Knowing what items to pack for your European backpacking trip is one of the biggest challenges for most backpackers because it can be very daunting. This is especially true for beginners. Nearly every new traveler brings way too much stuff. The number one rule of backpacking is to pack light. I’ve seen people with monster backpacks that were so heavy they could hardly stand up.

I suggest limiting yourself to 20-22lbs worth of stuff (including your backpack). If you exceed 22lbs (10kg) you start running the risk of exceeding the carry-on weight limit for budget airlines (Ryanair). Even if you don’t plan on taking planes, I still suggest keeping your weight around 20lbs. Unfortunately, many of you won’t listen to this advice but hopefully some of you will.

I’ve divided my European backpacking packing guide into seven categories:

Tips For Packing Light :: Clothing :: Toiletries :: Electronics :: Misc Stuff :: First Aid :: Things You Don’t Need

Tips For Packing Light For Backpacking In Europe

Cut The Clothing: Pretty much all of the weight in your backpack comes from your clothes. Most inexperienced travelers bring way too much. There isn’t really any difference between packing for 6 weeks or 6 months, because you’ll just do laundry about every week.

• You’re only going to have a few shirts/pants so make sure they all match each other. Choose dark and neutral colors (hides the dirt better than light colors). Most Europeans tend to wear more subdued clothing anyways.
• If it is going to be cold you should dress in layers. A big bulky coat isn’t going to be practical (unless you’re going to somewhere extremely cold). A thermal shirt, long-sleeve t-shirt, sweater and jacket combo is much more practical than a big coat. You can always add/subtract layers if needed. Click here for the Savvy Backpacker guide to keeping warm in the winter.

Cut The Toiletries: Liquid/jells/ect weigh a lot. Limit yourself to the very basics.

Lose The Bulky Guidebook: Guidebooks are great but they can be heavy. Cut out the pages that are of interest to you. You’ll lose most of the bulk this way.

Special Note – Looking Good vs. Packing Light

You want to look good in Europe, I understand. Europeans are known for being super fashionable and you want to be the same. It just isn’t practical to wear really nice clothes as a backpacker.  You have limited space in your bag, so it doesn’t make sense to pack an outfit that you’re only going to wear once. This doesn’t mean you have to look like a slob. It is really simple to look presentable as long as you pack items that look good when worn with each other [The picture to the right is from jcrew. It is a good example of versatile and attractive clothing]. Ok , on to the packing list.

Clothing Packing List

Note: This guide is geared toward men’s clothing but much of the advice is applicable for females. I’m working on providing information for both sexes.

T-Shirts (4-5) T-shirts are great for wearing around the city/hostel and they can work for a casual night out. I prefer blank shirts from American Apparel—just because they fit me well and they have a ton of colors. I also like to bring one or two synthetic “Under Armour” style shirts meant for the summer heat (or a cold weather one for the winter). They are super light-weight and dry quickly. American Apparel Clothing For Men and Women on Amazon Under Armour Clothing

Nice Shirt or Top (1 or 2) It is a good idea to have one nice button-up shirt or top for going out at night. It doesn’t need to be really nice but it should look good with jeans. Wrinkle free shirts are also nice because finding an iron will be pretty tough.

Sweater Lightweight sweaters are nice for dressing up or for cool nights. For maximum versatility, make your sweaters and button-up shirts all look good together because you can wear them together. If you’re traveling in the summer it might be wise to save space by not bring a sweater. It is up to you.

Jeans (1 pair) I like to bring a pair of nice fitting dark jeans. Dark jeans can be dressed up, completely casual, and they match everything. You can wear jeans for months without washing them and they still won’t stink. Plus, jeans are a staple in every European’s wardrobe.  Some hardcore travelers don’t wear jeans because they are fairly heavy and take forever to dry. While they’re right, I still think jeans are the best way to go in Europe. I wear my single pair of jeans about 95% of the time I travel.

Pants/Trousers (1-2 pairs) Bring a pair of  well-fitting neutral/dark color chinos (light-weight cotton). These look nice if you want to dress it up a bit. Please don’t wear the pants that zip-off and turn into shorts — they are just way too dorky. I personally think a pair of jeans and a pair of chinos is all you need, but some feel more comfortable with an extra pair of pants.

