What's it like to backpack through Europe?

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Stevenfromtheblock

Hi id imagine most of central europe would not be any less safe than parts of USA or Canada to travel around.

I have been to most parts of europe over the past few years and my girlfriend travelled with one of her friends a few years ago round europe (mainly by train).

They did have their luggage stolen from a shared train carriage when they were asleep travelling through Italy. Otherwise safety was never an issue for her. The train thing to be fair could happen to anyone, anywhere

Larger cities (Barcelona, Rome, London etc) have a bit of a reputation for having large numbers of pickpockets although i have never experienced this personally.

From experience id say that eastern europe, (Czech Rep, Slovakia, Poland etc) may be a bit more daunting for a single female traveller.

I am from Glasgow, which is a pretty good place, im sure youd be safe around here and the rest of Scotland and the UK if you were planning to come here.

I dont know of any tours as such but STA travel specialise in travel for students or youngsters (like myself), they do unlimited rail travel options, round the world trips etc.

KLM also have a really good deal with open end business return tickets, get the unlimited stop over ones.

Keyser Soze

My daughter did it alone for most of the trip. Worst thing that happened to her was getting her wallet stolen from her backpack while she was walking along the street in Italy. Not too much to worry about as long as your careful, more interesting than a tour, probably.

robert m

Yes go for it. But recommend getting a cheap student rail or bus pass, hitch-hiking can be really slow (and/or dangerous- not just normal dangers for young girl but plain ol crazy drivers in france during august). So dont waste your time back-packing, travel the long-distances by train/bus and travel locally with a backpack. Also see about bookin up youth hostels or camping - meet like minded people and it can get lonely out there (ive motobiked and hitched around europe),

have loads fun

robert

nancina

It's the best experience you'll ever have. Traveling by yourself has its advantages: you get to do what you want to do, sleep late if you want to sleep late, etc. without having to worry about what someone else wants. You're also more likely to meet new people when you're alone.

I spent 10 weeks in Europe traveling by myself when I was 25. It was an amazing, soul-searching experience and I learned a ton about myself along the way.

Europe's not dangerous per se, you just have to be smart and make smart choices. You'll get hit on a lot, but trust your instincts. Don't take rides from strangers, stay away from dark alleys, don't wear flashy clothing/jewelry.

I've been to Europe 4 times (and I'm going again in 2 weeks) and I've never done a tour. I've either traveled alone or with one person. Get a rail pass, a copy of Let's Go, and just do it!!!

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