So you’re thinking about backpacking Europe? Well, College Backpacking is your all in one source for backpacking Europe. On this site you can browse FREE guides to 14 of Europe’s hottest countries, read backpacking tips on subjects like packing, planning, or picking the right backpack, and book cheap hostels. On top of that, you can buy backpacks and supplies for your trip at the lowest prices. As backpackers ourselves, we know you’d rather save that money for experiences like skydiving in Switzerland, shopping on the Champs Elysees in Paris, skiing in Austria, or buying way too many whiskey shots Ireland.
College Backpacking’s free guides cover topics relevant to students looking to backpack Europe. Nearly 100 cities in fourteen of Europe’s hottest countries are covered, with information on tourist sights, tours, restaurants, night life, and local transportation.
Tourist sight information includes hours, prices, location, and tips on how to make your visit truly memorable. You can’t waste any time while backpacking Europe, and these guides help you efficiently plan your trip. This free information could save you from arriving at a museum and realizing it’s closed that day, as many do on Mondays. They can also save you money, as many museums are free to the public for certain hours every week.
College Backpacking also recommends tours that help backpackers see the city with knowledgeable guides. Although planning your own route is often sufficient, the tour guides can open your eyes to things you wouldn’t likely have seen while backpacking Europe.
Many student’s are surprised at how much different the local transportation is when they go to backpack Europe. Efficient networks of trains, trolleys, trams, and buses cover nearly every European city. Our free guides describe what type of transportation is available, the hours they operate, and prices so you can decide when to buy booklets or single tickets.
The backpacking tips page is a must read before backpacking Europe. It offers valuable tips on picking the right backpack, planning your trip, packing for your trip, staying safe, understanding cultural differences, and staying in hostels. Knowing how to fit a backpack is extremely important, because you don’t want your back hurting from hauling around the wrong size backpack. We include free fitting guides for every backpack that we sell to ensure you the utmost comfort on your trip.
Planning a low key destination while backpacking Europe is just one tip discussed in the planning your trip section. This destination should allow you to relax from the constant running around of the major spots, and let you refocus for the rest of your trip.
As for packing for your backpacking trip to Europe, nearly everyone agrees on one phrase, “Pack Light.” You don’t want to be carrying around a lot of excess weight and you’ll want room to bring back souvenirs. A lot of people suggest laying out everything you want to bring, and then eliminating half of it. Remember that you can always do laundry while backpacking in Europe, and many hostels offer laundry service for around €5. This section also alerts backpackers to the use of bringing items like first aids kits, because although nobody wants to get sick during their trip, it does happen.
Cultural differences like tipping at bars and restaurants are also discussed on the backpacking tips page. Although tipping is almost a habit in the United States, many European countries don’t practice it. I’ve personally bought a pint in London, left a tip on the bar, and then noticed it still sitting there when I went up for another.
The most important topic covered in the staying safe section is pickpockets. Countless students get something of theirs stolen while backpacking Europe. Make sure to always be attentive of your surroundings in Europe, especially on crowded public transportation. Sometimes these pickpockets work in groups where one member will bump into you while the other steals your items. Pickpocket distractions like spitting on people or tossing fake babies have happened, so always be aware of the situation and your goods. Try to travel with somebody, so that you can watch each other’s backs.
Thanks to our partnership with Hostelworld.com, College Backpacking now offers hostel booking. Use the hostel search box to browse over 18,000 youth hostels throughout the world along with thousands of tours too. Staying in hostels is the best option for the budget traveler looking to backpack Europe. Although many are afraid to share a room with strangers, most find that it turns out to be a very fun environment. Roommates often befriend each other, and tour the city together.
College Backpacking also has an online store that offers the lowest prices on items like Kelty and Gregory backpacks, money belts, voltage converters, and other items for backpacking Europe. Kelty backpacks offer many higher end features that backpackers find useful, and Gregory backpacks have recently taken home many awards from Backpacker Magazine. One feature that many Kelty backpacks offer is that the top detaches and doubles as a fanny pack. Since many students leave their backpacks in the hostel during the day, this allows them to carry items that they may need while touring the city.
Money belts are highly recommended by nearly every travelling website thanks to the security they provide. These are stashed under your clothing and hold important items like passports, credit cards, and plane/train tickets.
Students backpacking Europe often don’t realize that the electricity is different than it is here. Their wall outlets put out 220V and American outlets only put out 110V, which causes American electronics to break. Voltage converters bring this output down to typical 110V levels so that items like hair dryers, camera chargers, and razors can be used safely.
We hope that the information on this website helps you have the best time possible while backpacking Europe. The experience will truly be one that you’ll remember forever, and we’re happy to play a part in making those memories.