Shorts A lot of Europeans don’t wear shorts too often so you’ll usually be marked as a tourist (although younger Europeans are starting embracing shorts). If you want a pair of shorts I suggest getting a pair of non-cargo style shorts. Khaki shorts also scream “tourist.” Absolutely no athletic shorts (unless you are actually doing something athletic or you’re sleeping in them).

Swim Suit Bring one if you plan on going to the beach.

Lightweight Fleece Jacket Fleece jackets are really nice because they are light-weight but still keep you warm. They are also great for layering in the colder months. High-quality fleece jackets can be fairly expensive so you might have to shop around to get a good deal. Quality brands include: The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and Columbia.

Socks (5 pairs) Most people don’t give too much attention to their socks but they are very important. I always bring a lot of socks because they start stinking very quickly. Unfortunately, nice socks can be expensive and a lot of people don’t want to spend the money on something as unsexy as socks. I suggest you spend a little extra money to get a few nice pairs. Your feet and roommates will thank you. Look for socks that are: Moisture-Wicking – Your feet will sweat a lot (especially since you’ll be doing a lot of walking) so you want a sock that draws moisture away from your feet. Dry feet help eliminate odor and stops the formation of painful blisters. Quick Drying – It is pretty easy to wash your socks in the sink so you want a pair that will dry overnight (about 6 hours). Odor Eliminating – Some synthetic socks have special anti-bacterial features that help eliminate odor. Light-weight wool socks are also do this naturally (light-weight wool can also work well in the summer). Avoid Cotton! – Cotton socks soak up moisture and won’t dry well once wet. They will start to smell very quickly. A nice pair of socks can be worn 2-3 times before they start to stink (although you’ll want to rotate the days you wear each pair).  SmartWool Socks seem to be everyone’s favorite but they are pricey.

Underwear (5-6 pairs) I also like to bring a lot of underwear. I’ve always just brought whatever underwear I usually wear. Just make sure that you’ll feel comfortable in them. Many people swear by Under Armour underwear. I have to admit that they’re really nice but they are pretty pricey.

Shoes You’re going to be on your feet a lot while in Europe so you really want a sturdy pair of comfortable shoes for sightseeing. Guys can get away with a pair of “nicer” sneakers (for day and evening). Sneakers would probably prevent you from entering any super swanky nightclubs but most budget backpackers can afford those places anyways. Ladies usually opt for nice looking sneakers during the day and a nicer shoes (although usually less comfortable) at night. I suggest limiting yourself to two pairs of shoes (or one if you can do it). Some people opt for sturdier “hiking” shoes. They’re usually waterproof and have an all-terrain sole. They’re not super stylish but they are usually pretty comfortable. Check out Moosejaw for hiking shoes. Caution: Americans seem to have a love affair with white sneakers/trainers/athletic shoes. Don’t wear white shoes if you don’t want to be instantly recognized as an American tourist.

Boots (optional) A nice pair of boots can be great for walking around the city but they are heavy and take up a lot of space. If there is a good chance of snow/heavy rain then a pair of waterproof boots are nice to have. They are also good if you want to do a lot of hiking in the countryside. I was in Brugge and Amsterdam during the winter and it snowed 5-6 inches. It was so nice having boots because my feet never got cold or wet. More than likely you won’t need a pair but it is up to you. Waterproof hiking-shoes might be a more practical option because take up less space but still offer benefits of boots.

Sandals Super cheap flip-flops are a must for the hostel showers. Don’t wear them in public unless you’re at the beach.

Rain Jacket A simple, lightweight rain jacket is nice to have if you’re visiting notoriously rainy countries.

Sun Glasses Great for checking out the hot Europeans.

Scarf European men and women wear scarfs. They are nice for providing warmth or to add something extra to your wardrobe. Plus you can use it to block the light while you’re trying to sleep on he train.

Hat/Gloves Bring a hat and gloves if it is going to be cold. Mittens are warmer then 5 finger gloves.

Packing for winter isn’t much different. The secrete is dressing in layers — Click here for the Savvy Guide to Layering.  .

