Discover (and save!) You can fly there in less than a day so if you have a week or two off work or studying, you too can backpack through Europe… See more ideas about places to travel, places to go, travel dreams. That said, if you have a week or two on your hands, Switzerland will certainly do anything but disappoint. Traditional hiking backpacks have a ton of pockets, as well as the main compartment that is usually accessible only from the top. Backpacking Europe = a LOT of time spent on trains, planes, and buses (not to mention hostels without adequate facilities). Plus, backpacking Germany is a great addition to any European travel itinerary! Most people think they can’t backpack Europe in college, but that’s not true. Oh yeah, then there are the Northern Lights! You can easily rent a car from any major city in Europe. First off, people are extremely proud of their culture’s cooking. Wherever you decide to go on your Euro backpacking trip, you will be sure to have your mind blown by all of the magic that awaits. That said, if you are short on time, energy, or just want to be part of an awesome group of travelers you can opt to join an organized tour. Sep 28, 2020 - Explore Paige Pierce's board "Backpack Through Europe", followed by 197 people on Pinterest. Spend your last couple nights in Santiago de Compostela, a Galician city with fine homemade cooking and a spectacular cathedral. Well, fortunately, that’s easy and cheap to find when traveling Europe. Explore Londons neighbourhoods and check out cool Brighton, before hitting up the Cornwall Coast and National Parks in Wales or the Highlands in Scotland if you have time! The lower zipper … This area has amazing beaches and culture, but the ferries can be irregular. You’ll notice in the table below that transportation costs can be all over the place. Not too bad! Read our post on How to Housesit to learn why many think it’s the ultimate hack to backpacking Europe. The Dolomites are truly one of a kind and few other mountains can reply compete. Dresden, beaten to shit during WWII, has been wonderfully restored. Start your trip off in Madrid or Barcelona, Spain. You can move at your own pace, take the time to enjoy the places you love, maybe learn a bit of a new language, make some solid friendships, and really gain the essence of what life in Europe is all about. So with that in mind, here’s a rundown of some of the best backpacks for traveling Europe, starting with our top ranked bag: Our writer Hedy reviewed the Tortuga Setout Backpack and, wow, were we blown away by the versatility and durability of Tortuga’s super-practical travel backpack. Carnet de voyage en Europe. Your email address will not be published. Now we’re talking! And if you are Backpacking Spain and Portugal together, this trip will fit in nicely, as it is simple to cross into Portugal, just below Galicia. It’s cheaper than a hostel (well, unless you happen to get one of those sweet hostel jobs through a service like World Packers). This is definitely one of the more varied backpacking across Europe routes. Bottom line: this region has landscapes so green that the hills seem to have been spray-painted green in every sense of the word. Jan 6, 2013 - Explore Samantha Lee's board "Backpacking Europe" on Pinterest. It would be an absolute shame to miss though because Austria has all the makings of great time! Once you begin to discover a few European countries for yourself, you can be sure that you will be entranced by the jaw-dropping landscapes, fascinating history, vibrant culture, and spectacular food. I’ve presented an average as I have found it to be. Start this journey in the south of France. The Highlands in Scotland has some of the last true wilderness areas in Western Europe. Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? The Fairview 40 weighs a measly 1.77kg (3 pounds), making it the lightest of all of Osprey’s backpacks.The weight of your backpack … Austria, Scotland, Greece, and Northern Portugal are all candidates. All of the Balkan nations have now embraced consumerism and vie for EU membership, but they were part of the Eastern bloq until 1989. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love! This island is known for secluded waterfalls and beaches. Germany also offers a freelancer visa, which may or may not be catered to the hordes of techies flocking to Berlin. Click the buy now buttons to check out more details and user reviews for each bag: Ok, ready to dive deep as I help you decide which one of these awesome bags is best for you? I wouldn’t dare try it without a travel neck pillow in my backpack. That said, if you are keen on surfing at some point as you travel thru Europe, you do have some options. Un mois sur la route, ou plutôt les rails, puisque le moyen de transport utilisé a été le train, via le pass Interrail si connu par les voyageurs. Sounds like you had super fun there. You also eliminate the need to pay for accommodation every night. This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Got a couple of days in a capital city? England and Wales have large sections of coast that are far off the beaten path and offer up excellent hiking/camping possibilities. