There's a reason Europe remains the quintessential backpacking destination. The infrastructure is excellent, the diversity is unmatched, and you can be in a completely different culture within hours. But planning can be overwhelming. Here's everything you need to know.
Before You Go
Choosing Your Route
The classic dilemma: too many places, too little time. Start with these questions:
What are your priorities?
- Art and history: Italy, France, Greece
- Party and nightlife: Spain, Eastern Europe, Amsterdam
- Nature and hiking: Switzerland, Norway, Scotland
- Budget travel: Portugal, Eastern Europe, Balkans
- Beach and relaxation: Croatia, Greece, southern Spain
How much time do you have?
- 2 weeks: Focus on one region (3-4 cities)
- 1 month: Comfortable two-region exploration
- 2+ months: True continental exploration
Recommended First-Timer Routes:
The Classic Circle: London → Paris → Amsterdam → Prague → Munich → Rome → Barcelona → London
The Mediterranean: Barcelona → Nice → Rome → Athens → Croatian coast
Eastern Discovery: Prague → Vienna → Budapest → Krakow → Berlin
Budgeting Reality Check
Daily costs vary dramatically:
Expensive ($100-150+/day): Norway, Switzerland, London, Paris Moderate ($60-80/day): Germany, France, Spain, Italy Budget-Friendly ($40-60/day): Portugal, Eastern Europe, Balkans
A realistic first-timer budget: $70-80/day average, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
When to Go
Peak Season (June-August)
- Pros: Best weather, everything open
- Cons: Crowded, expensive, hot
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)
- Pros: Good weather, fewer crowds, lower prices
- Cons: Some attractions have reduced hours
Off-Season (November-March)
- Pros: Cheapest, most authentic
- Cons: Cold, some closures, shorter days
Best months: May, June, September—the sweet spot of weather and value.
Transportation
Eurail Passes: Worth It?
The honest answer: maybe.
Eurail makes sense if you:
- Travel long distances frequently
- Value flexibility over planning
- Are under 27 (youth discounts)
Booking individually makes sense if you:
- Know your route in advance
- Can book 2-4 weeks ahead
- Travel mostly by budget airline
Pro tip: Use seat61.com to research train routes and calculate whether a pass saves money for your specific itinerary.
Budget Airlines
Europe's low-cost carriers offer incredible deals, but watch for fees:
Major carriers: Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling Hidden costs: Checked bags, seat selection, airport transfers
Booking tips:
- Tuesday/Wednesday flights are cheapest
- Secondary airports add transport costs—factor them in
- Carry-on only saves significant money
Buses
FlixBus covers most of Europe cheaply. Comfortable but slow. Great for:
- Night journeys (save on accommodation)
- Budget-critical trips
- Routes trains don't serve well
Blablacar
Ridesharing between cities. Often cheaper than trains, meets locals, but less reliable scheduling.
Accommodation
Hostels 101
Your social hub and budget saver. Average costs: $15-35/night.
Dorm types:
- Mixed (cheapest)
- Female-only (available at most)
- 4-bed (best balance of price and sleep)
- 12-bed (cheapest but chaotic)
What to look for:
- Lockers (essential)
- Kitchen access (saves money)
- Common areas (meets people)
- Free breakfast
- Included towels
Top booking platforms: Hostelworld, Booking.com Top hostel chains: Generator, St Christopher's, Wombats
Alternatives
Couchsurfing: Free, authentic, social. Requires profile effort and flexibility.
Airbnb: Private rooms offer hostel prices with more privacy. Apartments work for groups or longer stays.
Hotels: Sometimes budget hotels compete with hostel prices—check Booking.com.
Packing for Europe
The Backpack
40-50 liters is ideal. Carry-on sized means you never check bags.
Recommended: Osprey Farpoint 40, Tortuga Outbreaker 35
The Packing List
Clothes (for 2+ weeks):
- 4-5 t-shirts/tops (merino wool ideal)
- 2 pants/shorts
- 4-5 underwear
- 4-5 socks
- 1 light jacket
- 1 nicer outfit (for restaurants, clubs)
Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes (worn on plane)
- Sandals or flip-flops
Tech:
- Phone with European SIM or international plan
- Universal adapter (EU uses Type C/F)
- Power bank
- Earbuds
Toiletries: Basics only—you can buy anything in Europe
Documents:
- Passport
- Travel insurance info
- Credit/debit cards (notify bank)
- Copies of important documents
Money Matters
The Euro Zone
Many countries share the Euro: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Greece, and more.
