poles to hair combs and slinky little numbers for foreign nightclubs, depending on whether you've got summits or swiping right in your sites.

The backpack as we know it is less than a hundred and fifty years old, dating back to a design out of Duluth, Minnesota designed for hikers who might also want to portage a canoe. The gear turned into a verb in the early 20th century, when outdoor recreation started to become more popular, especially with European alpinists. Backpacks kept evolving with new innovations like frames, zippers, and hip belts that made them comfortable enough to inspire more people to try long hiking treks, and eventually to take their packs on worldwide travels from country to country. 

By the 1960s, backpacks were synonymous not only with outdoor adventures, but world travel, aided by new guidebooks designed specifically for budget travelers packing light. And whether you’re walking for mile after mile with a camp stove, water filter, and warm layers in your pack or it’s stuffed with city maps, shower shoes, and maybe a souvenir or two, the essence of backpacking remains the same – how can you see as much as possible, for as long as possible, while stretching your dollars or rubles or yen as far as possible? 

Away from it all

From mountain peaks and hidden desert oases, tents and tramping far beyond the reach of the nearest cellphone tower to museums and piazzas, watching scenery unfurl out the window of a train car, backpacking is as broad in purview as there are places to explore. When it comes to what “true” backpacking might be, there really is no right or wrong answer. Backpacking is backpacking, from the Torres Del Paine to the Hon Khoi peninsula, from full moon beach parties to scrambling up Mount Kinabalu , from the taverns of Goa to powdery slopes of the Rhodope Mountains.

A backpack is nothing but a tool, it can help undo any twists and locks that have come up in life and need fixing. The pockets and compartments can be used however you like; just make sure, wherever you take it, you tuck away some memories. The world is waiting – how you pack for it is entirely up to you. 

You might also like:  What I learned from backpacking in my 20s and 30s Thru-hikes to squeeze into a busy travel schedule How vanlifers and RVers are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic

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08 Sep What Does “Backpacking” the World Mean and Why Do It?

“Backpacking.” 

You’ve probably heard this term thrown around by someone coming back from a gap year talking about how their life is changed and urging you to do it too (guilty lol). But you’re either not really sure what the hell backpacking even entails, or you think you know what it looks like based on a lot of popular assumptions. But those assumptions are not always true, and based on them you might have already decided it’s not for you but – you might be completely missing out!

So let’s break it down: what backpacking means, what people think it looks like, what it is today, and why some people (and maybe you someday) do it!

What does Backpacking mean?

Well, to be honest, the term is used rather loosely. It can refer to hiking long distances, carrying everything you need (tent, food, etc.) on your back so that you can set up camp anywhere. But the term has also evolved into a popular way to travel.

Used in this way, backpacking essentially refers to low cost traveling done by someone living minimally out of a backpack. It’s usually done for a longer period of time than a vacation would be, and because of the length of time, people usually travel to many places or countries in one trip.

Although this is the general gist of it, backpacking can look different for everyone. For example,  keeping the low cost of travel has a different limit person to person, usually based on comfort. The length of time also varies, s ome people backpack to one country for a month, or some people take a world tour for several months or even a year+.

“So…backpacking is basically only for teenagers during a gap year or hippies hitchhiking and staying in grimy hostels, right?”

Uh..WRONG. For someone who’s never done backpacking or done research on it, you may have a lot of assumptions about what type of person does it and what it looks like. While many young people do backpack during a gap year before school, and some people do choose to hitchhike and live very frugally in simple accommodation with little resources, that is not necessarily everyone’s experience .  Modern day backpacking can look different for everyone. 

Breaking down the Assumptions

1. who is backpacking for.

Now I say this because I personally have met many types of people travel backpacking and I believe it should be an inclusive experience. 

Unfortunately though, this is not to say there are not demographics that are a minority in the space. This is also not to say that everyone has an equal opportunity to go or that everyone has an equal backpacking experience. Depending on a person’s demographic and who they are, they may be treated differently, have to take different precautions, avoid some places altogether, or may not even be allowed into some countries. 

While this may not always be the case and it totally depends, it is important to mention because unfortunately, it is a reality of the world and not everyone has the same opportunites and experiences.

if you have assumed backpacking isn’t for you based on the lack of representation in media and misconceptions of what a backpacker looks like, think again!

That being said though, there are so many people who despite the challenges, judgments, or stereotypes still backpack! I’ve met a man is his 60’s backpacking, solo black female travelers, a nervous introverted person pushing themself out of their comfort zone, a girl who was an amputee, and so many others. 

So if you have assumed backpacking isn’t for you based on the lack of representation in media and misconceptions of what a backpacker looks like, think again!

2. LOW-COST TRAVEL = CRAPPY ACCOMMODATION

The second big assumption that people have about backpacking is that low-cost travel means staying in grungy, uncomfortable accommodation. And don’t get me wrong, sometimes that could be the case. If you’re in a less-traveled area, then you may have to settle for the one hostel there that might be shitty. At other times you might even find yourself staying with locals in a homestay (which can actually be really awesome!). 

However, if that’s not your cup of tea and you’re not too desperate to spend the least amount of money, then there is a middle ground between the lowest cost accommodation and a hotel. In fact, in most well traveled places, even the cheaper options can be more than nice – even hostels!

Bali, Indonesia : The Farm Hostel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Farm Hostel Canggu (@thefarmhostel) on Jan 17, 2018 at 4:10pm PST

Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA : KL Skyline & Rooftop

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAROLINE ROSE | TRAVEL (@carolinerosetravel) on Aug 8, 2019 at 5:42am PDT

Marrakech, Morocco : RODAMÓN RIAD

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tripadvisor (@tripadvisor) on Nov 15, 2019 at 7:16am PST

REYKJAVIK, Iceland : GALAXY POD HOSTEL

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Galaxy Pod Hostel (@galaxypodhostel) on Feb 8, 2017 at 6:06am PST

Lisbon, Portugal : Lisb'on Hostel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lisb'on Hostel® (@lisbonhostel) on Mar 22, 2019 at 3:54am PDT

Bangkok, Thailand: The Yard Hostel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Yard Hostel Bangkok (@theyardbangkok) on Dec 18, 2019 at 1:43am PST

MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA : MEDELLIN VIBES HOSTEL

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗 𝚅𝚒𝚋𝚎𝚜 𝙷𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚕 (@medellinvibeshostel) on Jul 9, 2020 at 11:36am PDT

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN : THE JUMBO STAY

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jumbo Stay Arlanda (@jumbostay) on Jan 16, 2017 at 6:34am PST

Super cool right?!

But the best part of hostels are usually the community. You will meet travelers from all around the world and it’s truly a unique experience.

However, if you’re still not sold or prefer some alone time here and there, another option remains: Airbnb.   Airbnb has changed the game when it comes to budget travel. Around the world you can find places to stay for under $50 or even $25. And some of these places are luxury stays! Especially if you’re traveling with a friend/partner, this is definitely within the backpacker budget.

3. Living Out of A Backpack is impossible

4. Backpacking takes so much planning and coordination

Now, honestly, this assumption is 100% accurate. However, that’s not to say that anyone couldn’t do it. It used to be that backpacking meant hitchhiking, talking to strangers to find a place to stay, having a map, etc. etc. And while you can still travel this way, coordinating your backpacking trip is easier than ever. You have the internet to thank for that!

Blog posts and Pinterest will help you find cool places to see; Hostelworld , Airbnb , and Booking.com will find you a place to stay; Rome2Rio , Google Maps , and Maps.Me   will tell you how to get somewhere; translation apps will help you communicate with someone; and countries now even have transportation booking websites like UBER and 12go.asia to get you around. So yes, it’s a lot of planning, but anyone who has a smart phone can do it.

READ POST: 10 Best Resources for Planning a Trip On Your Own

WHY GO BACKPACKING?

Hopefully by addressing some of the assumptions surrounding backpacking, you’re asking yourself why not? But if you’re still wondering why anyone would do this, here’s the answer to your question…

Backpacking is a low-cost way to travel which means it is more accessible to people. It means that you don’t have to be rich to see the world!

Keeping accommodation and other travel costs low, means that your money can stretch and you can explore for longer. The price of backpacking for a month is often times equivalent or cheaper to that of a week of vacationing.

Backpacking for long periods of time allows you the opportunity to see many places. Many people see more of the world during one backpacking trip than most do in their entire life.

Traveling in low cost ways means you are more likely to have authentic experiences and learn about the country in which you are visiting.

Backpacking will change you. It could be a spiritual journey, a reset from life, a source of inspiration in your career,  a journey of self-growth, an opportunity to meet people from around the world, a push out of your comfort zone, whatever! Everyone’s experience is different, but from every experience you will grow.

It might be the most adventurous thing you do in your life!

…So let me be that cliche person coming back from their gap year just for a minute…

BACKPACKING HAS CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER!!! And it could for you too. 

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What is Backpacking? A Guide to Adventurous Travel and Exploration

Introduction: Exploring the World Through Backpacking

Traveling has become easier than ever, and a new way of exploring has appeared. It’s about the excitement of the unknown and the freedom to choose your own path. This exciting journey is called backpacking, a dynamic and immersive way to travel the world. As cities buzz with activity and wide landscapes stretch before us, backpacking has become incredibly popular. It attracts adventurers and wanderers who want more than just a regular vacation. In this article, we’ll dig into the heart of backpacking and explain its key features that have captured the interest of both young and old explorers.

Setting Out on the Self-Sufficiency Path: At the core of backpacking is a simple idea: carrying everything you need on your back. Unlike regular travel with heavy suitcases and detailed plans, backpacking is about keeping things simple and being self-sufficient. Imagine walking through old streets or hiking along tough mountain trails with only a reliable backpack. This bag holds not just your essentials, but also a feeling of freedom—to go wherever your curiosity takes you. By leaving behind unnecessary baggage, both physical and metaphorical, backpackers enter a world full of possibilities.

Discovering the Spirit of Adventure: Backpacking is more than just going to typical tourist spots. It invites adventurers to go off the usual path, to find hidden treasures far from the usual tourist guides. Backpacking isn’t just a way to get from one place to another; it’s a way of thinking that opens doors to exciting discoveries. Whether you’re exploring busy local markets, finding peaceful countryside getaways, or hiking to faraway viewpoints, each step adds to your unique and personal adventure.

what is backpacking?

Backpacking is a style of travel where individuals explore new places with their essentials carried in a backpack, emphasizing self-sufficiency, adventure, and immersion in different cultures and environments.

Diving into Different Cultures and Environments: Beyond the details of travel, backpacking invites you to really experience the diverse cultures and places that make up our world. Backpackers become temporary locals, sharing glances, smiles, and stories with people whose lives intersect with their journey. Language barriers become bridges, and trying new foods turns into delightful sensory experiences. By embracing this sharing of cultures, backpackers gain a deep understanding of the global community and their role within it.

As we begin our journey to explore the many sides of backpacking, join us as we dive into the core aspects of self-sufficiency, the adventurous spirit, and the joy of cultural sharing.

The Essence of Backpacking:

Backpacking is a special way of traveling that’s different from regular vacations. It’s about exploring the world in a simpler and more independent way. Let’s talk about what makes backpacking unique.

What is Backpacking and Its Important Traits: Backpacking is when people travel with just a backpack. They pack only the necessary things, not extra stuff. This lets them move around easily, whether they’re walking in busy cities or hiking in the wild outdoors.

Being Independent: The Key to Backpacking: In backpacking, people take care of themselves. They carry everything they need in their backpacks, like clothes, food, and sometimes even things to cook with. This helps them become more self-reliant and connected to nature and the places they visit.

Why People Go Backpacking: Seeking Adventure, Learning, and Making Friends: Why do people choose backpacking? It’s because they want to discover new things, have exciting experiences, and grow as individuals. Backpackers love exploring places that aren’t usually visited by tourists. They also enjoy meeting and getting to know people from different cultures. This helps them learn about the world and make new friends.

Backpacking is also about being mindful. Without too much stuff and rigid plans, backpackers can focus on the present moment and enjoy what’s around them. This can lead to better understanding themselves and appreciating the beauty of the world.

As we learn more about backpacking, we find out that it’s not just about reaching a destination. It’s about enjoying the journey itself. The simple way of traveling, the ability to take care of oneself, and the excitement of exploring all come together to create the backpacking experience. In the next parts, we’ll talk more about the practical side of backpacking, giving you useful information to start your own adventure of learning, growing, and making connections with different cultures.

The Adventure of Backpacking:

When you go backpacking, you’re in for a real adventure! It’s not just about going to a place, it’s about the exciting journey to get there. Backpacking brings a special kind of fun that regular travel might not have. Let’s talk about this exciting feeling and share some cool stories that show what it’s all about.

Going Where Others Haven’t: With backpacking, you can explore places that aren’t famous for tourists. You get to find hidden spots that not many people know about. Imagine being in a big, lush forest, finding old ruins hidden in the trees, or discovering a cute village between tall mountains. Backpackers are like modern explorers, always curious and wanting to find new things.

Being OK with Not Knowing Everything: When you go backpacking, it’s okay not to have everything planned out perfectly. You can change your plans and do things on the spot. Like maybe you decide to go to a cool village you didn’t know about, or you wake up early to see a beautiful sunrise. Backpacking lets you enjoy surprises and make fun choices as you go.

Cool Stories about Backpacking Adventures: Picture this: You’re in a busy market in Morocco, talking with sellers about colorful fabrics you want to bring back home. Or imagine sitting on a hill in New Zealand, looking at the stars in the night sky, far from the city lights. These are the stories that show how cool backpacking can be.

Here’s another story: A backpacker is walking in a busy place in Vietnam and finds a super cool restaurant by accident. They try new foods that taste amazing! Another traveler goes to a festival in India, where people are celebrating and having a good time.

These stories show how exciting and unexpected backpacking can be. They show that trying new things and meeting new people makes the adventure awesome.

Remember, when you go backpacking, it’s not just about the places you see. It’s about the fun things you do along the way—like changing your plans, facing challenges, and collecting stories. Backpacking teaches us that the most exciting adventures often happen when we try something different. So, whether you’re climbing mountains, walking in deserts, or exploring cities, always be ready for a big adventure!

Backpacking vs. Regular Travel: What Makes Them Different

When people explore the world, they can do it in two main ways: backpacking and regular travel. These ways are special and have their own good parts. Let’s look closer at what makes them different and why backpacking is cool.

Backpacking: The Special Way to Go

Backpacking is like an adventure. You put your things in a backpack and go to different places. It’s about the journey more than the end place. Regular travel is usually about suitcases, plans, and staying in nice hotels. With backpacking, you can be more flexible and choose where to go as you go along.

Regular Travel: The Usual Way

Regular travel is what most people do. You plan your trip, book hotels, and follow a schedule. You might go to famous tourist places and try popular things. It’s comfortable and organized, but sometimes it feels like you’re following a list.

The Good Parts of Backpacking:

• Adventure that Saves Money: Backpacking can be cheaper. You don’t spend a lot on fancy hotels or expensive food. You can stay in cheaper places and make your own meals. This way, you have more money for fun things.
• Real and True: Backpacking lets you see a place like a local. You can meet people from different countries, taste their foods, and learn how they do things. You get to know the real side of a place, not just the things tourists do.
• Learning More About Cultures: Backpacking helps you understand a culture better. You talk more with local people and learn how they live. You might even learn a bit of a new language!
• Being Flexible and Spontaneous: When you backpack, you can change your plans easily. You might decide to stay longer in a place you love or find cool spots that aren’t in guidebooks.
• Making Friends and Memories: Backpacking often helps you make great friends. When you stay in hostels or camp, you meet other travelers who also like adventures.

Conclusion: Finding Your Own Way

So, which way is better? It depends on what you like. If you like plans and comfort, regular travel might be good. But if you want a real adventure, where you can meet people, try new things, and make good memories, then backpacking is awesome. Both ways have good things, and you can choose what works for you and the kind of adventure you want to have in this big, amazing world.

What to Pack for Backpacking: Your Simple Guide

When you’re getting ready for a backpacking adventure, knowing what to bring is really important. You want to be ready for anything, but you also need to keep things light and easy to carry. Let’s break it down and give you some smart tips for packing well.

Clothes: Dress Wisely and Lightly

• Layers Help: Pack clothes that you can wear on top of each other. This way, you can add or take off layers if the weather changes.
• Mix and Match: Choose clothes that can work together in different ways. A few basic tops and bottoms can make different outfits.
• Good Shoes: Bring shoes that are comfortable for walking. A wide variety of pairs is unnecessary.
• Stay Dry: Don’t forget a light raincoat. In the event of rain, this item has the ability to ensure your protection from getting wet.
• Cozy Pajamas: Pack comfy clothes to sleep in so you can rest well.

Essentials and Gear: Be Ready

• Backpack: Get a good backpack that fits well and can carry all your things.
• Sleeping Stuff: Depending on your trip, bring a light sleeping bag and a small pad to sleep on.
• Find Your Way: Take a map, a compass, or a GPS device to help you know where you are.
• First Aid Kit: Always have basic medical things like bandages, medicine for pain, and any medicine you need.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle you can use again and again. Also, something to clean water if you need it.
• Cooking Things: If you want to cook, bring a small stove, a pot, and some light utensils.
• Light at Night: Bring a small flashlight or a lamp for when it’s dark.

Packing Smartly: Use Your Space Well

• Roll Your Clothes: Rolling your clothes makes them take up less space and not get too wrinkled.
• Pack Neatly: Use special bags to keep your things tidy and easy to find.
• Don’t Bring Too Much: Just bring the things you really need, like toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a bit of soap.
• Small Toiletries: Pick small bottles of things to save space and weight.
• Wear Big Stuff: If you have heavy or big things like boots or a jacket, wear them when you’re traveling to save space in your backpack.
• Plan Your Clothes: Think about what you’ll wear and plan ahead to avoid bringing too much.
• Check Your Bag: Before you go, make sure your backpack is comfortable and not too heavy.

In Conclusion: Pack Well, Travel Light

Packing for backpacking is like solving a puzzle. You want to bring what you need without making your bag too heavy. Pick clothes that work together, important things, and good packing tricks. When you pack well, your backpacking trip will be easier and more fun. Now go on, pack your bag, and get ready for an amazing adventure!

Finding a Place to Sleep: Your Simple Guide to Backpacker Accommodation

When you’re backpacking, where you sleep is a big deal. There are a few choices that fit well with backpacking. Let’s see where you can stay and how to pick the best one for your adventure.

Kinds of Places to Stay:

• Hostels: These are like cheap hotels. You get a bed in a room with other travelers. It’s good for meeting people and saving money.
• Camping: If you like nature, camping is a nice option. You bring a tent and sleep outside. It’s fun and pretty.
• Budget Places: These are simple and not too expensive. You might get your own room or share with a few people.

Choosing and Booking a Place:

• Where is it?: Think about where you want to be. Is it close to cool stuff you want to do? Pick a place that’s easy to go from.
• What Others Say: Read what other travelers think about a place. Their stories can help you decide if it’s good.
• Price Tag: Decide how much you want to spend and look for places that fit your budget.
• Stuff They Have: Check what the place gives you. Do they have Wi-Fi, a kitchen, or other things you need?
• How’s the Vibe?: Think about the feeling of the place. Some are quiet, while others are more social. Choose what feels right.
• Booking: Once you find a place you like, book it ahead, especially when it’s busy. You can do it online or when you get there.

Being a Good Guest:

• Follow Rules: Do what the place asks. Be quiet when it’s time to be quiet and clean up your things.
• Make Friends: Backpacking is about meeting new people. Say hi to others and make friends.
• Stay Safe: Keep your stuff safe and lock your door when you’re not there.

In Conclusion: Your Home Away from Home

No matter where you stay, remember that your place to sleep is like a home during your adventure. It’s where you rest, make friends, and get ready for the next day. By picking the right place and being a nice guest, you’ll make your backpacking time even more fun. So, find your cozy spot, and get ready for some awesome adventures!

Understanding Other Cultures: How Backpacking Helps

Backpacking is more than traveling to new places. It’s also about getting to know the people and how they live. When you go backpacking, you can really become a part of the local community and learn about their way of life. Let’s see how this works and hear some stories that show how great it can be.

Getting Close to Local Cultures:

• Living Like Locals: Backpackers often stay where local people live. This lets you see how they go about their daily lives.
• Trying Local Food: When you go backpacking, you can eat the same food that locals do. You might taste foods you’ve never had before.
• Speaking Their Language: Learning a few words of the local language can help you talk to people and show that you respect their culture.
• Joining Traditions: Taking part in local celebrations, festivals, or customs can help you really experience the culture.

Special Moments with Different Cultures:

• Sharing Stories: Backpacking is a chance to meet people from different places. You can talk and learn about each other’s lives.
• Local Friends: Sometimes, backpackers become friends with locals who show them around and introduce them to cool things.
• Learning New Things: You might learn new skills or crafts from locals, like cooking their traditional food or making souvenirs.

Stories About Connecting with Cultures:

• Cooking Class in Thailand: A person backpacking in Thailand joined a cooking class with a local family. They learned to make traditional Thai dishes and had a fun time eating together.
• Dancing in Brazil: While backpacking in Brazil, someone joined a dance class with locals. Dancing together not only improved their dancing but also helped them understand Brazilian culture better.
• Staying in an Indian Village: One backpacker chose to stay in a small village in India. They helped with daily tasks, ate with the villagers, and shared stories, making lasting friendships.

In Conclusion: Bringing People Together Through Backpacking

Backpacking isn’t just about going on a trip. It’s a way to connect with people from different parts of the world. By doing things together, having heartfelt talks, and being open to new ways, you can break down barriers between cultures and make lasting friends. These experiences make your journey better and also leave a positive mark on the communities you visit. So, when you go backpacking, remember that the connections you make are just as important as the places you see.

Being Kind to the Environment: Responsible Backpacking

When we go backpacking, we’re not just exploring new places; we’re also taking care of our planet. It’s really important to be responsible and make sure our adventures don’t harm the environment. Let’s talk about why this matters and how we can be good backpackers while protecting nature.

Why Responsible Backpacking Matters:

• Preserving Nature: When we explore beautiful places, we want to keep them beautiful for others to enjoy. Responsible backpacking helps protect the environment.
• Respecting Locals: People in different places have their own ways of living. Being responsible means we respect their traditions and customs.
• Setting an Example: When we show others how to be responsible, they’ll do the same. This creates a positive chain reaction.

How to Be a Responsible Backpacker:

• Leave No Trace: Adhere to the Leave No Trace guidelines. This means not leaving any trash behind, not damaging plants, and keeping nature clean.
• Use Resources Wisely: Don’t waste water, electricity, or other resources. Use only what you need.
• Stay on Trails: Stick to designated paths to avoid harming plants and wildlife.
• Reduce Waste: Bring reusable items like water bottles and bags. Avoid single-use plastics.
• Respect Local Culture: Learn about the customs and traditions of the place you’re visiting. Be respectful and considerate.

Stories of Responsible Backpacking:

• Cleaning Up After Ourselves: A group of backpackers organized a cleanup in a popular hiking spot. They collected trash left behind by others, leaving the area cleaner than they found it.
• Learning from Locals: While backpacking in a foreign country, a traveler learned about the local way of life and followed their customs, showing appreciation for the culture.
• Sustainable Choices: A backpacker brought a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils. They avoided using plastic and inspired others to do the same.

Conclusion: Our Role in Protecting Nature

Backpacking is an amazing way to explore, learn, and have fun. But it comes with a responsibility—to take care of the places we visit. By practicing responsible backpacking, we can make a positive impact on the environment and the people who call those places home. Let’s be conscious of our actions, leave nothing behind, and show the world that backpacking can be both adventurous and environmentally friendly. Remember, every small effort counts, and together we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the wonders of the world, just as we do today.

Summing It Up: Your Backpacking Adventure

In our journey about backpacking, we learned a lot. Backpacking is a special way to explore the world. It’s about being independent, discovering new things, and connecting with different cultures. Let’s remember the important things we talked about:

• What is Backpacking: Backpacking means traveling in an exciting way. It’s not just about going places, but also about understanding cultures and trying new things.
• The Exciting Part: Backpacking is like an adventure. It’s about exploring places that are not so common and being open to surprises.
• Backpacking vs. Regular Travel: Backpacking is different from regular travel. It can save money, let you experience real life, and help you make friends.
• Packing Smartly: We talked about what to pack for a backpacking trip and how to pack efficiently.
• Getting to Know Cultures: Backpacking lets you become a part of other cultures. You can taste new foods, learn about traditions, and make friends from around the world.
• Taking Care of Nature: We also learned about being responsible. It’s important to keep the places we visit clean and show respect for local customs.

Embracing Adventure:

Remember, backpacking is not just about where you go. It’s about the exciting stories you collect, the friendships you build, and how you become a better person.

Your Turn to Explore:

Whether you’ve backpacked before or not, think about giving it a try. Pack your bag, be ready to learn, and set out on a journey that will make your life richer and more interesting. As you travel, may your backpack be light, and may you discover the joy of backpacking.

