Cheap ways to backpack in europe

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Saving money on a backpacking trip to Europe begins long before you ever set foot on European soil. Months of research and planning are necessary to take full advantage of all the money saving options available to you. Travel websites, guidebooks and veteran travelers are all valuable resources that can end up saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars by helping you plan a route and offering tips on budgeting in every location you visit.

The first step is deciding when and for how long you are going to be backpacking. If you are flexible, it would be smart to go in the tourist off-season. June through August is the busiest time of the year and along with it comes higher prices on just about everything. Airfare, food prices, transportation and room rates all go up significantly. Off-season backpacking takes advantage of these lower prices and reduced crowds.

After you decide when and where you are going to go, getting there is the next step. For peak season travel, airfare is generally cheapest when purchased several months in advance. Internet airfare consolidators are a great way to find a cheap flight. Prices can rise and fall dramatically over the course of just a few days so it is important to keep checking these websites and to be flexible with flight dates and times. The location you fly into and out of is also very important. London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam are among the cheapest because of their size and efficiency. Airports in smaller areas tend to come along with higher fares. When leaving for Europe you may also want to consider flying standby. A little flexibility might just mean a reduced or even free flight.

Getting around within Europe normally consists of a combination of flights, trains, buses and rental cars. Deciding your main mode of transportation is an integral part of planning your itinerary. Flights are good for trips involving a small number of lengthy stops because of the abundance of cheap airfare between European cities. Car rentals are best for extensive travel within one or two countries. Weekly rates are comparable with rail passes for short periods and offer a freedom that none of the others can. Bus travel is very popular as a supplement to trains. At fairly economical prices they go where many trains cannot. There are also companies that offer passes good for various numbers of trips between major cities at a fraction of the cost of train fares. Still, however, train travel is the most popular and often the best option. The comfort and simplicity of the Eurail passes outweigh the slight increase in cost. With the large number of different passes, planning your itinerary becomes even more important because of the difference in price from one pass to the next.

One of the largest expenses of backpacking is accommodations. Most backpackers stay in hostels which are usually quite affordable. Some prefer camping although you must supply all your own equipment. Overnight trains are also a great option. They are reasonably priced and you can take care of all your traveling while you are sleeping. Couchette prices are similar to most hostels, but if that is still too expensive you can sleep on an overnight train in your seat. On a packed train this can be very uncomfortable, but two adjoining seats pulled together can provide a decent sleep. If you are over your budget and willing to rough it a little, there are free options that can help you out when in a bind. Train stations and airports are generally open all night and can provide a slightly uncomfortable, but free night stay. Beaches and parks can offer the same, but they are much more dangerous so sleep at your own risk.

The next largest expenses are food and transportation. In some European countries, particularly Eastern Europe, eating at a restaurant each meal wont break your budget. However in countries like England and France you could go broke in one meal at a decent restaurant. Experienced backpackers take advantage of grocery stores and markets which provide quality local food at vastly reduced prices. Most hostels have kitchens available. If not, a picnic of ready-to-eat food can be a fun and scenic experience. When drinking, remember that local wines are almost always cheaper than any beer or liquor available. Getting around cities is an often overlooked expense that can really build up if you are not careful. Cab rides, even when shared with others, can add up to a chunk of your daily budget. Mastering public transportation is key. Subway and bus schedules can be very confusing sometimes, but with a little persistence and patience you can save a good deal of money. Another option is to invest in a good pair of walking shoes. You may be exhausted from being on your feet all day, but in the long run youll be glad you saved that extra money for something more worthwhile than a taxi ride.

If you have followed all these instructions and still find yourself short on cash, here are a few emergency methods to keep on budget:

- Cut down on laundry - Sure you might stink a little, but at least you have enough money to still have a good time.

- No souvenirs for friends and family - Before you leave, tell them not to expect much. This way if you do bring them something, they are happily surprised.

- Prioritize sights and attractions - Museums and historical attractions can be costly, so you may have to limit yourself to the must-sees.

- Get a job - Many hostels and tourist groups offer free stays and meals in exchange for a few hours of your day. You wont make a lot, but every little bit helps.