The diversity that Europe – as a continent – provides is not replicated anywhere in the world and you can find it all while backpacking Europe routes. If you’re looking for fairytale scenery, rewarding culture, and a history like none other; travel no further because plan your backpacking Europe itinerary carefully and it will bring you all of it at once.
If sandy beach gems with thousands of miles of stunning coastline are what you’re looking for, head to southern Europe. Or if you can stand a cooler climate, the North Sea offers some of the most imposing cliff-lines in the world.
If the beach and sea isn’t your thing, Europe can offer astonishing mountain terrain that even the most devoted mountain-hikers can obsess over. The Alps protrude high from central Europe; taking in France, Switzerland, Austria, and northern Italy.
If you’re a history buff, look no further than a continent whose history has defined dozens of ages – both dark and inspiring – throughout time. From the dark, well-known pasts of the British and German peoples to the inspiring fight for independence for many other countries.
Europe is the world’s greatest fairytale and the story is far from untold.
European travel is different from travel within the United States. There are different languages, sundry cuisines that are unique in their own ways, and the variety of old and new architecture found throughout the continent will bewilder even the most cultured traveler. Walking the streets of Europe can feel like a walk through a far-off fantasy land, and that feeling of exploration is worth it all.
I started backpacking Europe alone around three years ago when I took my first trip abroad. Admittedly, I was completely unsure and had to do copious amounts of research to get a grip on the idea of traveling to a world so different than what I had grown up in.
However, with the lack of assurance came learning experiences I believe every American traveler backpacking Europe routes goes through and soon I was opened to a world I never knew existed. Now, I have many tips for backpacking Europe cost and how to travel Europe on a budget so that you know how much backpacking through Europe cost.
Ultimate backpacking Europe Itinerary on the best backpacking Europe routes
Did you know that only 3.5% of Americans will ever leave the United States to travel abroad? This series of European travel guides were written to inspire the American traveler to explore outside of their comfort zone and outside of their country to see another side of the world; to bring valuable information in helping you achieve that, and to point you in the right direction of where to begin – all from the perspective of a fellow American.
Europe’s almost inconceivable growing list of attractions is its largest lure:
Become further educated on the dark Holocaust history found in Berlin – one of my personal favorites to learn about is just a small part of the history in this open-minded city. Take a tour of the fascinating, popular street-art scene and take time to appreciate the details of each masterpiece.
Gaze upon the ever-increasingly jaw-dropping beauty of Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece – La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It’s slated to complete its century-and-a-half-long construction later this decade. Then, dance the night away as you sip away on Sangria in the city’s thrilling nightlife.
Roam the narrow cobblestone streets that Mozart graced centuries ago in Salzburg. The snowy Alps surrounding Salzburg make it one of the best places to visit in Europe in December. Skiing in Salzburg is an infamous European winter vacation.
However, if you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Europe in December and need an escape from the cold, soak up the always-sunny Mediterranean island climate of Maltese beaches and its clear, calm sea water.
Stomp around the unfathomable-looking northern landscape of the Faroe Islands that Vikings controlled over a dozen centuries ago. The archipelago is virtually unexplored by tourists today. You can easily hitchhike from island to island and converse with locals on the way. They are some of the friendliest people you will meet while backpacking Europe routes.
Stroll through the culture-packed, two-sided city of Budapest with its impressive fairytale architecture and world-renown thermal baths. At night, watch the city lights come on and witness the sparkle of the Danube from atop the Citadel. Don’t forget a bottle of wine! Afterwards, party the night away in Budapest’s unique ruin bars.
Tour the stunning multi-million dollar imperial palaces of Vienna that millions of people flock to each summer. Experience the traditional Austrian coffee halls and the beloved Austrian specialty; Wienerschnitzel. Explore your taste buds in the city’s most popular food stall street, Naschmarkt!
Barcelona, Berlin, the Faroe Islands, Malta, Budapest, Salzburg, and Vienna should be on any Europe travel itinerary and the sights that these places have to offer should be on everyone’s Europe bucket list. Whether you’re backpacking Europe alone, with a travel buddy, or with the whole family, these cities and countries outline one of the best backpacking Europe routes in the continent.
These destinations and backpacking Europe routes fall in line perfectly with each other. Their accessibility to one another (for the most part) makes these cities the perfect backpacking through Europe itinerary. With the information from the guides, you will be able to make backpacking Europe cost efficient and more rewarding than imaginable.
There’s a backpacking Europe itinerary to satisfy even the greatest adventurer’s thirst for exploration. Use these guides as a way to build your own backpacking Europe itinerary!
American Travel guide
I remember the first time I traveled to Europe I had gobs of questions: How much does backpacking Europe cost? What’s the best backpacking Europe itinerary? Where are the best backpacking Europe routes? And most importantly – what do I bring with me while backpacking across Europe?
Passport
A United States Passport is needed for any travel outside of the United States. Therefore, to travel to Europe, you must apply for and receive your passport before you can board your plane. Remember to factor in the application fee as a backpacking Europe cost.
Visit this website to see what is required to obtain a passport along with all other governmental information. Alternatively, passport application forms are also available at any U.S. Post Office location.
Choosing a Destination
Once you have applied for your passport, it’s time to begin the fun stuff like mapping out your Europe backpacking routes and building your Europe travel itinerary.
Whether you want to base your Europe travel itinerary on your Europe travel bucket list or follow our Europe travel guide is up to you! I have mapped out some of the best backpacking Europe routes and included detailed tips for backpacking Europe and how to travel Europe on a budget. To see those cities from an American traveler’s perspective, just take a look at the guides!
