Tips and Advice for Backpacking Europe

Even though i am extremely thrilled to be home, i am so glad that i had the experience that i did in Europe.  I think that i was a bit too ambitious and 13 countries in 35 days was too much.  Therefore, i wouldn't recommend doing exactly what i did in the same time frame.  It was very hard and i got really homesick many times but it's all a test of strength and character.  I definitely recommend getting a Eurail pass.  There are various types, prices and lengths of time.  I got the one month continuous pass for 544 euros.  As for the train stations, be prepared to deal with rude, mean and unhelpful people.  Someone told me before i left, not to stay in hostels near train stations because they were unsafe but that is where i mainly stayed and they were fine.  I stayed in hostels that were walking distance from the train stations except for in Milan and Berlin where i had to take the metro.  To save money with food: pack food from home to start out with like granola bars and fruit and then in Europe, go to local cheap grocery stores and buy food to cook in hostel kitchens and to carry along in your backpack.  You will be doing a lot of traveling, sitting and waiting so you will want those snacks.  Food in airports, train stations and restaurants are fairly expensive.  Take a reusable water bottle with you.  Of course empty it through security but then keep refilling it whenever and where ever you can in Europe.  Bottled water is expensive.  Don't pay for city maps, most hostels or train stations have them for free.  Although many locals will tell you that you have to take the metro, a bus or a taxi somewhere but usually it is within walking distance, so walk to save some money.  Most hostels have free internet or you can meet people and they may let you use their computer which saves you money from paying to use internet at cafes.  Carry tea packets or instant coffee or hot chocolate with you and just ask for hot water at places which is usually at no cost.  Most hostels have hot water kettles for you to use too.  For train reservations, i only had to pay in Portugal, Spain, south of France and Spain.  Sometimes when they tell you that you have to pay for a reservation, you can just tell them that you will stand and wait until the train moves and then sit in an empty seat.  This usually will work for short distances but you may want a reservation for longer distances so you dont have to worry about changes seats the whole ride.  For RyanAir, be sure to book in advance to get a cheap price, print out your boarding pass online for free, get a stamp on your boarding pass at baggage claim, wear most of your clothes and make your bag under 10 kilos so that you don't have to pay to check a bag in and get to the airport early!  Pack good walking shoes, a pair of boots, sweaters, winter jacket, gloves, warm socks, changes of clothes to stay warm.  Search for hostels with free amenities and even free shuttle service.  Don't get currency at train stations or airports, its a rip off, get money at time machines.  But, be careful, watch your back and be smart (i met someone who got robbed in brussels at a time machine).  Get an adapter for your electronics (you can get one for cheap at Radio Shack or even online).  Look into CouchSurfing for free accommodation.  Look into ferry rides which are fun experiences.  You don't have to book a hostel ahead of time.  I just wrote down 2 to 3 different hostels and their walking directions from the train station and when i got to the city i just got a map and followed my directions.  If booked, they will often help you find another hostel nearby that has availability.  Try to get to your next destination when it's still light out (be careful because in winter it gets dark around 4 or 430pm).  Dont be afraid to ask locals for help or others with backpacks who may also be backpacking.