The Best Backpacking Tips and Tricks for Europe: The Big List of Awesome
This article will aim to be a complete one stop shop for all of the tips and tricks you will ever need when it comes to backpacking in Europe.
From some general tips, to specific advice for beginners and women, tips for packing light, backpacking during winter and gear and safety tips too. I hope to cover off every tip I can think of that pertains to backpacking Europe within this article.
If you’re about to start planning your backpacking trip to Europe, you might want to check out this article, as that will help you cover off the planning side of things.
Every backpacker has their own tips to share, and these are mine. If you are an avid backpacker like myself and you can add to this article, then please leave a comment at the bottom of this page or shoot me an email. I’ll want to update and grow this article over time, until it is an unstoppable force of tips and information for backpackers world-wide.
I’ve separated the tips and tricks into segments which you can jump to using the same page links I’ve included below. Let’s do this.
Backpacking Tips for Beginners
General Backpacking Travel Tips
Backpacking Tips For Women
Winter Backpacking Tips
Ultralight Backpacking Tips
Backpacking Gear Tips
Backpacking Packing Tips
Backpacking Safety Tips
Backpacking Tips for Beginners
When you start backpacking for the first time, the whole process can be a little daunting, and you’re certainly out of your comfort zone. Overcome it, and embrace it. Breaking out of your comfort zone is what backpacking is all about, but trust me, the rewards are more then worth it!
Carry around the emergency contact numbers for your: bank cards (in case you lose them), travel insurance, and the embassy. You probably won’t need them, but just keep them on a slip of paper along with your passport.
If you’ve booked ahead, print out the address of the hostel before you arrive in a new city, or load it into your phone along with some directions. This can save you some time from having to visit the tourist office to get a map, especially if there is a line up!
Don’t ever change money at the airport or on the street. The airport will give you horrendous rates and on the street you run the risk of receiving fake money or being ripped off.
Pickpockets do exist unfortunately, so never carry a wallet in your back pocket. I sometimes carry a wallet, but I always have it in my side pockets, and if I walk through a crowd I’ll put my hands in my pockets. Also, don’t place your wallet on a table whilst eating in busy areas.
I met a guy in Barcelona who lost the 500 Euros he only took out from the ATM a few hours before because a thief pretended to sell him a book, leant over to show him the book, and then swiped his wallet straight off the table.
It’s always good to have a backup bank card to access money if necessary. I often travel with a bank card and a credit card (one that is travel fee friendly) in case I lose one or the other. Don’t store them in the same place.
Don’t keep all of your money in one spot. Always be segregating your cash, and only go out at night with what you think you will need.
Scan all of your important documents and then email them to yourself (I use Gmail, and highly recommend it) and label them ‘travelling’. Then if you lose them at least you can print out copies again which may come in handy. Ensure your email password is secure though (use a combination of letters, numbers and even capitals too!)
You will need a small ‘day pack’, which is a small backpack perfect for heading out during the day to carry water, maps and so on. A lot of backpacking backpacks will have a daypack included that can be clipped on and off.
If you’re bringing electronic gear (camera, laptop, iPhone), remember you will need an adaptor as Europe runs on 220 volts. Also remember that the UK is a different voltage yet again to Europe, so it may even be best to get a ‘universal’ travel adaptor. I’ve seen them going for pretty cheap in the stores these days.
Any decent hostel will have a book exchange, where you can swap the book you’ve just finished for another – it’s the backpacker’s library. Write something fun and interesting in the front cover for the next traveler.
If you’re in a hostel without lockers, and are carrying valuables like a phone or laptop, it can be worth it to carry a very light chain. When staying in large dormitories and heading out, lock your backpack up with combination locks and then use the chain to secure the backpack to your dorm bed. I will say though, that in all my travels, I haven’t had a fellow backpacker steal anything from me in a hostel (except for a bit of food from the fridge). So doing this can be a little overzealous, but then again I don’t travel with a new laptop.
