Backpacking Europe – Our Step-by-Step Guide

As travellers, backpacking Europe will remain our all-time favourite travel style. After our first backpacking trips, we wrote a blog about what to do before going on a backpacking adventure. Since then, we have been asked too many questions about many things. 

”I want to travel Europe, how did you do it?” and ”What shall I do to do the same?” or ”Do I need a lot of money?” These are just a few of the considerations! Consequently, we’ve created this complete guide to assist you in planning your backpacking journey with ease, ensuring a worry-free experience.

We have listed everything you need to know so you have everything covered and won’t miss anything. In this blog, you will find information on what to do before leaving until you embark on your trip, together with accommodations, gear, scams, and many other tips. 

Let’s not waste time and cover everything you need about backpacking Europe.

How to Carefully Plan Your Backpacking Adventure

After a long time of thinking about going on a backpacking adventure, you finally decided to go. You’re sure about this backpack Europe adventure you’ve been dreaming of. With all the excitement it brings, you just want to grab your travel backpack and leave. 

Slow down a little; you must carefully plan well before you rush.

Don’t Feel Overwhelmed 

You want your European trip to be perfect, so keep planning and planning. Please don’t overdo it; planning a backpacking adventure is not like planning a short trip; it can be tiring and overwhelming. 

We completely understand you, having been in the same situation. However, based on our experience, we can say that the more you plan, the greater the anxiety you might feel. 

Plan Your Route

Our initial recommendation is to plan your route. See which countries you wish to visit, think of what activities you want to do, and coordinate your finances. 

Don’t plan to visit only expensive countries if you have a tight budget; otherwise, you have to shorten your period for your backpacking trip. Be prepared to change plans, as only some things will go as planned.

Save Money

Is money preventing you from embarking on the backpacking trip you’ve always wanted? Do you find it challenging to save money? Here are some helpful tips on how to save money and travel the cheapest way.

Backpack Europe – Do Your Research Well

Doing your research well before your backpacking trip is essential, especially when planning for an extended travel period. 

This preparation phase allows you to familiarise yourself with the diverse landscapes, cultures, and practicalities of the regions you intend to explore. It lets you make informed decisions regarding routes, accommodations, and essential travel arrangements. 

Doing research beforehand ensures you are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and embrace the enriching experiences of an extended backpacking journey.

Secure Good Travel Insurance

Backpacking through Europe is fun and exciting, but many things can happen. You can get sick and need to go to a hospital, your flight or accommodation gets cancelled, or you get robbed in a large city. 

You must secure good travel insurance to avoid paying hundreds or thousands! For top-rated travel insurance overall, we suggest using SafetyWing.

Search For Cheap Flights

After securing travel insurance, it’s time to book your flight. In today’s world of extensive travel, numerous deals abound if you know how and when to search for them. For cheap flights, you must be flexible with your dates. 

Don’t stick to August or Christmas, the highest season for travelling. In a few words, if you stick to the dates when everyone is travelling, your flight ticket will cost you more.

Explore cost-effective flight options using KIWI.

Verify Necessary Visas for Extended Stays

If you’re visiting a country in a Schengen Zone during your trip to Europe, it is crucial to apply for a visa. The Schengen visa allows 90 days of tourist travel within the Schengen Area countries.

Avoid Paying Extra ATM Fees 

Before you leave on your backpacking trip, saving money is likely your most significant challenge, and the last thing you want is to incur additional ATM fees. Avoid unnecessary bank fees by researching before withdrawing cash from an ATM. 

Steer clear of a common mistake many make – refrain from exchanging money at airports due to high rates and fees. Additionally, avoid ATMs in major cities. Opt for a bank within the Global ATM Alliance, a collective network of central banks that have joined forces to waive fees, enabling free ATM withdrawals. Consider applying for a Revolut card here.

Get an Affordable High-Speed Mobile Data Plan

Having swift and dependable mobile data for your smartphone is a fundamental necessity in today’s world.

