Things You'll Need:
- A backpack
- Passport
- Money (not a lot)
- A good sense of humor and adventure
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Step 1
First determine how long you'll be travelling. For Europe I suggest at least a month, but two or three would be even better. But remember the longer you're travelling the more it will cost!
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Step 2
Next decide where you want to go. Unless you have several months and a sigificant amount of cash at hand you won't be able to see all of Europe in one trip. Pick the countries, cities, attractions, or cultures that really interest you. Its best to see a few places really well rather than have your entire trip be a blur of airports and train stations.
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Step 3
After you've narrowed down your must see places work out a route. Try to avoid doubling back accross the continent as this wastes valuable time and money.
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Step 4
Figure out how much money you'll need. For less popular places $30 per day will get a dorm bed in a hostel, a small lunch, and dinner you prepare yourself in the hostel kitchen. Double and even triple that for touristy places like Paris and London. Check out the prices of things in places you'll be visiting. Don't forget to include transportation within the city (cabs, trains, and buses) as well as admission to attractions such as museums, gifts for folks back home, a beer with your new friends, and of course the things you'll forget to budget for.
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Step 5
Once you've got a pretty solid itinerary start shopping around for the best flights. You'll want to start this process pretty early so you can find the best deals. Check out large ticket brokers online like www.travelocity.com and www.priceline.com There are plenty out there. Its usually cheaper to fly out of a major international airport so if you're within a reasonable driving distance start your search with those. And don't be afraid of unconventional travel. I often take a six hour train ride to DC because airfare plus train tickets is still cheaper than flying out of a closer airport.
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Step 6
Once you know how you're getting to Europe its time to start planning how you're going to get around. EuroRail is the most popular way of traveling. A large rail network links western Europe and EuroRail pass acts as your ticket through most of western Europe. There are several different passes available including unlimited travel for a period of time as well as tickets for a set number of trips and tickets valid within certain areas. Check out their website to make the best and most affordable choice.
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Step 7
You've got your passport, you've booked your flights, and your rail pass just arrived in the mail! But you can't leave until you're all packed. The old saying lay out everything you plan to take and then cut it in half is only partly correct here. After you've cut it in half cut it in half again. Less is more when backpacking. You'll be carrying everything for a long time. Take light weight clothes. I don't suggest jeans. They mark you as an American, they're too heavy to carry, and you'll often be doing laundry in a sink and they take too long to dry.
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Step 8
Before you head off book your first night stay at the hostel of your choice in your first city. Its comforting to arrive and already have a place to stay. If you're arrival city's language isn't one you speak write down the address for your cab drive, bus drive, and anybody else you might need to ask directions.
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Step 9
Enjoy your trip! Take lots of pictures, write down everything, especially the things you swear you'll never forget!