How to plan a trip to Europe on a budget
To know how to travel Europe on a budget, you must understand the essential costs of backpacking across Europe. Even more so, to build a budget, you need to know what type of traveler you are. You will need to do normal budget planning such as determining what you’re willing to sacrifice and where you draw the line in terms of accommodation.
Visa Rules
If you are a citizen of the United States, you have the privilege of being granted an automatic tourist visa within the European Union. The European Union (E.U.) is an agreement between 28 countries within Europe that grants free travel across borders.
The tourist visa granted to American citizens comes with relatively no complications for most with an ordinary backpacking Europe itinerary. However, if you will be traveling for longer than 90 days, you may need to do additional research. However, if you will be in Europe for less than 90 days, you have nothing to worry about in regards to a visa and you can check that off your to-do list.
You can build a solid Europe travel itinerary within the European Union, but it’s important to make sure that your chosen destinations are in the E.U. before leaving. If they are not, you will have to do a quick Google search to determine whether you need a separate visa for traveling to the chosen country.
How much does backpacking Europe cost?
The main backpacking Europe cost is, obviously, your flight across the pond. I believe it’s a long-believed myth of Americans that you should expect a roundtrip ticket to Europe to exceed one thousand dollars. However, that is not true. You just need to know how to plan a trip to Europe on a budget to understand that intercontinental flights are becoming cheaper every day.
Purchasing an Interrail Pass
Backpacking across Europe is made easy by a very thorough network of railways connecting all countries. To complement the network of trains, travelers are also offered the option to purchase an Interrail Pass which is designed to make the process of buying train tickets less complicated – matter of fact, with an Interrail Pass, you don’t even have to purchase a train ticket before riding.
While it does make the process easier, I would strongly urge against purchasing an Interrail Pass. I traveled by way of Interrail Pass during my first summer backpacking Europe routes and found it to be very limiting and inconvenient.
Extra things to know
Where do I get Euros?
It is not absolutely necessary; however, you can cut some stress from your travels by exchanging dollars for Euros before you leave the United States. Most banks are able to order Euros for you at a fair exchange rate. Consult with your bank about doing so.
If you choose to wait to exchange your dollars for Euros, just ask your bank about international ATM fees first! Alternatively, in most European cities, you will find currency exchange shops near the city center. Make sure you know the current exchange rate of dollars to Euros so that you can ensure you’re not getting ripped-off!
Can I use my cell phone in Europe?
Most cell phone providers offer international roaming at an additional charge. However, some carriers include it in the price of your monthly bill. It’s best to ask your provider what your plan includes.
Alternatively, if you’re going to be in Europe for an extended period, it may be less expensive to purchase a European SIM card upon arrival. Vodafone is a large carrier inside the E.U. and allows coverage in every country a part of the European Union. In order to use a European SIM card, you must first check to make sure your cell phone is GSM unlocked.
Can I use my credit card in Europe?
Most every credit card from the United States can be used in Europe. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come with an international fee attached to the transaction. Inquire about it with your credit company.
If you’re looking for a new credit card, try to find one that boasts “No International Transaction Fees”.
Do I tip in Europe?
It’s a myth that restaurant-goers are not obligated to leave a tip in Europe as they are in the United States. This isn’t true. In most countries, one must still tip. However, rarely will you ever have to leave a tip as large as tips in America. Make your trip more affordable with knowledge of the tipping practices of every country you visit.
What about speaking English in Europe?
The simple answer to that question is – Yes, most cities on any Europe bucket list have plenty of people who speak English.
That doesn’t mean everyone is speaking English in Europe, however, you’d have a difficult time not finding anyone who could help you with whatever you need in English.
What should I bring?
This is the hardest question to answer because it really depends on the type of traveler you are. For an all-inclusive Europe packing list, check out what I’ve put together based on my own knowledge and experiences of backpacking across Europe.
Why travel to Europe
I have been backpacking through Europe routes for almost three years now. I’ve seen my fair share of a lot of ups and some downs to intercontinental travel. However, I wouldn’t trade my experiences backpacking Europe routes to save my life. The amount of knowledge you gain and people you meet who change your life is priceless. I will take that opinion to the grave with me.
In addition, it’s important to get outside of America. We’ve built a stereotype of ourselves revolving around American’s ignorance to other cultures and places. And it’s partially true – at least, for me before I ever came abroad.
I couldn’t point out a single city on a European map. I’d be hard-pressed to even point you to a handful of countries. I probably couldn’t name more than a handful of countries and I sure as hell didn’t know anything worth noting about each of those.
It’s important to educate ourselves not only on the geography but the culture and history of other places and become more united with the world this way.
Stereotypes
Americans, as everyone else in the world, are very influenced by media. Unfortunately, the media can be very biased and corrupt. Evil and sad stories sell; culture and the amazing secrets about traveling never get told in the media.
In a way, that’s the beauty of travel. Your world is opened up to your own experiences. No one can tell you all that awaits you when backpacking around Europe.
There’s a lot of bad things we hear about happening in Europe. However, I can tell you that these things are by no means the norm. Just don’t let the media stop you from ever going.
Start your backpacking Europe itinerary!
Europe is a continent for any type of traveler. Whether it is the history, culture, scenery, or diversity – backpacking Europe routes will never leave you disappointed. There is a far-off fairytale fantasy world waiting for you and the only thing you need to do is go.
So what are you waiting for? Start packing those bags with Flying and Travel’s all-inclusive Europe packing list for Americans. And while you’re at it, you might as well start planning your Europe travel itinerary. Use these full city guides and start to learn the backpacking Europe cost! There is a completely new and different world waiting, and it’d be a shame to keep it waiting any longer.
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