Europe: What Backpackers Should Know Before They Go

PHOTO: From famous tourist attractions to hidden gems, Europe will have something for everyone! (photos by Shannon Wolf)

Europe is often the first place new backpackers go on their first adventure, and rightly so — it’s a great introduction to new cultures, full of unreal food and incredibly simple to get around. Below is everything you need to know before you hit the road:

Europe Visa Requirements: You are free to travel throughout the Schengen area for up to 90 days without a visa.

Note: The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished passport and any other type of border control at national boundaries.

U.K. Visa Requirements: You are free to travel throughout the United Kingdom for up to six months without a visa.

Travel For Extended Time: After your 90 days is up, travel outside of the Schengen area for three months to countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and the United Kingdom. After this time, you may re-enter the Schengen area for another 90 days.

Schengen Travel Days Calculator

Cheapest destinations you’ll want to visit:

• Berlin, Germany

• Krakow, Poland

• Prague, Czech Republic

• Budapest, Hungary

• Olympos, Turkey

• Lagos, Portugal

• High Tatras, Solvakia

• Belgrade, Serbia

• Sibiu, Romania

Most expensive destinations (but worth it):

• United Kingdom (this one I’m impartial to but it has to be listed)

• Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland)

• Switzerland

• The Netherlands

• France

• Italy

• Belgium

• Spain

Hidden Gems:

• High Tatras, Slovakia

• Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

• Naples, Italy

• Menaggio, Italy

• San Sebastian, Spain

• Sagres, Portugal

• Plovdiv, Bulgaria

• Kotor, Montenergro

• Belgrade, Serbia

• Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

• Galway, Ireland

Typical Costs:

Prices range depending on where you are, but a general rule of thumb is to plan on budgeting between €50-€70 a day for Western Europe and around €30-€50 a day for Eastern Europe.

Things to take into account when budgeting your trip for Europe:

• Accommodation: Prices are higher on weekends.

• Food: Street vendors can be cheaper than buying your own meal.

• Sightseeing/Attractions: You can get discounts with student cards.

• Public Transportation: Buy in bulk for better prices.

• Festivals/Unexpected costs: Plan accordingly, choose your battles.

Note: Your best bet is to use budgetyourtrip.com for the most realistic costs.

Top Festivals:

• March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland

• May 31, Fortarock, Nijmegen, Netherlands

• June 24-28: Glastonbury Festival, Somerset, England

• June 29: La Batalla del Vino, Haro, Spain

• July 4-6: Eurockeennes Festival, France

• July 2-9: The Garden Festival, Tisno, Croatia

• July 6-14: San Fermin (aka: Running of the Bulls), Pamplona, Spain

• July 9-12: Exit Festival, Petrovaradin, Serbia

• July 16-19: Benicassim, Benicassim, Spain

• July 24-26: Tomorrowland, Belgium

• August 11-18 (every other year): Boom Festival, Portugal

• End of August: La Tomatina, Valencia, Spain

• September 19-October 4: Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

• Other festivals: Festival Hopper

European Transit:

• Boats: Blueline Ferries

• Buses: Megabus, National Express, Simple Express, Westbus, Student Agency Bus (If you’re a student, you can get ridiculously cheap bus tickets across Europe) 

• Carpooling: BlaBlaCar.com, carpooling.com

• Trains: Eurail, TGV

• Flights: Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizz Air, Transavia

3-Month European Route:

Depending on your time, budget and what you want to see, your route possibilities are endless. However, below are some options you can play with for a standard route through Europe:

MAP: A typical route taken by fellow travelers across Europe.

Dublin, Ireland > London, U.K. > Paris, France > Bruges or Brussels, Belgium > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Berlin, Germany > Prague, Czech Republic > Krakow, Poland > Budapest, Hungary > Vienna, Austria > Switzerland (Including: Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Zurich) > Italy (including: Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, Naples, Amalfi Coast) > back to France (including: Monaco, Nice) > Spain (including: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Valencia, Granada, San Sebastian) > Portugal (Including: the Algarve, Sintra, Lisbon, Porto)

If you don’t want to plan everything by yourself and would prefer to go with a more flexible tour, check out Busabout (more relaxed vibe) or Topdeck (more about the party).