Europe is one of the most diverse continents in the world. You can take the next train from Vienna to Bratislava (the journey takes just an hour) and leave the train in a different country, being welcomed by different food, culture, and language. Europe is often a destination where travelers spend several weeks enjoying the historical old towns and their people.
If you have ever contemplated traveling through Europe on your own and just were not sure, don’t fret. We have got your back! Read on for practical advice on planning a solo backpacking Europe trip – a journey of a lifetime!
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Your Adventure
Traveling on your own, the most important decisions can be daunting. Where do I stop? What do I want to see? Do I care more about the sea or the city? Maybe you are the type of person who looks at the travel pictures on Instagram and thinks that, actually, you want to see everything.
Start with a list and then check the routes you could take. You may already have a set of dates in your mind, but the sooner you know how long you would like to be traveling, the easier your plans are going to become. Europe may be small, but it is still a continent and you won’t be able to see every country in just two weeks.
Get ready to plan your adventure. On a solo backpacking Europe trip, you have all the freedom in the world. Plan a few extra days in case you end up enjoying Berlin and Paris a little more than the other cities in your itinerary. Europe has such a great transportation network that you can get train tickets for just a few euros.
Forget all the stress but DO plan your journey!
Your Backpack
If you usually rely on others to pack toothpaste, sunglasses, or travel books, you need to intensively plan the contents of your backpack. As a solo traveler, you can only rely on your backpack. Forgetting to pack items can be costly as some European countries are pricey.
Depending on the length of your journey, you should get the appropriate backpack with enough volume to store everything you could potentially need. However, don’t forget that Europe has mild weather and you won’t need climbing axes or heaps of guide books. Restaurants and inns are an integrated part of every tiny village, and if you book hostels along the way, you won’t even need to pack a tent.
Nevertheless, don’t forget to leave room for memories. If you find a particularly nice box with Russian lacquer art design, you will need some space in your backpack. Don’t forget to pack your camera for all the great pictures that will forever remind you of your adventures.
DO pack everything you need, but don’t forget the extra room for your souvenirs!
Also Read: Check Out These Unpopular European Countries To Visit
The Correct Etiquette
Europe may be a small continent, but that does not mean that there is little to discover during your solo backpacking Europe trip. In fact, the individual countries in Europe are so different that people are often shocked when they arrive. Mentality, culture, and even politeness change as soon as you cross over the border.
Before you embark on your journey, definitely do your research. If you want to spend a few days in London, stick to the queues, while locals are generally nicer to you if you don’t look like the stereotypical tourist in Rome. Germans can be quite friendly and their neighbors in the Netherlands are often described as one of the most open-minded nations in the world.
Wherever you decided to go, try to research politeness and etiquette for the countries of your choice and the locals will repay you with their gratitude. Why not learn some new words in a few languages as well? A nice “Obrigado” (“thank you”) in Portugal will make a big difference. Locals love it when travelers try to communicate in the local language.
DO your research!
The People
If you are worried traveling on your own is going to be awful and lonely, you need not worry any longer. Europeans are hospitable and the continent is considered safe if not the safest. On your travels, you will meet many like-minded people, who will share their stories and adventures.
The world is your oyster. Do talk to people in hostels and ask the locals for the way. Do try to speak the language of the country you are in and respect its culture. You will never forget the food in the restaurant in Milan the local guide recommended because it was that much better.
At the same time, we live in a digital age and apps can be your best friend. You won’t be traveling completely on your own if you look for other travelers via the Internet and you will enjoy the beer in the pub in Edinburgh even more if it is shared.
DO engage with the locals!
Related: Backpacking Solo For The First Time? Here’s How To Travel On Periods
Just focus on these tips and your solo backpacking Europe trip will become the most memorable journeys of your life!
Want To Fit In A Short Road Trip In Your Solo Backpacking Europe Trip? Find The Cheapest Cars Here
Author’s Bio
Helene writes for BackpackerTrail, your first source for international backpacking. Created as a German start-up, the company has now started to expand into the English and Spanish speaking world. Whether you are just browsing for ideas or actively planning your next trip, BackpackerTrail has got your back
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hahaha I should really start working on #3 – I’m sooooo awkwardly bad with communicating with people while I travel and I always feel like I’m missing out on something!
Hahaha! We all have been there.. I used to be the same, but the more I traveled solo I kept on getting better with communicating with the people 🙂
Some great tips here! Totally agree on etiquette, respecting customs, and learning to speak a few sentences of the local language! Did wonders for me when i first moved to Florence! Additionally, local recommendations are pure gold, and often become the highlights of our trip!
Thank you, Galatia! I’m happy you liked these tips 🙂
That’s a lot of useful information. We often disregard the fact that all these countries are unique on their own and need their own research. Respecting the culture and people is a way of showing gratitude to them.
This made me ready to plan a backpacking trip across Europe (when Americans can return, of course)! I can’t wait to explore cobblestone streets, eat local food, and explore again 🙂
Totally agree about spending time extensively planning your backpack! It’s the best way I’ve figured out how to maximize my time when moving from one destination to the next!