Toiletries For Backpacking In Europe It is pretty amazing how heavy all your toiletries can become. Between the shampoo, body wash, toothpaste and everything else it is easy to amass 5-10lbs of stuff (most of it you don’t need).  Here are the things you should bring:

Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash Pour the liquid into one of those small travel-sized bottles. You can always buy more if you ever need it.

Toothpaste & Toothbrush Don’t buy a travel toothbrush—they’re a waste of money and don’t really even work. I just stick with a normal toothbrush and a zip-lock bag. Don’t forget the dental floss while you’re at it.

Shaving Stuff (Razors & Cream) I usually like to just grow a beard so I don’t have to deal with shaving. If you’re going to grow a beard I suggest starting a few weeks before the trip so you don’t have to deal with the “itchy” stage while traveling. If you’re going to shave I suggest bringing a travel size shaving foam and some disposable razors. An electric razor probably won’t work and it will cost too much to buy a new one so stick with the good ol’ manual shave.

Deodorant French cheese is stinky enough.

Chap-Stick w/Sunscreen Make out sessions are no fun with sunburnt lips.

Contact Lens/Solution/Glasses Contacts can be a pain, especially in polluted cities. Eyeglasses might be a better choice.

Makeup I don’t know anything about makeup but try to limit it to the essentials.

Condoms Some souvenirs are no fun. If you play your cards right you might need to buy in bulk. Eight Grade Safety Tip: Don’t keep condoms in your wallet because it makes them break down quicker.

Lint Roller Lint rollers are a must because all those dark clothes attract a lot of lint and they need to be spiffed up about every day.

Travel Febreze Good for freshening up your clothes. I used it so much that the smell now makes me sick.

Travel Size Toilet Paper You never know when you’ll be out. This is something you really want to get.

Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes Hopefully you won’t need them but they are good to have. I like the Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Wipes because they come individually wrapped so they’re super easy to pack.

Hand Sanitizer Hostels aren’t the cleanest places you’ll ever visit…

Cologne/Perfume Go get a few of those free cologne samples from the store or buy a small bottle. Don’t bring a big bottle because it is too heavy. I like to bring a few different colognes for night/day.

Electronics Packing List Click here for the savvy guide for traveling with electronics

Digital Camera w/ Charger In addition: Extra Memory Cards: Make sure you have plenty of memory cards/high capacity cards. I made this mistake on my first trip to Europe and I had to always find a computer so I could transfer pictures off my card so I could free up space. Extra Battery: Buy an extra battery or two off ebay. I bought a super cheap 3rd party battery from some seller in China and it was extremely helpful on my trip.

iPhone/iPad/iPod You can use these to help plan your trip, fine directions, listen to music and a ton more. I think these devices are going to make travel much more enjoyable.

Laptop Laptops are becoming more popular in the backpacking world. To me, they seem like a huge hassle and people end up spending a lot of time on them (although I understand the draw of having easy access to a computer). A netbook wouldn’t be too bad, but I would buy an iPad if I had the money.

Cell Phone Don’t make calls with your home cell phone because it either won’t work or it will cost a fortune. If your phone does work you’ll need to buy an European SIM card (you can get one all over Europe).

Outlet Adapter Plug adapters change the plug on your electronics to fit the outlet of the country (UK and Europe are different plugs). Don’t confuse these with “voltage adapters” [Read the savvy guide for traveling with electronics to find out the difference]. . .

Other Important Travel Accessories Packing List

Daypack A small backpack you wear while exploring the city. It should be just big enough to carry a few thing (journal, souvenirs, small umbrella/light rain jacket, those cute mini-bottles of alcohol, etc). You want to be able to pack it into your main backpack without it taking up a ton of space.

Quick Drying Travel Towel A quick drying towel is one of my favorite travel accessories. To be honest, I hate the feel of these towels, but they do an amazing job. They absorb a ton of liquid and they dry in a few hours. Normal towels take hours and hours to dry and they will really make your backpack stink. This is a must-buy.

Ear Plugs & Eye Mask There is a 300% chance that you’ll encounter multiple snorers and people who turn he light on at 3am. These should help somewhat.

Homemade Travel Guide See my post about making your own travel guide. You’ll need a Moleskine Notebook

Sleep Sheet I bought a cotton sleep sheet but rarely used it. I found that most hostel sheets were perfectly fine, but I’m not too picky. If you want real luxury get a silk sleep sheet — silk sheets are also nice because they compress into a tiny ball.