Unfortunately theft in hostels CAN happen. I met a girl who had her iPhone stolen from her dorm room – and she had met everyone in the dorm room too, but no-one admitted to taking it!
Remember, other travelers and backpackers are your best guides for hostel recommendations, and cool things to see and do!
Locks symbolizing love on a bridge in Paris.
General Backpacking Travel Tips
When you are in a new city in Europe, there are often ‘free walking tours’. Do them! You get a wealth of great information and tidbits that can help bring the city to life. Of course the tours are not exactly ‘free’, more like tip based only, but I always gave five to ten Euros and that was fine. They normally go for about 3 hours. The guides can be a little hit and miss sometimes, I had some amazing guides and others that were not so amazing, but overall it’s definitely worth it.
If you have a student ID, then bring it along, in Europe especially there are lots of discounts to be had if you are a valid student.
Most travelers are friendly and want to meet people just like you do. Challenge yourself to introduce yourself to everyone in every hostel that you go to. You’ll be surprised how many new friends you’ll make.
Whenever I get into a taxi, I always ensure they turn the meter on as soon as the cab gets rolling. You don’t want any surprises. Alternatively make sure you agree on a fare before you get into the taxi.
Don’t bring along your expensive watch backpacking, just buy a cheap one from somewhere. You only use it to tell the time after all!
I did travel with my iPhone last time, and it was useful I will admit. Most European hostels have free WIFI, and it works great as an alarm as well for those early morning buses and trains. You can also use it to listen to MP3’s too of course, so it saves you bringing any other sort of device.
For those photographers out there, switch your SD cards every few cities in case you lose the camera (and therefore the SD card inside). It’s often a good idea to just store an SD card full of your favorite and best photos with your passport.
My girlfriend Trudy often says she would be more devastated to lose the SD card with her travel pictures then the camera itself (as it’s insured). The SD cards are way more valuable to her!
Don’t forget to add that expensive camera as a specific item to your travel insurance, as often they will only cover a certain amount for personal effects unless stipulated.
Read the fine print of any travel insurance you take out so you know exactly what you’re covered for. Ultimately you will want full medical and emergency medical transport cover, that’s why I get travel insurance at any rate.
EasyJet uses Paris and London as their big hubs for flying. If you are planning a long flight, then aim to do so from either of those points as you will the most flexibility and choice of destinations.
Being under 26 years old will lend itself to lots of ‘Youth’ advantages with rail passes and the like.
If you’re only heading to one or two countries in Europe for a quick trip, then it can often be cheaper to buy a country specific rail pass rather than the ‘Eurorail’ pass. When I backpacked Germany for a while, I got a German rail pass and it saved me a bunch.
The Eiffel Tower lit up at night in Paris.
If you happen to be travelling on a passport from a country within the EU, then bring it along to the big museums. You can often get in free of charge by showing your EU country passport. I travel Europe on my UK passport (thanks Dad!), but I kept forgetting to bring it with me to museums, I had to pay at The Louvre for example, which was quite annoying because it should have been free!
I heard great things about a craze called ‘Geocaching’ from a fellow backpacker in Cologne. He loved it to bits and said it was a fantastic way to see the city and areas that locals know about. The premise sounded fun and interesting to me. I haven’t got around to doing it yet myself, but check it out!
There is also a website called ‘Spotted by Locals’ – which also has great articles on some specific things to do and see in various European cities that are a little different.
Check out ‘Couch Surfing’, another cool concept which will allow you to meet some great locals and save some Euros at the same time.
You might also want to investigate ‘AirBNB.com‘, it’s often cheaper then hotels, so if you’re after a few days of comfort and privacy out of large dorm rooms, it might be worth checking out.
Backpacking Tips For Women
When choosing your backpack, make sure it isn’t too big, as it needs to sit correctly on your hips and align with your spine appropriately. I’ve met a few female backpackers that had backpacks that were sitting all wrong on them due to its size, and it was really affecting their trip.