Additional Tips: Backpacking Tips for Beginners

As you gear up for your first backpacking adventure, here are some extra tips to make your journey even smoother. Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared for the exciting adventure ahead!

• Start with Short Trips: If you’re new to backpacking, begin with shorter trips to get a feel for it. Weekend getaways or day hikes are excellent ways to ease into the backpacking experience.
• Choose Familiar Destinations: Opt for destinations you’re somewhat familiar with. This way, you’ll feel more comfortable navigating and understanding the local culture.
• Break in Your Gear: Before your trip, wear your backpack and shoes around to break them in. This will prevent discomfort during your adventure.
• Practice Packing: Do a trial packing run at home. This helps you organize your stuff efficiently and ensures you’re not carrying unnecessary items.
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack lightweight, energy-rich snacks to keep you fueled during hikes. Maintaining proper hydration is of utmost importance, thus it’s recommended to have a reusable water bottle on hand.
• Learn Basic Navigation: Familiarize yourself with reading maps, using a compass, or GPS apps . This skill can be a lifesaver in unfamiliar terrain.
• Safety First: Research the area you’re visiting and be aware of potential risks. Inform someone about your intentions and provide an approximate time of your expected return.
• Pack a First Aid Kit: Include basics like bandages, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need. so pack your medications bag .
• Respect Nature: Always follow Leave No Trace principles. Be careful not to disturb wildlife, and stick to marked trails to protect the environment.
• Connect with Other Backpackers: Join online forums or social media groups where experienced backpackers share tips and stories. Valuable insights can be gained from their personal encounters.

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Layer Culture

Latin America Travel & Culture Blog

What is Backpacking: Reasons to get Started Today

Travel Tips Last Updated · Feb 12th, 2024 · Daniel James

So, what is backpacking really?

How I’ve put it in my previous articles is that it can be a tool to really grow yourself and become a better human being .

Wait, what do you mean you’re going on holiday alone?

That makes no sense.

Content in this guide:

What is backpacking?

People will think you’re crazy, I mean, isn’t backpacking for students?

You have a point, but growing as a person is a lifelong mission:

Allow me to explain…

Backpacking by definition is to be traveling or hiking with your belongings contained in a rucksack! You’ve probably done this at some point, right?

Did you know: one of the first-ever backpackers in the world is considered to be Giovanni Francesco I personally don’t believe this but he was among the first Europeans to tour the world.

In a nutshell Backpacking is:

• Independent travel
• Low cost (but not limited to it)
• Not a holiday
• A means of education
• Using Public Transport

Understand : Backpacking requires an element of research and planning. Try reading on of the many backpacking books out there for further reading on the topic.

Now you have the backpacking definition. You’re likely considering going backpacking or starting to plan for your first time backpacking.

I have a handful of tips to share that will help you become a more conscious and confident traveler along with your backpacking trips.

Even if it’s not your first time backpacking, there’s one concept alone I have that can make you a wiser and more rounded person.

First Time Backpacking: Handling Yourself

Whether it’s your first time backpacking or you are backpacking with friends I’ll show you basic tips I wish I had known when I first started.

In fact, there are so many lessons that I won’t fit them all in this article.

What I’m going to do is pick 5 of the most important to get you started.

Do you already know this?

If you’re already experienced with backpacking then maybe you can contribute by adding some of your tips to the comment section.

As an introduction to backpacking, I want this article to help you with backpacking for the first time. So if that’s you, you’re in the right place.

Before we get into my learnings, I wanted to say how important it is to have a mentor as a way to go travel and grow as a person.

Having a mentor or guide has been one of my keys to personal success . Not only in travel but in life. Yes, you can be a savvy backpacker.

Getting a mentor may not sound obvious, and note, a mentor does not have to be a person with whom you physically interact.

What is a Backpacker?

Do you want the long or short answer? The truth is every backpacker has their own style or, must learn to develop your own style.

In this guide I’m writing for you on how to start backpacking I’ll talk more about having a travel mentor, and how important they are if you’re going backpacking for the first time – later on in this article.

So, again, what is backpacking?

Plus, how can we take its definition and apply it to practical tips you can take with you when backpacking the world?

Take a look below at some of these tips for backpacking for the first time:

First Time Backpacking Tips

Before I set off backpacking South America I had no idea what it would be like, I would also ask myself questions like:

What is backpacking going to do for me?

I had traveled to places before without reading any backpacker guide whatsoever and thought, I know what to carry – this is easy.

Only to find myself struggling to get on a chicken bus with a big 80L backpack.

Apart from being overexcited, I was naive to think I wasn’t carrying too much stuff. The number one mistake of all backpackers new to the road.

Backpacking for beginners is something we all have to consider If we want to develop our own style of travel.

Like many people, I thought I knew it all when I started. Bare with me and get a hold of the tips below which will show you what I learned.

Do not overpack

Believe it or not, this is one of my number one backpacking tips for beginners.

I am totally guilty of doing this also. Not just on one occasion, but many.

Knowing what to carry backpacking is one of the things many people new to backpacking struggle with.

We’re talking about living out of a backpack here – imagine!

It’s not easy and taken me years to learn how to go backpacking whilst refining what I carry.

The good news is that there are so many backpack types on the market.

If you’ve seen my backpacking checklist page you’ll see all the things I carry in my backpack.

Now I feel the weight of every extra little thing I put in my backpack.

One trick that I used to be able to start to travel with less in my backpack was to pack everything I’d like to carry. Fit it all in my backpack, then split it by 50%.

When I traveled with 50% for the first time I felt so much lighter.

However, I still managed to fill my backpack with things along the way.

Which, kind of defeated the object. How silly of me…

That’s when I realised I had to get a smaller backpack and now I only travel with a 45l backpack.

What is backpacking really, if you can’t travel light?

I challenge you to try backpacking light, it’s not as easy as it sounds .

I’d start by looking for some of the best travel backpacks to suit your personal needs.

The benefits of traveling lighter far outweigh the benefits of traveling with more. You feel lighter, more agile and actually have less chance of losing things, forgetting things, or even getting robbed along the way.

It is worth getting yourself a GPS luggage tracker if you’re constantly worried about losing your luggage or getting it stolen on the road.

If you’re a first-time traveler, you can take this advice and implement it immediately whether you’re hiking + camping or just plain-old sightseeing. As you get more advanced you’ll save money too.

Not to mention, you’ll soon get bored of listening to the rest of friends and travel companions moan about how heavy their backpacks are and how they can’t lift, carry or walk any further with it.

Learn the Language

If you want to know not only how to be a backpacker but how to be a savvy backpacker, learn how to communicate in any given culture.

Whether you are learning about landmarks in El Salvador or volcano boarding in Nicaragua, it’s impossible to learn everything you need before you go, you really have to learn to live the adventure.

What is backpacking going to do for you if you’re not in an open mode? I like the idea of having richer experiences that I can learn from.

The type of experiences that will stay with me for life.

You can get by in most places without speaking a word of another language, I have before. That was the time I felt the most disconnected from the culture.

If you are thinking of backpacking South America or any place in Latin America it would be almost rude not to brush up or learn Spanish or Portuguese.

You know, for those times when you’re ordering food. Or, asking for directions.

Walking around with phone-in-hand looking at Google maps is an invitation for someone to rob your phone , even in the best of places.

I took this to the next level and made my whole backpacking trip about learning Spanish.

You don’t have to do this of course not, but you could take some lesson if Guatemala for example of even buy a simple phrasebook.

It’s the least you can do…

Why go backpacking if you’re not going to be able to communicate with the locals?

Plus, if backpacking with friends you’ll be a bit of a local celebrity if you are the only one in the group that can order everybody’s food.

You’ll find yourself developing a new set of skills while having fun and discovering new things. In my case, I have found the best way to learn Spanish.

The main tip here is not to be naive and think everybody is going to speak or understand English.

As long as you know this and respect it you’ll find yourself picking up new words and phrases without even trying.

If you are not familiar with the idea of cultural travel you can read about how I’ve managed it.

Don’t over plan

Way before the days of solo travel bloggers and the influx of travel inspiration – I did not know this.

Whether you are backpacking for one-month or for a whole year, not over planning is my number one rule for beginner backpacking trips.

Don’t get me wrong, I love trip planning and checking out places I’d like to visit. Looking at all the best Airbnb’s, hotels, and hostels that I can find.

Without trip planning, we can arrive in a place, that we might only have the opportunity to spend 3 days in and miss the key landmarks.

What is backpacking Latin America without visiting a church?

Come on, I know there are many churches in Latin America.

But imagine the best restaurants, the ultimate viewpoint, the interesting people you’ll meet, and all the cultural events you’ll engage yourself in.

Forget everything you think you know. Would we want to miss out on experiences just because we didn’t do our due diligence or trip planning?

It’s happened to me, sometimes I get lazy or overwhelmed by the size of places and it’s a fruit salad of activities.

One more than one occasion I have missed out on some of the best cuisines.

I’ve missed meet and greets with celebrities and even found myself feeling lonely in a random city in Latin America. All because I didn’t plan properly.

What is backpacking if you don’t know how to organize yourself?

I’ll create another article specifically how I do trip planning but here the message is simple.

Try not to under plan and do not over plan your first backpacking trip.

Always leave some room for the unknown but don’t do arrive in a place clueless.

Trust me on this one!

My best advice for you is to find a happy medium between the two extremes.

Questions like:

• How do we get from the airport to our accommodation?
• How long can we stay in this country for?
• Can we walk around the street drinking beers

Are the type of questions you should be able to answer on arrival.

A little bit of planning goes a long way. Too much planning can lead to disappointment and unexpected flaws in your itinerary.

I remember when I was searching for hotels in Buenos Aires not knowing how many nights to pay for.

My thoughts on time and how long I should stay in one place have really changed over the years.

One thing I recommend that you start to learn as a first-time traveler, is, to look for backpacking locations that are popular.

That way, you’ll feel comfortable without having to plan so much.

Especially if doing solo travel in South America , Europe or even Asia.

Keep gadgets to a minimum

This one is related to overpacking. It may be a year-long world tour or even a quick 2 weeks in chile itinerary you’ve drafted up.

It doesn’t really matter. If I want to take a little trip somewhere, what I’ve found is that once I’ve loaded all my essentials into my backpack, we are often left with more than one device we’d like to carry with us.

In the past I’ve found myself carrying:

Which sometimes I felt is too much, but have been able to fit this in my new improved overnight backpack.

Always think about what to bring backpacking before you start packing all your luggage. Avoid filling up your travel allowance with cheap backpacking gear.

If you work online or need to carry your laptop and other gadgets other than your smartphone when it’s your first time backpacking alone I’d consider this before going all out.

Although you may be able to squeeze everything in, it can add more stress and worry to your adventure.

Especially when you’re leaving your beloved gadgets in hostels or having to leave your backpack on top of buses.

Today, backpacking around the world with all your gadgets is the norm. However, remember while ever you are looking at your screen you could be potentially ignoring somebody else who is right in front of you.

The message with this tip for first time backpacking is that you consider which gadgets you’ll really need.

Don’t just carry an extra device because you can fit it in your backpack.

From experience, and for me, this is has become a lesson and it really is backpacking 101 at its finest.

Connect with Locals

One of my favorite things to do while backpacking and always will be.

What is backpacking without connecting with local people?

Depending on where you travel you’ll need language skills for this. I learned Spanish in just a few weeks whilst in Guatemala and you can too.

To do this properly you’ll have to learn how to travel slower but it’s not necessary. One of my best tips for first-time backpackers is to start to learn how to connect with new people.

But not just any old folk that you meet on the road.

Local people! It’s those local encounters that you have whilst backpacking that are the ones that you’ll cherish the most in later years.

This is why over-planning can be counterintuitive. You need to leave room for random.

In other cases, there are specific methods that I have tried and tested to be able to connect with locals.

I have listed the exact methods in my Travel Bible Latin America guide.

If you want to know a few of the best places to backpack in Latin America check out the following guide:

• Central America – Backpacking Guide For Beginners

There you’ll get more ideas on locations that may interest you and more backpacking basics more relevant to each specific place.

If it’s your first solo backpacking trip learn how to connect with locals. You can start doing this before you even arrive at your destination.

Connecting with locals is how I have become so familiar with Latin America and gotten to know certain cities and towns more than others.

You know when you’ve had a rememberable experience in any one place because it’s usually when you’ve made some kind of deep connection with local people.

Before you know it they’ll be inviting you back to share more memories. My experience in Latin America has been that way inclined at least.

Getting a Travel Mentor

I never asked anyone to be my mentor directly.

However, I’ve learned that I need mentors for all areas of my life. Especially areas I want to improve, not just learning how to speak Spanish.

To be honest in the past I always imagined a mentor to be some kind of god that had all the answers to my questions about life.

Some mentors are good for some things and terrible for others. This is why it’s a great idea to have more than one mentor at any one time in your life.

The best mentors are the ones we don’t realize are our mentors.

Way before this, I started this travel blog, Paul Rand was one of my greatest design mentors throughout my design education at my university. I didn’t realize it at the time but I learned a lot via his book Thoughts on Design .

Paul Rand is no longer with us, so if you think about it, how else would I have gotten the answers I needed from him at that crucial point in my formal education.

Think about it, you can access the most prolific people in history whether in your field, role, or industry just by studying their content e.g. books, designs, lectures, and even YouTube videos.

Reading a book is like having a personal meeting with the author. When I first read the book Think and Grow Rich I was blown away by what Napoleon Hill said.

He literally opened up conversations with people by imagining they were in the same room. By studying their content he visualized their answers to his questions.

Potentially that method is one of the fastest ways of getting the right advice at the right time. I’m not suggesting having a mentor in the flesh is better or worse than reading a book.

It’s important to be present with people, however, this mode of thinking is very powerful especially when you’re unable to connect with great people in person.

Got Travel Insurance for your trip?

So, What is Backpacking?

Now you have all these ideas, tips and tricks and a real frame to get started, ask yourself… what is backpacking going to do for you?

Do you consider yourself a bit of a Giovanni or do you prefer to stay in one place?

Actually, now, you should be able to tell me how to backpack!

I know what backpacking has done for me, let’s hear what it will do for you.

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Daniel James

Helping thousands of people worldwide with independent travel in Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behaviour of a group of people. You can Read All About Dan if you're interested in learning more.

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Adventure Protocol

Let the adventures begin

Planning a backpacking trip

Planning a backpacking trip can be overwhelming. There are a ton of questions to answer: Where should you go? How far should you hike? What equipment do you need? What kind of food should you bring, and how much? But for many backpackers, planning the trip is almost as fun as the trip itself. This guide, informed by “ The Backpacker’s Field Manual ” and “ Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills ” is full of invaluable resources for both beginners and veterans. It’ll make planning a backpacking trip easy–or even fun!

Planning a backpacking trip: Decide where to go

The first step in planning a backpacking trip is you’ll need to figure out where you’re going. Where you can go is limited by a few things: the size and ability of your group, and the difficulty of the backpacking routes you have in mind.

Assessing your group

The first thing you need to do is assess your group to figure out what kind of backpacking you CAN do. Here are the the things to think about:

Some state or national parks limit group sizes. A larger group creates a wider range of experience levels and physical abilities. Larger groups often require someone to take on more of a leadership role. Knowing who this is beforehand can prevent issues later on.

Physical ability

A group moves as quickly as its slowest member. Make sure the trip is appropriate for all members. If you have a specific trip in mind, make sure all members of the group are physically fit enough to be able to participate. If you’re unsure, err on the low side of miles per hour/per day recommendations below.

Experience Level

Does everyone have the necessary experience? Or, do you have at least one person with the necessary skills to effectively lead and manage the group (keep the ratio of leader-to-follower or experienced-to-inexperienced small, ideally no more than 1:3). Unexpected things happen on the trail, so be conservative if hiking with inexperienced people.

Group Dynamics and Logistics

What are the expectations of each member of the group? How will costs be handled? Transportation? Whose gear is being used? Is there a specific trip leader, or are responsibilities being shared? It’s important to figure these things out beforehand, not at the last minute–and certainly not while people are tired, sore, and hungry after miles on the trail.

What skills will each member of the group need to have to do the activities on the trip? Do they already have these skills or will they need to be taught? Plan time for teaching new skills–don’t assume members of the group will be able to do certain things. Placing someone in a situation that is beyond their abilities can be dangerous and will affect the entire group. For more on this see “Route Difficulty” section.

If you’re enjoying this article, you might also like 10 Tips for staying warm while sleeping outside

How to estimate route difficulty and travel time

Now that you have some idea of how capable your group is, the next step in planning a backpacking trip is to sort the possible routes by difficulty and travel time to find a good match. Unfortunately, there’s no commonly used rating system for trail difficulty. Mileage alone can’t tell you how hard a route is or how long it will take. Here are some factors to help you estimate a trail’s difficulty and travel time:

• Daily/total mileage
• Elevation changes and steepness of those changes
• Trail conditions (rocky, smooth, etc.)
• Altitude of the trip (and how different it is than the altitude participants are coming from)
• How much weight each participant will have to carry (see below for advice on how to calculate this)

Here’s a helpful formula for estimating travel times:

• Average hiking speed on generally flat ground is ~2 miles per hour (generally 1-3 mph).
• Add 1 hour of total hiking time for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain
• Plan for about 5-15 minutes of rest for every hour of hiking. With a larger group, expect more breaks.

With all those considerations, use this equation to figure out a rough estimate:

(Miles to travel ÷ 2[mph]) + (Elevation gain ÷ 1,000) + ((miles to travel ⨉ 5 (minutes per hour break)) ÷ 60 [to put the figure back in hours]) = travel time in hours

For example, let’s say we were doing a 60 mile hike with 5,000 feet of elevation gain.

(60 ÷ 2) + (5,000 ÷ 1,000) + ((60 x 5) ÷ 60) = 40 hours

This estimate doesn’t include longer stops for lunch, picture-taking, or especially slow group members. Keep track of how fast you’re moving each day to get a better idea for future days.

Read More: 6 Books every adventurer should have on their shelf

Planning a backpacking trip: How to plan your route

Effectively planning a route takes time and practice and is an important part of planning a backpacking trip. In general, start with popular and well-traveled trails and areas that have lots of available information. Here are some other considerations when planning your route:

Research the location

An integral part of planning a backpacking trip is researching the area(s) where you want to go:

• Find guidebooks and maps, perhaps reach out to rangers or local experts.
• What permits do you need to get before you go?
• What are the trail conditions of the area?
• Are there safety hazards (seasonal or otherwise) might you encounter?
• Where is camping allowed and not allowed?
• Are fires allowed?
• Are there any unique Leave No Trace guidelines for the area?
• Is there water available and does it need to be purified?
• What’s the expected weather? Look for average highs and lows for the area as well as how many hours of daylight you’ll have, as this could limit your hiking hours.

Travel logistics

Look at the logistics of getting to and from your trip. Where are the starting and ending points? How is everyone getting to the trailhead? Is there available parking? Is your route a loop or do you need to shuttle a vehicle or arrange for a pickup? Figuring this out beforehand can save you a lot of headache while you are planning a backpacking trip.

Keep up with the latest articles on Backpacking, Camping, and Hiking .

A good guidebook can do a lot of the work of planning a backpacking trip for you. Many guidebooks even have specific trips pre-planned with all pertinent information listed including mileage, elevation changes, places to camp, things to see, hazards, etc. Be aware that conditions could have changed since your guidebook was published so it’s always good to do research online or ask local experts. Some of our favorite guidebooks come from Wilderness Press , like the Pacific Crest Trail Data Book (5th ed.) and the guide to the Desolation Wilderness .

Choosing Campsites

Most trips should be planned campsite to campsite. It’s important to make sure you have somewhere to sleep each night that’s safe, comfortable, and legal. Here are a few things to look for in a good campsite:

• Water availability : Is there drinkable or treatable water nearby? Is it a reliable water source year round?
• Leave No Trace Camping: Camp on durable surfaces, like dirt and rocks. Look for somewhere that has already been used as a campsite rather than creating a newly impacted area. Respect other visitors campsites.
• Campsite size : Make sure the site is large enough for your group to sleep, cook, and wash. In bear country it’s best to have these areas spread out.
• Campsite location : If you have a pre-planned camping spot, make sure you’ll recognize nearby landmarks as you approach. If you don’t know exactly where you’ll be camping, start looking for a site early on. Err on the side of stopping earlier at a good site rather than continuing on and risking not finding one later in the day.
• Private or restricted land : Don’t camp on private or restricted land unless it’s an emergency. In cases of emergency or injury, most landowners and rangers will be understanding and helpful if you ask. Even then, recognize that you could be breaking the law and be fined or even arrested.

Check out: The gear you DON’T need for your next adventure 

Time Control Plan

It’s important when planning a backpacking trip to estimate ahead of time how long you expect all activities to take as well as how much daylight you have. Look at expected travel time, meal times, breaks, breaking down and setting up camp, special scenic stops, etc. Add up all of the times for these activities to calculate what time you should get up in the morning, how much wiggle room you have, and maybe if you need to cut certain activities or decrease mileage. As a general safety precaution, we suggest adding a buffer of 10-20%.

Expect the Unexpected

An important part of planning a backpacking trip is being flexible. Bad weather, unexpected trail conditions, equipment failure, and injury are just a few things that could force you to change your plan. Here are two ways to expect the unexpected.

• Vary the distance you’re hiking each day. By having some shorter days planned you can either catch up on mileage or rest. On longer trips, plan entire days where you aren’t moving.
• Have an emergency contact who is not on the trip who knows your planned route and intended end date. Plan on contacting them when you’re done so they know you’re safe. Give them emergency phone numbers to call if they don’t hear from you.

Looking for more? LNT 101: Don’t be an outdoor asshole

Planning a backpacking trip: How to pack

For many, packing is half the fun of planning a backpacking trip. We broke down how to pack into three categories: water, food, and equipment. For more information on how to put all of this into your backpack effectively, check out How to pack a backpack.

Staying hydrated during a trip cannot be stressed enough. Dehydration causes fatigue, disorientation, headaches, and irritability. Not fun, and likely dangerous. Here are three things to keep in mind:

• Drink more than you usually do. Here are general guidelines:
• How much water you carry at any given time depends on how often you’ll be able to refill. Know possible water sources beforehand and plan your trip accordingly. Pro Tip : have each person bring at least one hard container for water (e.g a Nalgene). A leaking water bladder can quickly ruin a trip.

• There are three main ways to purify water: boiling, chemical treatment (iodine, chlorine, and chlorine dioxide), and filtering. For first time backpackers in most areas, we recommend either using a water filter (we like the MSR Guardian Purifier  because its easy to use, super efficient, and has an auto-back flush feature that increases the life of the filter) or chlorine dioxide (we like the Aquamira Water Treatment Drops  because its super lightweight, has a long shelf life, and makes the water taste great quickly). While other chemical treatments (iodine and chlorine) are inexpensive and easy, they’re not effective against all known parasites. And boiling, while effective, is time-consuming and requires carrying additional fuel.

Check out: 11 Kid-friendly Outdoor Adventures

Choosing healthy and delicious food is an important part of planning a backpacking trip. Bringing enough, but not too much, food is a difficult balance. Some consider backcountry cooking an art form, while others prefer easy, minimalist meals. Find the balance you prefer to keep yourself and your group happy, healthy, and well-fed. Here are some guidelines and tips, plus some classic backpacking food ideas.

* See the “Active” column in this chart for more information on your specific caloric needs

• Carbohydrates 50-70%
• Fats 20-30%
• Proteins 20-30%
• Plan meals as a group, making sure to cover preferences, dietary restrictions, meal timing, etc. Fresh food like fruit, vegetables, meat, and cheese can keep for many days, especially in cooler weather. Though heavy, these foods are easy to eat, nutritious, and a welcome luxury when out on the trail.
• Dehydrated food is lightweight and easy, but often expensive. Dehydrating your own food (while time consuming) can be fun and save you some money.
• Avoid individually packaged items and instead buy and package items in bulk. This cuts down on trash and allows you to measure and bring exactly the amount you need.
• Don’t forget the spices ! Salt and pepper are great but more variety can really take your cooking to the next level.
• Pro tip: More accidents happen around 11am and 3pm because people often have low blood sugar and are dehydrated. Plan in snack times between meals to keep everyone happy and safe!

