Tag: europe
Hassle-free Backpacking In Europe
by James on Dec.28, 2009, under Around the World
Thinking about going backpacking in Europe alone, with your sweetie, or a buddy? Instead of just grabbing your backpack and hopping on the first plane out to a random European country, it’s worth your while to plan a little bit ahead and figure out what you need in order to have a successful, hassle-free, and exciting European backpacking trip.
Pick a Destination
Some people choose to go into Europe blindly without a plan or destination in mind, but it’s best if you have an idea of where you’d like to go backpacking. Some stick to Western Europe, some to Eastern Europe, some traverse the entire continent on a rail pass, and others explore one or two countries more intimately. Your destination(s) will also determine your budget, gear, and other factors.
Budget
Make sure to plan an overall budget for your backpacking trip. Your budget will include your flight, your gear (all the stuff you need to buy before you go), and your “living expenses” by the day, which will include food, accommodations, and activities. Around $40 USD is fairly realistic, but this will vary from country to country and even city to city. Do some research to find out how much it will cost you in the countries/cities you wish to visit. Find out the exchange rate as well, and keep a journal of your expenses.
Get your Gear
Think you can go backpacking in Europe with nothing but the shirt on your back? Think again. There are a few fundamental elements you’ll need to take with you on your backpacking trip. First and foremost, a durable, high-quality, side-loader backpack that fits you is a must. You’ll also need several travel shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking), a money belt (with your money), all your necessary travel documents, a European guidebook and phrasebook, a journal, a camera, a water bottle, camping gear (if applicable), and more (neck pillow, basic clothing, a few toiletries).
Accommodations & Transportation
Hostels are the accommodations of choice for backpackers in Europe. Try to make arrangements (at least some) ahead of time. This way you’ll be able to find the best deals and you’ll have a spot reserved for you.
Look for cheap flights to Europe (search online or go through your travel agent)-student travel agencies and student airfare finders are great places to start. Get a rail pass when you’re in Europe, especially if your backpacking adventure takes you through several countries. Subways make a great option, too.
Learn Lingo
Although much of Europe speaks English as a second (or third or fourth or fifth) language, it’s helpful for you to learn a few key phrases in the languages of the countries you’ll be visiting.
Best Undiscovered Backpacker Destinations In Europe?
by James on Dec.27, 2009, under Around the World
Who’s done some backpacking and wants to recommend some off the beaten track places to visit? I will be going from August to December 2008. I’d really like to visit places that aren’t really touristy (e.g. Paris), places that you kind of just stumble into and are pleasantly suprised. So let me know of anywhere you’ve discovered on your adventures!
Thanks!
Compared To Europe What Is Australia Like For A Backpacker Financially?
by James on Dec.17, 2009, under Around the World
will it be a strain on my wallet for 6 weeks compared to western europe (not uk)? i’m going to sydney, melbourne, b risbane, cairns darwin and alice springs
Where To Work In Europe As A Backpacker?
by James on Nov.24, 2009, under Around the World
I am an 18m, Aussie. I don’t have any work experience or qualifications. I want to go over to Europe as a backpacker so i can travel and work. I don’t know where to start or where to go to. .. Help me out please.
Maybe some places that hire travellers would be good.
I am not sure If I should work in australia for a bit first, for a couple of months or a year, on a farm or something.
If you live in europe and would let me stay with you for a week so I could find work that would be handy. Just email devo...@hotmail.com
If you got same idea and want buddy email me too.
Which Website Offers The Best Backpacker Deal On Around Europe Travel?
by James on Nov.04, 2009, under Around the World
>This one>
Can I Go Over And Work In Europe As A Backpacker For A Year?
by James on Sep.26, 2009, under Around the World
Im 18m, aussie. I want to go over to Europe and just travel and work? can I go straight over with a passport and plane ticket?
As A Chinese Backpacker, Is That Possible To Find Some Work In Europe And Then Continue To Travel?
by James on Aug.25, 2009, under Around the World
as a Chinese backpacker, is that possible to find some work in Europe and then continue to travel?
Do I Need To Book Backpacker Hostel In Advance To Visit Europe During March 2008?
by James on Aug.06, 2009, under Around the World
I am planning a 30-day visit to Europe (Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Munich, Amsterdam, Brussels) on a budget during March of this year, therefore would like to stay in backpacker hostels. I shall be with a group of 5 persons. Everybody of the group intends to make it as cheap as possible. Now, should we book our stay in backpacker in advance before coming to each city or I can get vacant rooms on arrival?
