The article gives tips for backpacking through Europe and suggests some quality hostels. Tips include packing light with versatile clothing and essential items, choosing a practical and comfortable backpack, preplanning a balanced itinerary with popular and offbeat destinations, and investing in travel insurance for unexpected setbacks. The article recommends The Yellow hostel in Rome for nightlife, St. Christopher’s Inn in Paris for picturesque views, Hostel One Paralelo in Barcelona for a lively social atmosphere, Goodnight Backpackers Hostel in Lisbon for a warm, friendly environment, and The Circus Hostel in Berlin for additional facilities like bike rentals and a microbrewery.
Exploring Europe: Backpacking Tips and Best Hostel Suggestions
Europe, a continent that embraces its history, culture, varied landscapes, and countless biographies condensed in city corners is a treasure trove for travel enthusiasts. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Italy to the mountainous grandeur of the Swiss Alps, the continent’s varied topography has inspired travelers for centuries. A budget backpacking trip across Europe can be real fun if you know exactly how to carry the spirit of adventure in your backpack.
Backpacking Tips
Packing Light
In order to ensure you pack light, make a list of essential items only. This includes appropriate clothing, essential toiletries, and electronics. Remember, having a versatile wardrobe that can be mixed and matched can save you a lot of space when packing. Importantly, bring a good pair of shoes as backpacking will require a lot of walking.
Choosing the Right Backpack
Your backpack is your constant companion on your journey, so it needs to be comfortable and spacious enough to carry all your belongings. You should select a backpack that has multiple compartments, offers good support, and is made of sturdy material.
Planning Your Itinerary
Europe is a vast and diverse continent, hence, a well-researched itinerary will help you to explore more within your budget and timeframe. Try to balance your itinerary between must-see destinations and hidden gems.
Travel Insurance
No matter how carefully you plan, unforeseen incidents can occur. Investing in a good travel insurance plan protects you against such incidents. It provides coverage for things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost or stolen luggage.
Best Hostel Suggestions
The Yellow, Rome
If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, The Yellow in Rome might be just what you need. Alongside offering clean and comfortable beds, the hostel boasts its own bar and even organizes live music and DJ sets at weekends. Food lovers can also indulge themselves in pasta-making classes here.
St. Christopher’s Inn, Paris
This chain of hostels has a solid reputation around Europe, but its Parisian location is particularly remarkable. It’s located right by Canal St. Martin, which provides a beautiful view for visitors. The onsite Belushi’s bar offers discounts for hostel guests too.
Hostel One Paralelo, Barcelona
Located close to Barcelona’s famous Montjuïc hill, this hostel is perfect for backpackers looking for a warm, social atmosphere. Hostel One Paralelo is particularly praised for the friendly and helpful nature of its staff who will go out of their way to ensure you have the best possible stay.
Goodnight Backpackers Hostel, Lisbon
A popular choice among backpackers, Goodnight Backpackers Hostel does a fantastic job of creating a warm, welcoming environment. It’s centrally located which makes it easy to explore the city’s historic streets.
The Circus Hostel, Berlin
The Circus Hostel in Berlin is one of the best-reviewed hostels in the city. In addition to comfy dorm rooms, it offers a wide range of extras, like onsite bike rentals, a microbrewery, and an incredibly helpful staff ready to assist and guide you when needed.
In a nutshell, Europe provides ingredients for an unforgettable backpacking trip. With the right approach and preplanning, backpacking through Europe can create memories that last a lifetime. Happy Backpacking!