Are you interested in venturing around the world? Do you want to visit all those countries you have only seen on TV or heard people talk about? Well there is a way for you to travel throughout Europe and not have to pay too much for the trip. All you need is to be under the age of 26 or be a full time college student on vacation. Europe has many travel programs targeted to young adults and students that allow the visit to be an educational excursion while not costing a lot. Take it from me, do it while you are still young and are not tied down by any family anchors. You will never forget it and it'll not cost you an extreme amount either.
The purpose of this site is to provide useful travel information to college level students and young adults who are looking for experiencing a challenging vacation of backpack travel. This web sites focus is not for profit, but to share information. If you fit into this scope and are planning a vacation, you may find this a useful resource. The site includes advice, links to good sources, safety tips, and my travel memories, along with input from visitors.
The majority of this information is based off what I learned while traveling. From multiple personal experiences of traveling through Europe, Cuba, and Brazil. This site will directly relate to Europe, I have yet to collect the information for the other countries.
To take a trip primarily, all you need is a backpack, good contacts, less then two thousand cash, and some thorough preparation for the trip to have the best vacation you’ve ever had. If you are interested in learning about the advice I have for you, review this site and I guarantee you will find the information quite useful. And, hopefully the pictures will convince you that traveling in my cost effective manner is the best way to have fun!
You have to be either a student or 24 years old or under to take advantage of travel deals. Europe has many programs around students. The International Student Travel Confederation (ISIC) can open up cheeper entrance fees for hotspots and also housing. Keep in mind they are only working with a select group of organizations so check with the business before the visit for confirmation.
Deciding ahead on what to take and where to go.
Get a manual on touring Europe before you get there, review before purchase to make sure it contains good advise for area you wish to visit.
Make sure you pack only what you need and it fits in a single camping backpack, otherwise traveling by Eurorail and busses is really cramped and you'll feel overloaded when getting from the train stations to the YH.
Preparing to immerse oneself in a different culture.
This area covers preparing to immerse oneself in a different culture. Know what to watch out for and how to be kind when spending time with local communities.
If you visit Amsterdam do not leave with illegal items on you (I know you wouldn't do that but I just tend to tell every one that.)
Always use the local language when asking question and introducing yourself. Once you have identified that the person speaks English, then change to English. If this rule is not followed people tend to get frustrated and are likely not to be helpful. Also using this rule will almost always bring some compassion to the interaction.
What to take and what not to bring.
Know what to take and what not to bring is an important point, so many times I have seen many people over pack for this trip and somewhere along the trip things will be discarded. Plan ahead and it will not be as difficult.
Only take what is necessary and leave room for things to take home. (This would include a listing of the necessities.)
Find people you know before leaving to improve the value of the trip when you arrive.
Ask all your friends and family if there are friends or relatives where you’re visiting. Believe me they will be able to show you the town!
Where to go to find your flight, and what points to keeping mind while choosing your flight.
This will mainly focus on finding a good deal with an airline and to be careful when setting up the flight.
My flight was round trip with a two-month period. I generally go through an agent for most international flights. They tend to allow last minute changes (with a price) if any situations come up. From what I've heard, flights tend to be cheaper when buying a two way rather then one way.
Try doing some price comparisons through the sites below. These sites will give you the competitive current market pricing to identify outrageous pricing when working with your travel agent. I suggest just basing your ticket purchase on the best price... when doing that be sure you understand the fine print.
If you have any doubts on the departure or arrival be sure you work with tour agent; otherwise, worst case scenario, you may have to purchase an entire new flight.
How students and/or youth can find good deals while traveling abroad.
If your planning to visit the Paris Louve or other large museums (and are under 24) they have a great price reduction.
Consider getting International Student Identity Card (http://www.ciee.org) Ask a university about it. If you have ISIC card membership, it may lower your fees during the visit.
Locating an expedition that you'll enjoy.
The best deals can be found through pamphlets in Youth Hostel (YH). Ask locals for advice for tours of the local area and also International European tours. The YH care takers (generally tourists from other countries) have a lot of travel experience.
Travel Guides are a must but don't depend completely on them. Research the hot spots via the web before your visit.
Forms of travel available.
Different options: London Underground, Bus, Eurorail, Britrail, and Ferries.
Advantages / Disadvantages
Getting a Eurorail (http://www.eurorail.com/railindx.htm) package allows multiple connections going from one country to the next. The Eurorail is dependable and a safe travel system.
You find the Ferries (http://www.brittany-ferries.com/) tend to much cheaper then taking the Eurostar (http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/eurostar/channel_tunnel.htm) Channel Tunnel to Paris from London.
The London Underground is a great way to get a close I view to the city of London (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/). I gets a bit crowded but is an efficient form of transportation.
All in all through the United Kingdom buses are the lowest price. I personally preferred the Britrail (http://www.britrail.com/) it is much more comfortable (and priced) to bus.
Good places to stay while visiting.
Different options: Youth Hostels, Motels, and Nunneries. Advantages / Disadvantages
Identify the Youth Hostels (YH) that are available in the cities you’re staying at, or check out (http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=youth+hostels). Another guide to YH can be found via (http://www.iyhf.org/openHome.sma). You can save quite a bit with the staying at the YH.
Take a YH cotton SleepSack, it’ll protect you from any unclean sleeping conditions you may run into.
Bring a backup towel, just in case they do not provide them.
Things to watch for and method to taken to stay out of danger.
Do not advertise your nationality, I heard it's best to say you're Canadian (I really didn't listen to that advice, but didn't run into any problems.)
Important: never look like you’re lost while standing out in the open. If you need to look at a map sit down so you can see what is going on.
Confidence behind you're appearance will scare off the pickpockets. Pickpocket can come in al varieties for two old ladies to a couple of young kids playing in the streets. I heard quite a few rough stories of theft on my trip (primarily Italy.)
Strategies to evade being conned out of your money.
With currency, do not use traveler's checks.
Take a debit card and back up credit card that can be used through ATMs, they are the best why to get cash without get scammed through commission fees or adjusted "exchange rates."
How to make the most of the trip and capture the memories during the vacation.
Make sure you have a preplanned itinerary for family/friends to follow.
Send them e-mails via Internet Cafes, you'll find them everywhere. This is the best way to make your friends and family jealous, along with confirming your safety.
Also, keep a journal of your daily travels -- when you reach retirement you'll enjoy looking back at the memories.
If you'd like to check out some of the pictures from my trips around the world. Check out my home page: http://www.downie-zupan.net/greg .
Please leave a message on the guestbook if you'd like to leave a note for other visitors or advice that you'd like added to this site. I'm planning on expanding on the site so the more positive feedback the better I'll feel about doing so.
Thanks for your visit and best of luck!