Pooping in the woods: The 9 D’s of defecation

Food Suggestions

• Scrambled eggs , dehydrated hash browns, veggies, and bacon bits (add cheese, salsa, and tortillas for a gourmet option)
• Granola (with raisins or other dried fruit) along with powdered milk
• Instant oatmeal (try our favorites from Picky Oats )
• Muffins or other baked goods
• Energy bars and dried fruit leather
• Don’t forget tea, coffee , or hot chocolate!
• Canned chicken or fish
• Summer sausage
• Powdered hummus
• Hard cheeses
• Bagels, pita bread, or crackers
• Cookies, chocolate, or candy bars
• Vegetables (carrots, peppers, etc.)
• Dried fruit
• Trail mix (nuts, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, coconut, chocolate, pretzels, sesame sticks, dried green peas, etc. Make your own!)
• Energy bars
• Emily’s Citrus Cashew Bliss Balls
• Pasta: spaghetti, dehydrated sauce, with meat and veggies
• Burritos: dehydrated beans, veggies, canned chicken, cheese, tortillas, and salsa
• Pita Pizzas: pitas, dehydrated sauce, pepperoni, veggies, and cheese
• Curry: Quinoa or rice, veggies, tofu, with curry powder
• Freeze-dried ice cream
• Instant pudding
• Chocolate cheesecake
• Gummy candies

Looking for cool gift ideas? Check out our Outdoor adventure gift buying guide

Backpacking can require extensive equipment, or very little, depending on your needs. In this section, we’ll first review the questions you need to ask yourself about the equipment you should bring. Second is the ten essentials, items that everyone should bring every time they travel in the wilderness. Third is an extensive checklist you can use to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Considerations

Ask yourself and the group these questions while deciding what to bring:

• How long is the trip and how many people are going?
• Are people bringing their own gear, borrowing gear, or renting?
• What gear can be shared (tents, cooking gear, etc.) and who is bringing it?
• What’s the expected weather, altitude, and temperature?
• What are trip activities and what special equipment is needed?

Personal Equipment

These are items that every group member will need, and will probably want to carry in their own pack.

• Clothing : What and how much you bring will largely depend on the weather, activities, and duration of the trip. Bring layers so you can adjust to different temperatures and activities. Prepare to get stinky and bring much less than you think you need!
• Storage : Bringing the right size backpack is a critical part of a successful trip! For more on this, read How to Choose a Backpacking Pack .
• Sleeping : Sleeping bag , sleeping pad , and possibly a pillow. See How to Choose A Sleeping Bag  and How to Choose a Sleeping Pad  and to make sure you sleep warm, see our 10 Tips for Sleeping Warm Outside .
• Miscellaneous : Toiletries, water bottles, headlamp , eating utensils, etc.

Group Equipment

These are items that not everyone needs to carry, and can be distributed among group members.

• Shelter : What shelter you bring will depend on the size of the group and the anticipated weather conditions. Read more in How to Choose a Tent .
• Cooking : Stove, pots and pans, plates and/or bowls, cups, utensils, etc.
• Hygiene : Water purification, soap, and bathroom kit.
• First Aid : We like the first aid kits from Adventure Medical Kits
• Repair : Prepare for things to break and bring appropriate tools and backup items

RELATED: Why You Should Repair Your Outdoor Gear Instead of Buying New

Ten Essentials

Regardless of where you’re going or for how long, when you’re planning a backpacking trip make sure to bring at least one of each of these Ten Essentials :

• Navigation (map and compass)
• Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Insulation (warm layers)
• Illumination (flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries)
• First-Aid supplies
• Fire source (matches, lighter, etc.)
• Repair kit and tools
• Nutrition (emergency food)
• Hydration (water and purification method )
• Emergency shelter

Trip Preparation Checklist

Ok, so there’s a lot that goes into planning a backpacking trip. What if you forget something?! Don’t worry, we summarized everything into a short Pre-Trip and Equipment Checklist, which you can download as a PDF  here .

Pre-Trip Checklist

• Route planned (guidebook, map, etc.)
• Necessary permits obtained
• Weather checked and accounted for
• Equipment (personal and group) checklist verified
• Food and water planned and packaged
• Emergency contact designated and informed
• Travel logistics to and from trip established

Check out: Outdoor Nudity: The must-follow Instagram accounts

Equipment Checklist

This is a general equipment checklist designed for a multi-day 3-season backpacking trip (meaning daytime temperatures of ~50°-70° F and nighttime temperatures of ~30°- 50° F). Most people won’t need to bring everything on this list, but some trips might require additional equipment. We’ve included links to our articles, and some directly to our favorite gear.

• Warm hat (beanie)
• Sun hat (baseball cap)
• T-shirt(s) – cotton or synthetic
• Long-sleeve synthetic shirt
• Fleece/wool jacket or sweater
• Down/synthetic filled jacket
• Windproof layer (can be same as rain jacket)
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Warm gloves
• 1 to 2 pairs of shorts
• Synthetic/wool long underwear
• 1 to 2 pairs of long pants (synthetic, not cotton or denim)
• Waterproof rain pants
• Hiking boots
• Camp shoes (lightweight sneakers, sandals, etc.)
• 2 to 3 pair synthetic liner socks
• 2 to 3 pair wool or synthetic socks

Travel Gear

• Pack rain cover (or garbage bag)
• Trekking poles

Personal Sleep System

• Sleeping bag (synthetic or down, rated appropriately to weather)
• Sleeping pad
• Liner for your sleeping bag
• Insect repellent
• Biodegradable soap
• Personal medications
• Contact lenses (and solution)

Eating and Drinking

• 2 – 4 1-liter water bottles (at least one non-bladder style)
• Cup for hot drinks
• Bowl or plate
• Spoon or fork

Miscellaneous

• Flashlight or headlamp (and extra batteries)
• Small Towel
• Knife or multi-tool
• Large garbage bag
• Small notebook
• Shelter (tent, tarp, etc.)
• Stove   (1 per 4 to 5 people)
• Waterproof matches or lighters
• Pots and pans
• Pot gripper
• Mixing spoon
• Sponge or brush
• Ziploc bags
• Water purification method ( filtration , boiling, or chemical )
• Chlorine bleach (backup water purification and dish cleaning)
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Plastic bags for toilet paper/tampons/other waste to pack out
• First-aid kit
• Satellite phone or other technology
• Rope for bear hang or bear canister
• Stove repair parts
• Sleeping pad repair kit
• 30 ft. of fishing line
• Assorted safety pins
• 100 ft. of paracord

Backpacking can be an intimidating sport, in part due to the perceived difficulty of planning a backpacking trip. But if you plan ahead with our guide you can make sure to stay safe and have fun. Happy trails!

If you enjoyed this article, check out our other How-To Guides , or you might also like:

• How to choose a backpack
• Best climbing backpacks 2021
• 6 Types of adventure couples we all love to hate
• How to become a trad climber
• Leave no Trace lovemaking: A guide to sex outdoors
• Guide to Joshua Tree National Park

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About Grant Smith

Grant is an AMGA-certified Single Pitch Instructor based out of Seattle, WA. A California native, Grant worked as a climbing guide for many years before selling out and getting a "real" job. He was once told by a nun that he looks like Justin Timberlake–the jury's still out on that one. He co-founded Adventure Protocol with his three brothers to share his love of climbing and adventuring. Instagram @grantnsmith

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What Is Backpacking And 6 Reasons It Sucks

What is backpacking? Find out the definition and what it’s really like to backpack…Scroll down to find out why I hate backpacking

Often it can feel like everyone you know has either just returned from a backpacking trip or they are planning to embrace backpacker life for six months around South America.

From the school leavers to the career breakers, even your Auntie Debbie and her pet dog. It seems like everyone who’s anyone has experienced their share of backpacking.

A quick scroll through Instagram shows travel to be the holy grail for millennials.

The backpacker meaning leads you to believe that backpacking helps you to “find yourself.”

You will come back armed with a plan to start a whole new life. Eight months travelling around South East Asia teaches you what’s important in life – How to make memories not money. . . *eye roll*

Heck, you’ll probably end up retraining as a yoga teacher and spend your days drinking chai lattes while wearing Lululemon leggings.

OR . . . NOT?

READ MORE: WHAT IT’S LIKE LIVING AS A DIGITAL NOMAD

READ MORE: WHY YOU’RE SCARED TO QUIT YOUR JOB TO GO TRAVELLING

BACKPACKING MEANING – WHAT IS BACKPACKING LIKE?

Officially, backpacking means an extended trip where you travel destination to destination, staying in hostels and living out of a big backpack.

Backpacking life is essentially a chance to escape your problems for a few months, an extended holiday.

A chance to run away from your responsibilities and stretch your overdraft to the max.

You see, while you’re backpacking you are FREE to forget your real life. You are FREE to enjoy life, drink endless cocktails on the beach. 

However, the thing is, when you come back from your trip, all your problems will still be there. You won’t find yourself backpacking living the backpacking life you’ve seen in movies – full of spiritual experiences.

Instead, you will spend six months getting drunk four times a week.

You will meet people from all over the world but end up hanging out with people from your own country. Going to visit tourist attractions that you have no interest in but do it anyway because that’s what you DO.

Suddenly, six months have flashed by and you’re exactly the same. Albeit poorer and 15 lbs heavier.

WHY I HATE BACKPACKING

As much as I love traveling, there is a lot I don’t love about the concept of backpacking life.

Hang on, let’s be really honest here. I hate backpacking.

The thought of lugging around 17 kilos on my back, spending endless hours on a bus, sleeping in sweaty dormitories with drunk teenagers. Bleugh.

Let me outline just exactly why I hate backpacking and what backpacking life is really like . . .

1 The Bloody Backpack

It’s so big , so clumsy and so hard to walk around with .

NEWS FLASH – You don’t actually need a big backpack to be a backpacker.

Most backpackers nowadays arrive at their destination and hop in an Uber to the next hostel.  I switched to a wheely suitcase and never looked back.

Trust me – It is far easier to pull 20kg than try and walk around with it in on my back.

Plus when you get to the hostel, a suitcase is so much easier to pack and unpack!

2 Packing Lists

First aid kits, torches, sewing kits, special laundry soap . Most packing lists are just a whole bunch of stuff you will eagerly pack before never using it once.

The first time I went backpacking was to Australia, why I felt the need to pack a first aid kit and a sewing kit I will never know. Did I think they wouldn’t sell plasters and iodine in Australia?!?

Nine times out of ten, most backpackers choose routes that are firmly established as popular travel trails. The chances of you being somewhere without access to plasters and a washing machine are very, very slim.

Therefore I can guarantee that you will find all the essentials you might need as and when accidents happen.

3 Visiting Churches

Why does everyone who goes backpacking suddenly magically develop an interest in architecture?

I NEVER   go to look at churches back home so why do I suddenly want to go and look at them abroad.

Once, when I was 21 and backpacking around Mexico, I was in San Sebastian de las Casas . . . .and I woke up one morning with the decision to try and see all THIRTEEN churches in one day.

I think it was probably mainly to do with the whole idea that I SHOULD go see these beautiful examples of architecture. It didn’t seem to matter that I had no burgeoning desire to study architecture, more societal pressure telling me to be interested in something that I am not.

The backpacking meaning does not mean looking at castles, it means discovering cultures and experiencing new things.

Like cooking? Take a traditional cooking class of the country!

Love dancing? Find a dance school teaching the national dance!

Instead of doing what the guidebook tells you, do what you want to do!

4 Unpacking and Packing

Aside from taking showers and watching Newsnight, there is nothing I find more boring than unpacking and packing every three or four days.

It seems like such a pointless exercise to take all my stuff out of my suitcase before having to cram it all back in again. 80% of backpacking life seems to consist of trying to stuff 50 liters of clothes in a 30-litre space.

Especially when I seem to accumulate new clothes every three to four days! Packing is a nightmare! 

5 I ‘DID’ South America

Can we clear this up for once and for all?

You didn’t do a country, you visited a country. The phrase ‘I did . . . X, Y and Z. . . countries’ is wrong.

When I hear someone tell me how they ‘did’ South America, I want to vomit in the first aid kit that they undoubtedly packed.

How can you do a country?

How can you possibly have gotten to know a whole country in 3.5 weeks?

All you did was visit tourist attractions with an English-speaking guide. You could have just popped down to your local museum in the morning visited a theme park in the afternoon and ordered a Chinese takeaway for dinner and you wouldn’t have known the difference.

If you’re planning on being an ‘I did’-Backpacker – then, please, just don’t bother. Find a good photoshop app for your phone and paste your picture next to Iguazu Falls.

Your work colleagues will never know the difference and you can save your money.

6 Not Meeting Locals

Hanging out with people from your country is an easy trap to fall into during your backpacking life. You’re alone in your country surrounded by people speaking a foreign language.

As soon as you find someone who speaks the same language as you, or even better, is from the same country as you, you become best mates. This is something I am guilty of 100%.

It is so much easier to form a bond with someone who shares the same culture as you, finds the same jokes funny, etc. 

But this is such a waste of time if you are backpacking. Why?

Because you are staying in your comfort zone. 

THE MEANING OF BACKPACKING IS MEETING PEOPLE

People who AREN’T like you.

Meeting locals, talking to them and listening to their story – THAT IS WHAT BACKPACKING IS. Sharing experiences with people who have a different view of life, a different way of thinking, a different moral code to you.

And to do that, I don’t need to find myself on a bus every 72 hours flitting from one exotic beach to another.

RELATED: HOW MUCH DO DIGITAL NOMADS MAKE?

RELATED: THE GOOD AND THE BAD ABOUT LIVING AS A DIGITAL NOMAD

SLOW TRAVEL OVER BACKPACKING

For my purpose of travel. I can stay in one place for months on end. I love meeting people and making friendships. Love learning a new language to able to chat to the locals. I love finding the authentic places to eat, the secret spots to view a sunset.

These kinds of experiences require more than three days in a place. Other cultures think in ways different to me and help me open my mind to seeing things from an alternative point of view.

Learning from others and really getting to know a culture different from yours is priceless.

Forging connections with people is one of life’s great pleasures and to do that a relationship needs to be formed. And relationships take time to build. Months are needed.

LEARNING FROM OTHERS 

There is nothing more I love than talking to different people and asking questions.

One can learn so much more by listening to others without interjecting your opinion every other sentence. Let the other person talk and stay silent.

When they realize that you are listening that is when they will open up.

At the start of this post, I told you that I hate backpacking. My intention with that was more to grab your attention than anything else. I still want you to go abroad and make crazy unforgettable memories.

But the most important memories come from the people you meet. That’s when the backpacking life becomes something worthwhile.

Otherwise, I hear Centerparcs has some great deals during term time?

RELATED: TOP 5 DIGITAL NOMAD JOBS FOR TRAVEL

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• National Parks

What is Backpacking? A simple, straightforward definition

• by Jared Wilder
• July 1, 2023 July 1, 2023

Backpacking is a type of camping; the main distinguishing aspect of backpacking is that, rather than driving to a campsite, backpackers load all of their gear and food into a backpack and hike to their campsites. Backpacking is a great way to get exercise, practice wellness, and spend time in nature – it’s also pretty cheap (after you get all your gear, that is).

The absolute strictest definition of the word, often used outside the US, simply means choosing to travel out of a backpack. In Europe, backpackers take trains, stay in hostels, and do other things that US “backpackers” don’t do, but they still live out of a backpack. That definition isn’t as popular in the US, which I suspect is mostly to do with how obsessed we are with our National Parks System.

Below, I’ll get into a little more detail on where backpacking comes from, what it’s like, and how it’s grown over the last 100 years.

• The definition of backpacking
• Origins of backpacking
• Specialized equipment makes backpacking safer
• Trail systems bring more people
• Modern backpacking emerges
• What is backpacking like?
• What does backpacking mean in Europe?

Backpacking: Origins and Development

Ever wondered why people started putting tents, sleeping bags, and beef jerky on their backs and walking into the woods? I mean, sure – existentially, we have all dreamed of doing just that – but how did that desire become the backbone of REI’s business model?

The origins of backpacking as a recreational activity can be traced back to the turn of the 20th century. As a rapidly modernizing society, one that was also doggedly focused on worker’s rights (this was around the same time as the onset of the 40-hour work week and the end of legal child labor), people found themselves having a little bit more money and a little bit more free time.

For most of recorded history, the vast majority of people were either too poor, too busy, too focused on survival, – or all three – to be able to go on vacation. But, when you’re not working 80 hour weeks on a farm or in a factory, you start to look for ways to enjoy yourself. So, when the 20th century got into full swing and quality of life for everyday people in America started to shoot upward, so did the amount of free time people had. Naturally, many people wanted to spend that newfound time and money enjoying life outdoors.

The influence of people like John Muir and others who advocated for conserving America’s best landscapes inspired the general public to spend more of their time appreciating the great outdoors. The national parks system was growing at this time, as well. The first national park was designated in 1872; by 1920, there were 15 national parks, including some of the most famous like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Mount Rainier.

What’s all this mean? Basically, the early 1900s was a lot of things, and one of those things was a perfect recipe for the explosion of outdoor recreation.

The Emergence of Specialized Equipment Makes Backpacking Easier

In 1922, Lloyd “Trapper” Nelson developed the first backpack with a rigid external frame. The design allowed people to walk further, faster, while carrying more gear and experiencing less fatigue. The image below isn’t the same backpack, but it is a great example of the external frame pack:

As a result, camping trips began to extend far beyond the parking lot. Nature lovers could go as far and fast as their legs could carry them, and a new phenomenon was born. It would still take another 50-60 years before backpacking and backpacking gear started to resemble what it is today, but we can safely say that the 1920s was the dawn of modern backpacking.

1920s-1970s: Development of Trail Systems Makes Backpacking Accessible

• 1915: Mount Rainier’s legendary Wonderland Trail is completed .
• 1932: The first iteration of the Appalachian Trail was established.
• 1968: The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) joins the Appalachian as America’s two most famous trails, codified into law by the National Trails Act
• 1991: After more than 60 years of planning, advocacy, and development, the PCT’s 2,650 mile route is finally complete. Large segments of the trail precede WWII.

1970- Present: Backpacking Grows Up

The 1970s were a period of innovation for all sports and outdoor pursuits as well – this was the decade in which Nike was mostly just an idea, Converse was reinventing the basketball shoe , and we had only just developed stopwatches that could accurately determine the winner of a race. As more people became passionate about recreation, more people became passionate about perfecting it.

In 1967, inventor and outdoorsman Greg Lowe invented the internal-frame backpack , the first direct descendant of the high-tech packs you can buy today from Osprey, Gregory, and other outfitters. From there, backpacking gear got better, more specialized, and more accessible with each passing year.

What is Backpacking Like?

I don’t want to simply say “it depends on who and where you are”… but it kinda does. There are many different types of backpackers, and many different types of backpacking trails, which means you can’t just make blanket statements about the feeling of backpacking. Bit, I’ll try anyway.

On backpacking trips, you’ll run through a range of emotions.

• A sense of freedom, being untethered from your phone, laptop, and email account
• A fear of bears (that one is a little more intense for me, even though I’m well aware of how irrational it is. Big props to bear spray!) that’ll have you thanking yourself for reading up on backpacking safety ahead of time.
• A cleared mind, dedicated fully to the task at hand – which is often simply taking in the environment around you.
• A discomforted frustration, wondering how Therm-a-Rest ever convinced you a sleeping pad felt the same as a hybrid mattress.
• A sense of sleep deprivation, very slight, brought on by a fact we all avoid: sleeping outside while backpacking is great , but it’s not quite as restful as sleeping in a bed.
• A sense of focus, that comes from having the required backpacking skills and awareness.

What Does Backpacking Mean in Europe?

East of the Atlantic, the word “backpacking” has a pretty specific definition, but in Europe, you’ll hear it used in two different ways. Think about how many times you’ve heard of college graduates saving their cash to “backpack across Europe” – that’s the other definition.

It might be helpful to think about the two different ways you can use the word like this:

• Backpacking in North America usually refers to overnight hiking trips on established trail systems in national and state parks/forest land.
• Backpacking in other parts of the world usually refers to extended travel wherein the traveler only brings what they can fit in a backpack.

What about hiking?

The main difference between backpacking and hiking is the backpack (and the stuff inside it). While hiking, at its most basic, only requires shoes and water, backpacking is much more involved. Oh, and the camping! Hiking does not mean you’ll be camping, but backpacking certainly does.

Read Also: The Jetboil Flash is one of the best backpacking products I’ve ever used.

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What is Backpacking – And Why You Should Try It

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: December 7, 2022  - Last updated: July 1, 2023

Categories Travel

Backpacking is one of the most rewarding and exhilarating experiences you can have. It’s a great way to see the world and get a true sense of adventure. But what is backpacking, exactly? And why should you try it? In this blog post, we will answer those questions and more!

What Backpacking Involves

Backpacking includes the use of public transportation, inexpensive accommodations such as hostels, a longer trip length compared to a traditional vacation, and an interest in meeting locals and seeing sights

Backpacking can include adventures in the wilderness, local travel, and travel to nearby countries while working in the country where you’re staying. Today, “backpacking” is described as a hybrid lifestyle that blends aspects of both influences.

Where Backpackers Usually Stay

Nowadays, “backpacking” is described as a hybrid lifestyle that blends aspects of these two influences. Backpacking can mean, for example, camping outdoors while staying in hostels or similar accommodations, combining outdoor camping and hiking with urban tourism, or even short-term work opportunities (such as fruit picking or other agricultural work).

Modern backpackers are a bit more sophisticated than their predecessors. They often have a smartphone or tablet and use social media to connect with other travelers, share tips, and plan itineraries together. Modern backpackers are also more likely to stay in hostels or hotels rather than camping in a national park or a hostel dorm.

How Far Backpackers Travel

Backpackers can travel in their own country or go to the other side of the planet. The most common destinations are Australia, New Zealand, South America, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe. Backpackers are usually young people who don’t have much money but want to see the world. They’re usually independent travelers who spend more time on their trip than other tourists.

They’re Usually Open to Cultural Exchange

Backpackers are usually open to cultural exchange and often learn languages and study the places they visit. However, this reputation has been challenged by some recent studies that suggest that many backpackers don’t have an adventurous attitude toward travel, instead using it as an opportunity to consume alcohol and drugs in exotic locations.

Duration of Backpacking

The duration of backpacking trips is usually longer than traditional vacations.

There are no set guidelines on how long a backpacking trip should last

Some backpackers are only on the road for a few weeks, while others take months or even years. The main reason for this is that people have different interests and goals when they travel – some want to see as much as possible in a short period, while others prefer a slower pace of travel over a longer period.

Backpackers Have a Reputation for Being Financially Savvy

Backpackers have a reputation for being financially savvy, and it’s also true that many backpackers are good with their money. They usually travel on a shoestring budget, so they know how to manage their money well.

Most backpackers will agree that saving money is an important part of the adventure.

Backpacking can be expensive, and travelers must be careful with their finances. But there are many ways to save money while backpacking and these tips will help you do just that:

• Do your research . Knowing how much your trip will cost is essential so you don’t run into money trouble halfway through. Plan how much money you’ll need for transportation, food, lodging, and entertainment, so you don’t run out unexpectedly.
• Eat on the street. Eating on the street can be cheaper than eating in restaurants and cafes because it’s often prepared from fresh ingredients purchased at local stores. Also, street food stalls often sell dishes cooked in large quantities so they can be sold quickly and cheaply. This means that the stall owner takes less time to cook, and you’ve more time to eat!
• Buy local food instead of imported. Buying local products supports local businesses and allows travelers to discover new flavors. It also helps save money, as imported products are usually more expensive than local ones.
• Don’t drink too much alcohol . Alcoholic drinks are usually expensive abroad, so try not to drink too much or at least buy local brands, not imported ones, as they’re more expensive.
• Use public transportation. Public transportation is cheaper than renting a car. Also, you’ll get around better without worrying about traffic jams or getting lost in unfamiliar places. It may not always be possible to use public transportation, but if there’s an option, take it!
• Keep track of how much you spend. Keep track of how much money you spend each day and write down how much you spend on food, transportation, entertainment, and everything else, so it’s easier to keep track of your expenses at the end of the trip.
• Take advantage of freebies. There are many free things you can do on your trip. Could you take advantage of them? You can visit free museums or parks. You can also attend free cultural events like festivals or music concerts open to everyone.

Advantages and disadvantages of backpacking

Backpacking is one of the most popular ways to travel. It’s inexpensive, flexible, and allows you to spend more time in nature.

The pros and cons of backpacking are many: the freedom you get, the sense of achievement, the new experiences and friendships, and the feeling of simplicity and minimalism.

Backpacking Allows You to Visit Many Countries and Experience Many Cultures

You can immerse yourself in the locals’ way of life and venture into new environments. There’s no better way to learn about other people than to live among them.

You Get to See More

There’s no better way to learn about a country than to traverse it on foot. You discover hidden gems that aren’t on the tourist map and meet locals who can tell you their stories.

It’s Cheap

You can save money by staying in hostels or campgrounds instead of hotels or resorts. And if you bring your food, you don’t have to spend money on out-of-town meals or supermarket snacks.

You Get Closer to Nature

When you stay in a hotel room or campground, there are other people around y’all the time – but when you’re backpacking, you’re much more likely to be all alone (even if it’s just for a few minutes). This can be very rewarding and calming – especially if you live in an urban area like New York City or San Francisco, where you’re surrounded by noise and activity all day.

It Can Be Hard Work

Especially if you’re not used to it! At first, it’ll feel like an impossible task, but once you get used to it, it gets easier!

For a while, you’ll have to live out of a small backpack that contains only the bare necessities. This can be uncomfortable for some people who like to have a lot of things around.

You learn from your mistakes.

Backpacking vs. Tourism

There’s a big difference between backpacking and tourism. Backpacking is a lifestyle, while tourism is a vacation. Backpackers are away for weeks or months, while tourists are only away for a few days or weeks.