Don’t over pack. Ask yourself if you really need more than 2 pairs of shoes or more than one swimming costume. It all adds up!
Be confident, and always trust your intuition and instincts.
Don’t be afraid to ask other backpackers or travelers for help if you need it.
My girlfriend Trudy would like to add:
“Those pair of boots might be gorgeous, but after 3 weeks they’re going to be weighing your pack down so much… so think twice before packing them. In some countries there is very little range of hygiene products. If you do have a favorite brand of tampons or pads it might be a good idea to bring enough for the whole trip.
Also, if you’re on the pill, don’t forget that the changing time zones can affect its usefulness. Be smart and always use a condom if you’re sleeping with somebody you’ve only just met.”
Winter Backpacking Tips
If you’re thinking of backpacking Europe in winter, then heads up, it’s going to be a cold! You’re going to need a scarf, a beanie, some gloves and a decent winter jacket. If you’re starting your big trip in the summer months however, it might be worth it to just purchase these items when they’re needed and winter comes around. This will save you some room in your backpack and ensure you have a nice, light pack for those summer months of travelling.
Bring along a quality rain jacket to keep you dry if you find yourself traipsing in the pouring rain. You can also get a cover for your backpack for the rain and snow. I remember backpacking with a friend, and at the time I didn’t have a cover for my pack but he did, I was pretty jealous when it started hammering down with rain and my stuff got all wet whilst his stayed dry!
Layers are king. When travelling in winter, wear lots of layers. For example wear a long sleeved shirt, then a t-shirt, then a warm vest with a light jacket over the top, then your winter jacket. If you aren’t warm enough, add more layers! You can also keep wearing the clothes that aren’t directly against your skin – as they aren’t getting dirty. If the weather does happen to get a little warmer, then you can simply take off some of the layers.
Winter is the best time in Europe to experience that café culture that is prevalent in almost every European country. There’s nothing better than having a local tea or coffee in a snug café with cold snow falling outside.
If you’re after snowboarding or skiing, then to put it very simply you choose the west or the east, or shall I say, expensive and not as expensive. Snow trips in the Alps in Austria or France, or in Italy or Norway is a lot more expensive then say, Poland or Romania. If you’re on a budget, definitely head east.
I hear Zakopane in Poland has some pretty awesome slopes, and hostels in the city centre to boot.
This site isn’t really about ‘extreme survival, one man and his tent and his conquest of the Amazonian jungles and the Alaskan wilderness’, that’s not something that I know much about yet. So all my ‘winter backpacking tips’ are based on backpacking through Europe during the winter time and staying at hostels and the like, not covering the alps on foot with an ice pick and packet of old crisps. So if that’s what you were hoping for, sorry!
A sunny winter's day.
Ultralight Backpacking Tips
Travelling with a light backpack can be extremely rewarding. You’re not weighed down, and it can be quite liberating having so little possessions and seeing amazing sights.
So when it comes to backpacking light tips, the first tip I would give is to bring along some hand washing liquid for your clothes. I have often washed my shirts and underwear at hotels and campsites, dry them for one night and usually you’re done. You’re definitely going to need to do some washing on the go if you plan on packing light.
Let’s be honest, lightweight backpacking is best done in the summer months, especially in Europe. Packing any clothing for colder months will instantly begin to weigh your pack down. Backpacking during summer is one of the simpler lightweight backpacking tips.
Get a decent pair of zip-off pants that can work as both long pants and shorts. The advantages here are obvious.
Only bring one pair of jeans (your favorite, most comfortable pair). Jeans can go AGES without being washed (as long as you don’t spill food and drinks on them…which I always do). Watch this video if you don’t believe me!
This guy did not wash his jeans for 15 months…and he was fine!
