60+ Tips for Backpacking Through Europe
- Check Out Our European City Travel Guides.
- Pack Light.
- Get Travel Insurance.
- Avoid Backpacking Through Europe During High Season.
- Visit Cheaper European Countries.
- Do Research for Typical Tourist Traps and Scams.
- Plan Your Trip Around the First or Last Sunday in the Month.
Is it safe to carry a backpack in Europe?
When backpacking in Europe, know that for the most part, you are safe. There are very few places that put you at serious risk and as long as you do your due diligence and practise safe travel tips, you will be fine.
How big of a backpack should I bring to Europe?
A 40 liter backpack is the best size for traveling in Europe as it’s small enough to fly carry-on only. If you aren’t up to the challenge of travelling with a 40 liter pack, you just need to make sure that you choose a backpack you will be comfortable carrying for long periods of time.
How big of a backpack do I need for 2 weeks in Europe?
Backpack Sizes
I recommend a backpack around 40L-50L. Personally, I wouldn’t go over 65L, but some people like a bigger bag. You can always go smaller, but I wouldn’t recommend anything smaller than 35L — unless you’re into minimalist travel. What is this?
12 tips for backpacking through Europe
- Pick your season wisely. If you’re looking for a summer break, read up on the best countries for summer in Europe.
- Take the train.
- Be savvy about accommodation.
- Plan your trip around a festival.
- Eat like a local.
- Find the freebies.
- Get outdoors.
- Allow yourself the odd splurge.
Travel Internationally Carrying Only a Backpack
- Leave bulky items at home.
- Layer your clothing.
- Wash and re-wear.
- Seek out compact items.
- Roll clothing and towels to make them more compact.
- I have found HUGE space savings by downloading books on my phone and leaving all my paper books at home.
- Know the TSA liquids rule.
Is it easy to backpack around Europe?
Europe has a great transportation network, making it incredibly easy to zip from city to city and country to country. The hardest part is choosing which method is right for your travel style and budget. In this section, I cover each major transportation option system and give tips on finding the best deals.
Do you need a visa to backpack in Europe?
As an American, you can freely backpack Europe for a maximum of 90 days without needing to obtain a Schengen visa for short-term tourism or a business trip. Although you will not be required to carry a visa within your first 90 days of backpacking, it’s best to make sure you’re well prepared.
How to Plan a Successful Backpacking Trip in 7 Steps
- Define Your Trip’s Parameters. General questions are a good starting point for trip planning.
- Research Conditions.
- Select Gear.
- Plan Your Food.
- Create or Collect Navigational Resources.
- Gain Fitness and Skills.
- Conduct a Final Check.
How easy is it to backpack around Europe?
Many people dream of backpacking in Europe. And given the continent is full of history, culture, great food, scenery (and more!) it’s easy to see why. Europe is an ideal place for first-time backpackers as in general it’s pretty safe and it’s also easy to get around.
Can you travel Europe with a backpack?
You need a bag that works in every travel scenario. A travel backpack for Europe should be carry on-sized, even if you’ll be riding on more trains than planes. The exact size depends on which airline (or airlines) you’ll be flying.
How far in advance should you plan a backpacking trip?
Aim for at least three months’ notice for a weeklong trip, and provide a detailed description of your plan (difficulty, distances, weather concerns, etc.). Arrange a shuttle. Unless you’re doing a loop, most big trips require a shuttle.
Insider Tips for Your First Backpacking Trip
- Go with an experienced backpacker.
- Try an overnighter first.
- Travel a modest distance.
- Choose a convenient hiking route.
- Do your gear homework.
- Rent gear to save money.
- Invest in good footwear.
- Learn how to layer wisely.
How to Prepare for Your First Backpacking Trip
- Go on Longer Day Hikes.
- Decide Where You Want to Go.
- Check Which Permits You Will Need for Your Trip.
- Make Sure You Have All the Necessary Supplies.
- Bring Enough Food and Water.
- Get Friends to Go With You.
- Familiarize Yourself with Leave No Trace Principles.
Is it a good idea to plan ahead and leave an itinerary behind when hiking?
One of the most important things you can do as a solo hiker is to create a detailed hiking itinerary for your trip and leave it with a trusty friend or family member. I know I’ve been stressing the importance of solo hikers using this, but it’s also a great idea to do this anyway, even if you’ll be with other people!What to Bring Backpacking
- Hiking boots or shoes.
- Backpack.
- Tent.
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
- Stove and fuel.
- Kitchen supplies.
- Plenty of food.
- Water bottles and water-treatment supplies.
How to Plan an Around the World Itinerary in 8 Steps
- Make an itinerary bucket list for the entire world.
- Pick a direction around the world.
- Find creative overland routes.
- Research festivals in your favored locations.
- Play Tetris with locations to fit your travel budget.
- Plan around weather trends.