Backpacking is a form of budget travel where you take everything you need in your backpack. Usually, you travel for a longer period and sleep in cheap hostels or campsites.

Tourism is a form of travel where people go on vacation to relax or sightsee. Many tourists stay in hotels or resorts while visiting another country or city.

Another big difference between backpacking and tourism is that most backpackers travel on a small budget, while most tourists spend a lot of money on their trips.

Backpacking vs. Digital Nomadism

The world is changing, and we’re experiencing a revolution. The new era is called the digital nomad lifestyle. It’s a lifestyle where you can work from anywhere in the world, at any time, while on budget travel or comfortably.

Backpacking is a vacation where you carry everything you need on your back. It’s more of an adventure than a relaxing vacation, but it has many benefits.

Digital nomadism is a lifestyle that allows you to work from anywhere in the world. You can travel for months or even years, stay in hotels and cafes, and still pay your bills at home. It’s not as adventurous as backpacking, but it’s easy on your wallet!

Recommended Backpacker’s Guidebook

As an experienced traveler and former solo backpacker, I’d recommend Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet is well structured and covers countries from all continents: Latin America, North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and Africa.

From the Pacific Crest Trail to the Machu Picchu Trail type, you’ll get plenty of insights on planning your backpacking trip.

It also covers all the basics of backpacking, such as accommodation, backpacking adventures, hiking and trekking, outdoor activities, etc. It’s very helpful for both group and solo travel styles.

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What is Backpacking – Who is someone called a Backpacker

So, what is backpacking? Backpacking can be described as an independent, often international, low-budget way of traveling. Someone who backpacks is called a ‘Backpacker.’ Backpackers generally travel for a longer period of time than most other tourists, and they tend to travel in several different countries during their time away. The number of countries ( Central America and South America for example) differs. A backpacker can be on the road from a few weeks to several years. However, that is the short way of describing it.

What is Backpacking?

Backpacking is a very loose definition. There are backpackers who go tramping in the forests sleeping in tents and on the beach, and hitchhike their way around the world. And there are those who backpack with roller-bag suitcases , sleep in hotels and rent a car to get around a country. These are two completely different types of traveling, but they both like to call themselves backpackers.

You can however separate these into 3 different backpacking genres if you like:

Ultralight Backpacking

• Flash packing
• Backpacking RTW Travel

The two later ones are newer styles in ways of backpacking.

Difference between backpacking and hiking

There is a difference if someone says they are going backpacking versus hiking. You are considered to be hiking when you are walking for a long period of time. You may drive somewhere scenic to go hiking while traveling. Or around your home, you may hike within a local park. Many people enjoy hiking in forest preserves and national parks. 

When you hike, you walk for long periods but that is relative to the person. You can take a mile hike or a 10-mile hike. When hiking, you will likely bring water and a small daypack for emergencies. This may include a first aid kit and snacks.

Backpacking is different than hiking. When you backpack, you are literally carrying a backpack on your back. As an example, people backpack while hiking down the Grand Canyon. They will spend the night at the bottom and then hike back up with their backpack. They will need to carry their food, water, emergency supplies, and sleeping gear  — all in their backpack.

You can go backpacking for an overnight or for up to months at a time while traveling throughout a country or countries. So while both involve walking, there is a difference between backpacking and hiking.

What does it mean to be a backpacker?

Think of a “backpacker” as someone who is traveling with a backpack. This is a person who is taking a vacation or traveling for whatever reason but instead of carrying a suitcase and luggage, is carrying everything in a backpack. A backpacker is likely someone who would be staying in a hostel rather than in a hotel. They will be more likely to take public transportation and walk than to rent a car.

Backpacking is considered to be an inexpensive way of traveling. You can also think of backpacking as in, “I’m going backpacking this weekend” to mean someone who will be hiking while carrying their belongings and food for a camping trip. This is different than someone who is a backpacker.

Ultralight backpacking is becoming more and more popular. Today the industry puts a lot of focus on making things ultra light. The backpacks are light like feathers, and the sleeping bags can be squashed down to the size of your palm. But is you really want to go Ultra, opt for a sleeping bag liner . This is definitely something for anyone to look into, as it could really help you ease some weight from your backpack.

These Ultralight backpackers go all the way, counting every ounce, cutting their toothbrushes in half to ease weight. Although if this is your first time on the road, you will never understand WHY people would ever want to travel like this. But trust me after over 6 months travel, with your back hurting you will start to consider this style of backpacking more and more. You find more and more Ultralight backpackers using smaller packs.

Travel towels:

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I think in the future a balance between this style and Backpacking RTW Travel will become more and more normal.

Every ounce counts when backpacking

My son has been on several backpacking trips with his Boy Scout troop. As these boys quickly learn, ounces turn to pounds fast when you are carrying everything from food, water, toiletries, first aid supplies, swim trunks, quick-dry towel, socks, sleeping bag, cooking supplies, and more.

On my son’s first backpacking trip, he carried his backpack filled with 19 pounds plus he carried part of his tent. They hiked for 11 miles the first day, and nine the second. You can believe he cut his toothbrush in half before going, though they do sell travel toothbrushes.

On another backpacking adventure, he backpacked at the Grand Canyon. He hiked down / backpacked down — with his backpack and everything he needed — on a Friday. He backpacked back up on Sunday. 

What did he put in his backpack for this trip? He needed enough to eat, sleep, and protect himself from sun, cold and rain. He was a backpacker! His pack included snacks, food, water, a tent, rain gear, a winter hat, extra shoes and socks.

Flashpacking

Flashpacking is a new type of backpacking.

It is generally where you travel more expensively and with higher living standards.

Many people like to explain the definition of a flashpacker as someone who travels with a lot of tech gear like iPods and laptops and such, but I think that has become so common these days that nearly everyone carry an mp3 player with them, and laptops are hardly something expensive anymore.

So the view of a Flashpacker now is more of someone who has all the latest stuff, doesn’t have to save up for a trip, spends his money on drinking, partying and staying in nicer places.

Another way to define the flashpackers would be to say – ‘THEY BACKPACK IN STYLE.’

They prefer to go to the main guidebook destinations, do the main attractions, see what everyone else tells them to see.

They view backpacking more as an extending party than anything else.

The Changes of Backpacking…

Backpacking has changed considerably the last decade.

It has always been around, but today it’s easier than ever before.

The flight tickets are cheaper, in many places it’s safer, the communication is better etc.

Plus, you don’t have to take care of the boring part of traveling like plane tickets anymore, there are hundreds of organisations over the world that help you with that stuff.

Some people actually buy all their tickets to each country (including the one back home) before they’ve even left, through one of these companies.

All you do is to go into their office, tell them where you want to go, how long you’d like to stay in each place, and they’ll book all the flights you need for a trip round the whole world if that’s what you want.

Although, they obviously don’t work for free, and certainly won’t spend extra time looking for the cheapest flights.

There are also heaps of tours you can make.

How about hiking and biking through Africa or New Zealand  with your backpack?

These days everything is more easily accessible, so that is also why you start to see more and more people leaving their hometowns and exploring the world.

Which is such a wonderful thing, whatever way you do it.

What is a backpacker tourist – Backpacking RTW Travel

This is the type of backpacking that you will find the most information about on our website.

Backpacking in this term means traveling on a budget, usually for longer distances, seeing many different countries and for a longer time than normal holiday travelers.

These backpackers can be quite diverse, exploring different cultures and travel both in cities as well as on the countryside.

Some of them might make a short hike for a few days or do some volunteer work, and then continue their travels.

They view backpacking and travel more for seeing amazing new cultures and as a personal growth than as a party, or simply a short get away from the real world.

They see the whole world as their home, and don’t really feel a need to get back to the ‘real-world’ anytime soon.

Travel is their life.

For you who weren’t quite sure what the term backpacking means, I hope this made it more clear for you and that you are now interested in also going out there no matter what type of backpacker you are and start exploring the world.

It’s a real fun way to travel and it’s not just young people who do it… backpacking is for everyone!

If you’re already planning a backpacking trip, how to choose the right backpack for your trip .

Essential Gear for your Next Backpacking Adventure

If you’re sick of city life and looking for a brief sabbatical, it might be time to dust off those old hiking shoes, tighten the straps of your backpack and head out into the wild.

Before you go, however, there are certain things you should consider such as the terrain you’ll be encountering and the gear you’ll be taking with you.

After all, you’re likely to be far from any sort of town or settlement and trekking through some arduous terrain, so it’s important that you pack accordingly.

Below we’ll take a look at some essential items to pack in your backpack the next time you’re thinking of taking the road less traveled.

Sturdy Hiking Boots

Always spend good money on things that separate you from the ground, whether it be a bed, car tires or in this case hiking boots.

Since your feet will be bearing the weight of not just your body but your pack and gear too, it’s important to have reliable boots that will give you support and protection over long distances.

Choosing the Perfect Hiking Boots for Trekking the World

You might have to spend a bit of money to get a decent pair but it’s a worthwhile investment; better a slightly dented wallet than a broken fourth metatarsal.

Hiking Socks

Designed to keep your feet dry and warm when it starts to get wet, and cool when things heat up, hiking socks are almost as important as boots when it comes to taking care of your feet.

They should be able to dry quickly and be durable in the long run.

If you can get your hands on them, Merino Wool socks definitely check both boxes in this regard.

And if you’re looking for gifts to give a fellow traveler, backpacker, and hiker, then hiking socks should be number one on the list as they’re something that can always be put to use.

Military Watch

A military watch is one of the most long-lasting and robust watches out there.

The features from watch to watch vary, but in general, a military watch is water resistant, has luminescent hands and numerals, and is super lightweight.

Additional features include a scratch-proof watch face, power reserve for close to 48 hours capabilities and a moon phase calendar, all of which do wonders you’re trying to navigate in the wild.

You needn’t break the bank on these either.

Second-hand military watches of many different varieties can be found across the web on a number of sites such as Chrono24.

Lightweight and Waterproof Tent

While some trails such as the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails have simple shelters along the way to take refuge in when it comes to night time, getting space in one is never guaranteed.

It’s therefore vital you always have a tent to provide shelter from the elements.

Here is a very good list of the top 10 best 2 person backpacking tent.

There are various things to consider when choosing a tent, but above all else it should be lightweight and waterproof.

For a comprehensive list of tents check out CleverHiker’s best backpacking tents .

Things to Consider When Going on a Long Distance Hike

Rather than starting out with a backpacking trip, you may start with a hike.

People hike for a number of different reasons.

Some people are attracted by the allure of the great outdoors , a chance to reconnect with nature and spend a few days or weeks among the various flora and fauna that they have access to.

For others it’s a chance to escape the humdrum of big city life and take to the trails to experience some solitude and, in the words of Robert Frost, take the road less traveled.

However, this isn’t a task that should be taken lightly.

Long-distance hiking requires a lot of preparation and planning and, if not done correctly, can often be dangerous.

You need to think about the weight and durability of your kit, how long your supplies will last, and when you’ll be able to stock up on fresh supplies again.

Below, we’ll look at some of the most crucial things to consider before heading out on a long distance hike.

Resupplying

While not a physical item, resupplying is one of the most important considerations when hiking for a long period of time.

Food, a new pair of boots or some fresh clothes – these are all perishable in the long run and need to be replaced.

Thankfully for travelers, eCommerce has changed the game and we’re seeing a lot of online shops appear due to software like this, which means we can get some great items, for once!

There are many different online companies with an abundance of food and other products geared specifically towards hikers.

Don’t spend big money buying things last-minute at your local shops, instead, plan way ahead and get the best prices online.

Hiking Boots 

Often one of the heaviest items in your pack, these are also the most vital.

You cannot cut corners when buying hiking boots no matter how much they weigh.

They’re the first line of defense between your feet and the forest or mountain terrain.

And since you’re depending on your feet to get you through the hike come rain or shine, it’s really important that your feet are well supported and protected.

Your choice of boots should depend on the terrain you’re looking to tackle and how well maintained your trail is.

For a comprehensive look at the best boots on the market, switchbacktravel.com has a decent list here .

Food for hiking

Hiking all day is a full-body workout, and your body is going to expend a huge amount of energy to keep you going.

This means you’re going to need to eat a massive amount of calories just to meet the energy needs that hiking demands, as well as maintaining the proper balance of nutrients that your body requires.

You’re also going to want to have foods that you can eat on the go, as stopping to prepare meals not only requires heavy cooking equipment, it’s a waste of valuable light and time.

Dehydrated fruits and vegetables and prepackaged and freeze-dried foods are the way to go.

Businesses such as Greenbelly have created food specifically with backpackers in mind, meaning you can eat calorie-dense food without sacrificing on nutrients or stopping to cook food.

Clothing for backpacking and hiking

When it comes to planning on what clothes to bring, the thing to think about is versatility.

You’re going to need only a few changes of clothes to keep your weight down, but they’re going to have to be adaptable to all types of conditions.

Consider long  pants that can cover your legs when walking through long grass or cold weather, but that can zip off to become shorts when the weather is hotter.

You’re also going to want a wind or rain shell, a hat for the sun and a down jacket for the cold.

If possible, try to get most of your clothing made from synthetic materials that dry fast and don’t hold an odor. You’re likely not going to get to wash your clothes very often, so you want them to be as bearable as possible.

What is backpacking?

The act of backpacking means you carry all of your belongings and gear in a backpack.

You might be hiking while doing this or you may be traveling more conventionally making your way from town to town.

All the while, you will likely wearing hiking boots and other gear that serves multiple purposes. 

The goal is to carry as little weight as possible while having the essentials.

Backpacking tips for beginners

Before you pack your backpack and set off for a 3-month European trek, start small.

Take a weekend to go backpacking to see what it’s like. You may find it extremely challenging to pare your belongings down just to the essentials.

Start by visiting thrift stores to see what you might find.

You want to look for things that work well for layering. Before you purchase backpacking gear new, see if there are some things you can borrow from friends. 

Are you in shape? Think of the extra weight of a fully-loaded pack.

You may want to start off by hiking a trail without the weight of a full backpack.

Instead, pack a daypack to start conditioning yourself. Then you can start adding weight to your backpack.

You can work up to carrying your necessities for an overnight and then from there, try for two or more nights. 

Definition of backpacker 

Get fitted for your backpack and plan a trip.

You will soon learn the backpacking meaning and can call yourself a backpacker.

Enjoying the Outdoors Adventure Ideas You Might Like To Try

Sometimes the best vacations are about having new experiences, pushing the envelope a little and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Outdoor adventure trips are not high on some people’s travel list but they are an intriguing idea for any getaway.

Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly outdoorsy , there are many adventures and activities that are not that extreme or even difficult.

An outdoor adventure allows you to reconnect with nature and promotes inner peace.

Next time you’re itching to get away, buy your ticket, take care of your travel insurance, pack your bags and consider adding a little extra adventure to the experience.

Outdoorsy activities

Anyone can enjoy this type of thrifty adventure, tailoring the details or even the distance to fit your needs, preferences or even your physical limitations.

Hostels are available in many corners of the world, but so are luxurious resorts.

Backpacking

Backpackers can reward themselves for a long trek with a stay in a pricey resort and a massage.

Backpacking is one of the best ways to be able to interact with local folks too, it allows you to connect with the culture and experience new experiences.

Europe is a top destination for backpackers, particularly New Zealand as it gains popularity.

Hiking and trekking

Trails featuring gorgeous scenery can be found everywhere, and they vary significantly in duration and difficulty.

With so many options worldwide you can start with a short nature hike in the rain forest and work your way up to a rocky 14er.

No other adventure will give you the rewards and the views as hiking does, reaching a summit will give you a huge sense of satisfaction and will probably make you want to plan your next trip.

Experienced trekkers will make the hike the centerpiece of their trip checking off world-class hikes off their bucket list.

If you prefer distance over height, thru-hiking can be an option, two great examples are the many endurance hikes that make up trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail.

If you’re a winter nut, consider a day of hiking in one of the National Parks in the United States or Canada, locations suck as Rocky Mountain National Park or Banff will take you to breathtaking views and unforgettable hidden locations. Best Anti Theft Backpack 10 Cute Carry On Luggage You’ll Want for Your Next Trip Tips For Successful Mountaineering that You Should Know Why Working Remotely is Harder than You Think Best Apps for Traveling How Do I Get Internet While Traveling? Using My Cell Phone While Traveling to Europe Best Mobile Hotspot for Traveling to Europe and Overseas How do I get Internet While Traveling? Backpacking Food Cheap Healthy Recipes Options How to Avoid Getting Mugged While Backpacking Best Sleeping Bag Liner Rucksack – Choosing the Best Rucksack Backpack

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Backpacking Tours: Who, What, When, Where, Why - and How

Who books the tour, what to pack (your stuff in), when tours run, where to meet your group, why a group tour, and how to bring money for the tour? These are all understandable questions!

Here’s quick-access to these six FAQ’s:

Who Books The Tour

Most groups are made up of travellers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, United States, Australia, and New Zealand. We have also had more than 40 other nationalities (yes, 40!) join us on tour. The age range usually falls between 18-35 years old with most group members being solo travellers. That doesn’t mean small groups and couples can’t join the adventure (twin rooms most nights is a huge reason couples love the tours).

What To Pack (Your Stuff In)

Backpacks are preferred and will be more convenient for you but normal luggage works all the same. You’ll never have to carry your luggage for too long at any one time. Try to find something that’s easily accessible and waterproof if possible. And please bring a smaller daypack for short trips throughout the tour.

We recommend the following on all trips:

• 5-6 light-weight t-shirts
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 1 light but waterproof jacket
• 1 long-sleeved top
• 1 pair of trousers/long pants
• 1 electrical converter
• Shoes that are suitable for hiking/getting dirty
• Waterproof shoes if you have them
• Flip-flops, thongs, jandals (whatever you may call them)
• A camera is highly suggested to remember your experience!
• Insect repellent
• Lots of sunscreen
• LOTS OF UNDERWEAR (it gets hot)!

[Find a full packing list for your tour .]

A note on laundry on tour: There are places to do laundry throughout all of our tours. We suggest packing less and doing a couple of washings to avoid lugging lots of extra weight around.

When Do Tours Run

Tours run throughout the year! Most of our tours have monthly departures (two per month during peak seasons). You can find the complete schedule and pricing in your preferred currency at the following page for each of our all-inclusive tours .

Where To Meet Your Group

We make this simple and straight-forward to avoid any and all stress! You can fly from anywhere into the first destination city on each tour and each tour begins with free airport pick up on day 1 (as well as airport drop off on the final day of the tour). The meeting location and pick up schedule is easy to read and sent via email the week before your tour begins.

Pickups happen every hour throughout the day and our staff will be at the airport holding a sign with our logo and your name after you get your bags. Our staff is also available 24/7 to call with any questions and we track all the flights so even if your flight is cancelled or delayed, you will never get left behind!

Why A Group Tour

Fuss-free travel is a huge factor. Whether solo, with a small group, or a partner, there is a lot of planning needed for a quality backpacking trip. Especially one that does not miss out on all the must-see locations and avoids the usual pitfalls and scams solo travellers will experience. We spend hundreds of hours researching our itineraries to provide the best, all-inclusive experience for you.

With us, you will also share a room with just one other group member most nights on all of our tours in a clean, secure, comfortable twin room. All accommodation is hand-picked by our staff and most days this includes a pool or beach nearby. The select dorm-style options included on the tours are ultra-comfy, extra clean, and uber-unique.

How To Bring Money

You have two options: bring cash from home to exchange at a currency exchange kiosk or bring your cash card from home. Which option you decide will depend on whether you are comfortable carrying a large amount of cash the entire tour or prefer to just withdraw what you need along the way. The transport and accommodation is all very secure so nothing to worry about there.

For spending money, we suggest budgeting the following (per day). If you like to shop, prefer Western food (it will be a bit more expensive), plan on some/many big nights out, or want to get involved in all of the optional extra activities then plan to budget a bit more:

ATM’s are available on all of our tours in most locations. Any Visa or Mastercard cash-card will work in most locations. There will be a small fee for most cards as well as a commission for exchanging money. Please inform your bank or card provider before travelling to avoid having your account frozen with an unexpected overseas charge!

That rounds out some of our top FAQ’s . If you have any questions that were not covered above, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line .

You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram to get a closer look at what to expect or chat with us there.

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Planning a Backpacking Trip to Europe for the First Time

• November 17, 2020 October 17, 2023

Going on a backpacking trip for the first time? Or perhaps you’re just seeking some new advice? Well, you’re in the right place to learn how to prepare for the adventure. I’ll draw from my personal experiences, and we’ll discuss:

• What your first week(s) on the trip will be like;
• How to budget;
• What are the essential apps for backpacking;
• Where to stay;
• How to get around;
• What to pack in your backpack.

By the end, you’ll know how to plan a backpacking trip to Europe successfully. Let’s dive in!

Disclosure : This article features affiliate links, including Amazon.com. If you decide to buy through one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra expense to you. For more details, please see my disclosure policy .

1. Planning a Backpacking Trip for the First Week or Weeks

Planning for a first backpacking trip seems like a sensible idea. It helps to address major challenges, and having written “what if” scenarios can assist in managing unexpected situations. However, the drawback of planning is that things don’t always go as initially envisioned. Unforeseen events can divert you in unexpected directions, making sticking to a precise plan hard.

I’m not suggesting that, as a novice backpacker, you should embark on a European backpacking trip without any plan. Quite the contrary. First, determine a starting point . Whether Naples in Italy, a delightful w e ekend in Budapest or commencing with day trips in Slovenia to hike the mountains, you should have a basic outline. This includes decisions on where to stay, which sites to visit, transportation methods, and other essentials.

Read more : Italy travel guide ; Hungary travel guide ; Slovenia travel guide ; Greece travel guide ; Albania travel guide .

The first week or weeks are a time to adjust to a new lifestyle . After a while, when you feel more experienced, allowing some room for spontaneity is beneficial. Know your destination, but remain flexible with your schedule and be open to unexpected opportunities.

2. Set Your Backpacking Budget

Budgeting is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when planning a backpacking trip to Europe. Whether you’re on a tight budget using existing savings or planning to earn money while traveling, setting financial boundaries is vital.

For beginner backpackers, start by creating a monthly budget. Then, break it down to a weekly basis, and finally, daily. The three largest expenses typically are accommodation, transportation, and other costs (like eating, drinking, and entertainment). While on the road, your daily budget might fluctuate, but adhering to a weekly budget target is advisable. Otherwise, you might deplete your savings more quickly than anticipated.

If you’re aiming to earn money while traveling, it’s still essential to prioritize budgeting from the outset. Remember : things might not always go as planned. As you gain more experience, you can always adjust your budget. Even if you exceed your budget, there’s always a way to get by, but it wouldn’t be enjoyable if you’re left eating macaroons with ketchup for the last few weeks. Never embark on a backpacking trip without a defined budget.

Read more :  Budget Backpacking Tips .

3. Download Travel Apps

Downloading and familiarizing yourself with certain apps can be beneficial when planning a backpacking trip. In today’s digital age, especially in Europe, some apps can make a beginner backpacker’s journey much more carefree.

Google Maps

If you haven’t installed it on your mobile, now’s the time. Naturally, it’s excellent for navigation whenever you need to get around. It functions well in larger areas without an internet connection, as long as there’s a GPS signal (which usually corresponds with a mobile signal). It displays your current location, and with a previously downloaded offline map, it operates seamlessly.

This app is a valuable tool for planning a backpacking trip. It helps locate essential places (saving time), such as when you search for ‘ ATM near me ,’ ‘ supermarket near me ,’ or ‘ hostels near me .’ The app organizes routes for walking, driving, or using public transportation. Being aware of all the features Google Maps offers during the trip planning process is beneficial. It’s impossible to get lost when Google Maps is working properly.

Accommodation Apps

Backpacking through Europe essentially means you’re homeless. Don’t get me wrong; it’s just part of the backpacking experience in Europe. Finding a place to sleep becomes a daily task. Of course, embracing adventure and sleeping outdoors is always possible. But if the weather isn’t on your side or you’re uncomfortable with wild camping , there are other convenient choices. Fortunately, there are accommodation apps that make planning a backpacking trip less stressful.

Couchsurfing – This is the go-to app when you’re keen on forging local connections and creating unforgettable memories. The Couchsurfing app is a community where locals open their homes to travelers from all over the world. And yes, it’s free . Why? Because they’re eager to hear your stories and meet international folks like you, and many have been on the receiving end of such hospitality themselves. Don’t just view it as a free couch to crash on; engage, share stories, and enjoy the company of locals.

HostelWorld – This is a budget hostel app tailored for backpacking trips. With this app, you can find hostels from around the world, ensuring you get the best match in terms of location and price (don’t forget to check out the reviews). It ranges from budget backpacker hostels to the more “luxurious” premium ones.

Booking – Probably the most renowned and extensive company for accommodations. It offers everything from hostels to villas. It’s easy to compare prices, choose from thousands of reviews, and search on the map for the best balance between cost and location. It’s convenient when you find yourself in a remote area.