Flexible Water Bottle These bottles are lightweight and hardly take up any room in your pack. I prefer these to the common “nalgene” bottles because these take up much less space. I like the Platypus Sport Bottle.

Sink Stopper If you plan on ever washing your own clothes in the sink you’ll need a Travel Sink Stopper. You should also pick up some Woolite Travel Laundry Soap.

Flexible Travel Clothesline Tie the clothesline across your bunk and hang up your wet clothes. I prefer the rubber braided clotheslines because they don’t require any clothespins—you just stick the clothes through the braids. I also don’t like the kind with suction-cups because they never seem to work well.

Tide-To-Go Pen Tide-To-Go Stain Remover Pens are great for getting stains out of clothes. I used this way more than I thought I would have. They even have mini ones that are great for your daypack.

Padlock Some hostels will rent you a padlock but it is easier to bring your own. I like the kind that lets you set your own combo because it is so much easier to use—especially after a few drinks (but they are a little more expensive). Master Lock Set-Your-Own-Combination Padlock

Retractile Cable Lock Retractable cable locks are amazing for locking your backpack to your bunk/luggage rack. It will deter someone from running by and grabbing your bag from your dorm or train car. I used my all the time so I am glad I brought it.

Duct Tape You never know when you’ll need to patch something or tape your snoring roommates mouth shut. Don’t take a whole roll—Wrap the tape around a pencil so it won’t take up much space. They also sell travel duct tape.

Swiss-Army Knife MacGyver always carried his trusty swiss army knife (he also had a pretty bitchin’ hockey-haircut). You never know when you’ll have to carve a baguette into a knife so you can cut some French cheese. Unfortunately, I like to always carry-on all my luggage when I fly so a knife is out of the question.

Key Chain Flashlight A key chain flashlight is essential for those nights where you return to your hostel dorm room late—don’t piss off your roommates by turning on the lights at 3am. The Streamlight 73001 Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight is an amazing little flashlight.

Photocopies Of Important Documents Make a few copies of your passport and other important documents just in case you lose them.

Gallon Size Zip-Lock Bags These are good for your dirty or wet socks/underwear. Put any liquids in zip-lock bags. In fact, double bag them. I’ve seen many backpackers open their bags to find that their shampoo bottle had spilled all over their clothes. Also, for extra protection, put your important travel documents/passport in a plastic bag. I usually buy the Zip-Lock brand because they are better quality than the value brand.

Money Belt I hate money belts but some people swear by them. I think I wore mine for about 10 minutes before I threw it into the bottom of my bag and never saw it again. Just get a skinny wallet and put it in you front pocket. I always leave my passport locked up in the hostel. It is up to you to decide if you feel like you need one.

Collapsible Umbrella Searching for an umbrella in an unfamiliar city (especially while it’s raining) isn’t any fun. Trust me. I suggest buying a travel umbrella before you leave.

Plastic Travel Utensils Plastic travel utensils are essential for the budget travel. They do come in really handy if you get a cheap lunch at a grocery store or you want a romantic picnic in the park with your new European “friend.”

First-Aid Packing List For Europe I would pack minimal first-aid supplies because you can get everything easily in Europe. Just get the very basics.

Prescription Drugs The prescription needs to be on the bottle/box because some countries will check your medicine when you pass immigration. I’ve never been asked to present any medicine but it is possible. Also make sure you have enough medicine to cover your entire trip. I’m not really sure of the rules about buying prescription medication overseas.

Band Aids For your widdle boo-boos.

Motion Sickness Pills Don’t rock the boat—seriously, I’m going to lose it.

Ibuprofen Help knock those fevers out. Don’t take them if you have a hang-over because it is bad for your liver.

Anti-Bacteria Travelers Diarrhea Medicine You’ll need to get the diarrhea medicine from your doctor but it works a lot better than Pepto. Most likely you won’t need it in Europe but…

Pepto Tablets Help settle your stomach. The tablet form is much more convenient to carry in your bag than the liquid.

Small Pack of Tissues These are helpful for when you look at your credit card bill. .

Stuff You Don’t Need Here is a list of things that a lot of people bring to Europe but end up never using them.