Oh my brothers panache culture on canalplus
by James on Jul.19, 2009, under A Discerning Eye
roots rock reggae raï, one of the best reggae band in europe, mixing culture with music
Greatest Ski Holidays
by James on Jul.09, 2009, under Mont Tremblant
Winter is when skiers start to think about booking their skiing holiday. In Europe there are hundreds of destinations to choose from. France, Switzerland and Austria all have very popular ski resorts, but if you are looking for a bargain then try Eastern Europe. Borovets in Bulgaria and the high Tatra mountains in Slovakia are attracting increasing numbers of skiers. A survey by pricerunner.co.uk and travelex.co.uk revealed that not only are the Eastern European resorts much cheaper than the popular destinations in the Alps, but they are also rated quite highly. Bansko in Bulgaria, Jasna in Slovakia, Zelezna Ruda in the Czech Republic and Kranjska Gora in Slovenia all got a mention.If you are unsure which resort to pick, companies such as Forbes create a list of the top ski resorts in the world. The list will contain many Western and European resorts primarily because of the quality of the snow and the village atmosphere. New England has snow, but it won’t feature much on the list. This is because its snow tends to be icy, not powdery like the snow in Europe which is better for skiing. However, skiing holidays are about more than the quality of the snow. Resorts such as Aspen are hugely popular and the slopes are crowded, meaning that you probably spend more time waiting for the chair lift than on the slopes. Another consideration is the après-ski scene. For some people this is the best part of the holiday. There should be plenty of opportunities for dining, drinking and swapping stories in front of a log fire. It is also a good idea to choose somewhere that has activities other than skiing, just in case your legs need a rest from the slopes. Your accommodation is also important and should be comfortable with easy access to the slopes.Ski holidays can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. When you book your holiday you should consider a package deal as these often work out cheaper. A single lift ticket can be very expensive. Try booking at the last minute and stay in catered accommodation to save on eating out. Book your ski pass and ski hire online and always pay in local currency.Ski resorts that regularly make it into the top 10 lists are: Aspen: Located in the beautiful state of Colorado, Aspen always features on the list of top ski resorts due to its excellent ski runs that are suitable for skiers of all abilities. It is also the place where you have the chance to ski with the rich and famous although the downside of this is that it is not cheap!Cortina: Another top choice is this stylish Italian ski resort which hosted the Olympic Games in 1956. Cortina was one of the world’s first ski resorts. The Cortina Ski World is located in the Alps and is one of the most scenic places in the world, with 120 kilometres of ski trails and 52 lifts.Mont-tremblant: Canada’s best known ski resort first opened in 1939 and has recently been given a $1 billion facelift. It is a compact ski resort lying in the pretty Laurentian Mountains. The village has a distinctive French feel to it and it has a number of cafes and bistros in cosy log cabins, as well as boutiques and restaurants. The skiing is suitable for mixed groups and there is a good ski school. Another plus for this resort is that it is just one hour from montreal for those who would like to do some sight-seeing along with their skiing.Stowe: Located in Vermont, this is another American resort famed for its picturesque setting. It has the largest vertical drop in the area and is famous for its double-black diamond ‘Four Front’ trails, suitable for experienced skiers. However, it also offers trails suitable for intermediate skiers and beginners. Away from the ski slopes it has over 90 shops and 60 restaurants.Chamonix Mont-Blanc: Situated in the French Alps, it played host to the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. It lies at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. It is renowned for its vertical drop of 9,209 feet and for having one of the world’s longest runs, the Vallee Blance, at 13.7 miles.Banff/Lake Louise: This ski resort in Alberta, Canada is located in the Banff National Park. It is one of the most scenic mountain resorts in North America and has very reliable snow conditions. Covering 4,200 acres it offers tree-lined runs, smooth slopes and plunging bowls, providing ideal skiing for everyone from the novice to the expert.Vail: Another ski resort in Colorado, Vail claims to be America’s favourite resort. With 5,300 acres of skiable terrain it has the largest ski area in the USA. Vail also has a lot to offer besides skiing with art galleries, ballooning, dog sledding, museums, ice skating, hockey and snowmobiling.Zermatt: Switzerland’s top resort is a picturesque village and a car-free area at the foot of the Matterhorn. It has the second biggest lift-served vertical drop in the world. Zermatt has large snowfalls and the longest skiing season in the Alps.Kitzbuhel: The most famous resort in the Austrian Tyrol. Skiing began here in 1892 and the 700-year old village still retains its traditional charm. Kitzbuhel is home to the Hahnenkahm the most dangerous and famous of the downhill ski races and is Austria’s winter entertainment capital. It has excellent skiing and snowboarding, but due to its low altitude snow may be lacking on the lower slopes. Whistler/Blackcomb: This resort in British Columbia provides the best skiing in North America with the biggest vertical drop. It has 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and has been voted North America’s Favourite Ski Resort by OntheSnow.com visitors. The village has cafes, spas, galleries, international stores and over 100 restaurants that feature cuisines from around the world including French, Chinese, Italian, Mexican and more.
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