If you’re mostly going to be staying in hostels whilst backpacking through Europe and want to keep things light, then don’t bring a towel or travel sheets. They don’t weigh much if you get a micro fiber towel BUT every hostel I’ve ever stayed at in Europe has had towels and sheets available, so it’s just another thing you don’t have to pack. Be aware though that many hostels will charge you a few Euros for linens and towels.
Shoes can start to weigh a bag down quickly when you add more than one pair. I normally bring a pair of flip flops and one pair of casual shoes that are also comfortable when walking for long distances, it’s easy to add more and more things but you need to refrain if you want to keep your backpack nice and light!
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Backpacking Gear Tips
Bring along a pair of flip-flops (or thongs for you Australians), they are perfect for showering (best not to put your bare feet into communal showers if you can avoid it) and for walking around the hostel. Say ‘NO’ to athlete’s foot.
Travel sheets can save you a bit of money in Europe, as it’s common for hostels to charge you for linens and towels. You can also bring along a micro fiber towel (just don’t use it at the beach – sand and sticks cling to those things like nothing else).
I do think a money belt is worth getting, as they’re great for overnight trains or buses where you may be sleeping and not watching your bags. Never keep all your cash in one place though, whether it’s your money belt or wallet or backpack.
My girlfriend Trudy from our last Europe adventure.
I’ve found a small and simple torch to be quite useful for late nights in or early mornings in hostels. It’s polite to NOT switch on the bright lights at 4am in the morning when you’re getting up for that RyanAir flight and trying to get your stuff together and out the door. It’s also great for camping of course, if that’s also your agenda.
If you are looking at purchasing a backpack off the internet, I would first suggest finding the EXACT model that you want in a shop and learning how to set it right on your back. Tell them you’ll think about it and go and purchase that same model online (I would only do this if it’s quite a significant savings). Either way, don’t buy the backpack online without seeing one physically, or you may end up with a sore back and shoulders.
If you’re planning on buying some heavy duty walking boots or shoes for backpacking, then break them in first BEFORE leaving your home country. There’s nothing worse than having sore feet the first few weeks of your travels.
If earplugs work for you, then definitely bring them along. I never wear them, because I rarely have trouble sleeping. But for those that are light sleepers, then you’ll want them for those 10-20 bed dorm rooms!
Backpacking Packing Tips
I like to roll my clothes up nice and tight when I pack. I find you definitely fit more in, and it’s a nice feeling when everything is compact. Backpackers like us shouldn’t be worried about wrinkles or creases in our clothes!
Think about the positioning of clothes and items. I like to put underwear and socks in the very top pocket of the backpack. Why? Because then I always have easy access to clean socks and underwear, without having to dig through my pack – they are the things you are changing every day (mostly).
If you bring along a jacket and you’re heading to Europe in the summer months, pack it at the bottom of the pack, as you’re less likely to need it. Put your favorite shirts at the top, in easy reach. You get the idea.
If you’re packing just prior to a flight, remember the rules for what you can and cannot carry in your daypack onto the plane. No liquids over 100ml is always a good rule of thumb, and make sure that Swiss Army Knife is packed snugly into your main bag. Hair gel and deodorant, don’t forget to put it in your check in luggage, or you’ll have to throw it away as you go through security.
Just recently a friend of mine flew with RyanAir, she was just flying over to visit us in Rotterdam from London, so it was going to be a nice short flight. Unfortunately she borrowed a little suitcase from a friend (who had advised her she always takes it as carry-on luggage). It so happened that the suitcase was slightly larger than their standard carry-on size, so she had to pay 40 Pounds just to check it in.
So double check your flights rules and regulations for carry-on luggage and that sort of thing, you don’t want to get caught out where you are forced to pay a stupid sum just to check in a bag that you thought would be perfectly suitable for carry-on.
Another tip is to make sure you’ve got all of your entertainment needs (books, magazines and MP3 players) in your day pack and not in your main pack. When you have a 12 plus hour bus trip, the last thing you want is to realize you’ve left your book and MP3 player in the front pocket of your bag that is currently stored underneath the moving bus.