Airbnb – This platform focuses more on renting apartments or entire homes. Worth considering if you’re seeking more privacy or traveling with a larger group.

Transportation Apps

Another significant cost while backpacking across Europe is transportation. True adventurers might argue that it’s not an expense if you opt for hitchhiking . While that’s valid, I must emphasize that it doesn’t always go as planned, or sometimes you might not feel right about it. Hitchhiking occasionally consumes an entire day, whereas other paid transportation methods can get you to your desired destination more quickly and seamlessly. It’s beneficial to be acquainted with a few transportation apps.

Read more : Tips for hitchhiking .

Rome2Rio – This app identifies nearly all local transportation options: short distances, local bus companies, trains, flights, boats, and cars. It’s a convenient tool that can save you a lot of time. No need to dive deep into Google searching for local bus companies; everything is in this app , complete with schedules, locations, and estimated prices. While there’s an option to purchase tickets online, if they don’t have the authority to sell tickets for a specific company, they provide a link to do it.

Omio – It’s quite similar to Rome2Rio but tends to work better between popular destinations. It might not help you find transportation in the heart of Italy’s Tuscany countryside, but it’s good to have on hand since Omio has many licenses to sell tickets online.

BlaBlaCar  – If carpooling with strangers sounds appealing, then BlaBlaCar might be just what you’re looking for. Someone is driving from point A to B and has spare seats in their car. A budget traveler heading in the same direction can snag one for a modest fee. Backpacking through Europe using this carpooling app often turns out cheaper than public transport, and it comes with the added perk of mingling with locals.

Apps for Making New Contacts

What’s a backpacking trip to Europe without encountering new faces ? Meeting strangers is almost a given on solo backpacking adventures. For many, striking up a conversation with new people isn’t the norm. It might be so far out of your comfort zone that the idea of connecting with locals feels daunting. Yet, somehow, travelers still find ways to meet. If approaching someone on the street feels too intimidating, there are apps where you can break the ice online.

Couchsurfing – Beyond its hosting feature, Couchsurfing also offers a section called “Hangouts.” It’s a space where other travelers or locals, who share your intention of meeting new people, gather. Local folks might be open to showing you around their neighborhood, grabbing a beer, or just hanging out. It’s a straightforward way to connect with others.

Tinder – While it’s primarily known as a dating app, it can also serve as a platform to make new acquaintances. And who knows, maybe even something more.

Facebook Travel Communities – As the largest social media platform, Facebook boasts numerous travel-related groups where you can find fellow travelers, locals to spend time with, and more. Simply input destination-related keywords into the Facebook search bar. With thousands of communities available, there’s bound to be at least one group where you can find the answers or companionship you’re seeking.

WorkAway – Primarily designed for work and travel, WorkAway is a platform where entities like farms or families seek additional help. It’s a form of volunteer cultural exchange. Within this expansive community of hosts and volunteers, there’s a “travel buddies” section. Dive in and strike up a conversation.

Read more : Best apps for backpacking .

4. Join Travel Social Network Groups

As previously mentioned, Facebook is a vast social network filled with numerous communities and groups. They cover just about everything. This includes groups focused on shared travel interests, such as backpacking for beginners, traveling in Europe in general, hitchhiking, and various other travel-related topics. Familiarizing yourself with these groups while planning a backpacking trip can be invaluable, especially when you need a place to seek advice or assistance.

Hitchhiking Europe – As the name suggests, this group centers around hitchhiking in Europe. It offers tips on hitchhiking, advice on where and how to hitch a ride, and even opportunities to find someone driving to your destination or another hitchhiker to join you. All you have to do is ask within the group.

NOMADS – Hospitality Networks – This is a group where travelers and hosts from around the world connect. Through it, you can find hosts willing to offer you a spot on their couch or a space to pitch a tent in their garden. It’s a secure place to rest for the night. The concept is similar to Couchsurfing, but it operates within Facebook.

EUROPE Travel Community – This expansive community boasts over 50,000 members. Any travel-related information you might need can likely be found here. You can post questions, and with such a vast membership, chances are someone will have an answer.

Backpacking Europe  – This group is designed to provide information on destinations for all types of travel, but it leans heavily towards adventurous journeys. Here, you can find travel buddies, gather information about countries, seek backpacking tips, and more. Anyone can glean a wealth of knowledge from this group, which boasts over 50,000 like-minded members.

Of course, there are thousands of travel-oriented Facebook groups out there. Just pop some keywords into Facebook’s search bar, and you’re off. Start with your current location and add terms like “backpacking,” “traveling,” “expats,” “hitchhiking,” “hospitality,” and so on. You’re bound to find groups brimming with invaluable insights.

5. Secure Accommodation for the First Few Days

When your backpacking trip through Europe is coming together and everything seems straightforward, the excitement builds. You eagerly anticipate those first steps in a foreign land, feeling prepared to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

However, sometimes reality can punch you in the face . You might find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings, or your initial plans might not pan out. Signs in foreign languages can be baffling. Your internet might fail. You could be clueless about local transportation or activities in this new country. And then there’s the task of finding a place to stay. With all these unusual circumstances, the first day or so can leave a beginner backpacker feeling a bit lost.

It’s easier to adapt to a new lifestyle when you have a place to stay. Explore hosting opportunities on the CouchSurfing app, find an affordable hostel on the HostelWorld app, or consider options from Booking or Airbnb. With time, a beginner backpacker will become more comfortable facing challenges.

6. Invest in Reliable Backpacking Gear

Quality and durability in backpacking gear are essential for a successful trip. It’s wise to spend a little more upfront rather than deal with the frustrations of subpar equipment.

A Quality Backpack

Planning a backpacking trip is different from preparing for a typical vacation. You’ll need to secure suitable gear for a beginner backpacker, starting with a comfortable backpack. It’s not advisable to skimp on this essential item. Remember, this backpack might be attached to you for hours each day. Find one that fits well, and feels comfortable on your back, and invest in it.

Backpacker Clothing

What’s a typical day in the life of a backpacker ? Think of it as a marathon. Whether you’re hiking or simply wandering around, you’re constantly on the move. Add a backpack to the mix, and you’re bound to sweat a lot. By day’s end, you’ll likely need a fresh shirt.

For backpacking attire, it’s advisable to lean towards sportswear. Opt for clothing that dries quickly, is made of “breathable” material, and feels comfortable. If you’re backpacking in the wild, you can wear certain sportswear items for a few days, as they’ll typically dry overnight.

When taking a break from typical backpacking, say in a town where you want to enjoy some city life, it’s good to have one or two “classier” outfits on hand. Plan your clothing choices with the assumption that you’ll have laundry facilities available once a week. However, when drafting a backpacking trip checklist, prioritize sportswear.

Additional Camping/Hiking Gear

For wild camping , you’ll need to secure a sleeping bag, mattress, and a waterproof shelter (like a tent or bivy tent). If your outdoor cooking gets out of hand, it’s wise to have proper medical supplies on hand.

From the kitchen essentials : Include a dining set, fuel stove, and backpacking stove.

Ensure your gear also contains a refillable water bottle and hiking boots.

Also, Consider a Small Backpack

You won’t always be in full backpacking mode. On days when you’re embarking on a longer hike, taking a city break, or simply spending an extended period in one place, it’s beneficial to have the option to leave your large backpack behind and explore with a smaller day bag. It’s easier on the body.

Read more : Lightweight Backpacking Gear List ; Backpacking Europe Packing List For Women .

7. Backpacking Essentials for Your First Trip

There are certain items you simply can’t leave behind. Even if you’re aiming for a minimalist survivalist adventure, these essentials are a must.

A Smartphone is Essential

The most crucial item ? Your smartphone. It might seem obvious, but this compact piece of technology, which fits snugly in your pocket, is a treasure trove of information and tools. Ensure its safety; you wouldn’t want to lose or damage it given the valuable data it holds.

Remember Important Documents

Another indispensable item is your passport . Ensure it’s valid for at least six more months to avoid any travel disruptions due to an expired passport. Within the European Union, you can travel using just an ID Card (within the Schengen Area ). This ID Card can also come in handy for various purposes, such as signing up for local insurance, registering with mobile operators, or checking into hostels. Additionally, consider carrying your driver’s license, immunization records, and a student card (which can offer various discounts).

Save Money with Travel Cards

While cash is king in certain situations, especially in smaller locations or in Albania that only accept physical currency, it’s not advisable to carry your entire budget in bills and coins. There’s limited space to securely stash cash in a backpack.

Using a bank card is a safer alternative . To avoid hefty fees when making payments or withdrawing from ATMs, consider signing up for a Wise account and obtaining a bank card, which offers minimal transfer fees worldwide.

If you have all these essentials, you can acquire anything else you might need along the way. However, this approach isn’t recommended for first-time backpackers.

8. How to Efficiently Pack Your Backpack

Once you’ve gathered all your backpacking essentials, the challenge is fitting them into a single backpack. You might initially feel like you need two bags to accommodate everything “necessary.” However, the beauty of backpacking lies in the realization that less is more . The trick is to only pack items you’ll use and leave behind anything that would remain untouched throughout your trip.

Packing a backpack for your first trip requires making some compromises and debating with yourself about what’s truly necessary. Once everything fits, it’s essential to organize items logically. For instance, a spoon shouldn’t be mixed in with socks and shirts, and a stove shouldn’t be tucked into a sleeping bag. Every item should have its designated spot, making it easier to locate things quickly. Distributing the weight of the bag is also crucial for your back’s comfort.

Related : How to pack a tent for backpacking .

9. Sign Up for Travel Insurance

Securing insurance is essential when planning a backpacking trip. It’s crucial when exploring a foreign country. Even if you haven’t needed medical attention in recent years, anything can happen while backpacking. Activities might include hiking, scuba diving, cliff jumping, or other high-risk pursuits—perhaps even things you’ve never tried before.

Your journey will be more peaceful if you don’t have to worry about unexpected medical expenses. Medical treatments can severely strain your budget, or you might even find yourself needing financial assistance from friends or family back home. You can secure insurance in your home country through local providers or opt for trusted and well-known backpacker insurance options available in Europe.

10. Choose a Mobile Operator with Internet Data

Imagine setting up a wild camping spot in a remote location, with no signs of life around. Suddenly, ominous clouds begin to gather overhead. You’d want to check the weather forecast for the night, but you lack internet data. In such situations, it’s crucial not to rely solely on free wifi from city cafes.

For EU Citizens

For EU citizens backpacking within the European Union, connectivity is relatively straightforward. Several companies offer varying data packages (depending on your needs) that work across all EU countries. This means there’s no need to juggle multiple SIM cards; one will suffice for the entire EU. However, always verify with your mobile operator to ensure you know which countries are covered. Additionally, many plans offer unlimited calls within the EU without any additional roaming charges.

Non-EU Countries

If you’re traveling outside of an EU country, using data becomes a different challenge. While your home mobile company might offer options for such travel, these plans are often pricey. It’s usually more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card in the country you’re visiting and use a local mobile operator.

Some international mobile operators provide data packages for use outside the EU, or even globally. These can range from daily deals to monthly subscriptions. Which operator should you choose for a backpacking trip to Europe? It largely depends on your destination and the duration of your stay. You can find operators by searching on Google Maps.

11. Ensure You Have Copies of Essential Documents

Unexpected events can occur, such as losing a vital document. While it’s not the end of the world, having copies can save you time and hassle. Some countries have more bureaucratic processes, making it more time-consuming and stressful to obtain replacements for lost documents.

Keeping copies of crucial documents, like your passport, ID card, driving license, and student card, can expedite processes. It’s sufficient to have printed copies, and digital versions stored in the cloud, and on your mobile device. As an added precaution, consider sending copies to a trusted person.

Read more : My First Solo Travel Experience in Europe.

Bringing It All Together

Considering all the essentials, tasks, and equipment for planning a backpacking trip, nothing can hold back the eager traveler – adventures await you. While there might be challenges or unexpected situations, with time, they’ll be addressed by a seasoned problem-solver – the backpacker. Solo travel offers numerous benefits , including fun, spontaneous adventures, unforgettable experiences, undiscovered places, and the chance to make new friends. Take the time to plan your backpacking trip thoroughly to enjoy every moment to the fullest!

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Backpacking through europe: all you need to know

Complete guide for backpacking through Europe: learn how to save money on food, flights and accommodation, and the best gear you have to take with you.

Jessica Jessy Around The World

Aug 16, 2023

Europe is such a rich continent, full of things to see and do, for every kind of traveler. The Old Continent has amazing cities , national parks , beaches , hiking trails, and more. If you're planning on backpacking through Europe, the good news is, it's probably the easiest continent to backpack.

Most European countries are very safe, have great public transport, and it's easy to get around between cities and countries. There are also plenty of cheap destinations, and with the tips that I'll share in this article, you can travel around the whole of Europe on a budget while having the time of your life.

If you want to take a year off and explore a continent, if you want to have a trip with just your backpack, if you want to quit everything for a while and just enjoy a long travel, Europe could be the perfect choice.

In this article you will find all the information you need to know about backpacking through Europe in the best and cheapest way. I will talk about costs, the best way to find cheap flights, how to save money on food, what to pack and how to find free accommodation.

Backpacking through Europe: planning your trip

How much does it cost to backpack europe.

The cost of backpacking through Europe   really depends on the countries you want to visit. Europe is so different, every country has a different price and different attractions. Some of them are very cheap and other are so expensive.

If you want to backpack Northern Europe , for example, you have to consider a higher budget , because food, accommodation and transport up there are really expensive.

If you want to backpack the Balkans , you can do it low budget because they are so cheap. They can be compared to South East Asian countries, for instance. When you travel in the Balkans you can go to restaurants every day because it’s so cheap, and you can sleep in good hotels at the same cost of a hostel.

Other cheap countries are the ones in Eastern Europe. And then you have some countries in which you can fin cheap things but also spend a lot of money, depending on what you want to do, like Italy , Spain , Germany and France .

In the same continent, as you can see, you can live different travel experiences. But in most places, you can save a lot of money on accommodation and food if you do a work exchange - which I'll talk about later in this article.

If you want an estimate, this is what 2 weeks in Europe may look like for a budget traveler:

Accommodation: 20 Euros per night for 14 nights = 280 Euros

Food: 30 Euros per day for 14 days = 420 Euros

Transportation : 10 Euros per day for 14 days = 140 Euros

Attractions: 20 Euros per day for 14 days = 280 Euros

So for 2 weeks in Europe, a budget traveler may spend around 1,120 Euros. This could be much lower if you budget more. A work exchange cuts your accommodation costs down to 0, and your food, transport, and activity costs may be lower as well depending on what your host offers.

If you get to most places by foot, and don't change cities too often, you can also cut down the transportation costs. Another tip is to look for free activities, like museums with free entrance, self guided tours, parks and such, that aren't hard to find in most European cities.

Finding cheap flights

One of my favorite things about backpacking Europe is that it's not hard to find  cheap flights , because you have a lot of choices. There are many  low cost companies,  like Easyjest, Ryanair and Wizzair . They always have cheap flights all around the continent.

Booking too much in advance is not always helpful because sometimes airlines make last minute deals, especially the low cost ones.

You might also like to read:

• The 19 cheapest cities to backpack in Europe
• 33 travel apps that will save you time and money in Europe
• Top places and tips to travel alone in Europe

Picking a good backpack

Picking a good backpack is very important if you want to backpack Europe. And it could be worth it to spend a little more money in order to get a good one , rather than trying to save too much picking something that won't last or that won't be comfortable. 

Your backpack is really important, because it will be your home during your travels. I would also recommend avoiding suitcases , unless you're planning on spending your time is just one or two places. For moving around, especially if you're getting public transportation to get in and out of each city, backpacks are much more practical.

When you choose your backpack , it's good to try it before buying, to see if it's proportionate to your height and your weight.

What to pack for backpacking through Europe

Once you have chosen your backpack, you have to choose what to pack . Your packing list will depend on the countries you are going to visit and the experiences you want to live. Nevertheless, there are a few things that you should always pack when you go backpacking through Europe:

• Sunscreen

• Electronic devices and their chargers

• Hiking shoes

• First-aid kit

• Comfortable clothes

These things are really important and they are always suitable for every trip. And then, you have to think about the temperature of the country you are visiting in order to pack the right clothes. If you are heading to Northern Europe, you will need warmer clothes, if you are heading to the Mediterranean area, you will maybe need swimsuits, and so on.

A very helpful thing to do while packing is writing a list of things you want to take, so that you don't forget anything important.

Cheap accommodation for backpacking through Europe 

Accommodation is usually the   biggest travel expense. Fortunately, there are some tricks to use to help you save money.

The most common place where backpackers usually sleep during their trips are  hostels . Besides being cheap, they're a good place for meeting other travelers, and there is usually a shared kitchen that you can use to cook your meals.

In case you are traveling solo, hostels are perfect because you can sleep in a dorm, save lots of money and meet people. Ifyou travel as a couple, you can opt for a private room and it would cost less than the same type of room in a hotel.

Another option to save money is using Couchsurfing . In this way you can sleep for free in a house from a local person. It's great because it not only helps you save money, but also puts you in touch with local people, and they are always full of advice to give you for your trip. But keep in mind that most people usually don't host couchsurfers for more than 2 or 3 nights.

My favorite way to get free accommodation when I'm backpacking is through the work exchange platform  Worldpackers , where you can find volunteering positions all over the world . 

All you have to do is search through the website to find the volunteering opportunity that best suits you, then apply to it, and in exchange for some hours of work per day you get free accommodation, and sometimes other benefits like free meals, classes and tours. 

There are many kinds of hosts, from hostels to ecovillages , NGOs and homestays . You can spend from a few days up to several months at a work exchange, and during that time you'll meet local people and travelers from all over the world which are volunteering just like you. 

The tasks in demand by Worldpackers hosts are very varied, so you can either do something you're already good at or learn something new, like cooking, painting, gardening, caring for animals, taking photos, teaching languages, managing social media or developing websites. You'll likely find out hidden talents and broaden your horizons , making your backpacking trip much more transformative. 

How to get around Europe for cheap

Europe is an easy continent in terms of getting around. It is full of buses and trains, and cities and countries are generally well linked to each other.

Buses are usually the cheapest way to get around Europe, but sometimes you can find good deals even with trains.

Have you ever heard about Interrail program ? It’s a really common thing among backpackers and it’s the perfect way to backpack Europe. Doing an Interrail means buying train tickets for different destinations all around Europe, in the form of a pass, in general for a trip that lasts a period of two or three weeks.

In this way you can buy cheap train tickets and save a lot of money, and get around Europe easily visiting lots of different countries. Sometimes there are also huge discounts for young people under 20 years old. 

Read more: Eurail Global Pass  

How to save money on food

The cost of food in Europe depends on the country you are visiting. Like I said before, there are countries such as the Balkans, in which you can go to restaurants every night because they are so cheap, and there are other places where you have to be careful because restaurants can be very expensive.

Unfortunately, street food is not as common as in Asian and Latin American countries, so it’s not easy to find cheap street food in Europe. You can find street food in some markets, especially during fairs or Christmas time, but it’s not so cheap.

The best way to save money on food while backpacing Europe is to cook your own food , and you can do it easily if you stay in hostels, because they usually have a full equipped kitchen.

Another way to save money on food is to volunteer and get free accommodation and free board in exchange. If you look on the  Worldpackers platform , in the section about volunteering positions in Europe , you can use the filters and choose the option of meals included . This way you can see all the hosts that provide accommodation with meals. And, of course, you can also if the place has an equipped kitchen available for the volunteers to use. 

Itinerary ideas for backpacking through Europe

There are plenty of ideas for backpacking itineraries in Europe , depending on what you want to see and your budget.

If you have a low budget to travel through Europe , a perfect itinerary for you can be through the Balkans. Backpacking the Balkans is such an experience. You can visit a lot of amazing countries such as Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia Erzegovina, Montenegro and Albania , traveling by bus and discovering beautiful places less crowded than more famous European destinations.

Another common backpacking itinerary in Europe , especially for Interrails pass holders, is travelling all around Eastern Europe using trains, but you can also use buses. You can visit Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania .

If you love traveling by train and you have a little higher budget, you can think about visiting Austria, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands . These countries are a bit more expensive, but you can always try to save money, for example volunteering with Worldpackers.

And if you are looking for places off-the-beaten-path, consider these hidden gems in Europe .

So, are you ready to go backpacking through Europe? Now you have all the information you need, and if you want to have an amazing trip saving tons of money, follow Worldpackers social media to keep up with the news: we are on Instagram , Tiktok and YouTube . And be sure to check out our other articles for more Europe travel tips !

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Jessica Lazzarini

Jessy Around The World

an Italian full time traveler. After years planning my full time travel, I finally quit my 9 to 5 job to start exploring the world with a one way ticket. My goal is to visit as many countries as I can and to work as a digital nomad while I am traveling, but also to challenge myself doing travel jobs in the places I visit. I really want to live a lot of different experiences in a way only a real traveler can do.

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Backpacking Europe: Itinerary Advice From an Expert

Backpacking Europe can be life-changing experience. Check out this guide to learn how to plan the perfect trip and see a sample itinerary.

Backpacking Europe can be a life-changing experience. The diversity of languages, architecture, and cuisine is enough to keep culture vultures happy for months while history buffs will swoon every time they turn a corner! Traveling through Europe as a form of enlightenment and self-discovery has been popular since the 17th century when the well-heeled would travel to places like France, Germany, Greece, and Italy to become more cultured and learn more about history and art (and according to historical records, engage in some pretty risqué behavior!). 

Not much has changed since then except that we’ve traded steamer trunks for backpacks, and boats and carriages for airplanes and trains. Traveling through Europe has also become much more accessible to people around the world thanks to budget airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet.

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Here at Let’s Roam, we believe travel is one of the best forms of education! That’s why our team of travel experts has written destination guides, must-see lists, and travel articles to help you plan your trip. We’ve also got hundreds of app-based scavenger hunts that will introduce you to destinations all around the world!

How to Plan the Ultimate European Backpacking Trip

Below you’ll find itinerary advice for your European adventure. This will take you to some of the most famous places in Europe as well as some off-the-beaten-path destinations!

Important Things to Ask Yourself

Before you start planning your European itinerary, there are a few questions that you should ask yourself.

What is your budget?

This is probably the most important thing to figure out before you start planning your trip. It often dictates how long you can travel and where you can go. There are some parts of Western Europe such as Switzerland, Sweden, and Norway that are painfully expensive. Meanwhile, some places in Central and Eastern Europe still offer great value for your money.  

If this is your first time traveling, you may want to stick with some of the Western European countries as they are generally easier to navigate your way through. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, this means that you may have to have a relatively short trip. However, if you are a more experienced traveler, going to places like Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia can help your money stretch longer. 

It’s all about finding a balance between how much money you have to play with and the destinations that you can go to. While it sounds a bit complicated to figure out, don’t worry. It’s actually easier than it sounds and we are here to help guide you through it!

How fast do you want to travel?

The next question you need to ask yourself is how fast you want to travel. Everyone travels in different ways. Some people only have two weeks and want to see as much as they can. Others want to take it a bit more slowly and only visit a handful of locations. For anyone lucky enough to have more time to travel, you can always mix it up a bit and travel quickly for a few days as you hop from place to place, and then slow it down and stay in the same destination for a week. 

When you’re considering your travel speed, you should really keep in mind what your endurance is. It is much easier to go hard out for a few days than doing it for a few weeks. Like anything in life, if you try to do too much for too long, you’re likely to burn out. 

What type of travel experience do you want to have?

This question ties in quite closely with the two above but with a slight differentiation. This is where you want to start thinking about what you want to get out of the trip. Do you want to visit as many museums as possible? Do you prefer to have your own culinary adventure where you focus on eating at different restaurants, taking cooking classes, or simply trying new foods? 

How much cultural interaction do you want to have? Do you want to have plenty of time to spend hanging out in bars or cafes with locals? Do you want to attend local Meetup or Couchsurfing events? These types of activities are just as important as sightseeing, but they do take time and should be scheduled accordingly.  

For example, if you plan on going out to a famous bar or having a night out on the town, don’t schedule an 8:00 a.m. city tour. While it’s possible to do it, trust me. You don’t want to! 

Let the Planning Begin

Love it or hate it, planning is one of the most important aspects of having a fantastic adventure! Backpacking Europe can be very expensive if you aren’t careful. Having a plan in place can help you save a lot of money. It can also keep you from having to backtrack frequently to go back to things you may have missed.

Before you do any of the steps below, check the expiration date on your passport. Keep in mind that most countries won’t let you in unless your passport is valid for at least six months after your arrival date. This is extremely important. If your passport is not valid, you will need to get a new one before leaving.

Expert tip: If you see your passport is getting close to expiring, you may want to consider renewing it at an American embassy or consulate in one of the European cities you plan on visiting. It often takes as little as two weeks to get a new one compared to the atrocious waiting times if you apply in the United States. You simply need to drop off your application and pick up your passport when it’s ready. They let you keep your existing passport in the meantime so you can still travel on it until you get the replacement. 

Step 1: Do plenty of research.