Notable exceptions: UK (Pound), Switzerland (Franc), Czech Republic (Koruna), Hungary (Forint), Poland (Zloty)
Cards vs Cash
Cards: Visa and Mastercard work everywhere. Always pay in local currency when asked.
Cash: Carry small amounts for markets, tips, small vendors. ATMs are everywhere.
Avoiding fees:
- Get a no-foreign-transaction-fee card before leaving
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) card offers best rates
- Avoid airport currency exchanges
Safety and Practicalities
Is Europe Safe?
Very. But tourist zones attract pickpockets.
Protect yourself:
- Money belt or hidden pocket for valuables
- Don't leave bags unattended
- Be alert in metro stations and tourist hotspots
- Avoid obvious tourist markers (maps in hand, camera around neck)
Scams to Know
- Petition signers (distraction theft)
- Bracelet sellers (aggressive payments)
- Fake police (asking to check wallet)
- Rose sellers (guilt trip)
Just say "no thanks" and walk away confidently.
Staying Connected
Options:
- Local SIM cards (cheapest)
- EU roaming (if you have an EU SIM)
- International phone plans
- WiFi hopping (free at cafes, hostels)
Health
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for EU citizens
- Travel insurance for everyone else
- Pharmacies are well-stocked and often speak English
- Tap water is drinkable almost everywhere
Making the Most of It
The Pace Problem
First-timers often try to see too much. Resist the temptation.
Better approach: 3-4 nights minimum per city. You'll explore deeper, meet more people, and actually relax.
Meeting People
- Stay in hostels (common rooms are designed for socializing)
- Join free walking tours (tip-based, excellent value)
- Use apps: Couchsurfing hangouts, Meetup
- Say yes to activities and invitations
Free Stuff
Europe offers incredible free experiences:
- Museum free days (research each city)
- Churches and cathedrals
- Parks and gardens
- Markets and neighborhoods
- Free walking tours (tip-based)
Food Strategy
Eat like a local:
- Lunch specials offer best value
- Grocery stores for breakfasts and snacks
- Markets for cheap local food
- Avoid restaurants on main tourist squares
First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
- Overplanning: Leave room for spontaneity
- Overpacking: You won't need half of it
- Only seeing capitals: Small cities often charm more
- Skipping Eastern Europe: Best value and authentic experiences
- Fighting jet lag first day: Push through to local bedtime
- Tourist-trap restaurants: Walk 2-3 blocks from attractions
- No travel insurance: Not optional
- Rigid schedules: Weather changes, you'll meet travel partners, plans evolve
Sample Itinerary: 3 Weeks Classic Route
Days 1-4: London
- Westminster, British Museum (free), Borough Market
- Day trip: Stonehenge or Oxford
Days 5-7: Paris
- Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre
- Walk along the Seine
Days 8-10: Amsterdam
- Canal walks, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum
- Day trip: Kinderdijk windmills
Days 11-12: Prague
- Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, castle district
- Czech beer culture
Days 13-15: Munich
- Marienplatz, beer halls, Englischer Garten
- Optional: Neuschwanstein Castle day trip
Days 16-18: Rome
- Colosseum, Vatican, Trastevere neighborhood
- Ancient ruins walking
Days 19-21: Barcelona
- La Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter, beaches
- Tapas and nightlife
The Transformative Power of Travel
First-time European backpacking isn't just about seeing famous sights. It's about proving to yourself you can navigate unfamiliar places, connect with strangers, and find comfort in uncertainty.
You'll make mistakes. Get lost. Miss trains. Eat bad meals. That's part of it. You'll also watch sunsets over the Mediterranean, share wine with new friends in a hostel kitchen, and realize the world is simultaneously larger and smaller than you imagined.
Book the flight. The rest you'll figure out.
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