Any Europe backpacking tips and cost?
Im planning to go backpacking with 2 other female in London, Paris, Zürich and Frankfurt around the end of June. We are staying for 2 weeks (maybe 3 if we can afford it) and wondering if:
1. Is it worth to go for only 2 weeks?
2. Approx. how much do you think it’s gonna cost for us to be in europe for 2-3 weeks? (we plan to stay at hostel’s)
3. Any tips regarding best way of transpo?
4. Is it worth buying the eurail passes and Eurostar?
5. Is a month and a half of planning realistic enough to make this happen?
I really want to experience backpacking in Europe. I hope someone can help me 
You’re opinions are well appreciated!
May 17th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
1. Yes, you can see alot of the customs and their history.
2. I’d saw 1,000 to 100,000 bepending on hotel star ratings and what is included for your stay at each hotel.
3. I’d go my boat or plane to Europe. Once their either bike, hike, or carpool. Rickshaw if you visit Japan and China.
4. Wouldn’t know. I’ve never been outside to country.
5. Not really, you should have planned months in advance. Sometimes you can find discount rates for hotels if you research them.
Hoping it helps. Oh and if you do go hiking, take a walking stick, coat, salty treats like nuts, and plenty of water.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
1. Worth it for sure
2. I couldnt really say its been like 3 years since I was over there but a lot of it depends on how much you want to do and how poor of a vacation you want you know? I never did very many touristy things but those are expensive! I think it was around $50 just to ride up the eiffel tower (i took the stairs lol).
3.Trains I took trains everywhere. You’ll figure stuff like that out once you get there.
4. idk i never did but if your going to be hitting up so many places in 2 weeks in seems logical.
5.When I went I decided to go and bought a plane ticket that weeks and left 2 weeks later and thankfully in that time i lined up a job and place to live….a vacation should be a breeze,lol!
Formula 1 hotels are good if you guys get sick of hostels. It was like around 40 euros i think per night in paris and they have them all over. I was staying at a hostel in california once and i got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and when i got back there were people having sex in my bed! then i realized my bed was the next one over (my contacts were out lol)….but still!
May 17th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
Join http://www.hospitalityclub.org or http://www.couchsurfing.com
My wife and I used this club to stay for free all over Europe for many months. You contact people through their profiles on the site and get invited to stay in their homes.
Not only is it free, it is also a great way to get submerged in a culture, seeing the local way of life up close.
The people you meet on there can help you with any questions about their region.
As for transport, that will be expensive. I hitchhiked all over Europe (also free) but with three people that can be difficult (though not impossible).
Two weeks would be the very minimum you should take. Take three weeks and a credit card — you can always pay yourself back, it’s worth it.
May 17th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
1) Yes – that’s a great amount of time to see the main cities as well as get off the beaten track
2) Depends were you go. Eastern Europe is MUCH cheaper than Western Europe and is great for travelling. Scandinavia is the most expensive. Getting a rail pass would be the most effective way of getting around so budget for at least 1500 Euros / $2000
3) get a rail pass http://www.thetravellerslounge.co.uk/getting_around/rail_passes/ as it will give you freedom and save you time as you’ll arrive in the center of cities and towns
4) Yes
5) Of course – just go with the flow. The rail passes mean you can be flexible and change your plans while you’re travelling anyway.
Enjoy
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