Have you ever gone somewhere and only realized that there were some really fun things to do there once it was too late? It’s pretty disappointing, right? Now imagine having that feeling over and over again. This is why it is so important to do research before you get to a destination.

Some of you may be rolling your eyes as you read this knowing that you want to play it by ear rather than having an itinerary packed full of sightseeing. That is perfectly okay! That is how I tend to travel. However, this doesn’t mean you can skip out on the research step. Trust me, I know this firsthand!  

If you’re the type of traveler who wants to see some of the more off-beat places in a city, then head over to Atlas Obscura. This fantastic website lists the eclectic or kooky attractions in a destination that most other travel guides tend to ignore. This is what many hard-core travelers use when they want to see something unique or interesting. Also, please, please, please don’t rely solely on social media to research a location. Instagram photos posted by influencers are almost always heavily edited. The attractions rarely look like they do in the photos and you are bound to be a bit disappointed. 

Are there any day trips that look interesting?

When you’re researching a destination, make sure to not only look at what there is to do in the destination itself but also whether there are any day trips that you would like to do from there. Most of the major tourist areas of Europe will have organized day trips to other touristy areas or you may be able to get there on your own via public transport. 

For example, many people who visit Krakow also want to go to Auschwitz. Many tour companies offer expensive day tours to get there. However, there are also public buses that will take you there. The two experiences are very different and will suit different types of travelers. 

What are prices like in a destination around the time you want to go?

When you’re doing your initial research, don’t forget to take a quick peek at accommodation websites like Booking.com, HostelWorld, or Airbnb to see how much the hotels or hostels are around the time you want to go. This can have a major impact on how much time you end up spending in a city.  

For example, you may want to use Munich as a base to explore Bavaria and are thinking about taking a train there from Milan. Accommodation in Munich is normally quite pricey even in the off-season and can be extremely expensive during the summer and Oktoberfest. In this case, you may want to take an overnight train between the two cities to save on accommodation costs. This means you either have to cross your fingers so you hit the ground running or you schedule a pretty easy first day there.

Step 2: Create a rough itinerary.

Hopefully, your research has given you a list of destinations that you want to see. At this point, it’s really helpful to save these on Google Maps as a way to see the geographical layout of your desired destinations. If there are any major outliers that would be nice to see but aren’t that important, you may want to cross them off your list early on. This will likely save you some logistics-related headaches later.  

On the contrary, if there are any destinations that are pretty far away from everywhere else that you are desperate to see, this is the time to do more research to see what lies between that and the closest destination. You may find that there are a few interesting things to check out on the way. This usually helps make the side trip feel a bit more worthwhile. If you are traveling long distances to get there, it also is a good way to break up those distances a bit. And who knows, you may end up finding some wonderful new places!

Expert tip: When you’re putting together your itinerary, make sure to leave yourself enough time to enjoy yourself! I know, I know. This is easier said than done when there are so many great things to see and do. When I was a novice backpacker working my way through Europe in the early 2000s, I used the Lonely Planet as a checklist and would visit every single attraction that they wrote about. This was extremely ambitious and exhausting, but on the plus side, I learned just how cool botanical gardens are!  

Looking back, this marathon sightseeing has largely been forgotten. What I remember are the moments that I spent hanging out with new friends in the hostel, interacting with locals, and the overwhelming feeling that the world is opening up around me. If you move too fast, you may miss out on these experiences, which quite frankly, are just as important as seeing the sights. 

Step 3: Start booking tickets and hotels.

Now that you have a pretty decent idea of the places that you want to visit and the amount of time that you need in each place, it’s time to start making a few bookings. This doesn’t mean you need to plan every step of your journey. In fact, we recommend that you don’t actually do that. However, it’s time to book the “big ticket” things. This includes stuff like your flights from your home country to Europe, flights between European destinations, and accommodation in places that are very likely to sell out in advance. Try to book accommodation with free cancelation policies in case your plans change, even if it means paying a little bit more. This way, you have a guaranteed place to stay but still have some flexibility if needed. 

Expert tip: When you’re booking your flights, always double-check what airports you are flying in and out of. Some European airports are very far from the cities that they serve which can eat up a lot of time and cost a lot in ground transport getting to the city center.  

Expert tip #2: Before you book a bunch of train tickets, which generally isn’t necessary anyways, get an idea of how much your expected train tickets will cost. Compare this to the price of a Eurail Pass to see if it ends up being cheaper. Eurail Passes cost a set price and allow you to use the European train network for a set period. You can get them for certain European countries or regions and if you plan on traveling quickly across large distances, they may save you a lot of money.

Expert tip #3 : If you’re planning to travel through Germany, check what train passes they have available. Deutsche Bahn, the national train network, offers regional passes that allow you to travel on the local trains for a ridiculously low price. These rail passes don’t include the InterCity trains, but they are perfect for anyone wanting to move slowly through the country as they can be used almost like a hop-on-hop-off train ticket. 

Step 4: Prepare your packing list.

As the departure day for your big backpacking trip through Europe comes closer, it’s time to prepare your packing list. Try as hard as you possibly can to pack lightly with just a carry-on. Ideally, this will be a backpack. There are a few reasons for this. First off, wheeled suitcases do not do well on cobblestones. Secondly, it is much easier to get on and off trains, buses, airplanes, and other forms of public transportation with a carry-on backpack than a big suitcase. Third, it will save you a ton of money in baggage fees.

While this idea may be painful to some people, it’s worth it. Unless you’re a famous influencer making millions off of your Tik Tok account, you simply don’t need to have a bunch of flashy outfits with you. Instead, bring a few timeless items such as black jeans or leggings, a few dresses, and some nice shirts or tank tops. 

Find different ways to layer your clothes so that it looks like you’re carrying more clothes with you than you are. And, whatever you do, don’t forget to bring a brightly colored sarong with you. That handy piece of cloth can be used as a scarf, blanket, towel, beach cover-up, or even a dress if you’re creative. 

Try and leave a little extra space in your carry-on bag in case you see anything that you love during your travels and want to take home with you. If you can’t figure out how to fit it all in with room to spare, watch a few YouTube videos to see how other people pack for a backpacking trip. You can also invest in some packing cubes to see if they help. You can normally buy them on Amazon, at home goods stores, or anywhere where you normally buy luggage.

Step 5: Head off for your European backpacking extravaganza!

Woo-hoo! The big day has finally come and it’s time to hit the road! Before you head to the airport for your flight, do one last check to make sure you have your passport that is valid for at least six months, your wallet, backup credit cards and ATM cards, a reusable water bottle, and U.S. dollars for emergencies. 

This is also the perfect time to download the Let’s Roam app . This app gives you access to all of our fun-filled scavenger hunts which are a great, budget-friendly way to learn more about a destination! 

The 21st Century Grand Tour

Okay, now that we’ve covered all of the logistics of backpacking through Europe, now is the fun part! Below we’ve included a sample itinerary that you can use as a pseudo-Europe travel guide for planning your backpacking trip. 

Rather than breaking down what you should do each day, we’ll leave that up to you! Instead, we have focused on the logistics of getting from one place to another. We have also created itineraries that allow you to easily connect Western Europe, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe if you’re lucky enough to travel for months on end and want to see as much as possible! 

Expert advice: If you’re traveling for longer periods, pay attention to where you will be at certain times of the year. Most experienced travelers will avoid Western Europe during the summer which is their peak tourist season. On top of that, much of Italy effectively shuts down in August when everyone goes on their summer breaks to the seaside. 

As mentioned, if this is your first Europe trip, we highly recommend sticking to Western Europe. One of the cheapest and best-connected airports to fly into Western Europe from the United States is Amsterdam, so we’ll start the journey there! Most of the itinerary is expected to be done by train travel, but there are a few times when you have to take a bus between destinations.

Countries included:  Netherlands, Belgium, France, Andorra, Spain, Portugal, Italy , San Marino, Austria, Czech Republic, and Germany

Stop 1: The beautiful city of Amsterdam is the perfect place to spend a few days getting over jetlag and preparing for your big backpacking trip. Nearly everyone in this canal-laden Dutch city speaks English which makes it very easy to get your bearings, especially if you’re a first-time traveler to Europe. 

Stop 2: From Amsterdam, you can take a train to Antwerp in northern Belgium. Known as the Diamond Capital of the World, Antwerp boasts striking Flemish Renaissance architecture. Your sightseeing starts as soon as you pull into the breathtaking Antwerp Central Train Station. From there, you can wander around the cobblestone streets, grab your first Belgian beer in Belgium, and check out the interesting, and very historic, Diamond District.

Stop 3: The next stop is Bruges. This charming little city is famous for its canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site so this is something you don’t want to miss. It is a very touristy town though so you may find it hard to escape the crowds.

Stop 4: From Bruges, it’s an easy train ride down to the iconic city of Paris . With sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, the Louvre, and the Seine River, Paris certainly doesn’t need an introduction. Nearby, the glittering palace of Versailles stands as a testament to the ostentatious wealth and power of the French monarchy before the French Revolution. 

Stop 5: After exploring Paris, it’s time to grab a train to Bordeaux , France’s wine capital! This is where you can try some of the best wines in the world straight from the source. The gorgeous walled city of Bordeaux offers the perfect place to base yourself while you explore the nearby vineyards. 

Stop 6:  Once you’ve had your fill of wine and medieval buildings, it’s time to visit a new country! Andorra is a teeny-tiny country squished between France and Spain. It’s a popular skiing and hiking destination. There isn’t a huge amount to do here otherwise, but it would be a shame to miss another country when you are so close! 

Stop 7: From Andorra, you can get a bus to Barcelona . Home of the fantastical Gaudi architecture, a beautiful coastline, and vibrant nightlife, this is another place where you will probably want to spend a few extra days to give yourself enough time to eat, drink, and be merry!

Stop 8: As the capital of Spain, Madrid boasts some of the country’s most impressive buildings, great museums, and fantastic shopping. It is a city of grand boulevards and manicured plazas, which makes it feel very different than Barcelona. Spend a few days exploring the city and then plan on hitting the road again.

Stop 9: Porto is a gorgeous city located in northern Portugal. Well-known for being the birthplace of Porto wine, the city is home to gorgeous architecture, narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, and a robust culinary scene. This is one of the least expensive touristy hotspots in Western Europe, so this is also a great opportunity to splurge! The best way to get from Madrid to Porto is by bus which should take around 6-7 hours. 

Stop 10: Lying just a few hours by train south of Porto, the capital city of Lisbon is a photographer’s dream come true. The hilly streets and iconic street cars provide the perfect props and backdrop for some amazing photos. Meanwhile, the vivacious nightlife will leave you dancing until the early morning! Don’t party too hard though as this is a great place to do a free walking tour of the city. 

Stop 11: After you’ve enjoyed all that Lisbon has to offer, you can make your way south to the Algarve coast. Here, you’ll find a handful of historic towns and a long sweep of beautiful beaches. The biggest city in the region is Faro and this is likely to be your first stop before you head to one of the nearby beaches. 

Stop 12:  The southern Spanish city of Seville is located less than a three-hour bus ride from Faro. Seville is the largest city in the region of Andalusia, which was once occupied by the Islamic Moors. Here, you’ll find a fascinating mix of Moorish, Christian, and Jewish architecture which gives you an in-depth look at Spain’s long, and very diverse, history. This was also where flamenco got its start, making it a good place to catch a dance show. 

Stop 13: From Seville, you can either travel by train, bus, or plane to Marseille , France. There are many cheap flights running between the two countries so this is likely to be the most budget-friendly option. Marseille is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and is now one of the most multicultural cities in the country. This is the perfect opportunity to try food from all over the world before hopping back on the train to travel further along France’s Mediterranean coastline. 

Stop 14: While there are plenty of lovely towns and cities to visit in southern France, one destination that you shouldn’t miss is Monaco. Famous for its casinos, glitz, and grandeur, the itty-bitty country of Monaco is one of the wealthiest places in Europe. A stop there gives you a taste of how the other half live. 

Stop 15: From Monaco, you can head over to Nice. Located at the foot of the French Alps, this is a large city that somehow feels small. The old town is charming and the Mediterranean Sea waterfront can easily compete with some of the most popular beach cities around the world. It was once a summer refuge for the well-heeled in the 19th century. Today, it’s a popular beach destination and a lovely spot to get your feet a little wet!

Stop 16: Time to head to your next country—Italy! The journey from Nice to Cinque Terre National Park is a little complicated and will probably require one or two train transfers. However, once you see the colorful villages perched high on the hills of the Mediterranean Sea, it will feel like it was all worthwhile! The best way to travel between the villages is by hiking along the ancient goat trails that have been used for centuries.

Stop 17:  Once you arrive in Pisa , one of the first things you should do is head straight to the famous Leaning Tower to get some Instagram-worthy pics. You can then either spend the night in Pisa or hop right back on the train for the short ride to Florence. 

Stop 18: As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, Florence packs a lot into a relatively small place. During the Renaissance, this was the home of some of the world’s biggest artists, architects, intellectuals, and scientists. The love of art and culture still lives on today, and this is the ideal place for all the art history buffs out there! Florence also serves as a good base to explore some of the towns of Tuscany, so make sure to allocate some extra time here!

Stop 19: The ancient city of Rome holds some of the world’s most important architectural wonders including the Coliseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum as well as “modern” gems like the Trevi Fountains and the Spanish Steps. This is another destination where you may want to hang out a bit, getting your fill of wine, pizza, and pasta!

Stop 20: From Rome, it’s just a couple of hours by train down to Naples. The city itself feels a bit rough and ready so you probably don’t want to spend a huge amount of time there. However, it does serve as an ideal base to visit the ruins of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These cities were destroyed in 79 A.D. when Mount Vesuvius erupted. They now serve as a haunting reminder of what Mother Nature is capable of. Pompeii and Herculaneum can be reached via a local train from Naples. 

Stop 21: As you make your way back north from Naples, it’s time to add another new country to your list—San Marino. Another teeny-tiny place, San Marino is completely encompassed by Italy and is an interesting town to wander around for a few hours or even spend a few days in. You can get to San Marino by bus from the cute beach city of Rimini. 

Stop 22: From Rimini, you can continue north to Venice . This breathtaking city is unlike any other in the world thanks to its series of interconnected canals that turn the city into a series of islands. Venice has been used as the backdrop for countless movies, books, and TV shows, and there are even replicas of it in Las Vegas and Macao. However, nothing quite beats seeing it in real life!

From Venice, you can either continue east along the coast to Slovenia to start heading south towards Croatia and the amazing Balkan region or head north towards Switzerland and Austria. 

Stop 23: Heading north from Italy, Innsbruck is the first major Austrian city you will reach. This is another great destination for hiking if you’re craving some outdoor activities. There are even free walking tours of the Alps if you want to tackle a small hike without having to figure out the logistics yourself.

Stop 24: From Innsbruck, take the train for a few hours to Salzburg . Famous for being the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location of the Sound of Music , this gorgeous city is surrounded by mountains and has amazing Baroque architecture. While you can see most of it in a day or two, it’s a good idea to allow yourself a bit more time, especially if you want to join one of the day tours to the Sound of Music sights! 

Stop 25: Just a few hours from Salzburg, you can reach Munich . It’s the capital of Bavaria and home to some of Germany’s best lager. Its historical center boasts Neo-Gothic architecture and the Hoffbrauhaus as well as many interesting museums including the Deutsches Museum which is the largest museum of science and technology in the world. 

Stop 26: From Munich, you can easily catch a train to Prague , the capital of the Czech Republic. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe thanks to its impressive collection of Baroque and Gothic architecture. Although it’s nowhere near as cheap as it used to be, Prague still offers pretty decent value for money compared to France, Spain, or Germany, so this is another chance to splurge a bit on food and beer! 

Extension option #1 : If you want to continue heading east, Budapest, Hungary, is a relatively short train ride away and is well worth the detour! You can even stop in Bratislava, Slovakia, on the way. From there, you can head to Romania and further into the Balkans.

Extension option #2: You can also head into Poland from Prague. Some of the highlights of the country include Wroclaw, Krakow, and Warsaw.

Stop 27: If you don’t have the time, money, or energy to do one of the extension options, the next stop is Berlin . Germany’s capital city is renowned for its museums and edgy culture. This is a city where anything can happen! While you’re there, make sure to visit Checkpoint Charlie and view the remains of the Berlin Wall. These stand as an important reminder of the division of Germany between East and West and how far they have come.

Stop 28: When you’ve gotten your fill of Berlin, it’s time to start making your way toward Frankfurt . This is one of the country’s biggest and most important cities, and it serves as an airline hub for flights back to the U.S. There isn’t a huge amount to see in Frankfurt, but you can continue your journey from there.

So, are you ready to roam?

We hope this guide has given you a good start on planning your European backpacking trip! As always, we would love to hear your feedback, and please let us know if there are any tips, tricks, or destinations we may have missed. 

If you want to read more great information about any of these destinations, make sure to check out the Let’s Roam Explorer blog . This blog features hundreds of destination guides, must-see lists, and travel articles that can help you plan the perfect adventure. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the things that you need to think about when backpacking Europe are the season that you are going in, what accommodation options there are, and what your budget is.

It’s definitely worth backpacking in Europe! The beautiful architecture, amazing museums, sprawling parks, and charming cobblestone streets have been drawing people to Europe for centuries.

You can backpack Europe on the cheap by staying in hostels, doing app-based scavenger hunts, traveling during the off-season, and taking buses or local trains instead of the faster inner-city trains.

Some of the best places to backpack in Europe include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. If you’re an experienced traveler, you may also want to consider the Balkans or Eastern Europe.

The amount of money you spend while backpacking Europe depends on how you like to travel. You can stay in hotels, hostels, or by Couchsurfing or take planes and buses which all have very different costs.

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Backpacking Europe: A Beginners Step-by-Step Guide (2023)

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

A detailed guide to planning and booking a trip around Europe, whether you’re travelling solo, in a couple or with a friend!

Europe is a continent that you could travel to hundreds of times, yet still, find something new to discover. Diverse and culturally rich, Europe is just the gift that keeps on givin’. 

Backpacking Europe is for anyone and everyone .

As someone who has visited Europe more times than I can count, I can guide you through the necessary steps to make your dream backpacking trip become a reality.

Planning a successful backpacking Europe trip will take a bit of time, dedication, and research, but it will all be totally worth it!

But first and foremost, I’ll let you in on a secret. If you’re backpacking Europe for the first time, the best way is get around is by interrailing. I speak about this more in my post later, but you can view some of my other posts below. Bookmark them for later!

🚝 Want to buy an interrailing pass for travelling Europe? I recommend checking this website for the best discounts and deals!

• Interrailing Spain: Travel Spain By Train
• Best Hostel In Copenhagen: Steel House Review
• Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: FOUR Routes You’ll Love!
• Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
• 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
• What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials

Want to see epic photos and videos from these experiences?

Follow me on Instagram! As we travel, I post everything live on Instagram, so check out my recent highlights and posts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, drop me a DM!

Backpacking Europe : A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a successful europe trip.

Europe lies solely in the Northern Hemisphere and is the world’s sixth-biggest continent . It crazily only contains 7% of the world’s land. Hard to believe when you think of all of the diverse countries it includes!

Whilst backpacking Europe, you have 50 unique countries to choose from.

A trip to Russia , the biggest in the continent situated in the North, is completely different to a visit to the smallest country on Earth; The Vatican City , which is actually located in the centre of Rome, Italy.

Whilst planning a backpacking Europe trip, there are some big factors that need to be considered.

For example, the weather! The weather within the continent can be completely different from one country to the next. For example, the UK has an average temperate of 14°C, whereas Turkey tends to linger in the high 20s more often than not.

Even visually, a country like Turkey is going to be an entirely different trip to a visit to the Scottish Highlands. That’s why knowing how to plan a Europe trip successfully is so important. 

This post is a one-stop tour of all the important aspects to consider when backpacking Europe. Whether you’re riding solo, with a partner, friend, kids or Nan ( I mean, I wish I was travelling with my nan), I’ve got you covered.

When using this post to plan your Europe trip, feel free to post any questions in the comment box, or contact me directly on social media! I’m here to help you live out your Europe dreams without the stress 🥰

Step 1: Get together the right travel documents!

Let’s start out with some all-important boring stuff. Travel documents and admin for travelling Europe!

How does Brexit affect travelling around Europe?

If you’re backpacking Europe from the UK, it’s pretty simple on the visa front, even with the new Brexit changes. 

Even after Brexit, we are able to travel freely around Europe, as long as it is for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180 day period). 

So a weekend in Italy could be followed up by a fortnight’s stay in France. This would all be covered in your 90-day stay limit.

When planning a bigger backpacking trip around Europe, this is something to bear in mind. How long are you going for? Is your visa going to allow this? 

If you are looking to stay for a longer amount of time, you will need to apply for an extended visa. This includes staying for tourism, work, or study. 

This may change in the future. Please always check the latest Government advice. 

Is my European Health Insurance card (EHIC) still valid?

Yes. If your EHIC was issued before the end of 2020, your card is valid until the expiry date on the front of your card. 

After this, the government has said they will issue a different type of card for emergency medical care. There is no confirmation of this and no details have been released. 

It is advised that you buy medical insurance before travelling (anywhere), especially if you have a pre-existing health condition.

Want to start your digital nomad life?

Check out my ebook page (click here!) to see if there’s a guide that suits you. I’m here to help you leave the 9-5 and work remotely around the world! 💻 🌎

Is my UK driving license accepted across Europe?

Remember to take your driving licence with you, as well as your logbook (V5C) and valid insurance documents if you are taking a car that you own. You don’t want to be caught short!

If you are taking your own car, you will need to contact your insurer around 6 weeks before travel to get a ‘green card’ to prove your insurance is in date and in use. 

Anyone over the age of 19 can hire a car in most places throughout Europe. There are a few countries (like the Netherlands, Hungary and Greece) where you will need to be 21+.

Without a doubt, the best way to backpack Europe is by interrailing . This is travelling Europe by train, and this blog is full of information to help you plan an epic interrailing trip!

I’m arriving from outside of Europe, what documents do I need?

First of all, the no-brainer of a passport. Make sure it has 6 months left before its expiry date and you’re sorted (if not, get that ticket to freedom renewed). 

If you’re from America, Canada or Australia (and most other major countries), you will not need a visa for short stay trips. This is similar to UK travellers; where you’re allowed a trip of up to 90 days.

Step 2: Get a rough idea of where you want to go whilst backpacking Europe

Now, when you are ready to plan your backpacking Europe trip, you do not need to make a definitive list of destinations (unless you know a lot about Europe already).

However, it’s good to have some idea of what you want to see and where you want to go on your trip!

Like; are you a beach person and want to hit up the European coastlines? Or would you rather the history and culture of an old city, like London or Paris? You don’t have to decide now, but most people know without a lot of thought what they’re into.

GOOD TO KNOW: Europe is split into Eastern, Northern, Central and Western sections (which is actually quite rarely referred to). 

As you know, Europe is a pretty big continent and each country is extremely different from the next. 

Therefore, for practical reasons, you might want to focus on one section to keep your journey between each European country shorter. 

Check out my interrailing posts if you’re serious about backpacking Europe!

Which part of Europe is best to travel?

• Eastern Europe – Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine and most of Russia
• Western Europe – Belgium, France, Luxemburg, Ireland, Monaco, the UK, Netherlands
• Central Europe –  Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Liechtenstein the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland
• Northern Europe – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden

( FYI – these sections literally change depending on which site you look at. They provide a rough guide if your European geography is a bit pants.)

When I travelled across Europe interrailing , I did cross quite a few sections, so it is possible! Especially if you have an Interrail pass . The trains are super well connected and you can get to most countries in Europe easily (but more on that later). 

Don’t worry if you have zero ideas about what’s in each country or why you might want to visit. So many European countries will surprise you with their beauty, especially the least expected ones!

I’d strongly advise researching different countries in Europe (even ones you haven’t heard of!) before planning your route; just to see what else is out there!

I have detailed posts on interrailing Spain , France and Italy . Make sure you read them before you go!

Need more information about interrailing? I have a whole section on the blog about travelling Europe by train. Check out the most popular blog posts here!

Step 3: Think about your duration:places ratio

Now, I am a big advocate of taking things slow when travelling, especially when backpacking Europe. I made the mistake of planning hundreds (well, nearly) countries into a 2-week trip and ended up burnt out, exhausted, and if I’m honest, a trip that could have been better if I’d not planned as much. 

If you cram too many places into a short amount of time, it just won’t be worth it. 

My advice to backpackers would be to plan to visit fewer European countries and give yourself more time to explore each one.

This also works in your favour when you meet new people and want to tag along with them to a crazy beer festival or realise you’re in a city with the world’s oldest pizza restaurant and have an extra few days to visit. 

How long should you spend in each European destination?

Here are my recommendations for travelling to European countries and cities.

• Major Cities: 2-3 nights minimum
• Small towns/coasts: 2-4 nights minimum, unless you are likely to spend a lot of time on the beach
• Hiking/Camping: 2 nights +, especially if you are planning on a lot of activity during the day. Having to pack up and be ready to leave the next morning can add extra pressure to your (already) strenuous activity. 

