Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Europe

Planning a backpacking trip in Europe may be daunting at first, but can easily be done once you know the ropes! This Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Europe will provide you with all the tools you need to plan the trip of a lifetime!

Backpacking Europe sounds like the perfect summer trip! It’s easy to get around to visit new places, and relatively cheap! However, you may have a lot of questions when you start to plan your trip!

How to plan your Europe backpacking trip

When should you go backpacking in Europe?

Most backpackers go in the summer, which can get really hot, especially in the southern parts. Each region has beautiful things to see no matter what time of the year that you go. My favorite time to travel is in the fall, if at all possible. It’s starting to cool off and most of the tourists have gone home. If you can only travel in the summer, try to do it either early May or late August in order to avoid the high season!

How to get around Europe

Europe is famous for its amazing train system that allows you to go from one country to another fairly easily. The trains can be really cheap, but be sure to check out this comprehensive guide to train travel in Europe for the answers to all your questions. In addition to that, the flights inside Europe are crazy cheap, provided that you pack light!

Where to stay when backpacking Europe

It’s time for hostels people!!

They’re really not as bad as you see in movies. Hostels are simply a way to stay for cheap and make new friends! The right hostels have events so that if you’re traveling solo, it’s easy to meet people and make new friends!

While Western Europe may not have as strong of a backpacker culture as Latin America or Southeast Asia, it definitely still exists! I’m a sucker for hostels of course because I love meeting other travelers! Check out these Best Hostels in Europe for Solo Travelers for a list of amazing hostels scattered throughout Europe.

I would also recommend that you try an Airbnb or two. To me, Airbnb isn’t always convenient because it’s harder to check in and many times you need to work around someone else’s schedule in order to enter your room. However, Airbnbs are awesome for the fact that they are owned by locals. You can find some amazing Airbnbs that really let you experience the culture in a way that would be impossible with hotels.

Where to go when backpacking Europe

Choosing an itinerary can be a bit overwhelming, as Europe is so huge and diverse! Check out my list of 2 week itineraries in Europe for inspiration, or I encourage you to stick to one of two countries and really delve in deep. The basic rule of thumb for budget though, is the more north you are, the more expensive it gets. Spain is infinitely cheaper than Norway, although if you head to Eastern Europe you’ll be in for a nice trip on a budget! Don’t shy away from Eastern Europe, because there are truly some amazing cities!

Where to go for solo backpacking in Europe

Most places in Europe are safe and are easy to meet other people when solo backpacking. If you want to make friends, stay in hostels and in more budget friendly destinations, such as Central/Eastern Europe, Spain, Italy, Portugal, etc. Not to say that you won’t meet people in other countries, but you may have an easier time solo backpacking in these places.

Is it easy to backpack through Europe?

Quite easy yes! In Western Europe, you will usually always find at least SOMEONE who speaks English. Public transportation is very common, and fairly easy to figure out! Backpacking Europe is probably one of the easiest destinations!

How much money do I need to backpack through Europe?

Honestly, it really depends where you go. Depending on where you travel in Europe, traveling can be very affordable. Hostels normally run 20 euros a night but can be more expensive in the busy season/expensive countries.

If you want to save money, consider visiting cheaper countries. Norway, Iceland, and Sweden are going to be some of the more expensive countries, whereas Hungary, Czechia, and other Central/Eastern European countries are going to be much much cheaper. Additionally, book flights and big trains (Eurostar) in advance. Some of the more local trains won’t have times posted until closer to your trip date. I use Trainline to book all of my trains and buses!

Eat local foods. Wine and beer is sometimes cheaper than water. Not every country has tap water available but you can always ask!

Public transport is amazing. There’s really no need to take a taxi 90% of the time. It may be confusing at first but you’ll get used to it!

Pack light!!! You will probably be traveling via budget airlines who will charge you for every little thing. The price tag may look great, but don’t forget that big bags are not included! Be sure and always check in online beforehand as well, because there are a few select airlines that will charge you to check in at the airport.

Stay in hostels! They’re way cheaper and a great way of meeting fellow travelers. They also tend to be in the best areas of the city! Check Hostelworld and read reviews on locations and other amenities to find your best option.

For more money saving tips, check out this post for traveling on a budget

Exchanging money

Gone are the days when you would order foreign currency before your trip. Most countries use cards and you can just withdraw money once you land in the country.

When paying with a foreign card, ALWAYS pay in local currency in order to get the best exchange rate. However, all those exchange fees can add up and there are several online banks trying to solve it.

I use Wise to transfer money between my different currencies. They also have a new option of an international card, which allows you to pay in WHATEVER currency at the going rate, as well as withdraw from ATMs all over the world. It is, hands down, the best way to save money when traveling.

What to Wear and Pack While Backpacking Europe

Dress casual and comfortable but not too comfortable. Europeans don’t normally wear Nike shorts and sweats out in public, but sneakers are always the way to go! Chances are, you’ll be doing a lot of walking while you explore, so dressing comfortable is a must! If you want to blend in with the locals, dressing European is the way to go!

If you want to visit a cathedral, make sure you have something to cover your shoulders. Normally shorts are still okay, but it might be worth it to bring a shawl around on the day you wear a tank top.

Is backpacking Europe safe?

If you’re traveling alone, never tell others that you’re alone. Try not to stay out too late if you can.
Thieves are really common in certain regions, so watch out for common scams. Never put your phone in your pocket and always hold your stuff when you get onto a crowded train or metro.

A tip I have is to wear your purse backwards with the zippers facing you! This way, it’s more difficult to reach into your bag when you’re not paying attention.

Common scams:

• Phone is on the table and some kids come by, place a menu on the table, and pick up your phone with it
• Accepting any gifts, i.e. bracelets, random figurines
• Signing a petition while someone pickpockets you

Watch your stuff and you should be fine 🙂

Hope this guide for backpacking Europe will help you to plan your trip. Plan your trip with other cool tips for backpacking through Europe.