backpack europe

“Phantomnsoul, you speak of the area as if you've been there... When did you go?”

“Phantomnsoul, I didn't mean the above to sound harsh. But sometimes you speak of places as if you've been there, and it can be confusing at times. I usually try to make it clear that I haven't been to an area if I'm offering information to someone on it. I just feel that's very important when sharing information. That's all. :-)”

“EUROPE is awesome. I'm very excited for you. I went this past summer and had a great time. My trip consisted of flying to London, than catching a boat across to Amsterdam, then using a EURAIL pass down to Paris and across to Switzerland, then Germany, than Austria and to Hungary, and down through Italy and across to Greece. My suggestions would be this...go to PROGUE instead of Hungary and try and catch a cheap airfare with ryanair.com. they have great hops in europe itself. It's cheap and easy to get back up to London to head back to the states. I'm a girl so for me, packing was somewhat difficult. Be sure to bring just one outfit that is nice...for Rome and for dinners and stuff. Also be sure to take shower shoes (thongs) and I found that acutally carrying a set of playing cards was crucial (especially when waiting for trains and stuff). Have fun and be safe. I dont want to scare you but theft does happen in Europe so watch your purse/wallet at ALL TIMES. Have a great time!”

“But I have been there, in 1996. I got to do a some hiking around there, but not nearly as much as I would have liked to.

I would love to get a chance to go back, though...”

“Is there some reason why no one has mentioned bringing along some travelors checks?

In Canada, it's best to use a credit card for a better exchange rate since our money is worth more. Does this apply to anywhere in europe?

I've heard that Norway is very expensive, though I thought that Sweden was also. That isn't to say not to visit, but be prepared.”

“I've always used a credit card as much as possilbe when travelling (you get the best rate that way.)

I went to Europe before they changed the currency to the Euro, so I'm not sure how easy it is to change money via travelers checks these days... A little cash on hand is always helpful, though, because there are times when you cannot use a credit card (smaller cities, food vendors, etc.)”

“I did the Europe backpack thing in 1976. Had the time of my life. There is a cheaper train pass available for folks under the age of 26. It is for second class though, which is still cool. I reccomend you purchase Lonely Planets "Europe on a Shoestring." They have a great website with tons of free info on a forum similar to this called the thorntree.”