Can This Be Done and Fun?

[MakoMan82]

I am 20 Years old, only speak english but im a pretty good learner, and want to backpack across Europe.  I have never done this and dont really have enough money to do the typical day by day backpacking trip.  Instead i would like to fly into europe with a one way ticket in the middle of febraury 2002( i dont know how long i will stay and have a feeling it might be over 6 months and up to a year!) probably into Amsterdam (because i hear they have the some of the least strict regulations on flying in with a one way ticket).  I plan to bring my credit card, only for emergency use or for a plane ticket back home(only incase of emergency) and around $400 U.S. just to get me started. Anyway, I plan to stay in each city i visit for 2 to 3 weeks or so and work at odd jobs to save just enough money to get a rail or bus ticket to the next place i decide to visitplus a little $$ to get me started there, then repeat the process there.  Of course i will be visiting the city's attractions while in them. I dont mind the working and am kinda looking forward to it to get the learning experience plus it will give me a better feel for each culture and city i visit.  I dont really have a formal planned route i just plan on going to places i want or hear about once im in europe, then eventually buying a plane ticket back to the U.S. when i feel ready.  Can this be done or will i be stuck out in the cold and have to fly home after a few weeks or less?  Also, what else besides a passport do i need to enter europe and to cross borders once there?  Is there any places i should really avoid with this kind of plan? Please help me out if you can. Any other tips will be greatly appreciated.

[Kim]

You are right with Amsterdam being lax on the return ticket thing, you could never do it in London. Arriving in Amsterdam, we just walked out of the airport, no customs or anything.

About the $400 thing...I hate to be the one to say it, but it won't last long. It's not easy to get jobs in these places either as knowing the language is often a requirement. I have had friends that have tried it and ended up having to come home.

You have to think at say $20/night for accommodation (it could be more depending on the place), that's less than 3 weeks accommodation if you don't find a job. Not to mention food, transportation, sights etc.

It might be worth waiting a bit and saving some more up-that way you are good to go either way. I know that's a pain to hear but we don't want you freezing on a park bench either!

Kim

[MakoMan82]

Thanks for the info kim.  How much do you think i should bring for security.  Ive heard it was not that hard to find under the table jobs in a lot of the countries in europe, is it really that hard?  Also do you have any info on what else i need besides a passport to get into europe and cross borders once there?  Thanks again, Daniel.

['Guest']

if you are a US citizen, a passport is all you need for western europe.  Kim can tell you about (would that be aboot?)   ;)requirements for Canadians.

[Kim]

Throughout W.Europe they have open borders, all you need is a passport. When you are on a train, they won't stop or check between countries.

Once you get into Eastern Europe however, many countries require a visa. A note to Canadians, don't forget that as of last year, you do need a visa in order to visit Prague.

For security Daniel, bank on spending roughly $50 a day. You might be able to do it for a little cheaper, say $40/day but I wouldn't go any lower than that.

There are alot of expenses you don't budget for that come up while travelling.

[[e-mail]]

The problem with a lot of under the table work, is that most of it is available in the high season (summer) not Feb.  But even then, mostly just before high season (last half of May?) before everyone else looking for the same thing arrives.  

['Guest']

Daniel,

You didn't ask this, I know.  But, the best way to take money with you is to leave it safely in your bank.  Take your ATM card to access your account.  

If you have cash, it can be lost, stolen, whatnot.  Try to take an extra atm card, in case the 1st one goes bad.  

- d