Of course, these guidelines are adaptable and personal. If you are on a tough time restriction, just plan less. Plan to go to fewer places in Europe, plan to see or do less, otherwise, you will end up frazzled and end up falling asleep halfway through your strawberry gelato.

I know some of you might be saying “but I want to see everything!” and I get that. If you’re absolutely set on stretching yourself thin and doing a non-stop whirlwind tour of a country in a couple of days; go for it. Maybe plan a few days off work when you return to recover (and be prepared to have to whizz through some of your plans because of how much you have organised). 

I have detailed posts on interrailing Spain , Switzerland , France and Italy . Make sure you read them before you go!

Step 4: Decide on HOW you’re backpacking Europe

You’re in luck here; as backpacking Europe is one of the easiest continents to travel around (and comfortably!). There are quite a few options to choose from, from budget to luxury options.

You’ll find whilst backpacking Europe that most countries will have their own transport systems that have basic hygiene and comfort levels. I’ve been on a few rickety trains through Eastern Europe, and even they were nothing like the rickety-ness of Southeast Asia (if you’ve been to Thailand, you’ll know what I mean).

Train (Interrailing Pass) around Europe

One of the most popular ways to get around Europe is via train. This is due to the easy ‘Interrail’ system . Buying this pass will allow you to travel freely around most countries in Europe, on modern and comfortable trains. 

There are different types of interrail passes , such as;

• Global Pass (2nd Class) – this allows you to visit the entire continent on one ticket. Prices start around £150 for 4 days, up to the 90 day mark for around £500. 

In regards to the class, 2nd isn’t hugely different to 1st and definitely better for those on a budget. 

The Global Pass lets you travel in these 33 countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey.

• One country pass : If you’re more of a thorough traveller and want to take your time, this one is perfect for a one-country trip. Prices do vary depending on the country you’re wanting to visit, so check out the Interrail Site before purchasing. 

🚝 Need to buy your interrailing pass ? I recommend checking this website for the best discounts and deals!

Still unsure about the interrailing pass? I’ve written a detailed post on why it’s so wonderful here.

Bus around Europe

• Megabus : I love this option. I love Megabus! Although I am a bit weird and love long coach journeys (I just love the chill and snacks, okay?!)

Megabus is a super cheap way to travel to some parts of Europe. So if you’re hitting up the UK, Brussels, Paris or Amsterdam, Google Megabus and find some cheap-as-chips bus tickets to travel the entire length of your chosen country. Seriously, some journeys can be as cheap as £3!

If you’re backpacking in England, trains are going to be your last option due to the incredible amount of £££ they cost. A £5 Megabus journey may cost £50+ on a train. Take it from me, I wouldn’t get a train in England unless I really, really needed to! 

• Busabout/FlixBus: These are essentially the Megabus, but spread further across Europe. Just check out your destination and what bus service the country uses. 

Most of the buses have free Wifi, toilets onboard and are pretty comfy. 

Busabout also sells hop on/hop-off tickets for a set price. If you’re planning on taking multiple trips in a short amount of time and want some activities thrown in, it might be worth looking into. 

Prices start at around £250 for a 2-week pass. 

Flying around Europe

Europe definitely isn’t the cheapest continent to fly around, but if you’re lucky and travelling out of school term time, you may get some budget deals. 

Have a look at Ryanair , EasyJet , Vueling , Flybe , Norweigan Air and Wizz Air for the cheapest deals (even though they add about 6 grand on for luggage. Sometimes I think they don’t actually work out that cheap *rolls eyes emoji*). 

My go-to for booking flights is Google Flights and Momondo . I find they tend to be the cheapest.

Whenever I have travelled through Europe, I have completely mix-matched my modes of transport. I’ve flown, drove, train-ed and bus-ed. It really is all down to where you’re travelling to (for example, if you’re in Ibiza it’s going to be pretty impossible to get on a bus to Italy). 

Step 6: What time of year is best to visit Europe?

Europe is situated in the Northern Hemisphere of the world, so the seasons pretty much look like this;

• Winter: December – February 
• Spring: March – May
• Summer: June – August
• Autumn: September – November 

The temperatures do vary from country to country, but it’s a good guide to have for when you’re planning your trip.

☀️ Spain, Portugal and Greece generally have good weather all year round. Although, they do have times where it can be quite brisk and windy, especially over the winter time. 

❄️ If you’re planning on hitting the slopes, January – February tends to be quieter than the peak season in March. For further info, check out On The Snow to compare each country’s weather for the best skiing time.

Wherever you’re going, check out the weather first before you start packing.

You really don’t want to be left in your flip-flops when there’s a monsoon going on overhead. Been there, done that. It isn’t great. 

Step 7: What to Pack for a Europe trip

Packing can seem like an unbearable task; especially before you’ve started. I find the best way to get the job done quickly and efficiently is to make a list (or if you’re my boyfriend, pack 5 plain t-shirts and a pair of shorts).

You can check out my detailed interrailing packing list here.

If you’re travelling to a snowy part of Europe (like Finland or Norway) I have an extensive Arctic Circle packing list here!

Step 8: Deciding on a budget and saving money whilst travelling Europe

Now we’re down to the nitty-gritty. How much money do you save to take when backpacking Europe?

The answer? It depends. (Sorry). The question you need to ask yourself really is, HOW do you want to travel Europe?

On a tight budget? In luxury? A mix of both? Hostels ? Airbnbs? Signing up for every activity known to man in the entire continent? 

I know when I travel, I’m a mix of cheap and “do I really need to go on that 8th wine tour?” type of spender. I hate missing out on anything, so my priority is usually activities over accommodation.

On my travels, I have met so many people who are the same as me. Dorm rooms, shared bathrooms, messy kitchens – no problem if I’m able to scuba dive the Meditteranean. 

Budgeting for a Europe backpacking trip

The first time I travelled Thailand in 2015, I jetted off for a month in August and spent £1000. Total.

The following year, I spent a month travelling Europe. Total price: £3500. 

Exact same time of year, exact same amount of time. Just a whooooole lot more money. 

My trip around Europe was anything but luxury. We did have a few private rooms and Airbnbs but they were pretty standard.

But, we didn’t scrimp on the activities. We did everything, every excursion, nice meal out, we partied, drank (alcohol probably was 50% of my budget…maybe) and we really pushed the boat out when it came to enjoying ourselves.

Could we have travelled around Europe for less? Probably. I made some rookie mistakes and it was one of my first backpacking trips, so don’t let it put you off.

But, I do think, especially for newbie travellers, it is important to highlight how expensive travelling can be. Especially if you really want to enjoy every moment and live your trip to its fullest. 

Step 9: Choosing accommodation whilst backpacking Europe

This is the part where I should probably say to get the cheapest room possible and rough it out whilst backpacking Europe, but I won’t tell you to do that. 

Instead, I’m going to speak from personal experience here. I have stayed in all types of accommodation (and I really mean, all types). 

If you’re starting out, travelling solo or with a friend, I’d strongly recommend a shared room throughout Europe.

Don’t always look for the cheapest – look for the most popular. Highest reviews, shares on social media, tagged photos etc.

If you’re anything like me when travelling (a severe social butterfly), you want to be where everyone is at. Is there anything worse than hostel FOMO? 

Do your Europe hostel research. The best kind is speaking to someone else who’s been there before and knows the lowdown on the best spots in town to make hundreds of like-minded pals. (Ahem, shameless plug to myself). 

If sharing a room isn’t your thing, I have also been a more ‘private space’ traveller. The first month I backpacked through SE Asia, my best friend and I were huge fans of private rooms (still in a hostel though, not that loaded). 

Yes, you do get the privacy and luxury of your own bathroom, but we met about 90% less people and drank about 90% less alcohol because of being so isolated from others. 

I’d recommend private rooms if you are a couple, or need a bit of a ‘detox’ from the 20-man dorm room, but shared dorms will always be my go-to for solo travelling.

CHECK OUT THE BEST HOSTELS IN EUROPE HERE!

Best hostels whilst interrailing Europe

One of my best interrail tips is to at least  book your  first hostel in advance .  During the summer months,  hostels in Europe will be fully booked.  It will be tough finding a good hostel last minute.

Use  Hostelworld to pre-book any hostels . They have excellent cancellation policies and you can usually  get your money back right up until 24 hours before staying , so if you have any last-minute changes, you have that flexibility.

Whilst I can’t list every single hostel in Europe, these are some of the best, well-known hostels to stay in whilst interrailing.  Simply click the link to check prices and availability!

• 🇫🇷  Paris:  Generator Paris  or  The People
• 🇭🇺  Budapest:   Maverick City Lodge
• 🇳🇱  Amsterdam:  Ecomama
• 🇩🇪  Berlin:  The Circus Hostel
• 🇵🇹  Lisbon:   Home Lisbon
• 🇦🇹  Vienna:   Hostel Ruthensteiner
• 🇪🇸  Madrid:  Sungate One
• 🇮🇪  Dublin:   Gardiner House

➡  Check out  other European hostels here.

Step 10: Should I buy an Interrailing Pass to travel Europe?

Using an interrailing pass is definitely the easiest way to travel Europe.

Your interrailing pass covers all of your travel, and all of the timetables and routes are online for you to easily access. 

The interrailing pass will save you money, as some single trips between destinations can cost between 50 – 100 EUR. If you buy the Interrailing Pass at the start of your trip, you won’t have to spend any more money on travel (unless you wanted to use a ferry or another mode of transport).

Also, if you book individually with local trains, you’re not going to be able to spontaneously change your plans or get any refunds if things go wrong.

If you’re still worried, sit and do the maths and work out whether the pass is right for you or not. Personally, I love the flexibility of the pass and being able to chop and change right up until the last minute.

Still unsure? Check out my Is the Interrail Pass Worth it? An Honest Review and decide for yourself!

Backpacking Europe: When You Arrive

Yay! If you’ve made it this far in the post, so you must be pretty serious about your trip across Europe. How exciting!

Ok – do this. Close your eyes.

Seriously do it. 

Well, maybe read the next bit first and then close your eyes or you won’t actually have a clue what’s going on. (I’m just trying something here).

When you envision your beautiful future in Europe, living out your dreams, what do you picture yourself doing?

• Drinking champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower?
• Skiing the slopes of the Alps?
• Hiking through the forest in Scandinavia? 
• Eating tapas in Barcelona?
• Sunbathing on the beaches of Santorini?
• Watching the sunrise on a boat in Croatia?

Ok, I’ll stop. I’m close to booking another trip to Europe here myself. 

Anyway, my point here is – if you’re planning a backpacking trip around Europe, do it the way you want to do it. Drink that champagne, eat that bowl of pasta, hike that forest…you get what I mean. 

Don’t miss out on an adventure of a lifetime and regret not doing something for years to come.

Skip buying the dress for your night out in your hometown and save that £50 for a wine tour in Paris. I promise, it’s worth it. 

What to see and do in each country really needs research per destination.

Backpacking Europe FAQs

Is it easy to backpack through europe.

Backpacking Europe is easy if you have done the right planning and have enough money to keep you going. Europe isn’t the cheapest of continents, but it is known for its fast transport systems and comfort.

The problem with Europe (or pro, depending on how you’re looking at it) is that it’s so diverse. You can spend weeks backpacking Europe and still feel like you didn’t see half of it. This can be something difficult to wrap your head around, but it just means you’ll need to plan return trips!

Technically speaking, it is easy to backpack Europe due to modern transport systems, clean and modern hostels, clear and direct signposts and easy driving on roads.

Is it expensive to backpack through Europe?

This really depends on how you want to backpack Europe. However, even backpacker hostels will set you back around £20-30 per night (whereas SE Asia can be as low as £4-5 per night).

It is one of the most expensive continents to travel, but with good planning and savvy spending, you can keep costs to a minimum.

Is backpacking Europe safe?

Like travelling anywhere, travelling Europe has its risks and reasons for you to be vigilant. On a whole, backpacking Europe is safe, and even as a solo female, I have never felt ‘unsafe’ anywhere in Europe.

Of course, keep your guard up, don’t walk in quiet places alone at night, and use your common sense when it comes to staying safe. But overall, Europe is a safe place to travel.

How long should you backpack Europe?

This all depends on your budget and what you want to see during your trip.

If you want to see a fair amount of the continent, you’re going to want to plan for at least 4 weeks. When staying in European cities, you’ll want at least 1-2 nights, and locations out in the countryside or in the mountain ranges, you might want extra time to explore a bit more.

Think about what’s important to you, and how well feasible it would be for you to slow travel Europe.

How much should I budget for a month in Europe?

Excluding flights, I would recommend budgeting at least £1500+ for a month travelling Europe.

This includes all accommodations, trips, activities and food. Food alone will set you back a fair bit on your trip, and you don’t want to miss out on bucket list experiences by not having enough money.

Spend some more time saving so you can experience Europe to its fullest.

How do I prepare for backpacking Europe?

• Check your passport is in date, and you have all the relevant travel documents.
• Buy your backpack. My favourite is this Osprey wheeled 65L , because you can roll it when you’re feeling tired!
• Make a packing list. I have a backpacking essential list here!
• Book your flights and look up how you will travel from the airport to your first hostel or hotel.
• Use Pinterest, travel blogs and Instagram to find places you really want to visit.
• Decide on whether or not you want an Interrailing Pass.
• Pack your bag and GO! Don’t think any more about it, just prepare yourself for a European trip of a lifetime.

Backpacking Europe : In a Nutshell

Now, you truly are all set to book that incroyable trip around Europe!

There is a lot of information here and it may be quite overwhelming, so save or share this post to come back to it later.

But GO YOU for getting this far in a 5000-word post. You must really want that dreamy Europe trip.

And guess what? You deserve it!

👀 Do you have something to share about planning a trip around Europe? Want to add something to the post? Comment below!

Happy travelling!

PSSST, I’m a bit of an expert when it comes to interrailing Europe. Check out my posts here:

• Best Backpack For Interrailing: Ultimate Europe Backpack Guide
• Best Time To Go Interrailing (Europe) Guide: MUST-READ!

Interrailing Spain: ULTIMATE Guide to Travelling Spain By Train

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MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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• Trip Styles
• Destinations
• Guided Backpacking Trips

GUIDED BACKPACKING TRIPS

Our guided backpacking tours take you into the heart of world-renowned wilderness destinations like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite.

Enjoy solitude and adventure as you embark on a self-sufficient journey deep into America’s most stunning wild areas. You’ll be carrying everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide. Pack weights vary between 25 and 45 pounds, depending on the area, the duration of the trip, the time of year, and your height and weight.

We provide everything except clothing, footwear, rain gear, personal items, and a couple small gear items. All the gear we provide (backpacks, tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, trekking poles, cooking gear) is top-of-the-line. Also, you can request to share a tent with others in your party or have one to yourself. All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day, and your guide will prepare all meals.

Note: if you’d like to do a standard backpacking trip but prefer not to carry the gear, we offer porter services for $400 per porter per day. The porters can carry up to 30 lbs of guest gear and do not hike with the groups.

Top Backpacking Trips

• Most Popular – Rim to Rim in Grand Canyon
• Most Adventurous – Longs Peak Loop
• Best Wildlife – Thorofare Trek
• Best Waterfall Trip – Havasupai
• Coolest Campsites – Valleys and Glaciers of the Cascades
• Best Views – Hermit Loop
• Top Weekend Trip – Young Lakes & Mount Conness
• Top Family Trip – Thunder Lake
• Best Hot Springs – Bechler River Traverse
• Best Fall Colors – Mount Sterling Appalachian Loop

All Guided Backpacking Trips Trips ( 97 results)

Filter trips.

Destination

Trip Length

West Coast Trail Backpack

Alpine Peaks, Lakes and Waterfalls Thru Hike

Summer Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon

Autumn Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon

Hermit Loop

Coyote Gulch

Grand Canyon Classic

Boulder Lake to Green River Lakes

Heart Lake to Snake River

Yosemite Falls and North Dome Traverse

Yellowstone Spring Trekking Adventure

Wild Alaska Coast and Glacier Trek

Stock/Porter Trips

Experience the adventurous backcountry of America’s national parks and wilderness areas with the added joy of hiking with only a light day pack! Let porters, llamas or pack mules carry the gear so you can maximize your enjoyment while hiking and enjoy more elaborate backcountry meals! Trips include all camping gear, meals, a professional hiking guide, and porters, llamas or mules to carry the supplies.

Basecamp Trips

Our basecamp tours are adventurous hiking trips that take you deep into the wilderness on challenging day hikes and return you to a comfortable, vehicle-accessible camp each afternoon for showers and exceptional meals around a campfire! These trips are excellent options for people who want a memorable outdoor experience with fantastic hiking and also access to showers, cold drinks, perishable foods…etc. Trips include local transportation, camping gear, meals, park entrance fees, and a professional hiking guide.

Inn-based Tours

Hike your national park(s) of choice in style! Join us for an unforgettable hiking vacation featuring a variety of adventurous forays into the wilderness each day with cozy lodging and charming restaurant meals each night. Learn about the amazing natural and cultural history of the area and challenge yourself on exceptional hikes. Trips include local transportation, lodging, meals, park entrance fees and a professional hiking guide.

Day Hike Tours

Make the most of your day at the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite or Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided day hike! Learn about the amazing natural and cultural history of the area, enjoy the peace of mind that results from hiking with a local expert, let us take care of the gear and food, and hear amazing stories that have taken place in the Park. All hikes include use of a backpack, trekking poles and crampons (Grand Canyon in winter); snacks and lunch; and a professional hiking guide.

MORE ABOUT GUIDED BACKPACKING TRIPS

What is a backpacking trip.

A backpacking trip differs significantly from a normal camping or hiking excursion in that it involves hiking away from roads, trail heads, parking lots…etc. with everything we need on our backs. We carry all of our food, kitchen gear, clothing, camping equipment, water filters and more on our backs in technical, multi-day backpacks. And we set off into the wilderness as a self-sufficient group. Each outing varies in terms of moving camp or staying in the same camp for multiple nights. Some trips are loops, others are thru-hikes (meaning point-to-point hikes that require shuttles), and still others are out-and-backs. Every backpacking tour is unique and all are hand-picked for their adventure, natural beauty, campsites, and amazing hiking.

THE JOY OF BACKPACKING

As every backcountry guide knows well, there’s a shift that happens to people after 2-3 days in the wilderness. Surrounded by the peace, silence, natural beauty and an environment largely uninfluenced by humanity, the tranquility of nature begins to permeate our consciousness. Our minds slow down and become quieter, our senses heighten, our appreciation of our surroundings expands, our bodies relax even while working hard, and the rythms of the natural world begin to feel familiar. Our daily activity aligns with the sun. We wake at first light and watch the sun ease its way over cliffs, mountains or canyons; and at the end of the day we watch it set in an often brilliant light show before sitting around a campfire or crawling into our sleeping bags. The days are full with simple yet stunningly fulfilling activities: crossing rivers, hiking over passes, ascending canyons, eating, resting, appreciating where we are, connecting with our fellow travelers. The joys of backpacking are not easily conveyed in words – ultimately, the only way to truly understand it is to experience it for yourself.

WHAT’S INCLUDED ON A WILDLAND TREKKING BACKPACKING TOUR?

Our backpacking trips are all-inclusive! What that means is we worry about nearly all the logistics so you don’t have to. We take care of necessary national park and camping permits, which can be difficult to secure. All top-of-the-line gear is provided, which includes technical, multi-day backpacks; sleeping bags and pads; tents; trekking poles and more. (It’s a lovely thing to not have to travel with backpacking gear and our average guest is outfitted with approximately $1000 of retail outdoor gear!) We provide all meals from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day, and our guests rave about our meals. Local transportation is included, which often involves shuttling to/from different trailheads, a logistic that can be very difficult to arrange if not on a guided tour. Last but certainly not least, a certified, professional backpacking guide is included, and our award-winning team of guides is the best out there.

WHY JOIN A GUIDED BACKPACKING TRIP?

There are many reasons our guests join our trips. Here are some common ones:

• Some guests want to hike with a local, professional guide to increase the safety and enjoyment of backpacking in an unfamiliar area.
• Some people are new to backpacking and prefer to hike with experts for peace of mind and to learn best practices.
• For some of our guests, a specific backpacking trip (like Half Dome, Rim to Rim, or Iceland’s Laugavegur Trek) is on their bucket list and they don’t want to purchase all the gear and equipment to do a single trip.
• Some folks are most interested in the educational aspect of learning about the area they’re hiking through.
• Some guests join our guided tours for the ease and convenience of letting us handle the logistics so they can focus 100% on enjoying the hiking experience.
• For most of our guests it’s a combination of some or all of these points that they join our trips

JOIN A MOUNTAIN OR CANYON TREK?

Generally, our backpacking tours can be categorized by mountain trips and canyon trips. Mountain trips are in places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain National Park, the North Cascades, Great Smoky Mountains…etc. Canyon trips are in places like Grand Canyon, Sedona, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Death Valley, Canyonlands…etc. Mountain trips feature forests, meadows, rivers, lakes, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, wildlife, and often higher elevation hiking. Canyon trips feature desert oases, arches, desert viewpoints, geological phenomena, cultural history, and wonderful winter and shoulder season temperatures. Many of our return guests alternate between mountain backpacking trips and canyon backpacking trips, experience the best of both worlds! Read more below for more information about where to go at which time of year!

WHEN TO GO ON A TRIP

This is a very common question, and not one easily answered. The better question is probably, “I’d like to go on a backpacking trip in {month or season}; where should I go?” If you’d like to go in the spring, then it’s best to look toward canyon and high desert destinations like the  Grand Staircase-Escalante  or  Canyonlands  in Utah, the  Grand Canyon ,  Southern California , and the  Great Smoky Mountains  (Smokies are a mountain destination but at lower elevation). Summer is best in the mountains – destinations like  Yellowstone ,  Rocky Mountain National Park ,  Yosemite  and  the Pacific Northwest . Fall can still be great in the mountains (usually through September), and then in October and November the canyon and high desert destinations are going to be better. Finally, winter is best in desert areas like Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Still have questions? Give us a call at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to learn more!

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

There are several basic things to be aware of, whether you’re joining a guided trip or doing it on your own:

• First, bring the right  clothing and equipment . This is absolutely critical. In the mountains or in the desert in spring, fall and winter you’ll want to have plenty of non-cotton clothing. In the desert in the summer months, you’ll want to have cotton clothing. Waterproof/breathable rain gear is essential, as are solid footwear, good and light backpacking tent, warm sleeping bag, sleeping pad, water filter or treatment, first-aid kit and more. If in doubt, join a  guided trip  to make sure you’re prepared.
• Second, know where you’re going and have a  good map  plus the ability to read it and orient yourself on it.
• Third, be aware of possible medical situations like  heat stroke ,  hypothermia  and  hyponatremia . Know the symptoms, how to avoid them, and what to do if you or a companion begin to show symptoms.
• Fourth, have an emergency communication device.  Inreach Explorers  are light, affordable and offer GPS texting as well as one touch emergency notification capabilities and GPS location tracking.
• Finally, tell someone where you’re going and when you’re going to return.

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Pros Vs. Cons Of Backpacking, And Why It's Worth Doing At Least Once

Backpacking can be for everyone and the best way to determine if it's for you is by going over the pros and cons.

Backpacking might not sound like everyone's idea of the perfect vacation. However, after the last year and a half that we've all had, communing with nature and exploring the world in solitude or with a few close pals might be exactly what we need. Backpacking has been a longstanding tradition that's been around longer than most of us even realize, dating back to the very beginnings of walkable exploration. Nowadays, people fly all over the world in order to start from a certain point and explore a country, or several, on foot.

Related:  Planning To Walk The Camino De Santiago? These Are The Items You Must Bring In Your Backpack

For so many, this is a time of self-reflection and the chance to center themselves. It's arguably the best way to get to know a country and its culture, with minimal distractions other than those which one would face while 'on the road' or, in this case, the trail. Still unsure if it's for you? Check out the pros and cons to decide if you're due for a wanderlust-filled backpacking trip .

Pro: It's A Great Way To See The World For Those On A Low (Or No) Budget

The great thing about backpacking is that much of the time, you're traveling with everything that's on your back and that's it. Usually, that includes a tent that can be set up practically anywhere that's legal, meaning you're truly seeing the world with no restrictions. There are no hotel fees, no rental car fees, and aside from food, there's really nothing left to pay for. Of course, the occasional night in a hostel or a hotel doesn't hurt any but even that is still saving travelers tons of money.

Con: There's A Fairly Significant Level Of Spontaneity Involved

If you're the kind of person who can't deviate from a plan and requires everything to be thoroughly mapped out and detailed, then backpacking will be an interesting experience. As is expected, there is some spontaneity in not always knowing where you'll be laying your head down for the night or how far you'll be able to go on any given day. While you'll likely have days planned out in accordance with how many miles you'll be walking, if you'll be catching public transportation, etc., anything from rainstorms to transportation delays can put a damper (no pun intended) on that leg of the trip. Therefore, being flexible with plans and being able to change them last minute is definitely a good quality to have... but it's also a con for some people.

