Cash and such

[Canadianly Confused]

Hey There people,

Me and 3 friends are currently planning a backpacking trip through europe. It won't be for a little while now, but I was just wondering if anyone here is from Canada and if so, How much money are you saving for your trip?? We will be going for 30-32 days and we will be sleeping in hostels and hotels and trying to keep funds low with cheap airfare and so on, but we're going to live a little too you know, we want to be able to go out to eat at a restaurant and so on sometimes... I was thinking around 4500 - 5000 but I'm not sure on how much things are around Italy and about their currency and stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot everyone. ;D

[WillTravel]

In CAD, say the following per person:

$700 - 1200 for airfare (depending where and when you're going and where you're leaving from)
$200-300 for local transport in a month (just a rough guesstimate)
$80 expenses per day (this is a pretty basic amount and you might well want more if you want to live a bit)

So $4000 CAD per person for one month could do it, if you're careful. If you have $5000 you should be able to have restaurants now and then. And your expenses will be cheaper outside of Italy and western Europe.

As of today, 1 Euro = 1.62472 CAD .

[Canadianly Confused]

Looks like it's time for me to start saving lol
Thanks a lot man

[Eagle]

The advice in #2 seems to be a fairly good estimate. The "local transportation" costs will depend somewhat on how you were planning on getting around? If you're going to buy a Railpass, you might have to budget a bit more. There is a huge variety of passes available - you might want to check www.raileurope.com to get some idea (be sure to click the Canadian link so that the prices are displayed in the correct currency).

You didn't indicate which part of Canada you're from? You might find it worthwhile to register on this Board, as you'll probably be visiting often as you sort out the details of your trip. Also, a good Guidebook can be tremendously helpful. I prefer the Rick Steves books, but Lonely Planet also publishes good Guidebooks.

Good luck with your trip planning!!!

[dougj]

my wife and I spent about 6000 between us in a month, not including airfare and eurail passes.