1. Materials
Surprisingly enough, your first essential is a backpack...for you know...backpacking things. While packing, remember to keep things as minimal as possible, as your back will have to suffer through the weight of your chosen possessions. Weather appropriate clothing is definitely key. If you're traveling in the colder months, blanket scarves are great for protecting yourself from wind chill but also double as the perfect pillow on a long train or bus ride. Sneakers are the best option for footwear, since you'll be walking everywhere. A thin, water resistant jacket, a sweatshirt, tank tops, and basic t-shirts are perfect for layering. Also, especially if you're traveling in warmer months, be sure to look up dress codes since certain cities and tourist spots like the Vatican are strict about what you can and can't wear while visiting.
2. Refillable water bottles
Sometimes potable water can be hard to come by in Europe. Collapsable water bottles are perfect for making use of public water fountains when you can. Also save money in some cities by asking for tap water at restaurants! As an added tip, take advantage of free bathrooms as you travel - and be sure to carry around change to pay for the toilets with fees when need be.
3. Planning your trip
Make sure to have some structure when you're planning your journey and booking hostels, Airbnbs, buses, trains, etc. Plan to spend at least 3 days in each city so you're able to check off all your site boxes...4 or 5 days for larger cities if you have the luxury. Keep in mind that when you're booking a hostel, it's sometimes worth it to spend a few extra euros on a room for your group of travelers rather than dealing with snoring strangers. Also be sure to research all transportation options to compare prices, sometimes RyanAir or EasyJet can be cheaper than a train ride!
4. Embrace the spontaneity
When it comes to day to day adventures throughout your trip, it's definitely helpful to plan out your time based on location and proximity of sites and landmarks you want to get to. It's also important to allow some flexibility within your schedule; leave time for wandering and discovering unplanned destinations as you go. Finding the balance between being prepared to experience as much as you can and being spontaneous/living in the moment is definitely the key to your backpacking adventure!
5. Take lots of photos
...and make sure you're in some! It can be hard for some people to suck it up and face the typical touristy task of asking a trustworthy-looking stranger to take a photo of them, but having the documentation of your travels will be so wonderful to look back on in the future. Even putting in the time and energy to film different clips as you travel can be the perfect gift to your future self!
6. Pack snacks
Lots of snacks. Stock up on cheap food and necessities in cheaper cities as you go; for instance, grab some non-perishable snacks in Venice or Prague rather than pricier cities like London or Zurich. Being healthy while traveling is going to make all the time and energy you've put into planning your trip worth it. For some people, backpacking through Europe is a once in a lifetime opportunity... don't let small things like low blood sugar or dehydration ruin your experience!
7. Meet new people
Since you might only be in this city once, be sure to hit the town! Sign up for a bar crawl and meet new people (while being careful) or stroll around town to discover locally owned shops and cafes. Stay on guard around unknown places and people and beware of pick-pocketers, but don't be afraid to make small talk with a kind looking stranger. My friends and I met the kindest Italian grandmother in Venice who helped us map out our boat taxi route and even complimented us on our broken Italian - it made our whole day!
8. Navigating the streets
CityMapper or Google Maps will be your very best friend. There may be lots of U-turns and 'uhhh...we're definitely going the wrong way' on public transportation, but it's all part of the experience! When all else fails, be sure to go inside professional-looking places to ask for directions instead of drawing attention to yourself on the street.
9. Accept the strange nap locations
Sometimes, you'll have to sleep in weird places. Airports, trains, bus terminals, the metro, bean bags in the lobby of a hostel. These things happen, and as long as we feel safe where we are, we must accept them. Embrace the spontaneous naps wherever you are. When it comes to day to day scheduling, plan accordingly...and loosely. Make sure to factor in naps - traveling can be tiring, and although the 'see the world now, sleep when you're dead' motto can sometimes fly, it's hard to take in the architecture of cathedrals and over the city views when you're too cranky from lack of sleep. Prioritize your desired sites and sacrifice others if needed!
10. Try new things
Whether it's trying new food native to each city you go to or tackling a ropes course in the tree tops of Switzerland, enveloping yourself in the cultures your traveling through is one of the most crucial parts of any backpacking trip!
Added Tips...
If you're headed to Paris, France, consider splurging on a day in Disneyland, plus spend some time lounging in front of the Eiffel Tower with a fresh-out-of-the-oven baguette and a bottle of wine. If you're planning on visiting Berlin, Germany, definitely don't miss out on the historic strolls: especially the Berlin Wall. As for Prague, Czech Republic, be sure to walk around downtown for a fairytale-esque experience and walk up to the Prague Castle area for a gorgeous view of the city. If you're visiting Munich, Germany, be sure to grab a big mug of the beer of your choice at Hofbräuhaus - our favorite was Radler! An essential for visiting Zurich, Switzerland is hiking up a mountain - whether you're on the Swiss Alps or getting a view of it, the view is unreal. Taking the train to Rheinfall Adventure Park is also a great way to spend part of your day!
If you're headed to Venice, Italy it's almost mandatory to treat yourself to a gondola ride, but also be sure to take a boat taxi and explore the other islands. In Rome, Italy, be sure to channel your inner Lizzie McGuire and make a wish in the Trevi Fountain. We also found it essential to eat our weight in gelato while we were there - our favorite spots were La Romana and Come il Latte. If you're planning on stopping by Dublin, Ireland, be sure to head to Dicey's Garden for some fun night life...and planning a day trip up to Galway to see the Cliffs is well worth the breathtaking view! Lastly, if you're visiting London, England, be sure to plan a ride on the London Eye and visit some of the markets while you're there!