Pro: You're Disconnected In The Best Way, And Gaining Confidence By The Day

There won't always be WiFi which means that checking one's social media won't always be an option. In fact, charging your phone might not always be an option. Relying on local landlines, computer access via towns, and reserving phone batteries may very well be part of your backpacking journey. This disconnection is something that's initially startling and uncomfortable until you realize the world is what exists around you, not behind a phone screen. That first major summit, the first cliffside view of the ocean, charming small town, or friend met along the way will prove that .

Con: Homesickness Can Creep In, Especially In The Process Of Dropping Material Things

And while it's perfectly okay to feel this homesickness, it is still a con of backpacking. When we go on vacation, most of us go with the notion in mind that we'll be returning on a flight, at a certain time, on a certain day. Backpacking takes all of that certainty and throws it out the window, as the length and timing of the journey both rely on the person taking it.

Pro: Flexibility Is All Part Of The Experience And There's A Sense Of Freedom

This all goes back to spontaneity. If nothing else, backpacking will teach a person how to be flexible and adapt to certain situations. In most cases, this is initially an unwanted surprise to some because most of us are so used to our lives being somewhat in order. Backpacking requires a certain level of disorder to work, and flexibility will, in a funny way, allow any journey to go smoother. There's freedom in this act of letting go and it's a feeling that has backpackers continuously strapping on their packs for more.

Con: Hygiene Is An Interesting Game To Play And Isn't Always Attractive

The notion of leaving no trace is entirely true and necessary, especially when backpacking through national parks or long stretches of untouched nature. Everything from toilet paper (used and unused) to toothpaste must be packed out, and any and all food scraps need to be packed out and thrown out, as well. In terms of hygiene, don't worry about packing tons of clothes because they'll just get dirty... and after a few days, you'll be so wrapped up in your journey that you won't even care. Or you will, and you'll quickly be looking for a hostel or public shower.

Next:  20 Photos (Shared By Travelers) That Show What Backpacking Is Really Like

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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 on on how to backpack through Europe . 

It’s so beautiful I’m going to cry.

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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 backpack through Europe

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.

How long to backpack europe? This depends on you, your budget and how much you want to see. 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

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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Tour company, colonial memorial among those honoured at Queensland Reconciliation Awards

On a quiet bush property in Far North Queensland, visitors are learning about a way of life that sustained traditional owners here for tens of thousands of years. 

The city of Cairns is a short boat ride away across the bay but it is here where new connections are being made between the Mandingalbay Yidinji people and the 5,500 tour guests they receive each year — three-quarters of whom come from overseas.

"Country belongs to us and we belong to it," explained Dale Mundraby, operations manager at the Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation.

"In terms of ownership, that's that respect, and people who come and share that experience get a really better understanding of what that is."

The Mandingalbay Yidinji have been operating cultural tours at East Trinity for more than two years, but the business was a vision two decades in the making.

Among the team of guides are three young mothers, who have returned to the workforce to share the stories of their country.

"We want to make a social impact and smash the welfare cycle, having self-independence and autonomy through delivering a cultural experience on country," Mr Mundraby said.

Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation's achievements were recognised with a business prize at the Queensland Reconciliation Awards presented in Cairns on Monday night.

Tour guide Joanne Mundraby said the venture was "a good opportunity for everyone".

"We do see a big future, not just creating employment, not just for Mundingalbay Yidinji but Indigenous people from all over and creating those big job titles for up-and-coming elders like myself," she said.

Nation first memorial honoured

As part of National Reconciliation Week, events are held across the country to promote a greater awareness of First Nations culture and history and to strengthen relationships with non-Indigenous Australians.

It's held each year from May 27 to June 3, marking the dates of the 1967 referendum to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution and the High Court's Mabo decision.

This year's Reconciliation Week is the first since October's failed referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

The Butchulla Men's Business Aboriginal Association was recognised at the awards ceremony for its memorial dedicated to the Butchulla warriors who defended their country in the Frontier Wars during colonisation.

The memorial, unveiled last year on Butchulla country in Maryborough, was the first of its kind anywhere in Australia.

Association founder Glen Miller said it was an honour to win the Premier's Reconciliation Award.

The men's business group also runs camps for boys and their fathers and was founded to help connect Butchulla people with culture.

"Many a night, us men sat around the campfire talking about the things in our community that concerned us and we were all concerned about our young men," Mr Miller said.

"We've positively influenced quite a number of young boys who've given up their social media stuff and joined the army, gone to boxing, or come down to Ravens Hill and do stuff with us men and go fishing."

Abergowrie State School in North Queensland, which partnered with Warrgamay traditional owners to establish a native bush tucker garden and introduce Warrgamay language into its curriculum, won the education award.

The health and wellbeing award went to Cape York health service Apunipima and the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service for a kidney care program.

Isa Rodeo Limited and Mona Aboriginal Corporation won the partnership category for the Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships.

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• Awards and Prizes
• Community Organisations
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• Reconciliation
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How to tour a US Olympic training site in the San Diego metro area

C HULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The 2024 Summer Olympic Games are quickly approaching, meaning the best athletes on the globe are preparing to gather in Paris for their chance to take home gold.

From archery and volleyball to fencing and cycling, the amount of training that goes into perfecting each sport is extensive. Athletes dedicate themselves for years on end to make it to the world stage.

Olympic training sites are scattered throughout the U.S., with one center being located in the San Diego metropolitan area.

For those who are curious to learn more about Olympic training, the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center offers educational tours and even VIP experiences at the facility. A breakdown of what tours are available to the general public can be found below.

Tour options

Self-Guided Tours

Visitors can walk down the mile-long Olympic Path that runs through the main campus without a guide for absolutely free. This self-guided tour will provide an overlook to many of the sports venues. It’s open to public Monday through Saturday during daylight hours.

Guided Tours

A guide will provide background information about the history of Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, as well as the purpose of the facility. Also provided will be general facts about local athletes and sport venues.

There are three different options for self-guided tours:

— The Bronze Tour is $10 per person and includes a guided tour down the Olympic Path.

— The Silver Tour is $20 per person and includes an exclusive guided tour of the venues, along with a behind the scenes walkthrough of the Strength & Conditioning Center and Dining Hall.

— The Gold Tour is $45 per person and includes an exclusive guided tour of venues, behind the scenes walkthrough of the Strength & Conditioning Center and Dining Hall, as well as an “Eat like an Athlete” experience where guests can enjoy an all-inclusive lunch in the Dining Hall.

Educational Group Tours

These tours are offered to school groups of 10 or more participants (second grade and older). The facility requires at least one adult for every 10 students. The maximum group size is 40 but that can be increase with ample notice in advance.

How to book

General public tours are given on a walk-in basis or can be reserved in advance by telephone (619-482-6220) or email ([email protected]).

Guided tours are subject to availability on weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Golf cart tours can accommodate up to seven passengers.

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games  are slated to begin on July 26. Head to Chula Vista ahead of time for some extra insight.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Huge UK rock band announces comeback album and tour after six years

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Snow Patrol have come out of hibernation and announced a brand new album and tour to the delight of fans.

For the first time in six years, Chasing Cars hitmakers Gary Lightbody , Nathan Connolly, and Johnny McDaid have reunited and recorded fresh music.

The group is now a trio after drummer Jonny Quinn and bassist Paul Wilson’s departures in September last year.

Finally, after months of tearing, Snow Patrol have released The Beginning — the lead single off their upcoming album The Forest Is The Path.

Along with the new music comes a UK and Ireland tour announcement from the Scottish group, which will start in 2025.

‘The first day we wrote The Beginning, start to finish,’ revealed Gary, who is the only remaining original band member.

‘And he did the vocal in one take,’ Johnny added. ‘Straight after writing the lyrics.

‘So it has this mind-collapsing quality to it where you feel like you’re seeing into someone’s soul.’

Snow Patrol originally started in the early 90s but saw huge success in 2006 with the hit album Eyes Open, featuring Chasing Cars.

Despite never reaching number one in the charts, the track remains the UK’s 26th most downloaded song of all time and was named the most-played song of the 21st century so far.

Due for release on September 13, the new album serves as a follow-up to 2018’s Wildness and is produced by the band and Fraser T Smith, who has worked with Adele and Stormzy previously.

A statement about the upcoming album, which features 12 tracks, called it ‘an album rooted in reflection, introspection and interrogation’.

Gary explained some inspiration comes from being a decade on from the end of a relationship and still feeling the fading love he had in the background.

He shared: ‘I haven’t been in a relationship for a very long time, 10 years or more, so love from a distance to me meant the way a relationship sits in your memory from a distance of, say, 10 years.

‘That’s not something I’d previously thought about as a way to write about love. So it’s like, when you’re in love, you’re standing in the lobby of the Empire State Building. When you’ve broken up with that person, you’re out in the street.

‘You can still see the building, but you’re not in there anymore. And when it’s 10 years later, now you’re standing in Brooklyn looking at the Manhattan skyline.’

The Forest Is The Path tracklist

Snow Patrol’s new album The Forest Is The Path is out on September 13, 2024.

This is the full tracklist, with The Beginning out now as lead single.

• The Beginning
• Everything’s Here And Nothing’s Lost
• Your Heart Home
• This Is The Sound Of Your Voice
• Hold Me In The Fire
• Years That Fall
• Never Really Tire
• What If Nothing Breaks?
• Talking About Hope
• The Forest Is The Path

This is a consistent theme throughout The Forest Is The Path, cropping up in numerous tracks.

‘That’s kind of a summing up of this album,’ Gary added. ‘It’s a way of looking at various mistakes, any pain I may have caused, from a place where nothing is hurting anymore, except the memory when you pull it back into your mind.

‘The memory itself is full of hurt but everything around it isn’t. You’re holding in your hand this ball of fire, but now you’ve got gloves on.’

Snow Patrol are set to play eight shows as part of their arena run, including The O2 in London on February 15, 2025.

Keen fans who pre-order The Forest Is The Path from Snow Patrol’s store will get access to tour pre-sale.

Anyone hoping to get their hands on tickets need not wait long as they go on pre-sale on June 5 at 10am and general sale on June 7 at 10am.

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USWNT head coach Emma Hayes brings unique personality back to the country that ‘made’ her

Emma Hayes won her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title with Chelsea on Saturday. On Wednesday, she arrived in Newark off her flight from Heathrow, and by Thursday morning she was awaiting a whirlwind media tour introducing her to an American audience that she, in some form, already knew.

But before the car picked her up from her hotel to begin that tour, she took a walk in the morning through Central Park, early as it was.

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New York City is a place where anonymity and fame can happen simultaneously, where the incoming head coach of the U.S. women’s national team can take a long, meandering walk through an often-bustling park and have that moment to herself before the pressure fully sets in.

In a few months, after she takes charge of the U.S. women’s national team at the Paris Olympics, Hayes might not have the leisure of taking a walk anywhere without being recognized.

Emma Hayes, the new head coach of the US Women’s national soccer team @USWNT , joins TODAY in her first U.S. interview since landing the role. @emmahayes1 opens up about how she got the news, her outlook for the 2024 Olympic Games and more! pic.twitter.com/fyfVZDC7zW — TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 23, 2024

At her first stop on Thursday at 30 Rock to appear on the Today Show, Hayes delivered the perfect line for those watching at home, unfamiliar with her journey as a coach — a winding two decades that ended with her in the highest profile coaching role in women’s soccer.

“I’m lucky to be born in England, but made in America.”

For Emma Hayes, who spent many years in her early career as a coach in New York, the paths of Central Park — and the city itself — already felt like home.

Hours after her first national TV hit, and after an early summer thunderstorm blew through Manhattan, Hayes settled in at the head of a table in a conference room at the NWSL offices near Bryant Park. Behind her, a massive window showed the streets below, the sidewalks filled, sunlight filtering in between the skyscrapers.

“Walking around New York, you can just imagine me getting off at Newark yesterday and thinking, ‘I remember those days,” Hayes told the small roundtable of reporters assembled for her first day on the job. Hayes lived in New York for seven years, and she remembered them well both for all of the challenges they presented a young coach, but also for the fulfillment they provided, and the lifetime friendships.

She had first come to New York from England having coached a bit in some youth programs in Liverpool and London, with her playing career ended years before thanks to a skiing accident as a teenager.

“(I was) fighting to stay in the country on different visas,” she recalled. “Wondering where I’m going to get enough to pay the rent in the next upcoming block. What am I going to do next?”

Those who knew Emma Hayes as a young coach in New York say she was 'destined for greatness'

She coached teams in Syosset and Port Washington (both in suburban Long Island) and said she spent “many a time underneath the Throgs Neck” – referring to the Throgs Neck bridge that links the boroughs of Queens and the Bronx, which overlooks a soccer field at Little Bay Park.

For a while, Hayes said, she had an apartment in Washington Heights, near the northern tip of Manhattan. She used to look out at the George Washington Bridge, take her walks then in Fort Tryon Park. It’s easy to imagine a 20-something Hayes wandering through that bucolic park’s numerous features: the heather garden, blooming with colors overlooking the Hudson River; the Cloisters, the Met’s medieval art collection housed in a castle; maybe through the Billings Arcade down below, a stone arch essentially created as a Gilded Age driveway.

Hayes, in many ways, has contributed to the mythologizing of those early days.

“I’ve got so many fond memories of turning up in Long Island with a backpack and a thousand dollars and working for clubs across the whole of Long Island and Westchester and New York City,” she said in her introductory Q&A with U.S. Soccer, published in November. “I’ve experienced everything from intramural soccer, recreational Sunday soccer, to the collegiate game, to USL, to the pro game, to state ODP, regionals.”

On Thursday, she brought up many of those same organizations again, mentioning friends like Lisa Cole, a longtime coach and current technical advisor to the Zambia national team. Cole was visiting Hayes in London when she learned she got the USWNT job.

“My journey has been bottom-up, so I have such an appreciation, not just of the landscape, but my journey,” Hayes said last week. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point. You can dream for something — we all have dreams — but it’s not often your dreams become reality.”

It wasn’t a long leap from her own story to that of the American dream, but Hayes tied both to her future with the USWNT.

“I always grew up with that notion of this whole American dream concept that you can come to the country, work in a certain way — and as a woman coming from England, trust me, I never felt more supported than I did when I worked in the U.S.,” she said. “To work my way up through the system, to now be the head coach for the USWNT, as far as I’m concerned, I will give it absolutely everything I’ve got to make sure I uphold the traditions of this team.”

Hayes’s nostalgia-heavy trip to New York City only lasted about 48 hours before she was off to Denver for her first camp with the USWNT, but it provided a reminder of what’s changed in the time since.

“As a parent, I know where the toy shops are now,” Hayes said, noting with a smile she had passed a few already on Thursday. The presence of her son, Harry, had played a role in her departure from Chelsea, as the long hours and grind of the club season proved incompatible with solo parenthood.

“Everybody’s under pressure, everybody’s got to get headlines. Everybody’s got to grab content,” she said at the time earlier this year , after deleting her social media accounts following a loss to Liverpool that had put Chelsea’s title run into question. “For football managers, we’re in an impossible position. Because every day we’re in a place where, no matter what we say, it will be turned into something that gets you guys (the media) paid and at the same time puts us in a position where we’re just pieces of meat.”

By Thursday, her accounts had been restored and she was posting a few behind-the-scenes looks of her arrival in the States, a photo with Chris Pratt while at the “Today Show” and a video the NWSL cooked up about watching games on their streaming platform.

In an hour-long meeting with reporters that could have felt transactional, Hayes never shied away from being personal. She embraced it, just as she said she embraced the pressure of the role, despite going on record a few times about how she’d actually much prefer “ a quiet life ” out of the spotlight. She mentioned that she didn’t mind the long list of media appearances and interviews on Thursday, just as long as they didn’t happen every three days.

The spotlight will shine much brighter with the USWNT, but Hayes seems ready for it. She danced around the question of what color medal the USWNT will bring back from Paris on the “Today Show,” instead providing an answer that focused on the process. She did the same later in the day when asked about how she wanted to approach external messaging on the goals of the team.

“I want to focus on the process and the performance,” she said. “For me, it’s absolutely essential.”

For a team that’s been at the sharp end of many bad-faith attacks following its early World Cup exit, “essential” feels too light a word. A focus on the process could mean that results won’t be tied to self-worth and that everyone can still claim their humanness at the end of the day.

In one of the last questions she received, Hayes was asked what she’d bring to the USWNT as head coach that no one ever has before. She answered, fast as a New York minute, with a smile.

“Oh, you’re never gonna get anybody with a personality like me!”

(Top photo: Brad Smith/Getty Images for USSF)

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Meg Linehan is a senior writer for The Athletic who covers the U.S. women's national team, the National Women's Soccer League and more. She also hosts the weekly podcast "Full Time with Meg Linehan." Follow Meg on Twitter @ itsmeglinehan

Why did Matt Rife cancel in Indiana? Will he still perform in Nashville? Here's what we know

Comedian Matt Rife canceled his Indiana show this week. Will his Tennessee shows still go on?

Rife canceled his show at Indiana University Auditorium in Bloomington, Ind., with about only 20 minutes notice Wednesday "due to a last minute medical emergency," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The embroiled comedian offered his apologies and stated that the show would have to rescheduled.

"I have to reschedule our shows tonight (again). I've been doing 40+ shows a month for a year and half and never had to do something like this, I'm so so sorry, I hope you understand and I love you so much," Rife posted on X .

What does this mean for Rife's appearance at The Ryman in Nashville in June?

Why was Matt Rife's Indiana show canceled?

A statement from the venue reiterated Rife's tweet that the show was canceled at the last minute due to a medical emergency. Refunds were given for ticket holders

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

"Tonight's Matt Rife shows (including the 10 p.m. performance) have been cancelled due to an unexpected medical emergency. Your original method of payment will be refunded in full and will be reflected within 30 days."

Why is Matt Rife controversial?

Many may remember Rife for his time on Nick Cannon's comedy show "Wild N' Out", but he's made headlines for for his 2023 Netflix's comedy special “Natural Selection," and his comments about domestic abuse .

The comedian and actor from Ohio enjoyed a mostly female fanbase before the special aired, but his "joke" about a woman having a black eye because she couldn't cook to open the comedy special in Washington, D.C., didn't play well and he faced harsh criticism and backlash for making light of domestic abuse.

Rife told the crowd he was "testing the waters" to see if they would be "fun" or not.

“I figure if we start the show with domestic violence the rest of the show should be smooth sailing," he said.

Rife has also appeared on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," “Burb Patrol” and “Fresh Off the Boat.” He’s released three comedy specials - "Only Fans," "Matthew Steven Rife," and most recently, the aforementioned Netflix Special.

Will Matt Rife be performing in Nashville?

Rife is expected to perform at The Ryman on June 6 -9 during his " ProbleMATTic World Tour."

So far, the performance is still set for Nashville .

N.J. police union calls for ‘real consequences’ for rowdy teens on boardwalk

• Updated: May. 29, 2024, 7:48 p.m. |
• Published: May. 29, 2024, 7:43 p.m.

A young man shows his backpack to a police officer in Ocean City, Md., on Memorial Day weekend, Sunday, May 26, 2024. On Wednesday, May 29, New Jersey’s statewide police union called for changes in laws and policies governing police interactions with disorderly young people following disturbances that led to the temporary closure of the boardwalk in Wildwood, and the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Ocean City.(Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) AP

• The Associated Press

By Wayne Parry, The Associated Press

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — New Jersey’s statewide police union said Wednesday there needs to be “real consequences” for drunken, rowdy teens and adults who create mayhem in public places following a series of disturbances at Jersey Shore towns over the Memorial Day weekend that included the stabbing of a teen.

Peter Andreyev, president of the New Jersey State Policemens’ Benevolent Association, issued a statement calling for changes in laws and procedures governing how police interact with disorderly teens and young adults.

His statement followed a weekend in which a wave of disorderly juveniles and young adults overwhelmed police capabilities in Wildwood on Sunday night, leading the city to close and clear the boardwalk temporarily.

Ocean City suffered its second consecutive Memorial Day weekend of disruptions, with numerous fights, disturbances and the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy. He is recovering from non-life-threatening wounds.

And a false report of a shooting in Seaside Heights briefly led to panic on the boardwalk there, authorities said.

“The recent juvenile outbursts are a sign that more needs to be done to allow police to protect our communities,” Andreyev said. “This past weekend is just more proof that the law is broken. There needs to be real consequences for violent, drunken, and dangerous behavior for both juveniles and adults.

“Having no consequences for bad behavior has proved itself again to be a failed criminal justice policy,” he continued. “Thousands of people were impacted by the lawlessness this weekend; that must be stopped.”

Officials in numerous Jersey Shore towns, along with multiple police departments, blame juvenile justice reforms enacted by the state in recent years. The laws were designed to keep more juveniles out of the court system and imposed several restrictions on police officers’ interactions with them.

In January, the law was revised to remove some of the threats of punishment for officers dealing with juveniles suspected of possessing alcohol or marijuana.

Gov. Phil Murphy said those changes have put law enforcement in a better position to deal with disorderly teens. In an interview with News 12 New Jersey, the governor said Tuesday that “the shore did not have a chaotic weekend.”

“The weekend was overwhelmingly a successful weekend, including even in those towns,” Murphy told the television station. “I was on a couple hours ago with the Wildwood mayor, and he said we had a fantastic weekend, we happened to have this overrunning of, it sounds like, a bunch of teenagers.”

The state attorney general’s office declined comment.

Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said his city has had enough of rowdy young people bent on causing trouble.

“Our officers made multiple arrests ... and were able to quickly restore order to the boardwalk once the teens involved in these incidents were removed,” he wrote in a message posted on the city’s website. “We have a highly qualified team of officers on the boardwalk and throughout town, and they will enforce all laws to the fullest.

“Ocean City will always be welcoming to all guests, but I want to send a clear message to parents and to teens: If you don’t want to behave, don’t come.”

In a message on his own city’s website, Wildwood Mayor Ernest Troiano Jr. voiced similar sentiments.

“Wildwood will not tolerate unruly, undisciplined, unparented children nor will we stand by while the laws of the state tie the hands of the police,” he wrote. “We wholeheartedly support the city of Wildwood Police Department in protecting this community from these nuisance crowds on our boardwalk and in the city.”

Ocean City police watch the crowds on the the boardwalk in Ocean City, Md., on Memorial Day weekend, Sunday, May 26, 2024. On Wednesday, May 29, New Jersey’s statewide police union called for changes in laws and policies governing police interactions with disorderly young people following disturbances that led to the temporary closure of the boardwalk in Wildwood, and the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Ocean City.(Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) AP

Wildwood officials did not give details about individual incidents that led to the 6-hour overnight closure of the boardwalk but said there was “an irrepressible number” of calls for help to the police department.

The Cape May County prosecutor said Wildwood police acted correctly in closing the boardwalk to restore order.

Two Republican state senators called Wednesday on the Democrat-controlled Legislature to pass their bill expanding the definition of a riot, enabling local officials in towns that are proposing budget cuts to police to appeal to the state to restore the money, and adding imprisonment of up to six months for someone who throws something at or strikes police officers or other first responders.

“Riots and vandalism will drive visitors away and devastate the summer season,” said Sen. Robert Singer, who proposed the legislation with Sen. Joseph Pennacchio. “As a state, we cannot afford that.”

Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC

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The Flag of Free France: A Deeper Meaning

The Flag of Free France (1940-1944). Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The French Resistance plays a pivotal role in the remembrance of Free France during WWII for France. The French Resistance comprised several organizations that merged for one goal—the liberation of France. The French Resistance officially operated from the summer of 1940 to the slow dissolution in 1944 after the Liberation of Paris. The French Resistance worked within the split occupation, Free France and the Vichy regime, and fed information to the Allies. While many believe the resistance was a group of clandestine cells that operated independently, the resistance was a vast and well-organized record with intentionality behind every move.

When coming to France, I had expected there to be instances where the flag of the French Resistance was raised alongside the French flag—particularly on government buildings around the annual holiday of VE day. However, I only saw the flag of Free France in museums dedicated to the remembrance of the liberation movement of France. I was taken aback at first since the flag of Free France has a deep connection to the history of France.

The Flag of Free France symbolizes the movement’s mission—the liberation of France. The basis of the blue, white, and red is congruent to the flag of France since the French Revolution; the three colors represent liberty, equality, and fraternity . The flag also encompasses the Cross of Lorraine in the middle portion. The cross is also symbolic of France; the cross was used by the French in previous centuries when Germany annexed the provinces of Lorraine in eastern France. There is a close tie between using the French flag and resistance to German aims. So, why not continue to use this flag that helped reclaim France? Upon reflection, the goal of Free France was not to create a new country or governmental system but to instill the liberation of France from the annexation of the Vichy regime. France fought to unify France rather than further divide it. The tri-colored French flag was reinstituted after WWII because Free France fought for liberty, equality, and fraternity, similar to what their revolutionary ancestors fought for in the French liberation in the French Revolution.

Free France Liberation Flag used in Caen. Image by Olivier Touzeau, 18 April 2021

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