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European continent was always popular among tourists. For years, it was a rite of passage for aristocratic youth to take a tour of the continent, staying in the best hotels and getting pampered.
Everything has changed since that time and now anybody, who has just a small sum of money and a desire can make a trip to Europe.
The only thing tourists have to do is to take a backpack and go wherever you wish. Backpacking across the Europe is much cheaper than traveling as a tourist besides it gives an opportunity to become better acquainted with European culture, life style, and people. Such kind of traveling will provide you with unforgettable experience and a great deal of new friends.
In fact, one of the greatest joys of backpacking across the continent is arriving at a train station and deciding right then and there where you want to go (not to mention the appeal of flying by the seat of your pants). That said, you do need to have an idea when you'll be traveling, and for how long.
Best time for traveling
Many people prefer to travel in summer as everything is open and weather is great, besides in summer you will have more opportunities to find seasonal work if you will need it. However, because the summer offers such nice travel weather, it can be tough to get into a hostel, the tourist sites have long lines, and the prices are at their highest.
If you choose to travel in the winter, you'll have an easier time getting in everywhere but there'll be less open. Many hostels are seasonal and most museums operate under shortened hours from September through May; smaller ones may close altogether. This is partially made up for by the discount rates offered across the board.
Length of staying
Going abroad you should know for sure the maximum term you are going to live in a foreign country. Obviously, packing and planning will be greatly affected by how long you must live off your back, but if you're a first-timer, we recommend 3-4 weeks - this'll give you enough time to get around and see lots of cool stuff, but you won't get too homesick - or poor.
Travel documents
Going abroad make sure that you have all the documents you will need for traveling in the country you are going to.
Now that you've committed yourself to European travel, the next step is to stop by STA travel (1-800-777-0112) or council travel (1-800-2-council), travel agencies that cater to students. These people know their stuff.
When you get there, you should first buy an International student Identity Card (ISIC). Well worth its $20 price tag, an ISIC gets you tons of discounts and offers you plenty of services. While you must be student to get an ISIC card, there is $15 card for all youths under 26 that offers similar (but reduced) benefits. Some of the services an ISIC card can get you include:
- Travel discounts
- General student discounts anywhere they are offered throughout Europe
- An email address
- Voicemail
- Phone card service
Next you will have to get passport. It’s really easy:
- Gather some proof of your citizenship (e.g., a birth certificate)
- Go to your local copy store and get 2 passport photographs taken
- Got to any post office or state/federal courthouse
- Pay a fee
Nothing is more associated with European backpacking than staying in hostels. European hostel provides you with a place to sleep and a bathroom to use. Depending on the hostel, you may have to share a room with others, and you'll probably have to share a bathroom with many.
But no matter what type of traveling you will choose, you will never forget days you spent in Europe. |