Sleeping Bag: Sleeping Bags are bulky and heavy. Unless you are camping or sleeping on someone’s floor you don’t need a sleeping bag.

Sleeping Pad: There is no need for a sleeping pad if you’re staying in hostels. I guess if you’re going to couchsurf it could come in handy.

Hairdryer: Buy one in Europe if you need it – they are cheap. Don’t bring your own because it will fry (even with a fancy power converter). The dual voltage hairdryers usually don’t work too well.

Wire Mesh Backpack Theft Protection (Pacsafe): The Pacsafe Anti-Theft Bag Protector may seem like a good idea for protecting your backpack but you really don’t need it — especially since most hostels provide safe places to store your bags. These might be better suited for “sketcher” parts of the world. They just add a lot of weight to your pack. I talked to a few people who had them and everyone said that they stopped using it after a few days.

Water Filter: The water is fine in Europe. You can always buy big bottles of water at the grocery store for cheap.

A Lot of Books: Books are bulky and heavy. Many hostels have a collection of books and you’re free to swap. Travelers also swap books among each other.

Valuables: Don’t bring anything that you really don’t want to lose. Leave the fancy jewelry at home. Tech stuff trickier because it is expensive but sometimes essential for travel. Use your best judgment.

Beach Towel: These take forever to dry and take up a lot of room. If you do bring one make sure it is dry before you put it in your backpack. It will make everything in your bag smell really musty. Or you’ll have to tie it to the outside of your backpack and you’ll look like you’re wearing a superhero cape. I recommend a quick-dry travel towel — People with long hair might want two.

Guitar: Don’t be that guy.

Hiking/Backpacking Food: You don’t need prepackaged travel meals. These are for hiking in the wilderness. There are plenty of McDonald’s/Burger Kings if you ever get really desperate (so what, I like McFlurries. Sue me).

Do a Test Run Before You Go Load up you bag and see how heavy it is. Walk around with it for 20 minutes. You’ll be surprised how heavy all your stuff can be. You might consider repacking if your backpack weighs too much. I would try to keep your total bag weight around 20lbs. I’ve seen people with packs weighing over 40lbs and they quickly see how terrible having a heavy pack really is.

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Support The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve invested a lot of long hours creating this site. If you’ve found it helpful, the best way to say thanks is by clicking on my Amazon.com links.I get a depressingly small commission when you purchase anything on Amazon after you’ve clicked my link—this helps me keep the site running… and maybe buy a few beers. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Also, if you’re a student don’t forget to sign up for a FREE year of Amazon Prime.

Thanks for all your support!

The Ultimate Packing List for Backpacking in Europe, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

Guide to Digital Cameras For Travel in Europe

Picking the right digital camera for travel can be tricky because you want one that fits your travel style. My digital camera is the most essential thing I bring when I backpack through Europe. My photographs are my most cherished souvenirs from my travels. Luckily, digital camera technology is so good and there are so many great cameras to choose from… sometimes too many.This guide will explain all you need to know about choosing the perfect camera for you.

Features to Look For in a Digital Camera For Travel Photography

• Megapixels — Many people assume that more megapixels equals better photo quality. This simply isn’t true. Even budget cameras come with 10+ megapixels (which is way more than what most people need). Anything higher than 8MP should be fine. The real quality comes from a nice lens and sensor quality.
• Fast Lens — Lens aperture is measured in f/numbers, such as f/2.0 or f/3.5. You want as low a number as possible. Basically, the lower the number, the better it will perform in low-light situations.
• Zoom — Do you want a zoom? Some people love a nice zoom and some don’t  care. It is a personal preference based on your shooting style. Either way, always look at the “optical” zoom. A “digital” zoom should be totally ignored.
• Lens Quality — A high quality lens separates low quality cameras from high quality cameras. The only way to find out about the lens quality is by reading reviews.

Choosing The Type Of Digital Camera For Your Travel Style

Point & Shoot vs DSLR vs Four-Thirds — There are three major categories with digital camera — Point & Shoot, DSLR and Micro Four-Thirds. Each have their advantages and disadvantages.

