My first trip to Europe

Hello Barak 😊

1. Most hostels have kitchen facilities, so food can cost very little. I would say anything from 3 to 10 Euros per day depending on what you want to cook. The prices of coffee shops can vary too. There are the take away types where you can stand up while having a coffee and the comfortable ones that provide things like newspapers where you can sit and relax. You can also buy take away coffees and sit in a square or a park. Coffee in cafes can cost anything from 90 cents(Euro cents) to 3 and half Euros. Or do you mean the types of coffee shops they have in the Netherlands? I dont know the price ranges for that.

2. If you score bargains it can be very inexpensive. It can also cost a lot if you just buy any ticket. Flying in Europe can also be an inexpensive option if you buy in advance and search for bargain priced flights.

3. I dont think that matters much, as all the countries are close together. You can get a good ways accross Europe on a night train. You could take short train journeys and just focus on a couple of countries, or else you could zig zag around Europe taking night trains.

4. Yes, if you do it around 48 hours in advance(or maybe it is 24 hours in advance. I forget). But, I would try to book them as I go along rather than cancel. Cancelling can create complications, such as it does not end up getting cancelled and they still take the money off your credit card. What I do is give my credit card details to somebody at home that I trust and email them my next destination so they can book a hostel for me and email me the details.

7. Bring a book or pack of cards or whatever you like for entertainment that you can pack. It is possible that you might sometimes get bored by yourself sometimes, but you will also meet a lot of people.

6. I would pick the most convenient order flight and trainwise, if there is not particular country you are interested in.

5. Yes, it is safe to go to East Europe. There is not real danger there that you would not find in west Europe.

8. A copy of the Lonely Planet guide for Europe may be a useful purchase for you. It costs around 40 Euros but is worth it for the practical travel information it gives.

Mel Reply to this

Thanks for all the help!!!!! Reply to this

I think that depending on the type of backpacker you are the 3-10 Euro range is perfectly attainable. I am a very simplistic person by nature, I live on Peanut Butter and Jelly at home and don't mind eating from street vendors. I think that the supermarket is a great option for those who are either on a tight budget or don't see the need to spend a whole lot of extra money. Reply to this

Hey guys,
First of all, lucky you traveller2009 ( barakobama! ;-)

1- staying in hostels: (I love the way Mell does.. but for me it would be impossible!! ) Reservations: usually you can cancel up to 72 hours in advance but depends really on each hostel cancellation policy. Suggestion: have a look in advance: especially week-ends during summer are packed with backpackers. Choose nicest hostels ( althoough a little bit more expensive I guess it is worthwise: you might have wi fi and internet access, kitchen facilities, recreation room,bar, pool room, BBQ on the terrace...and so on.Good if you are on your own and want to meet people.

2. food: supermarkets are ok...but guys...taste local! There are street vendors and bars/tavernas/tapas bar/pubs ...typical local places serving: slices of pizza (3 euros), soup of the day (3-4 euros), gelato (ice cream) 2 euros, slices of cakes (2 euros)...with 10 euros I mean.. you are done!!! ( SUPER DONE!! food is part of the culture and of the entertainment!!)

3. trains are more expensive than flights in Europe at the moment, but as Mell reminds, you need to book in advance. An adventurous option might be booking your flights randomly... (Barcelona- Paris- Berlin-Wien-Venice-Rome-Athen...) with the cheapest vectors ( ryanair, tui, edreams, airone, vueling...) and go! (sorry might be too hard...!) In any case, you have some time left: have a look at the tickets and decide by yourself. For trains remember Europe Rail passes or the interrail system ( which allows you to visit a zone (2-3 Countries) with one ticket.


East Europe is fine alone!!

6-Lets say I go to Spain first...then France, Irland, Scotland, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Czech Rep, Poland, Sweden.... goodness.. how much time do you have?

7-Am I going to be bored by myself ----->>>> ??????

8- if you start from East you can 'save' enough to see the West.... on the contrary... I guess you will run out of budget...
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