Backpacking through Europe?

My hubs and I are starting to research a trip to Europe. We like the idea of backpacking, but not really keen on the idea of staying in hostels. I just like the "adventure" aspect of it.



I don't know anything about the means of traveling there and what is available other than taking the Eurorail.



We are thinking 3 weeks will be the length of time that we are able to go in September 2010. Maybe a month, but I doubt it.



My question is, how much should we save? How many countries is actually do-able in 3 weeks time?



We really want to see (in order of importance); Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Germany, The U.K.



Should we pick 3 countries, 1 country per week? I don't know how to go about it! I've consulted my Travel Agent, and I am waiting her reply.



Thanks.Backpacking through Europe?
A week per country would be a good start. Italy and Greece rate at least that much and you can not see more than a little of France or Spain in a week either. Nor any of the other countries on your list.



Eurorail, or Eurail as it is often called, is nothing but a company selling rail passes to people from outside Europe. You would travel on the trains of the companies that run in the countries you will go to. Often the passes are cheaper than buying separate tickets, but by no means all the time.

When it comes to make actual plans, like 6 months before you travel, have a good evaluation of what your cost are going to be with and without a pass.

You can also use buses, like the Greyhound bus system in the USA, flights, ferries, or a combination of those. Or rent a car for a part of your travels.



Hostels are just the most used accommodation for solo travelers and young people, but it is also very easy to stay in hotels or other places. When I travel in England I stay in bed and breakfasts, and many countries have something like that.



Listen to what your travel agent has to say, but remember that most travel agents have not made the kind of travel you would like.

Often they will refer you to a ready made tour, costing you more than you would pay traveling by yourselves, and not bringing you where you want to go.



If you want to stay in cheap hotels, eating out and seeing the sights of the places you travel, think about 鈧?00 Euro per person per day, which is with todays exchange rate $US 140.

You could do it cheaper, if needed, but if you want more luxurious hotels it will be much more expensive.

All the countries you mention are in the more expensive part of Europe, eastern Europe, the former communist countries, will be a little cheaper still, but they are catching up fast.



Also read in the older questions here, as travel questions come around often and we all answer with our own experience.
Oh hun, your going to need more than three weeks! Another place i suggest going is Croatia :] the beaches are beautiful there!Backpacking through Europe?
My kids both did europe that way They both spent 2 summers their one together one with their girl friends now wives. they both have said they would not do the Eur-rail thing again because of the time and it is now so cheap to fly in Europe. They did the hostels both with the two guys and with their GFs and liked them. At most they could get private rooms but they cost more . Hotels are expensive but in Greece and Prague the splurged and loved it. My own travels were in England and we stayed at B%26amp;Bs was great fun but not backpacking Hope that helps...Enjoy the trip