Practically all modern smartphones seamlessly integrate with Europe’s mobile infrastructure. With widespread international data plans, your smartphone should function automatically upon arrival in Europe.

If your smartphone doesn’t work automatically, consider purchasing a European SIM card or eSIM from Airalo (increasingly standard) that includes a prepaid data plan. While numerous options offer reliable service, securing a favourable deal and resolving technical issues is crucial.

Gear Up – Essentials for Backpacking Europe

Backpacking through Europe requires more essentials than your usual travel Europe trips.  

Luggage vs Backpack

To begin with, why choose a backpack and not luggage? The choice is yours, but choosing a backpack for backpacking Europe is ideal for various reasons.  

We hate luggage, even for short trips. When backpacking and exploring many countries, expect your luggage to endure frequent handling on buses. Your journey will likely involve a considerable amount of walking and perhaps hitchhiking.

Can you imagine walking for extended hours, lugging your luggage behind you, and navigating narrow pavements? How about staying in accommodation on the 12th floor without an elevator? How do you plan to carry your luggage up there? It’s challenging!

Choose Your Ideal Backpack

Select a backpack of the appropriate size—not too small, yet not excessively large. Opting for an overly large backpack results in unnecessary weight, while choosing a tiny one might lead to replacements along the way due to discomfort in accessing your belongings easily. We faced this situation during our first backpacking Europe trip when we had no experience. 

When searching for a backpack, pay attention to details such as the material, lockable zippers, multiple compartments, padded shoulder straps, cushioned hip belt, and a padded back to avoid discomfort during your backpacking trip.

Pick Your Perfect Trekking Shoes

We believe selecting the ideal trekking shoes is even more crucial than choosing your backpack. Backpacking Europe means adventure, and adventure means you’ll do crazy things. 

Walking long hours when no transport is available, hiking trails, climbing a volcano, or your next destination means trekking the highest mountain. You don’t want to end up with blisters on your toes or be unable to walk due to foot pain, right?

Essentials for a Hassle-Free Adventure

To fully enjoy your backpacking trip hassle-free, we short-listed some of the essentials one must have. 

• First-Aid Kit
• Prescription Medicines (if you need) 
• Extra Lenses & liquid for your lenses (if you use them)
• Sunscreen
• Travel water bottle
• Insect Repellent
• Charger
• Adapter
• Headphones
• Travel Pillow
• Eye Mask
• Ear Plugs

Capturing Memories – Bring Your Camera

While having photography skills or camera knowledge is advantageous, most of us use smartphones equipped with good cameras, making it sufficient to bring your phone (which you undoubtedly will).

We love capturing memories and recognising the meaningful value that photos hold for us. As the years go by, looking back at our captured moments allows us to revisit the experiences and places we encountered in the past years.

Upon returning home, sharing what you witnessed with your loved ones becomes a desire, and it would be unfortunate if you didn’t have any photos to show those experiences.

Packing Tips for Couples

Solo travellers often face higher costs as they bear all expenses independently. However, the dynamics change when it comes to packing. Packing light can pose a challenge for couples embarking on a backpacking adventure, especially when attempting to streamline items. 

Here are 5 packing tips for couples

1. Share toiletries and pack them in one toiletry bag
2. Use vacuum bags to compress your clothing items
3. Use packing cubes to organise and separate your clothing
4. Opt for microfiber pocket towels instead of large plush towels
5. Reduce your electronics and share chargers whenever possible

5-Month Backpacking Itinerary

Our first backpacking through Europe adventure was the perfect trip for us. Despite lacking prior experience in setting off with a one-way ticket to explore distant countries far from home, it evolved into a fantastic and transformative long trip through Europe that left an indelible impact on our lives.

Roaming the Baltic Beauty

We started exploring the Baltic Beauty in Eastern Europe with stays at local residences in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Countless treasures and discoveries await those eager to explore this vibrant region.

