backpacking tips--packing, budgeting, etc.
I have a few miscellaneous questions about backpacking that I was hoping someone could answer.
(1) I'm traveling for about a month. How many pieces of clothing do I need? Do most hostels have places for you to hand wash your clothes? If so, is there any soap that's made specifically for washing clothing by hand or should I just use regular laundry detergent?
(2) I'm traveling by myself and I imagine I'll end up doing a lot of reading on trains. Do most hostels have books (in English) that you can swap your old ones for?
(3) Are most of the attractions in Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, and London within walking distance of each other? Or will I, most likely, need to navigate the subway in these cities?
(4) I'm trying to make a budget to include every single expense for this trip. Are there any small expenses that added up when you were traveling? Are there any big expenses that you hadn't really thought about when you were planning your trip?
I will be traveling to England, France, the Netherlands, and Germany
Reply to this Oh my, general questions are so often the hardest to answer!
1 - Depends what time of year you are traveling but as a general rule take as little as possible, you will soon be glad of your tiny pack compared to the huge ones your more "prepared" travelers are lugging around, besides, as you correctly surmised, you can wash your clothes as you go in hostels. You can use regular powder or buy specialist "travel wash".
2 - Most places I've traveled where there is a backpacker scene have bookswaps to supply the market but I cannot say for certain re. the countries you are visiting. However all these countries will have lovely 2nd hand bookshops where you can pick up some reads very cheaply.
3 - You will need to use public transport.
4 - Yes, there were some small expenses that added up when I was traveling: beer! Big expenses? Lots of beer!! Seriously though, if you enjoy the odd beer or glass of wine with your meal, and when in say Paris it'd be pretty damn rude not to, then this will slowly add a considerable amount to your budget, especially in Europe! As for big expenses I guess entrance to sights, museums etc, transport, nights out. Can't really help you with a budget but I live in England and am currently saving like a mad man for my next trip and seem to be continually moaning about how expensive everything is here but, as I've said, I do like my beer!!!!
Hope this helps a little
Reply to this Hi Rudi,
Welcome to TravelBlog.
(1) There is a concentrated 'travel detergent' you can get from outdoor stores - but detergent is something you can buy anywhere, so don't stress about getting it before you leave.
(3) Amsterdam is a great city for walking round, but you can also hire a bike. There are dedicated bike paths on the side of the road. Paris has quite a bit within walking distance too.
London you would need to use public transport, but the underground/tube is very easy to use.
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