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails from Herschel Supply Company Ltd. containing news, updates and promotions regarding our products and events. In fact, there are so many awesome Eastern European countries to see I find it difficult to mention them all here. These “museum cities” deemed culturally significant by the government are preserved as best as possible. I’m here to provide you with all the awesome ideas you need to get started! Refer to the itineraries I have listed above for initial inspiration, then forge your own path and write your own fantastic backpacker destiny. Bilbao remains one of my favorite cities I have ever visited in Europe. Often, you can find the best car rental prices when you pick up the rental from the airport. ... Bon voyage! The Alps are adventure central in France. Spain is incredibly diverse. Staying Safe in Portugal. After all, it is not much fun spending all of your time sitting on buses or waiting in airports. Within that one culture, there are at least five different sub-cultures – probably more in reality – and three of these actually want to start their own nations: the Basque, Galicia, and Catalonia, all of which are a part of Spain. Norway also is home to some of the most picturesque villages in Scandinavia. It all makes for one of the most beguiling travel experiences imaginable. Or check out Trusted Housesitters if you want to start browsing available properties now. Go on multi-day treks. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Late in 2017 I flew to Los Angeles from Paris direct for $230 one way. Just a lot of charming houses, calories, and dreary weather. Experience life in one of Europe’s most exciting cities in Berlin. For a slightly different experience, check out the engine of Italy: the industrialized North. Coffee. That means more rustic cooking, (somewhat) cloudier days, and bigger waves. Really though, if you’re a digital nomad, you’re better off heading east. I quite literally live out of a backpack and a daypack. Here are some of the best foods you have to try while backpacking in Europe: The idea of European culture is extremely fluid. On the other hand, backpacking Europe isn’t the same as trekking through Nepal or Patagonia. In order to backpack Europe in two weeks, you need to have a realistic expectation of what you can actually see and experience in that time. A month rolls by quickly so don’t be surprised if you end up coming back for another taste. Backpacking through Europe is without a doubt the most expensive destination we cover here at the Broke Backpacker. Every time I earn some money with my blog I calculate in 'months in Thailand'. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $29. Having totally reinvented itself since the days of the Nazi’s and World War Two, modern day Germany is an awesome place to go backpacking. Visit a secret village. In the end, planning a backpacking trip to Europe depends entirely on where you really want to visit. I recommend taking the time to visit some of the beautiful mountain towns like Lourdes, Foix, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Arreau, and Ayet en Bethmale. Party it up in Lagos or Faro, strut around the posh Albufeira, or relax like a local in Sagres or Tavira. Of course, there is no one answer to this question. Italy has been a popular vacation destination for a looooonggg time. Backpacking in the Pyrenees is a whole trip onto itself really. The possibilities of something bad happening to you on your journey backpacking Europe is slim to say the least. While hitchhiking in Europe is safe generally, it is important to be on your guard and use good judgment when accepting rides. The core countries of the European Union – France, UK, Italy, Germany – are not exactly digital nomad havens. If you thrive on a bit of order and a bit of spontaneity, you are going to love traveling here! There are numerous hiking trails to follow as well as some very epic road trips here. The tagliere (deli meats) of Toscana are the best you’ll find. . Lors de notre premier voyage en backpack en mode baroudeur, nous nous posions mille … Of all the great mountain chains in the world, the Alps are probably the most accessible. Thank you for supporting our travels so we can bring you more guides! Trekking or skiing in the Alps is an unforgettable experience. From Rhodes, you can boat to the island of Kos then head to Leros, a great island for chilling out, and then to Samos. A night in the Delirium Brewery in Brussels. Have you ever thought about backpacking Europe for 2 months or more? A truly epic travel blog requires three key ingredients: badass content, passionate writers, and the support of its readers. Internet is pretty much a non-issue in Europe. Nous aimerions voyager sans planification le plus possible et voir et aller où on veut, quand on veut. Antwerp would be the best place to base yourself although Ghent and Bruges are worth seeing. And for these reasons, I LOVE Belgium. All of this just ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Short, sweet, and just enough to leave you hungry for more adventure. If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a, To learn how to travel the world on $10 a day, check out. In this travel guide, I cover the best European travel routes, travel trips, what to pack for visiting Europe, safety information, trekking in Europe and my favorite backpacking destinations in Europe. Learn how to make cheese. In Spain, tapas are not just a plate of food; they’re a way of life. Go backpacking in the mountains that aren’t the Alps (though they are stunning). Whatever you do, don’t overthink small features like pockets. Just remember to take it easy, pace yourself, and not do anything stupid that affects those around you in a negative way. However, this rich and complex melding of cultures does have a darker side and you cannot fail to miss the anguished scars left by brutal dictatorships and tribal wars that still dot the landscapes and cities across the region. Note that Tortuga isn’t a huge corporation – they’re a small but well-regarded business built by two travelers who wanted to bring quality travel backpacks to the world. Osprey 46 L Porter Backpack (My Own Bag!) Tags backpacking