It’s normally a good idea to lock up your backpack using combination locks when checking in for a flight or bus trip, this will obviously help with potential theft, but will also help validate your insurance claim (as you attempted to lock and take proper care of your belongings).
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Backpacking Safety Tips
Try and arrive into new cities during the day, as sometimes the areas around the main bus and train stations can be a little dodgy. I’ve never had a problem arriving a bit later, but it will make you feel a little more secure if you’ve got daylight ahead of you to get yourself organized. If you’re arriving in a new place after midnight, it might even be worth it to just hop in a taxi straight to the hostel.
Pickpockets and thieves do exist, so don’t carry all of your valuables around on your person (leave it locked at hostel – more on this in a bit!) A good tip is to have pants that have a zip pocket for your wallet or cash. Don’t wear a bum bag (Australian) or a fanny pack (American). Apart from looking silly and marking you immediately as a tourist, they also make it exceptionally easy for thieves to simply cut the strap on the back and run off with it. A money belt hidden underneath your clothes is a better option than a bum bag or fanny pack.
Most pickpockets will operate in busy tourist areas and the local public transport systems. Barcelona and Paris are notorious for pickpockets for example. I have never been robbed or pick pocketed whilst backpacking (I have just heard some stories from other backpackers), so don’t fear that it’s extremely common and will happen to you, just be a little bit wary of where you are and your surroundings.
Lock your passport in the hostel lockers. If there are no lockers at the hostel, you can ask reception to look after it for you, or if you have a zip pocket or a secure way of carrying it, take it with you when you go out. In this vein of thought, I would often put my passport and cash underneath my pillow when I go to sleep if there is nowhere to lock it up securely. However, most decent hostels these days will have lockers available, so don’t stress too much about it.
Police officers in London.
So there we have it, a nice big list of backpacking Europe tips.
I hope you have enjoyed and attained something from this article. I’m always looking to improve the quality and usefulness of my articles, so please leave a comment or send me an email via the contact page if you have something to add that will help backpackers around the world!
Also, if you thought this with worth sharing with friends or other backpackers, then please don’t be shy and feel free to click the Facebook, Tweet and Google +1 buttons below!
Cheers,
Tom.
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4 Responses to “The Best Backpacking Tips and Tricks for Europe: The Big List of Awesome”
Leave a Reply
Hey Tommy! Great article! I really like how you have alternated the colour of the sentences, keeps it interesting. A couple of tips I could suggest….
1. People never seem to think of this, but don’t pack things in plastic bags in your backpack. I have done this with toiletries and chargers etc, and have always had to try to be quiet when people are sleeping in hostel rooms and I’m getting things out of noisy plastic bags! Zip lock sandwich bags are MUCH easier to see your things and don’t make noise!
2. Always pack a padlock! Comes in handy so you don’t have to buy one and sometimes hostels don’t even sell them.
3. Eyemasks are really good for sleeping in hostels so the light doesn’t wake you up when people keep opening the door or you’re in an unfamiliar place.
Hope these tips are helpful!
Ash xx
Hi Ash! Those tips were great, thanks so much for helping to add heaps of value to this post. I haven’t done the eye mask thing, but as long as I don’t go to bed early I rarely have any trouble sleeping in hostels
I’ve never thought about the fact plastic bags are noisy (I hope this isn’t indicative of my lack of care for my fellow backpackers haha) – so you make a great point there! And a padlock is a must, of course. Thanks Ash!
Hi Tom! Awesome article and awesome website! I and my husband are backpacking to Europe next week and I thought I’d look for some online packing before I pack.. I just wanted to compliment your work here! Ü This is our second backpacking trip. Our first trip was in Japan during winter.
Thanks so much KC, that is great to hear
Ooh, I really want to go to Japan! I bet that was an awesome trip. Best of luck on your trip to Europe =)