Backpacking Europe 101

If you’re an American citizen planning to backpack through Europe, have I got some advice for you!

First things first:

1) Decide where you want to go and if it even matters where you go (who cares where, you’re still going to Europe!). But I understand, some people have bucket lists, etc. etc. So deciding where you want to go can help you narrow down the best and cheapest flights, as well as travel dates. You can either decide exactly where you want to go, a general region that you want to explore, or declare your trip a free for all. My suggestion is to use kayak.com and to make your dates flexible. This allowed me to find a round-trip flight from Miami to Dusseldorf for only $700.

2) Once you’ve decided on general (or exact) travel dates, you should decide how long you want to spend in each of the places you want to go. Again, your trip can be a total free for all, which would mean that knowing how long you want to spend in places is irrelevant. But nonetheless, you’ll need a mode of transportation no matter how long you want to stay in certain places. If you get at least one thing out of this post, I hope it’s this: buy a eurail pass that best fits with your travel plans. I know, I know… $700 for a monthly pass (or something like that)?!? It sounds ridiculous, but it is totally worth it! You can travel to any country that participates (don’t go to Poland. I learned firsthand that they don’t participate), at any time, on any day. No reservations necessary. Just look in the timetable, decide which place sounds coolest, and go. I honestly can’t think of a more stress free vacation than that. If you're not into trains, I would also suggest flying with ryanair.com

3) What in the world should you bring?! Remember, a lot of hostels will wash your clothes for you for a decent price. So pack lightly, but pack appropriate clothes. Remember that Germany and Poland are not like America in May. Do your research and pack accordingly. Dresses are light and easy to throw on. If you pack solid colored tank tops, you can layer them differently each day so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing the same shirt in every photo. At least a week's worth of underwear and socks, a bathing suit, and walking shoes will all come in handy. 

You'll also want to include these items:

• Invest in a sturdy backpack that meets all of your airlines' requirements
• Locks for your backpacks or lockers (some hostels don't provide locks)
• Travelers checks, money, ATM card (duh)
• Raincoat
• Hoodie (remember, bring appropriate clothes for your travel region)
• Club/going out clothes
• Camera + charger
• Batteries if you need them
• Toiletries (you can always buy stuff over there, too)
• Towel
• Sandals
• Power adapter
• Passport and ID (again, duh)

Those are the basics -- where to go, when to go, how to get there, and what to wear. If you have any great backpacking stories, post them here! Have fun!! 

Here's a few of my backpacking photos!