Backpacking across the countryside. It's a chance to experience Europe through the eyes of the local townspeople. Whether it be a summer getaway, a special trip after graduation, or simply an impulsive excursion, your expedition will be most memorable with a bit of careful planning.
Rather than traveling as a tourist in a hotel, backpacking allows travelers to take in European culture as much as possible and to truly experience life in another country.
Youth hostels offer travelers the chance to meet other backpackers, and absorb customs of the local community. Travelers can experience unique restaurants and interesting sites not normally found in a guidebook.
"While I was traveling, I saw a couple of tourists that were checking off places they've visited from the '1,000 places to see before you die' list," said Katie Derose, a junior psychology major who has backpacked through Europe. "Things like that give 'tourists' a bad name. It's better to really assimilate to the culture experience - the food, music and sites that each country or town has to offer."
"Some hostels are better than others," Derose said. "I like the family-run hostels better than the chains. They have more character, and you have a better opportunity to experience the town you're staying in."
For example, Hostel Celica in Slovenia, an old prison converted into a hostel in 2003, doubles as a museum, according to the Lonely Planet Travel Guide. Hostel Celica also gives guests the option of staying in old jail cells.
Interesting hostels can make a trip and give backpackers plenty of interesting stories to share with family and friends. HP Chapman in Stockholm Hostel, a converted charter boat, has guests sleep in one of the boats many cabins and communally share one very unique bathroom.
"Most hostels contain lounges, communal kitchens and standard living areas," Derose said. "Some chains offer extras like girls-only floors, champagne bars and internet connections."
Lonely Planet suggests making a list of hostels complete with phone numbers and addresses for each country or town. Picking hostels at the recommendation of locals can also provide an interesting experience.
Lonely Planet recommends travelers plan their train trips during the night to cut down on the cost of overnight accommodations.
Giving travelers different options to accommodate any travel plan or preference, the Euro Pass the easiest way to travel from country to country without having to purchase individual tickets for each trip. The Euro Global Pass gives the option of traveling to any of the 18 European countries under one low price.
Travelers should be prepared to have their own linens and safety precautions in case the hostel they're staying at doesn't provide those amenities. Derose said that most hostels provide tenants with metal lockers to lock up their valuables, but not the padlocks to secure them.
"A lot of travelers will keep their valuables in the bottom of their sleeping bag, but thieves will just cut off the bottom of the sleeping bag to get at it," she said.
Derose also recommends bringing the telephone numbers and addresses of U.S. embassies in case you're detained or lose your passport.
"I'd like to think that backpackers are in a separate category than tourists," Derose said. "Backpackers really want to get to know the culture and community they're visiting. Traveling, having fun and being safe is the main goal, if you remember that then your trip will be a memorable one."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
