hostel reservations - a must???

[adnilemydal]

hi all, i'm going to europe this summer (mid-july to mid-august) with a galpal. we don't really know the exact dates we'll be in certain towns, since we'll have a month's unlimited eurail pass and will just be going along with the flow. is this a good idea, or is it absolutely necessary for us to reserve accommodations at hostels and have a set travel plan?

we'll be in spain, then to south of france, switzerland, austria, germany and ending in the netherlands.

any tips or suggestions would be appreciated!!!

[herrbert]

In that time of the year, you are better off making reservations. I would call it a necessary thing to do.

Making a plan, will most likely make your trip more structured, and in most cases you will see more, because you know you are on a time limit. (well you are on a 1 month time limit anyway).

If you don't make a shedule, and you don't want to make reservations, you need to make reservations during your trip. If you want to leave one place, you want to search on the internet for a hostel in the next place. (imo, that takes time, you are more likely want to spend in the city, and not behind a computer screen). Also you can make the mistake to take it too easy at the beginning of a trip, and end up missing some cities you wanted to see. (and having Spain on your list, that risk is a serious one ...)

In short: I would make a plan, and stick to it.

Also note that Spain and the South of France (esp. the Midi) can be places you might want to avoid in that time of the year, if you can't handle heat very well.

[rchua]

you'll be heading during the high season for backpackers. i'd advise reserving those hostels, especially cities and major tourist towns.

[madamtrashheap]

I'm with the others - if you can plan the dates you'll be in each city then book your accommodation as it's the height of the season. The reason for booking ahead is so that you get the type of accommodation you want, rather than settling for whatever is available (may be more expensive, badly located, not pleasant, etc). It's the nature of travelling Europe in Summer.

If the thought of locking yourselves in to an itinerary fills you with dread, perhaps set dates for the major/popular cities on your itinerary and book accommodation there (as soon as possible). That way you're still free to wander on the days in between and you still retain some flexibility.

[archdukej]

What about for May? I'm going to be in Austria, Benelux and France. Should I try to make reservations for May as it's not in the high season?

[herrbert]

As everybody know that July and August is highseason, all the people that don't want to go then, go in May and June, so I would also recommend making reservations.

At least check before traveling somewhere, that you can make a reservation. In Austria (at least outside of the cities), you could always find a Gasthof.