backpacking europe backpacking … Consequently few people stray far from the main backpacking route in Italy and, unsurprisingly, many say that tourism here has become a bit calcified. One more thing before you travel to Europe: Don’t forget these items that should be on every backpacker’s packing list …. Along with stunning natural landscapes, the UK is home to major centers of culture in Europe. Visit Florence, see the Almafi Coast but set aside some time for exploring the lesser-visited regions, like Marche, Umbria, Calabria, and so on. It depends on your personal preference. This is a fine itinerary if you don’t have a tight time schedule, and want to get off the grid. The south of France is a world away from Paris and the north so welcome to the land of the sun! Where do you want to go backpacking?! Scandinavia isn’t all blond-haired babes (or dudes), ultra-efficient cities, and practical solutions to socio-economic problems. Europe is a total madhouse in the summer. Modern Europe is a great melting pot of culture, humanity, and culinary traditions. Hostels are a cheap alternative to motels or hotels while you travel … Spain just has a certain charm to it. Emparez–vous de votre bon vieux sac de voyage et marchez sur les traces des vétérans de la route.. 1. After exploring some of the cities, small villages, and mountains of Spain it’s time to head to France. It’s lightweight yet durable, packs down small, but gets the job done at an affordable price. You get the gist though. The truth is that you’ll find a way to pack your stuff in most bags, so it’s size, comfort, and durability you should be focusing on when picking your backpack. The Voyage Backpack from Napapijri has become part of an urban environment. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $20. Bring snacks. Disclosure: If you buy something through links on this page, this independent travel blog may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Is it the small plates of delicious Tapas? Whilst you are backpacking the cities in Europe, use the metro and local buses to get across town. Well, simply put, the folks at Tortuga seems to have thought everything with the Setout backpack. Chop firewood. Oh, and be sure to read our full Tortuga Outbreaker review here. À cheval sur deux continents, Istanbul constitue une porte d’entrée idéale vers le Moyen-Orient. Et voila. Driving a campervan is one of the top things to do in the Algarve! One could spend 7 days here checking things out or a lifetime exploring. Admittedly, you’ll probably get tired of Belgium quicker than other European countries not to mention put your arteries at serious risk. Espagne, Italie, Bulgarie, Grande-Bretagne, Portugal, Baléares, France, Suède. Traveling in Scandinavia can be notoriously expensive. If you plan on hitting up multiple countries in Europe, the Eurorail Pass is a great option. Do your best to support local artisans, organic farmers, and craftspeople while traveling around Europe. Greece is composed of over 227 islands which means there are over 227 places to go on an adventure. The GRAYL Geopress is hands-down the most effective one we’ve ever used as well! Now onto the sore subject of travel costs to Europe. Finally, I love that you can go backpacking in Belgium with zero expectations and still be impressed. Having your own gear allows you to really take advantage of all of the beautiful wild places in the region without blowing your budget. Island hop the Cyclades. YOU. You can’t be expected to know ALL of the different groups in Europe but if you ask questions and take a moment to consider where you are and what people are doing, you should be able to keep up. If you’re new to backpacking, Europe is a great place to start your travels — European countries are well-connected, safe, super diverse, easy to navigate, and packed with plenty of wonders. I recommend studying a map before sticking your thumb out there. The Alps are right there as well so feel free to go hiking, skiing, or whatever your outdoor fancy is. Also, note that some backpacks also are designed with an option for a built-in waterproof cover. Most of the major cities have high-speed fiberoptic cables lain and the more remote villages have decent coverage. Those blue and white houses and perfect Mediterranean landscapes you have seen on postcards live up to their hype in real life. I have broken down the average daily travel costs you can expect in order to help you get to grips with your own Europe backpacking budget. The town of Chamonix is the birthplace of modern mountaineering and home to Mount Blanc, Europe’s tallest mountain. Our favourite travel backpack is the Osprey Aether (comes in 55 – 85 litre sizes). What we commonly refer to as the Balkan countries though, is the former Yugoslavia (Montenegro, Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia) plus Albania, Bulgaria & Romania. “Find out how YOU can support the site. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. In addition to well-maintained trail systems, many regions in Europe are home to mountain huts. I recommend taking the time to get off the beaten path and explore the hell out of a place you know little about. Well, it’s where you watch someone’s home (and usually their pets) while you stay in it without paying. Culturally the Balkans are where the west begins to merge into the east as well as where the Russo-sphere of influence disintegrates into the western one. Are you covered in case of an accident during your backpacking trip through Europe? Prices rise with the temperatures in the summer. Switzerland is a land famous for its equally beautiful Alps, quaint villages, and hip cities. Forget about the old stereotypes about the French being rude and uptight. No matter what you eat, chances are it will be delicious. Chris is also a founding member of, Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. In fact, we at the Broke Backpacker love European hostels so much we have created a whole series of guides breaking down the best hostels to be found in cities across Europe. It lives in Switzerland. 