Explore Tallinn and Estonia’s largest Island

Spend ten days in Latvia exploring Māras Dīķis and Jūrmala

Visit Lithuania for nine days

Exploring Ukraine Before the Conflict

Ukraine stands out as one of our favourite countries. Despite ongoing conflicts, don’t let them deter you from visiting this nation, as it boasts numerous must-see sights waiting for you to explore.

Beyond Kyiv, include Lviv and Odesa in your itinerary to immerse yourself in a more authentic local experience.

Moldova Beyond Borders

In Eastern Europe, Moldova stands out as a highly affordable and perfect destination for backpackers, even though it is considered to ”not exist.” 

It’s worth noting that Moldova is not the only country facing this situation. In essence, these are nations not officially recognised by the international community and, consequently, are not members of the United Nations.

Visit Moldova and Transnistria, A country that doesn’t exist

Exploring the Balkans

The Balkans hold a special place as our all-time favourite countries. These destinations are perfect for budget-conscious travellers looking to save money, as you’re guaranteed not to spend much! 

Indulge in the most delicious street food these countries offer. If you prefer preparing your food, it remains a budget-friendly option. Start exploring these beautiful countries to ensure a memorable backpacking experience.

Embark on a Road Trip Adventure in Romania

Unwind yourself in Bulgaria

Experience a Night in a Treehouse in Macedonia

Discover the hidden gems in Albania

Explore the Charms of Montenegro, the Black Mountain Country

Roam through the Splendor of Croatia

Why one should visit Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Off the beaten paths of Serbia

Discovering Hungary and Slovakia

We ended our backpacking Europe trip exploring the rich tapestry of Hungary and Slovakia. These neighbouring Central European countries beckon with a blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. 

In Hungary, you can explore Budapest with its architectural marvels and soak in the thermal baths. Meanwhile, Slovakia has charming towns, castles, and the stunning Tatra Mountains. 

Whether strolling through Budapest’s vibrant streets or hiking the trails of the High Tatras, the discovery of Hungary and Slovakia promises a travel experience filled with diverse landscapes and cultural delights.

Are you visiting Hungary for the first time? There’s more to explore beyond Budapest!

Slovakia’s Enchanting Charms: Beyond the Ordinary

3-Month Backpacking Itinerary

After our first backpacking adventure in 2021, we couldn’t stop there. Emotions and the longing for another adventure brought us to embark on a second journey. 

This time, our plan revolved around discovering new Balkan countries and a country in Western Europe and revisiting others we had previously explored.

Believe it or not, we started our second adventure by sleeping in airports. We’ve become used to sleeping wherever necessary; besides, it’s a practical option for saving money. Overall, it turned out to be another amazing trip through Europe.

Volunteering in Kosovo

Kosovo is a country in Southern Europe situated in the heart of the Balkans. Renowned for its landscapes and abundant attractions, it stands out as one of the most beautiful destinations in the Balkans. 

During our visit, we embarked on a road trip, immersing ourselves in the richness of the surroundings. A particular aspect of our Kosovo experience was the opportunity to volunteer at SOS Fshatrat e Fëmijëve Kosovë.

Exploring Banja Luka

On this backpacking Europe trip, we revisited Bosnia and Herzegovina for the second time. Our first experience in this country during the first trip left us with fond memories of friendly locals and countless attractions, sparking our excitement to explore more. 

This time, we strategically planned to venture into different areas, including the city of Banja Luka, situated on the Vrbas River. With ample time to wander through this city, there’s an abundance of activities beyond this area waiting for you to discover.

Vanlife Adventure in Austria

During our adventure in Austria, little did we imagine that our exploration in a campervan would lead us to the breathtaking Grossglockner, the highest surfaced mountain pass road in the country.

You should include Austria on your Western Europe itinerary. If you do, we highly recommend renting a campervan to reduce expenses and keep up with your budget. 