Point and Shoot Digital Cameras

Almost everyone has a digital point-and-shoot camera and this is the type of camera that most backpackers choose to bring to Europe. Personally, I recommend a high-quality point & shoot camera over a bulky DSLR — and many photo geeks agree. In addition, the image quality of the nicer p&S cameras is pretty amazing.

Pros

• Compact — There is a saying about cameras, “The Best Camera is the One That’s With You”. When you’re backpacking you’re much more likely to bring a camera that is small and easy to carry.  These cameras continue to get smaller and the image quality gets better. I’m amazed that its possible to get near pro results from a camera the size of a deck of cards.
• Affordable — You can get a decent camera for about $160 but a really nice one will cost $300-$400.
• Easy to use — Simply point it at your subject and shoot the picture (hence the name).

Cons

• Less control — Many P&S cameras don’t offer as much control as a more expensive dSLR camera. But, unless you are a total photo nerd, this shouldn’t be a huge deal. Most travelers are more comfortable using the automatic features of a camera anyways.
• Poor In Low Light Conditions — If you’ve used a digital camera you’ve probably noticed that they don’t take good pictures in low-light conditions. Although, many of the high-end P&S cameras do a pretty good job.
• Poor Zoom — In general, as cameras get smaller the zoom also decreases.
• Shutter Lag — If you’ve used a digital camera you’ve experienced the lag between pressing the button and the time it takes the camera to actually take the photograph. This lag makes it difficult for taking quality action shots.

Digital SLR (DSLR) Cameras

These cameras are often known as “professional” cameras, although most have an automatic mode that does all the work for you so anyone can use one.

Pros

• Great Photos — You can take some amazing photographs if you know how to use the camera.
• Good Zoom — The choice of lenses for DSLRs means you can find some with a nice zoom.
• No Shutter Lag — Taking photographs of action is much easier with a DSLR because there is no shutter lag.

Cons

• Big and Bulky — The worst thing about a big camera is the hassle of always hauling around all the extra weight and bulk. I know some travelers that bring a camera like this but then end up not using it much because they hate always taking it with them. Even many pro photographers choose to their high-end point & shoot over their DSLR when they travel.
• Need Technical Know-How — To get the best photos, you need to know how to properly use the camera. An inexperienced shooter won’t see much improvement in photo quality when compared to a nice p&s.
• Expensive — A new DSLR starts at about $500 for an entry level but go up to $3000+
• Fragile — Protecting a DSLR can be challenging—especially when you’re always on the move.
• Not Inconspicuous — If you want to take pictures of the locals be prepared for them to shy away when you point one of these huge cameras in their direction. A small camera is less noticeable.

Micro Four-Thirds Digital Cameras

These cameras are fairly new to the market, but I believe they  are the future to photography. They basically combine the best features of DSLRs and point-and-shoot cameras. They are about the size of a point-and-shoot camera but still take DSLR quality photographs.

Pros

• Compact — These are bigger than a compact p&s but they are much smaller than a DSLR. They are small enough to carry around all day and not seem bulky. Unfortunately, these are still too large to be “pocketable” but they will easily fit in a small.
• High Quality Photos — You can take DSLR quality photos if you have a basic understanding of cameras.
• Good Zoom — Depending on your lens you have the ability to have a nice zoom.
• Minimal Shutter Lag —   There is pretty much no (or very minimal) shutter lag.

Cons

• Expensive — Expect to pay around $600-$1200 depending on the brand and lens configuration.
• Image Quality Not Quite DSLR — If you’re a photo nut and need the best image quality possible then you’ll notice the image quality difference. But, 99% of the population will never know the difference. In fact, many pros would gladly give up a little quality for the increased portability.

Other Things To Think About When Buying A Digital Camera

HD Video: A lot of new cameras can take high quality video. If you would like video from you trip make sure your camera has HD video capability.

Batteries: Batteries are incredibility important. I prefer cameras that come with rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. I think cameras that use traditional batteries (AA) are annoying because they are pretty expensive in Europe. Although, some people prefer traditional batteries so this one will come down to your personal preference.

Important Digital Camera Accessories

Memory Cards —Don’t forget to bring enough memory cards. You absolutely don’t want to limit the amount of photographs you take because of limited memory card space. On my first trip I didn’t bring enough memory cards, so I had to constantly look for internet cafes so I could upload my pictures to my flickr account.