129 likes. Greece is a charming, laid-back country. I was delirious, unable to walk, and in a lot of pain but I managed to call my insurance provider – they moved me to a much better private hospital where the doctors were able to save my leg. Sometimes (like when I was in Mexico), I managed to also fit a full on laptop in there. Let me know if you have any other questions! France might just be the most diverse country you encounter whilst backpacking through Europe. 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 might land you in some trouble. Lastly, I love Osprey because they have a lifetime guarantee – Osprey will repair any bag they’ve ever made for any reason! Find out how you can support the site and keep the magic flowing! The south of Portugal, also known as the Algarve, is the more Mediterranean part of the country. The most historically significant and consequently most popular cities to visit in Italy are Rome, Venice, and Florence. Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Estonia are the current trailblazers and are setting themselves up to be the next big nomadic hotspots. But, if you’re a serious traveler, this comfortable backpack will be your trusty companion for many trips to come. Windmills. Single-use plastic bottles are a huge threat to Marine Life – Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online. If you want to backpack in Europe then you may need a Visa. Honestly, you will seldom carry your travel backpack more than a kilometer or so at a time, so it’s not like you need to bother getting an expensive and bulky hiking backpack (which often have way more features for comfort like padding). The Setout packs like a suitcase but has the mobility of a backpack. Seriously, spend a few days here before heading to the islands. There’s heaps to do in the Azores and the Madeira isn’t called “The Land of Eternal Spring” for nothing. It’s all about helping out our tribe of awesome backpacker readers [that’s you!]. Backpacking can refer to those hiking and camping while carrying everything they need for the trail on their back. Whatever you get up to in Greece, a trip backpacking here is bound to be one of hell of a good time. La philosophie des backpackers, c'est de vivre au jour le jour avec leur maison sur le dos et de se laisser mener là où les envies les conduisent. 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. Another is the Acropolis. When you just need a place to lay your head or a spot to meet fellow ramblers like yourself, hostels are clearly where it’s at…. It can be significantly harder for everybody else. If you’re going to party in Europe, you need to choose your parties well. Somehow, Ireland’s location and geography are encapsulated in its culture; it is European but just about, it is civilized, yet wild and rugged, it rains a lot but remains perpetually pleasant and inviting. With some preparation, research, and yes, a little bit of money, you can do it, too. Renting a campervan is easy to do all across Europe. Another adventure to share. Oh, and again – in case you couldn’t tell that I love Osprey by now – it comes with Osprey’s incredible lifetime guarantee. Afterward, make your way to the coastal region of Asturias, stop by Santillana del Mar – a medieval town that is in great shape today. Europe is also very prone to seasonal pricing. Yes. Although imposing than the mountains you might find in Switzerland or Italy, Austria’s mountains are no less rugged and suffer less from overcrowding. 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. Even if you could hop between countries with efficiency, it is better to focus your energy on getting to know a few places within a country quite well. Pros: Converts to duffel bag, light weight, simple design, affordable, durable, Cons:Only a handful of pockets, shoulder straps not as comfortable, small hip harness. Think dinner at midnight! If you rent one, you’ll be able to utilize Portugal’s amazing campground network! I strongly encourage all travelers to experience the magic of Eastern Europe! Very easy to clean and do use this backpack … Now let’s take a look at some of the best Europe backpacking routes I have assembled below. Where ever you turn you will find different kinds of wine, cheese, and even variations on the French language. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than some other bags, but it’s built to last for years to come. Or you could always carry a Scruba laundry bag with you and just do it in the shower! You can truly experience some fantastic cities, epic mountains, mouth-watering food, and dreamy Mediterranean beaches. They make it very easy to pick the right hostel for yourself in any given city! When you can, make an effort to learn at least a few words of the local language of the country you are backpacking in. Finally, Regensburg may be the prettiest town in the country. Whilst hiking the Dolomites, I even got 4G using my local SIM card. Certainly do not climb on old ruins or touch priceless paintings. The European continent is packed with fairy-tales villages, stunning national parks, ultra-cool cities, fascinating history, delicious food, and friendly people. Love what we do? The introduction of new ingredients from the new world was nothing short of revolutionary. The skiing in Eastern Europe comes at a fraction of the cost of skiing in the Alps. