Backpacking to Europe for first time, need tips?
February 15, 2011 by Hikerama
Filed under backpacking tips
Me and three other friends are going on a month long backpacking trip and i was wondering if any one has any helpful tips as to what to bring, what to watch out for etc. or any problems you experienced that you can warn me about. We will be visiting Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, and all around Poland. THX allot for your help!
Also could any one tell me approximately how much money did you spend in a day on things like food and drinks.
Pack lots of condoms.
Enjoy.
Just go to Portugal. Safe, cheap, all beach and naked women. OH, food is awesome
Find the information you need in travel guides and then tear those pages out and only take those instead of the whole book. That was one huge mistake I made, carrying around all that extra weight. Also pack light layers instead of anything bulky. It is much easier to take on and off and to rinse out and have it dry by morning.
Have tons of fun!
one thing you need in europe is a cute berat ( i think i spelled it right its those cute hates they wear ( if your a girl)
Make sure you have a money belt with all of your documents on you at all times, unless you can get a secure safety deposit box at a bank only. Never leave any documents at a hotel room safe when you are out, only when you are in the room sleeping.
I am not sure what country you are from but make sure you contact your local authorities and let them know about your trip and destination you’re visiting, that way they will be aware of your where abouts so if some conflict will come about they will know about your and can help you out. If in Canada a specific RCMP department looks after that. Also it is a good idea to let your countries’ embassy in the country that you are going to know; when are going to be there for how long and approximate plan for visits you are going to do. Also inform then about any special medical needs you might have such as special medication you might need.
It might sound like a lot of work but trust me when crap goes down you will be really happy that your government knows where you and coming to get you. In tough times they can provide your extractions, stay at the embassy, help to get around and so on but if they don’t know where you are there is nothing can be done at the time when something happened as fast.
Funny thing, it is probably the only time you’d want the government on your side lol.
Stay in touch with relatives back home on regular basis schedule times you will be contacting them so they know if you didn’t make the time they can sound the alarm.
Never keep large amounts of cash on you.
Get travelers chequs.
Good place to stash a few bills in case I if you get robbed. in the elastic of your sock. You won’t lose it and have a back up cash for the emergency.
Avoid unpopulated ares at night.
Make sure you have a phone of the local embassy handy and local authorities.
Be cautious of people because in some countries especially eastern block, what you wear or what you say and even look what you look like may be causing you trouble. Any symbols should be removed, t-shirts with slogans and band names and soccer jerseys and so on should be avoided. Wear casual plain clothes with not wiring or symbols. Avoid standing out and letting every stranger know you are foreigners.
If you are not Canadian it is sometimes best to fake that you are. Americans are not as welcome around the world as much as you might think. World seems to be less aggressive and more neutral towards Canadians.
When in bars mind your drinks, NEVER LET YOUR SELF get intoxicated. Getting plowed best left for your home bars. It is extremely dangerous to be passed out or heavily intoxicated in a foreign country.
Keep and eye on those who you travel with.
Take a lot of pictures to bring back with you and have fun
Good luck on your trip, stay sharp of pick-pockets. They can stage a whole crowd of people just pick-pocket one dude.
Hope that helps some.
Check out the books and videos from PBS Rick Steves. His best known book is “Europe Through the Back Door.” I went backpacking in Europe and he brought a far smaller backpack than I did. I remember him saying to pack for four days worth, bring shampoo – good for hair and washing clothes both. Pack liquids in plastic bags in case anything inadvertently opens. It can happen on a plane or train, or even just bouncing around as you walk. A professor told us to consider what we would take and cut it in half. Seriously the less you take the more mobility you have.
If you stay at any hostels and everyone has had their share and is done with breakfast, bring a few baggies and pack the leftovers for later snacks. Another tip to help your cash last.
If you like Medieval Culture seriously consider Bruges, Louven, or Brussels, Belgium. They were amazing gems on my trip, particularly Bruges.
Most of my problems were in Italy particularly Florence where pickpocketing is rampant. Just be careful if someone asks you for directions. One common trip is to put a map or newspaper in front of you while someone lifts your wallet. Consider a passport around-the-neck wallet.
You will need to consider the basics of food, shelter and clothing. Even if you plan to hike from hostel to hostel, you will need at least an emergency bivy in case of injury of delay. Since you will be gone for a month, you will need to plan food re-stocking stops–map accordingly and be sure to have an extra supply of emergency rations in case of injury or delay. Clothing will need to be suited to changing environmental conditions. I hope you get to hike in clear, cool, sunny conditions, but you can’t count on it. Be absolutely certain that you carry the 10 essentials at all times. Then, in the case of an emergency, you have what you need to survive. See the website below for food, shelter, clothing and advice.
Happy hiking.