Extra Batteries — I bought an extra battery for my digital camera off ebay and it worked great. It was nice not having to worry about running out of battery.

Recommended Digital Cameras For Travel

There are many cameras on the market and broken them down into different categories so you should be able to find the perfect one for your style of travel. Note: Cameras are listed in no particular order.

Best Budget Digital Cameras

Do you eat ramen noodles for every meal? Check out these sub $200 cameras that still perform well.

Handy Digital Camera Accessories

Adobe LightRoom 3 Photo Editing Software — I love Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 for editing my photographs. My photos are so much better because of LightRoom. They have a student version for $80 and the regular version for $299.

Memory Cards — It is essential to have enough memory cards. These new cameras take really high quality photographs but that also means the file sizes are very large. The last thing you want to do is run out of card space while you’re traveling. Don’t buy a bargain brand of memory card because they have a higher chance of having errors.

Also, memory cards are rated by class. The higher the class, the faster the card performs. I recommend getting one rated at 8 or above. Luckily, memory cards are pretty cheap anymore.

I recommend the Transcend 16 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card that costs about $28 (at Amazon). In fact, I like all Transcend Brand media.

Extra Batteries — Don’t forget the batteries! I like to bring an extra battery just in case one runs out of juice during the day. Check eBay for cheap third-party batteries.

Gorillapod Tripod — I used my Gorillapod Flexible Tripod a lot on my trip. It is a handy little accessory that doesn’t take up a lot of room.

Support The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve invested a lot of long hours creating this site. If you’ve found it helpful, the best way to say thanks is by clicking on my Amazon.com links.I get a depressingly small commission when you purchase anything on Amazon after you’ve clicked my link—this helps me keep the site running… and maybe buy a few beers. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Also, if you’re a student don’t forget to sign up for a FREE year of Amazon Prime.

Thanks for all your support!

Best Digital Cameras for Travel Photography — Reviews and Advice, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

Hostels are possible the best type of accommodation for backpacking in Europe. They’re inexpensive, they’re located in every European city and they’re full of other young travelers. Competition between hostels has grown over the past 5-10 years so the quality has risen considerably. Unfortunately, hostels are pretty uncommon in the US so many Americans are totally clueless about them and had a lot of misconceptions (I know I did). This complete guide will cover everything from hostel basics to tips for choosing a great hostel.

The Basics :: Features of Most Good European Hostels :: How to Find Great Hostels :: Helpful Hostel Tips

Hostel Basics

What is a hostel: Hostels — sometimes called “youth hostels” — are the bastions of budget travelers. They are like a hotel except the rooms (dorms) are filled with enough bunk beds to house anywhere between 4-40 people. You’re only renting the bed so you’ll be sharing the room with a bunch of fellow travelers. Obviously privacy is limited, but the low cost and thriving social scene more than make up for the negatives.

Most hostels have multiple options for the type of dorm rooms available. Nearly every hostel has a couple of private rooms (one bed/one bunk bed) but all have dorms of various sizes. For example, a hostel could have 4 rooms that hold 8 people, 5 rooms that hold 12 people and 8 rooms that hold 18 people. For my experience, the biggest dorms usually hold about 10 guests. Many hostels also have female-only rooms but most dorms house both males and females.

Cost: A bed in a hostel will cost anywhere from $10+/night (in Eastern Europe) to $30+/night (big cities in Western Europe). The price depends on the size of room you choose (the cheapest beds are in the rooms with the most people), the location of the hostel, the amenities, the competition from other hostels in town and a few other factors.

I think I usually paid about $30/night on average in Western Europe ($20/night in Eastern Europe). Keep in mind that I always opted for the cheapest room available. A private room with 2 beds can cost up to $120+/night (so you might as well get a hotel for that price).

Why: Hosteling is the best way to meet tons of interesting people from all over the world. You’re surrounded by like-minded travelers who all share the love of adventure and a love for having fun.

Hostels are also usually located in the heart of the city so you’re close to all the action.

