Articles by "backpacking trip"
Showing posts with label backpacking trip. Show all posts

- July 30, 2018 0


If you are looking for a great holiday idea, it is highly recommended that you backpack in Europe. It is a very unique experience that everyone should have at least once. Odds are, if you do it once you will probably want to do it again.

When you are deciding when is the best time of year to backpack in Europe, there are many things you need to take into consideration. The summer is definitely the time of year when most people go backpacking. This is convenient because it makes it easier for you to gather up a group of people that want to go hiking with you. The downside to going backpacking in and around Europe in the summer is that the prices are higher at this time of the year. If you are going to go in the summer, it is important to make reservations ahead of time. Since this is the busiest time of the year, it is often booked months ahead.

If you decide to go in the summer, it does not matter which summer month you choose, as they all will be generally priced the same. As for the winter, there are some obvious downsides to it. The weather is not as nice, and it is harder to find people to go backpacking with you! If you are on a budget, though, going backpacking in Europe in the winter is a great alternative.

When you go on your trip, it is a good idea to get backpacker holiday insurance. This protects you and your gear in case of an accident. If a medical situation arises, the insurance will cover you. Also, if something is lost or stolen that is necessary for the trip, you will be glad that you purchased the backpacker insurance.

When packing for the trip, it is important to take as little as you can with you. You may be worried about packing every little thing that you need for your trip, but that will make your pack heavier (a lightweight backpack can counter this). If you are staying at a hostel, they offer free or cheap laundry services, which makes the pack much smaller. It is good to take about 4 to 5 days worth of clothes with you. It is important to remember that if something happens to your stuff while on the trip, there will be an opportunity to replace it at a decent price.

Now that you have planned your backpacking trip, all you need to do is select a destination. Your starting point is really not that important since you will be backpacking all over Europe. You will find that there are cheaper rates when flying to a big city, such as London. Before you go off on your trip is important to make some kind of an itinerary. Included in this, you want to have all of the must-see places listed. When making your itinerary, be sure to give yourself some freedom and extra time, that way if something arises that you want to check out, you will have plenty of time to do so.

Author: Tom A Shurville

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- July 29, 2018 0


Whether you're Euro-railing the Czech Republic, trekking the Amazon or spending a month in Peru, backpack travel is a great way to see the world. And here are the top 10 travel accessories to help backpack travelers stay lightweight, mobile and organized.

First: A Travel Backpack

Today's travel backpacks aren't your father's camping pack. Technology has made today's travel backpacks super lightweight and designed specifically for travel. They open like suitcases for easy access, offer media pockets, multiple ways to carry and other advantages for travelers. The old top-loading, drawstring packs were good for dad. But if you want to stay light, mobile and organized, a travel backpack is the way to go.

Second: A Travel Towel

You can definitely skip a shower or two while traveling. But eventually you'll want to clean up and dry off. Problem is conventional towels weigh a ton, take forever to dry and mildew if you pack them damp. Travel towels solve these problems. They're ultra-lightweight and fold to a fraction the size of regular towels. They're also ultra-fast drying and most fight fungus and mildew buildup.

Third: Travel Underwear

Everything that is true of conventional towels is also true of regular cotton underwear. They take a long time to dry and are bastions for fungus and odor. Quick-dry travel underwear dries in time to wear or pack by the next bus, fights odors and nasty bacteria and hold up to the rigors of daily wear on the road.

Fourth: Travel Soap Sheets

Soap sheets are among the lightest, most compact and efficient ways to stay clean while traveling. Soap sheets -- body, shampoo, shaving or other -- are roughly one inch, paper-thin sheets that lather up in water. They meet carry-on requirements, are a fraction the weight of liquids and take up much less room in your backpack or luggage.

Fifth: Packing Cubes

If you use packing cubes once, you won't even go away for a weekend again without them. They let you pack much more stuff into the same space and keep it all organized. Packing cubes are zippered nylon or mesh rectangles into which you pack and compress your gear and clothes before putting them into your backpack. If you bring only one thing from this list, these would be it.

Sixth: International Plug Adapters

It's still a diverse world, which is why we travel. But that also goes for each continent's electrical systems. So you'll need to bring the right adapter to plug into wall outlets in Europe, Africa, Asia and elsewhere. You can buy individual adapters for each location or universal kits letting you plug in no matter where you go.

Seventh: A Solar Charger

Going where few travelers have gone before is an amazing experience. And the more remote you go, the less infrastructure you'll find. In some areas you can actually get cell service, but not the electricity to power the phone. Solar charges are lightweight, compact and let you power your electronics no matter how off the beaten path you go.

Number 8: Travel or Luggage Locks

You spent a lot of time planning what to bring and it wouldn't be easy to get it all back while traveling. Travel or luggage locks are small compact locks that let you secure your pack's main compartment and exterior pockets while the pack is out of your sight or when you're in crowded places. Some locks also have flexible cables to secure your pack to fixed objects.

Number 9: A Money Belt

Replacing your passport, credit cards and even cash back in remote locations can be a major, time-eating endeavor. So you want to hang onto your most valuable items. Money belts are small, discreet pouches worn around your waist under your pants to conceal and safeguard your passport and cash. Most robbers don't have the time to check under everyone's clothes. So carry a false wallet and a few dollars to give them while your real stash is safely concealed.

