If you are looking for a fantastic adventure that you’ll remember for the rest of your lifetime, then you should consider taking a backpacking trip through Europe. This amazing continent offers so much to see and do, and you just might meet some interesting people along the way.
While you may be excited, you should not just pick up and go, however. Instead, you should prepare ahead of time, so you have everything you need and don’t land in potential trouble. In this guide, we will tell you some of the amazing benefits of travel, how you can prepare your home ahead of time, and the amazing sights you just need to see.
The Benefits of Traveling
There are many amazing benefits of travel that go beyond the chance to take pictures of gorgeous scenery. While that is great, travel can also help you to grow as a person and appreciate the world more than you likely would by sitting at home. Traveling also provides many mental health benefits. When we see new places and things, it helps to improve our brain functioning. These experiences can also lead to reduced stress and anxiety overall.
You can increase your chances of personal enrichment through travel by writing in a journal during your trip, documenting the amazing experiences each day. You can also look up local history and the locations that make Europe so special. Some people choose to travel alone so they can have a sense of self-discovery without someone else setting the agenda every day.
Of course, you don’t always have to keep to yourself during your travels. In fact, another way to create a more meaningful trip is to approach strangers and strike up a conversation. You never know who you will meet, and they may know the best-kept secrets of the area.
On top of all of that, there are also many physical benefits of backpacking. In addition to building stronger bones and muscles, you can also improve your heart health and decrease your chance of respiratory problems. Overall, travel is likely to be good for your health — and the best road trips in Europe have ample opportunity to provide the backpacking, interactions, and scenery necessary to enjoy those benefits.
Making Preparations Ahead of Time
Now that you have your mind set on backpacking through Europe, you will want to make the proper preparations. Brush up on essential travelling skills — like making currency conversions and reading a map. Ensure that your home is secure and your belongings are safe — especially if you plan to be gone for several weeks or months. For example, you will want to make arrangements for your pets so they stay safe while you are away. You will also need to call your bank and credit card companies and inform them that you will be out of the country. That way, they won’t decline any charges if you buy something overseas.
You will also need to prep your home for extended travel by ensuring that all doors will be locked — including the garage and storage sheds — and by alerting a neighbour you trust that you will be gone so they can let you know about any suspicious activity. It is also a wise idea to hide your valuable possessions and keep them out of sight of the windows so burglars don’t get any ideas. Your expensive jewellery should be put in a locked safe. Don’t forget to also stop your mail, so it doesn’t pile up. This is basically a signpost for criminals that tells them you are not home.
With your affairs in order, it is now time to pack. Go online and look at the weather in your destination, packing the clothes that will keep you warm and comfortable during long hikes. Make sure that you bring your cellphone, an extra battery if necessary, and your phone charger. Remember that you’ll likely also need a converter to adapt to European electrical standards. As a final advisory, email your family and provide them with your flight and hotel information. This way, your family won’t worry during your travels and can reach you if necessary.
Enjoying Your Travels in Europe
The final thing you need to do is plan your activities and travel itinerary for your amazing European backpacking trip. Take some time to plan your route by researching online.
Many people choose to take a long trip that takes them through the most amazing countries, starting with the many gorgeous sights of England. From there, you can make your way through Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Germany — with a final destination in Paris, France. Along the way, you will see gorgeous architecture and likely cross paths with amazing people you wouldn’t have otherwise.
There are many other popular European destinations and experiences that travellers highly recommend, including:
- Island hopping in Greece;
- Eating delicious tapas in Spain;
- Hiking through the Alps;
- Taking a train for part of your journey and seeing the countryside in a new way;
- Enjoying sunset in Paris
All of these experiences will help to enrich your life — as long as you make the necessary trip preparations to ensure comfort and safety. You can jot these experiences down in your journal so you can share your adventures with your family and remember them forever.
As far as lodging is concerned, you can stay in hotels, but many experienced travellers recommend that you stick to hostels. They are often just as nice as typical hotels and they will usually be more affordable — which is important, especially since you may be stopping many times during your long journey. If you are taking a more remote route, then you may opt to pack a tent and camp your way through the country.
Embarking on Your European Journey
As you can tell, there is a lot of adventure and beauty to behold during a European backpacking vacation. Consider the tips and ideas discussed above, and you are sure to have an amazing time.