While Austria boasts a higher cost of living than the global average, don’t let this stop you from visiting.

Delving into Austria’s wonders while embracing van life presents an incredible journey. It eliminates the need to spend money on pricey accommodations, using taxis in cities, or eating in expensive restaurants. You’ll have everything with you in one place.

For those considering experiencing van life, our top recommendation for renting a campervan is PaulCamper, which ensures a seamless and unforgettable exploration of Western Europe’s landscapes.

Czech Republic Beyond Prague

The Czech Republic is full of quaint villages, offering abundant activities not only in the city of Prague but also in its new cities. While it is an affordable destination, it may not be considered very cheap. 

Yet, you can explore the Czech Republic without the need to spend a lot. From our experience, avoid dining in restaurants; instead, prepare your own food or eat from food trucks scattered across most cities. There’s nothing better than trying traditional food.

We recommend visiting Karlovy Vary and Brno for a perfect Czech Republic trip. Karlovy Vary stands out as one of the loveliest towns in the country, boasting historic architecture and rejuvenating hot springs. 

On the other hand, Brno is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity and fewer crowds, ensuring a restful experience in this picturesque Czech city.

Uncovering The Beauty of Turin

Turin, the capital city of Piedmont and the Metropolitan City of Turin, holds historical significance as it was the inaugural Italian capital from 1861 to 1865.

Being a neighbouring country to Malta, Italy is easily accessible for us, and we’ve had the pleasure of visiting it multiple times. Each visit to Italy feels like coming home, especially when exploring new destinations.

Turin was a city we hadn’t visited before, so we included it in our itinerary during this backpacking Europe trip. The excitement to start exploring this new city was real.

Like other well-visited Italian cities like Rome or Naples, a few days in Turin are enough for exploration. The city boasts numerous must see sights, including palazzos and the iconic Piazza Castello. 

A visit to the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista is essential; this main church of Turin is renowned for housing the Holy Shroud, believed to have enclosed the body of Christ.

Create An Ultimate Itinerary For Your Journey

Creating your itinerary for backpacking through Europe is an enjoyable experience. If you need more clarification on starting one, feel free to follow our itineraries or mix and match as you please.

We’re here to help you if you want to craft your itinerary for your next trip to Europe, which we strongly recommend.

The Process of Creating an Itinerary

A travel itinerary differs for each travel style.

Begin by selecting a departure date and determining the duration of your travel. Next, choose the destinations you wish to explore and outline the activities you plan to do in those different countries. Allocate the number of days you intend to spend in each country.

Additionally, consider your transportation options between countries, whether flying, taking trains, or taking buses. Take note of departure times to avoid missing flights. Once you’ve compiled all the essential information and crafted your itinerary, you’re ready to embark on your journey.

Still, when you’re backpacking, be prepared to change plans.

Explore Europe on a Budget: Affordable Destinations Awaits!

When planning your backpacking adventure, saving money in European cities might be a primary concern. After the time dedicated to sacrificing to save money, the last thing you want is overspending. 

For an economical travel experience, we have compiled a list of countries ideal for budget travel.

How to Travel to European Countries on a Budget

We all know that some European countries can be expensive, but it shouldn’t stop you from visiting during your trip to Europe.

We have firsthand experience in places like Paris and London, known as two of the most expensive European cities, yet we successfully managed to save money. 

Here, we share valuable information on how to travel in the cheapest way, ensuring a budget-friendly trip to Europe.

Choose The Right Destinations

One must choose suitable destinations for backpacking Europe on a budget. What does this mean? If you want budget travel and to spend a few months exploring, do not visit only the most expensive countries. 

Choose less costly countries where you can save money on accommodations and food and extend your time and still save money. You can backpack Europe on a budget if you choose the best options.

Walk As Much As You Can

During your backpacking through Europe, you’ll find yourself walking, walking and walking. Yes, you must spend most of your time walking to save money. If you take taxis all the time, you end up paying too much. 

