Backpacking in Europe 2010

[shocktart0202]

Hello,

I have never backpacked before, but have made the decision to take a year off college to backpack through Europe. There are many things still up in the air, but I was just looking for some suggestions.

My plan as of right now is to leave in May for Europe. I plan on visiting Italy, London, Prague, Amsterdam, and Scotland for sure. I would really like to explore a lot of Europe, but am not sure on timeline. I was thinking I would go for 6 months, but after looking at other people's iteneraries, it seems that that much time is not needed. I would love to know what other people think about how long I should stay...

If I do stay 6 months, do you think it would be possible for me to stay in areas for extended periods of time and get some short term jobs to help cover my costs? I think that would be a great experience and that I would have fun, but I am not sure what the possibilities of that truly are.

If anyone has any advice or suggestions, I would LOVE to hear!!

[herrbert]

To go for 6 months is possible, but not if you are going as a 'tourist'. The time you can stay in the Schengen-zone, as a non-European is limited to 90 days.

If you like to stay for longer you need to take a look at a WHV (Working Holiday Visum). This would also make it possible to work (legally) in Europe.

There is a lot to see in Europe, but of course it depends on your interest, what are good sights for you to visit. For the places you listed so far: I would say about 4-5 days for London, 3 days for Prague and Amsterdam. Scotland needs about 4 days for Edinburgh and Glasgow, and beyond that another week to explore the highlands and the lochs (at least the Isle of Skye).

Italy is a country with a lot to see. The classic route would be Rome (5 days), Florence (3 days) and Venice (2 days). A lot of people here will also advise Cinque Terre and maybe spending a few days on the Amalfi coast (Sorrento), which makes it possible to visit Pompeii and Capri. The lakes in the North are also worth a visit.