Tenth: A Daypack

Most trips involve reaching a new town or village, locking your main pack in the hostel or hotel and heading out to explore. Overnight trips, urban trekking and remote hikes are part of the good time. And you'll need a lightweight daypack to carry the essentials. Most quality travel backpacks have removable daypacks integrated into their designs.

You'll bring lots of stuff on your trip and what to pack and how to pack it are endlessly debated by seasoned travel backpackers. But with these few key travel accessories, you'll be sure to stay lightweight, mobile and organized.

Author: Michael B Anderson
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- July 28, 2018 0



An adventurous backpacking trip to Europe can be the international trip of a lifetime and one to add to your bucket list. I was on the fence when the idea was presented to me, but it didn't take long to change my mind. I was promised by some experienced travelers that backpacking is the only way to go especially if you're looking for gorgeous nature, a cultural melting pot, world famous sites and a whole world of adventure. There are few time restraints when you backpack and unparalleled when compared to other ways to travel. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy hiking in Europe, but here is a sample of our route that worked for us.

1. London
Our first stop was Heathrow Airport because it is connected to the public transportation that will safely get you to some very famous landmarks. Our first stop was Buckingham Palace and it was even better in person than any picture or video can relay. The home of the Royal family is as incredible on the outside as it is on the inside. We missed the iconic changing of the guards but I hear it's spectacular. Make sure you add it to your "while in London list" as well as the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. They, too have historical significance and are must-sees during your hike throughout the city.

2. Paris
Trust me on this. Paris, known as the City Of Love is awesome. Take the Eurostar, underground train from London to Paris. Just the thought of traveling underneath the English Channel is unbelievable. There is so, so much to experience here. How about the one and only Eiffel Tower. My wife and I enjoyed a leisurely picnic lunch (French staples cheese, wine, and bread) from the outside, but my travel partners paid for a ticket to get a bird's eye view from the top. Either way, get a photo or two because seeing this iconic tower in person was to say the least, surreal. We could've stayed on the grass forever but when they came down from the top, we were off again to see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Montemartre art district that features the Sacre Coeur Basilica. The architecture alone is amazing. Whether you appreciate art or not, these landmarks will impress you.

3. Rome
This is a truly the best place to backpack. It is full of ancient history and cultural sights that look just like postcard photos, only better. I have read about so many of the places this eternal city offers and the fact that we were personally experiencing it is was truly captivating. It takes a while to get there, but it's well worth the train ride. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day, so take your time and spend some extra time here, if your schedule allows. One of the must-sees (actually they are all must-sees) is the Colosseum. Walk around, experience the historical architecture and go back in time when the Romans sat and watched gladiators fight in that same arena. Then I recommend visiting the Pantheon, The Vatican, to say a prayer and take in Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. If time permits go over to the Trevi Fountain and toss a few coins in for good luck. Tradition has it that one coin is for love and the other is to guarantee you will return to Rome again. I wish I had time to discuss the many different restaurants. Our policy was to eat where the locals do and live by the age-old rule, "When in Rome" do as the Romans do. We didn't have one bad meal.

4. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre translates into five tiny towns on the western Italian coast that look like a colorful boutique of buildings. The villages are Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola and each one is an individual marvel. I can't speak a word of Italian but it didn't matter. My senses were able to drink in all of the culture and personality offered here. We were amazed by one of kind natural cliffs in their National Park that conveniently surround all five towns. It has to be one of Mother Nature's best creations. It is perfect for backpackers who don't always like to be in big city crowds. We boarded a train with a day pass that allowed us to ride between these picturesque towns as many times as we wanted. You need to purchase a pass to walk around too. Staying overnight will probably be a good idea. There is a variety of overnight accommodations that offer a comfortable and affordable good night's rest. Cinque Terre is a place I will return to perhaps without my backpack the next time and stay a little longer.

5. Berlin
Germany is fascinating and never fails to impress me. The sightseeing opportunities and landmarks are full of history, architecture marvels and even castles. This European country is like no other and the scenery is almost like walking back in time through an eclectic collection of modern buildings. For example, the famous Brandenburg Gate landmark, once a symbol of country's division is not considered just the opposite, unification. 

The dark granite pillars create a walking tour maze and is the perfect spot for photos. The most disturbing, but emotional place we visited was the underground museum that showcases the plight of the Jews when the Nazi's had control. Talk about a challenging time. But Berlin has a much lighter, modern side too. There are some hip neighborhoods to explore, really cool locals to meet and delicious food to taste. 

I ordered the vegan cuisine with Vietnamese noodles that was delicious. Then we took a walk on a closed airport runway that is now open to the public. There is so much to do and see, but the common denominator of Berlin is that no matter where you go, whether you backpack or not, the sky is the limit for awesome sights, sounds, tastes and experiences.

There is never enough time to explore everything Europe in one visit, so don't expect to. But I recommend planning where you want to go and leaving enough room for some unexpected stops along the way. Europe is one of the most interesting continents in the world, and especially interesting when you take along your best friends and a backpack.

Author: Douglas Helal

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