An affordable alternative is using local buses. While travelling from one destination to another may take a bit longer, you’ll save significantly by choosing this option.

Another excellent choice is train travel. Train tickets are budget-friendly, particularly for covering longer distances.

Our preferred choice after walking is hitchhiking, offering a cost-free and enjoyable alternative. Based on our experiences, we’ve compiled “10 Tips And All You Need To Know about Hitchhiking.“

Avoid Staying in Hotels

Staying in hotels can be the most expensive option while backpacking through Europe. As you navigate your journey, keeping a close eye on accommodation costs becomes crucial. 

The constant consideration revolves around how to spend less and how to find the best deals. Discovering budget accommodations is essential for adequate cost savings during your travel adventure.

Discover Affordable Accommodation

Our top and preferred choice is to stay with locals, immersing yourself in their homes for free. In return, helping around the house becomes a mutually beneficial arrangement. 

It is the most enjoyable method and allows you to make new friends while exploring a new country while paying nothing for accommodation. If you decide to choose this option, consider utilising platforms like Couchsurfing. 

Another cost-free accommodation option is house-sitting, which adds an intriguing twist to the experience. In this alternative, you’ll have the opportunity to stay alone in someone else’s house. 

Individuals may entrust you with their home for various reasons, such as overseeing the property during their absence, caring for pets, and more. We recommend utilising TrustedHousesitters to explore this unique housing arrangement. 

An excellent alternative is opting for hostel accommodations. Most European hostels are economically priced, and rest assured, if sharing a room with ten others isn’t your preference, you can always select a private room. When booking hostels to save money, choose the best hostels, particularly those offering free breakfast, allowing you to reduce your costs further.

Find Top Hostels in Europe

Embracing the hostel experience is truly wonderful, and we’ve compiled a blog post, “Staying In Hostels In Europe and All You Need To Know”.

Uncover Accommodation in Europe

Choose Street Food

While backpacking Europe, avoid eating at restaurants to save money. Opt for preparing your food by buying items from grocery stores, allowing you to spend modestly and have enough supplies for several days. 

If cooking isn’t your preference, find street food, a typical and traditional option in almost every country. Street food allows one to taste diverse cuisines from different regions.

Avoid These 8 Common Travel Scams

Encountering scams is common during a trip backpacking through Europe. We’re here to guide you in avoiding scams and to save money during your trip to Europe.

1. ATM Scams

ATM scams can occur in most European countries. Be cautious whether it’s the ATM itself unexpectedly swallowing your card without getting it back or a seemingly ‘friendly’ local attempting to assist you, as some may exploit card skimmers to steal your card information. 

Consider using ATMs located within local branches; if the people around you appear suspicious, it’s advisable to leave immediately.

2. Given the Wrong Change

Getting the wrong change can occur anywhere as an innocent mistake. Still, while backpacking through Europe, you may observe it happening more frequently and not necessarily by accident. 

Some individuals might exploit language barriers to provide incorrect change, assuming you won’t notice. Be cautious and carefully check your change, especially when dealing with train tickets at train stations.

3. Taxi Overcharges

Taxi overcharging is a common travel scam in most countries. Drivers may quote one price and then demand another or claim the meter is malfunctioning and request a significant rate. 

Avoid this scam by consulting locals to determine the typical cost of rides.

4. Scratch on Rental Cars

A common scam with rental cars involves claiming the existence of a scratch that wasn’t there before. To safeguard yourself, always capture a video and take photos of the vehicle before departure, ensuring that someone from the rental company witnesses the process.

Consider using Discover Cars for the best deals to rent your vehicle fully insured when renting a car. In cases where there is an issue, you can always claim. 

5. Accepting Roses, Hats or Bracelets

Encountering this scenario is something many people face, particularly in most European cities, especially during busy times. 