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, don’t take plastic shopping bags, and forget straws. France is very regional. Voyage en Europe de l'Ouest. You can score a dorm bed and breakfast for $10, and a long distance bus ride for less than that. Below I have provided a short list of surfing hotspots in Europe. The further north you go, the less people care about your state of mind. where you can download PDF versions of our guides. Well, I’m a little offended (jk!) Envie d'un voyage itinérant pour vivre de nouvelles aventures ? This would be a great start to a road trip itinerary through Portugal as well. If you can swing hiring a campervan you will certainly not regret it. Camille & Sue Backpack Europe. Get your fill and then move along. If you wanted a really enjoyable experience, consider sleeping at a brewery for a few days! Be smart, make good choices and it shouldn’t be too difficult to guard yourself and your belongings. In addition to exploring a few cities in Portugal, visit some of the best beaches that the country has to offer. Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk. The Osprey 46 L Porter is the most up to date version … Spain is a fascinating country. I only travel with my ASUS flipbook usually. I personally use these fabric compression bags, but these plastic bags are a high-rated option that give more compression. D’Istanbul À l'Égypte. Keep your dollars local, especially in small villages or towns. Hope that helps! Feeling the anticipation yet? 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. Scotland is a hard place, filled with hard people and hard ways. Overstaying visa’s is not recommended. Trekking is a great way to get to know any country by experiencing its wild side. Nowhere else in Europe can you (legally) rock into a cafe, order a joint, and sit down to smoke it. This is a great 2 week Spain travel itinerary. There are many awesome backpacking delights to be had in this part of Europe. You’ll notice as soon as you leave the Euro currency countries behind, things are suddenly much more affordable. This Italy route will allow you to see Milan, Turin, Genoa, and lovely Venice. Most backpackers gravitate towards Berlin, and for good reason: its nightlife is unbeatable and there is a wealth of culture to keep people interested. Expect a lot of tourists on holiday here and more than a few drunken, wandering Aussies. In addition to figuring out the details of your journey, there is an important fact that should be on your mind: backpacking in Europe CAN be expensive if you’re not careful. Make sure to eat a healthy amount of cheese at every available opportunity. There are a couple of parties that shouldn’t be missed: Also, be aware that not all European cultures take kindly to drunkenness. There is a festival out there to suit every individual backpacking Europe. Heck, they even made a separate fit for men and women! Yes attacks happen. You can buy a rail pass for one country or for all of Europe. The Algarve is full of beach towns, and each one is catered to a different type of backpacker. That’s it for this guide on the best travel backpacks for Europe! With alien landscapes, welcoming natives, and some quirky customs, Iceland is arguably the most popular location in Scandinavia at the moment. Personally, I suggest aiming to be as lean possible. Backpacking Europe Itinerary 3+ months: The Ultimate European Backpacking Route Having three months or more to backpack thru Europe is an awesome experience. Oviedo will have the most options for accommodation in Galicia. Still, you should exercise caution and never leave your bag alone (a good cable lock comes in handy). What do you recommend? The lush, green, enchanted and enchanting island of Ireland perches serenely at the furthest boundary of Europe. 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. An umbrella is one of those things you don’t think to pack and then later realize you need it … but only when you REALLY need it. So in this post, I’m going to quickly help you find the best travel backpack for Europe for you! While carry on requirements vary by airline, the Witzman backpack listed in the article is 21 inches, which is compliant for most airlines as long as you don’t over-stuff it. Whilst looking for plane tickets to your chosen backpacking destination, I advise that you look at multiple cities and book the cheapest flight even if that city isn’t in your targeted country. Free Shipping and 24/7 Customer Service in NA, EU, UK and AUS. Who the hell doesn’t? While a nice feature, I personally don’t think this is necessary if you just need a backpack for travel in Europe. If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads. A bag around 40-50 liters is plenty big. In my opinion, visiting multiple countries in any depth is probably out of the question. Pros: Carry-on friendly, men and women’s fit, packs like a suitcase, high quality materials, supporting small businesses. 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. World Nomads is the most popular choice for backpacker insurance in Europe, and I’ve personally used them many times in Europe. For one reason or another, Austria is not a country typically included on the usual European backpacker itinerary. That said, do note that budget airlines usually charge extra for baggage and this can often double the price of your flight. I backpack somewhere in Europe almost every summer, and so far I have visited over 35 countries on the European continent (if you’re getting wanderlust right now, be sure to bookmark our huge guide to Backpacking Europe). The cost of living is just too high and the visa policies are just too difficult to navigate for most traveling remote workers.