Backpacking through Europe in June - Suggestions

[aggie10]

I plan to backpack through Europe for my first experience in Europe in June. I plan to start in The Netherlands and work my way through Germany, Austria and Italy.

Does anyone have any tips for a solo female traveler? I want to see as much as I can without over doing it. I'll be gone from June 1 - June 30.

[Eagle]

aggie10,

Welcome to the Boards! I have a few comments.....

As this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend pre-reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door to begin with. It will provide you with a lot of information on things like Itinerary planning, money and language issues and especially rail skills. I believe there's also a section in there regarding women travelling on their own.

With only a month for travel, I'd suggest not trying to fit too many cities into your Itinerary. You won't have time to "work my way through" four countries in only a month. You'll have to be somewhat selective in which cities you choose.

I'm assuming you're planning on staying in Hostels for the most part? You might consider using budget Hotels for a few nights, as it's nice to have some privacy too. Country specific Guidebooks usually have listings for Hotels in various price ranges. Also, June will be in the thick of the spring shoulder season (just before the peak travel time in July & August), so you might consider pre-booking your accommodations once you have an Itinerary somewhat finalized. Obtaining a membership with HI Hostels will provide "preferred booking" over those that aren't members.

In planning your Itinerary, try to minimize one-night stops as they get to be very tiring. Are there any cities or sights that you especially want to see?

I'm sure the others will have some comments and advice also.

Happy travels!

[aggie10]

Thanks. I do have the "Europe Through The Back Door" book and am in the process of reading it. So far it has been helpful.

The main cities I plan to visit are Edinburgh, London, Berlin, Vienna, Venice, Florence, Rome and maybe Athens. Not quite sure about Edinburgh and London right now.

I do plan on staying in hostels for the most part, but I also have friends who live in The Netherlands, Germany and Italy, so I will stay with them for as long as I can and travel from there accordingly. I have looking into Hi Hostels, but have not made any arrangements yet for that.

I'm still trying to estimate a good, but not solid itinerary. I like to be somewhat "spur of the moment" in my travels, but have some idea as to what I want to accomplish with float time to do some random things in between (that and it prevents me from overwhelming myself).