A stranger might offer you a rose as a gesture of love for your partner or attempt to place a hat or bracelet on you. Once successful, they will ask for money, claiming it touched your skin and you must buy it. 

Act fast when approached by expressing your disinterest in purchasing anything.

6. Taking Photos Holding Pigeons in Ukraine

Initially, they request you to hold a pigeon for a photo and then insist on payment. While this can happen anywhere, it occurred to us in Ukraine when a man approached us with beautiful pigeons, expressing a desire to take a picture of us. 

Despite initially refusing, he pressured us, assuring it was free. Trusting him, we allowed him to take some photos of us holding pigeons with our phone. Later, he demanded 13 Euros! He asked us to delete the pictures as we refused to pay, and we did. However, we later recovered the photos after moving away from his vicinity!

7. Beggers With Children

This situation is tricky. While we acknowledge that some beggars genuinely seek assistance due to dire circumstances, not all are honest.

We often give help and generosity to those in need during our travels, hoping others will do the same. Witnessing a smile on someone you’ve helped is one of the most rewarding feelings. However, be careful, especially when encountering beggars with children.

Some people choose not to work and live off people’s money. We’ve encountered beggars with children, mostly in popular cities, aiming to evoke sympathy. 

In one instance, a lady with a child approached us, claiming helplessness and hunger and expressing a desire for the candy we were eating. We promptly gave it to her. However, later on, we observed the same girl, now in different clothing, running around. In contrast, her mother approached others with a distinct excuse, asking for money. 

Pay attention when deciding whom to assist and whom not to help.

8. Help in Writing Letters

This trick is not a very common scam in Europe; contrary to what we heard, it didn’t happen to us.

Something similar happened to us in the busy souks of Morocco. An older man approached us on a particular day, inviting us to chat with him. He requested our assistance in writing a letter for his Italian friend. Intrigued, we entered his shop, sat down, and helped him write the letter. We enjoyed chatting with him and sharing moments over cups of mint tea.

Later, we learned that being asked to help write letters is more of a common scam in Middle Eastern countries, often followed by pressure to buy from the person’s shop. Honestly, even if we had decided to buy a small souvenir, we wouldn’t perceive it as a significant scam, right?

Best Time to Go Backpacking Europe

When is the ideal time for backpacking through Europe? In reality, one can embark on a backpacking adventure to Europe all year round.

We firmly believe that each season holds its unique beauty—whether it’s relishing the warmth of summer or experiencing the enchantment of snowfall. The choice ultimately depends on personal preferences. 

However, if we had to answer this question, consider shoulder season or off-season. During these periods, temperatures are mild, and most individuals travelling for summer holidays or festive celebrations have returned home, resulting in fewer crowds. 

Moreover, prices tend to go down during that time, making travelling to Europe on a budget cheaper.

Digital Nomad Life in Europe

Digital nomads eager to experience backpacking through Europe, don’t let fear of not finding a place to work stop you from achieving your dream. 

Europe is digitally nomad-friendly, especially countries like Portugal, which is rapidly becoming one of the top destinations in the world for digital nomads, Greece, Spain, and the Canary Islands. 

You can find several digital-friendly accommodations for staying at and doing your work. We usually choose private accommodations when writing on our blog and working on Crafting Content projects. 

If you stay in European hostels, try to find the perfect hostel. Stay out of party hostels if you plan to spend most of your time working in a quiet environment.

In this blog, we aim to help you effortlessly plan your upcoming backpacking trip to Europe. We are confident that by following our step-by-step process, you won’t feel overwhelmed or lost in the planning stage. 

Say goodbye to stress and turn your next adventure into a dream trip you’ll cherish forever. With its breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures, Europe offers an unforgettable experience. Utilise these tips to craft the ultimate backpacking adventure in Europe, and we hope you find them valuable!

Did you ever go on a backpacking trip? Do you believe we’ve covered everything you need to know? Let us know if you have additional tips to add to our list.

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