First Time Backpacking

[ccoceangirl]

So my husband and I will backpacking for the first time in Europe next spring/summer. I am trying to plan for 21 days and want to go to Italy, Greece, Spain & France. Does anyone have any advise for me when it comes to planning and saving money? What are some things that you recommend doing and seeing that I might not read about?

[Eagle]

ccoceangirl,

First of all, welcome to the Boards!

Given that this is your first trip to Europe, I would highly recommend pre-reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door before getting to far in your planning. That will provide you with a lot of information on how to travel "well" in Europe. After you have a better idea on which cities you'll be visiting, you can refer to country specific Guidebooks for more information on Hotels, sightseeing ideas, etc.

A time frame of 21-day is NOT a long time for travelling in Europe, so it would be a really good idea to minimize travel times between cities. I would also highly recommend using open-jaw flights for best efficiency (even if they do cost a bit more than return flights).

It would help to have some idea on which cities you want to visit in each of the countries you mentioned. That would help to determine an efficient Itinerary. Also, what types of sights are you interested in seeing - art galleries, Museums, Churches, hiking / outdoor activities? What prompted this desire to visit Europe and those specific countries?

Good luck with your planning!

[ccoceangirl]

I know 21 days is not enough but my husband is not as excited about doing this trip as I am and we are trying to do it between jobs. I am trying to make the trip short enough that my husband doesn't get bored but long enough for me to enjoy it. My husband is a great photographer and loves history and architecture so I know he will have fun once we are there but I have to keep it simple first. thanks for all the advice. I greatly appreciate it.

[Eagle]

ccoceangirl,

One other comment regarding your trip. I'd suggest dropping Greece, due to the fact that it's some distance from your other destinations. Although you could use a budget airline, you'd likely only have time for a day or two in Athens and I'm not sure it would be the best use of your limited travel time.

If you could provide a list of cities and sights that you're interested in seeing, it would be easier to suggest an Itinerary.

Cheers!

[vellamartin]

People all over the world from very different backgrounds, regardless of age, find backpacking a fun, rewarding and life changing experience. Most consider their first experience backpacking as being like birth into the world.

Without constraints or firm schedules, backpackers are completely free. With only your pack on your back, there are no limits to what you can do or see. Experiencing different cultures, overcoming language barriers, and making new friends (locals and other travelers) are all part of the adventure.

Backpacking across Europe can be confusing, exhausting and possible dangerous. Therefore, preparations need to be made. However, no matter how much you plan for your travels, adjustments will need to be made. Therefore, you should plan for these adjustments and set backup plans when possible. This web site is provided as a guide for those planning to set out on the adventure of a lifetime.

Backpacking Checklist

* Backpack (Invest the extra money to get a comfortable backpack that fits well. Your backpack is your constant companion and the key to comfort and convenience on your trip...use care to choose the right pack. You’ll be glad you did! Anything larger then 4500 CUI is going to be more trouble then it is worth)

* Fast Drying Towel (These are available as most camping stores. The last thing you want to do is pack a wet towel in your backpack.)

* Walking Shoes (When walking to and from the train stations, you’ll be happy you have comfortable shoes.)

* Socks and Underwear (Bring an extra pair. It’s not also easy to do laundry and you don’t want to recycle these essentials.

* Long Underwear (Depending on the season and whereabouts you are travel. Hostels are not also that well heating so long undies are crucial.

* Pillow Case (If you are planning to sleep in Backpacker Hostels, your own pillow case is nice.

* Sleeping Bag (Backpacker Hostels require you to rent sheets or use a sleeping bag. The latter is less expensive.)

* Passport (Don’t leave the country without it.)

* Spy Wallet (Pickpockets are all around and they love travels. Since your lively hood is in your wallet. It’s not a bad idea to divide your money up.)

* Day Pack (Many backpacks come with a detachable daypack. If yours doesn’t, it might not be a bad idea to bring one along.)

* Camera (Digital is nice but you’ll need a lot of extra storage space.)

* Journal (If you don’t have anything else to do, why not write in your journal.)

* Flip Flops (Use them in the shower!)

* American Express Traveler’s Checks (Perhaps more trouble then they are worth. It can be difficult to find someone to accept them.)

* Wet Wipes (Nice to have in a pinch and don’t require much space in your pack.)

* Landry Detergent (An extra travel pack might come in handy.)

* Space Savers (These are key. They are available at most camping stores and make packing much easier.)

* Rain Coat (If you are going to be traveling for a while, it is going to rain.)

* Lock (Backpacker Hostels usually provide lockers but you need to provide the lock.)

* Band Aids (Chances are that someone is going to fall or cut themselves. Be prepared.)

* Travel Guide (Travel Guides are great. However, those thick books weigh down your pack. Take a razor blade and cut out the pages you don’t need.)

* Shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste (You know the drill.)

* Clothing (The night before you leave, pack everything that you think you need then take out half. Clothing just ways too much. You can only take what you can carry.)
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[olivarsmith]

I gathered good information and knowledge about Back packing.I also thinking of a backpacking trip to Spain.I wish to travel to Canary island as a backpacker and solo traveler.