Backpacking is a fun pastime and is especially popular in Europe. Europe is a great tourist destination and if you love backpacking it is one of the best places in the world to take a backpacking trip. Most of Europe is very open and welcoming to backpacking and most places make it convenient to take even long trips with ample (and affordable) places to stay and trails to hike. There are many potential backpacking areas throughout Europe that you should consider when planning your trip as well as travel considerations before you leave.
Eastern Europe is one of the cheapest places to visit yet and is a great destination for travelers on a budget. There is plenty of sprawling countryside to explore on a backpacking trip through Europe and the country is where you will find the best deals as well as some of the best scenery. You can also opt to visit some of Europe’s finest cities such as Rome, London, or Paris on your backpacking trip. Expect to pay a little more but the experience will be well worth it.
After you have decided what region you want to visit you will have to decide what type of accommodations you will stay in. You can camp during your backpacking trip in Europe, but unless you are planning a very short trip you will probably want to have alternative plans for accommodations for at least part of the time. Hostels are some of the most popular accommodations for backpackers, and while they are not the most glamorous places to stay, think YMCA, you will get a feel for the European backpacking culture. Hostels are very inexpensive compared to hotels and other accommodations, and if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom they can be great fun.
Before your trip you will also have to make the necessary travel arrangements to and from the country. You will need a passport, possibly a visa depending on where you are going and how long you are staying, health records, and a US ID. Each country varies in their requirements so it is important to find out exactly what is needed in the country or countries you will be visiting.