Who: There is a wide range of people who stay at hostels. Most are young travelers between 18-30 (some hostels only allow guests between 18-35 years old). But I once meet this really cool 70 year old Australian who was traveling for 6 months. From my experience, there are always lots of Australians and Kiwi that are traveling for 9+ months at a time. A bunch of Irish and Canadians. There are quite a few Americans who come over for 2-3 weeks, or who are studying abroad somewhere in Europe. I’ve met a handful of South Africans and a few French. I’m sure there are plenty of other nationalities but people who speak the same language tend to stick together. Some people live in hostel for a month or more but most only stay for a few days.

Features Of Good European Hostels

There are a lot of great hostels in Europe and there are just as many terrible ones. I’ve compiled a list of features that you should keep in mind when searching for a hostel.

24/7 Check-in/Reception: Every hostel has a check-in desk. This is where you pay, get your key and receive all the important information about the hostel. Be sure to ask for a map. Some hostels don’t have 24/7 reception and it usually isn’t a big deal… until your train/flight was late and you try to check-in after reception closes. Now you’re stuck looking for a new hostel.

TIP: The people at the front desk usually have the best idea about what is going on in the city. They’ll be able to recommend the best things to do/see around town. It is helpful to give them an idea what you’re interested in doing. Questions like “what are some cheap restaurants?” or “I’m looking for a fun nightclub, any recommendations?” are a lot better than “So… what things should I do here?” The point is: don’t expect them to plan your stay for you.

Bedroom/Dorm Room: Hostel dorm rooms are almost universally filled with multiple squeaky bunk beds (I’ve even seen three-level bunks). Dorms can range from small rooms with 2 bunk beds to large rooms with 20+ bunks. From my experience the most common rooms usually have 4-6 bunks (that’s 8-13 people for all you who failed math). Some hostels offer private rooms with only two beds (you must book each bed so the price can get really high). The cheapest rooms have the most people so expect to pay more if you want a room with less strangers/snorers. Most rooms are unisex, but plenty of hostels offer female only rooms.

Security: Each hostel has their own version of security. Some require a key/buzzer/secrete knock to enter the building. Most hostels at least require a key to enter the dorm rooms.

Most dorm rooms have lockers. These are usually located under the bed but some rooms have cabinet-style lockers. You normally have to supply your own lock. I just lock up any valuables and leave my backpack on the bed.  I’ve never had any problems with theft—besides, no one wants a bunch of dirty clothes.

The hostel will probably have a room to store your luggage for when you first arrive (if your room isn’t ready) and when you’re checking-out. These rooms can range anywhere from a locked storage room monitored by CCTV to an open area on the floor with a pile of bags.

Showers/Toilets: Hostel bathrooms can be super nice or really terrible. Each hostel has a different set-up when it comes to the showers and toilets. Much of the time each room has its own bathroom. This means the room of 8 people could be sharing one small bathroom. Some have large community style bathrooms with a few sinks and multiple private shower stalls. Some showers require you to push a stupid button every 30 seconds for the water to work and some are operated by pulling on a chain. I’ve even stayed in a hostel where the you had to walk through the kitchen and through the outdoor courtyard (not fun in the winter) to get to the shower.

The absolute worst are the shower/bathroom combo. I want to dance on the grave of the person who thought this was a good idea. Basically there is no separation between the shower, toilet, and sink. The entire room gets wet and this is a pain in the ass trying to get dressed when every inch of the room is covered in water.

Lounge/Chill-Out Room: The better hostels have comfy lounge rooms where people can go chill-out and meet other travelers. A lot of these rooms will have a big TV (usually with satellite channels), DVD player with a bunch of DVDs, books, board games, big couches (often adorned with hungover Australians). This is a great place to meet other people and exchange travel stories. This is also where you’ll find all the people with laptops checking their twitterbook and facepage.

Kitchen & Dining Room: A hostel with a nice kitchen is godsend. I try to exclusively book hostels with kitchens—even if it cost a little more—because you can save so much money by cooking your own meals. Hostels with nice kitchens are also much more social, as it gives people a chance to really interact with each other. A great way to make friends is to organize a meal and have everyone chip in a few euros. I think I met all my best travel friends in the kitchen.

The best kitchens have everything you’ll need to cook a meal; stoves, ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, sinks, utensils, cups, plates and pretty much anything else you might need. Don’t expect any kitchen to be super clean because they get a lot of use, and the hostel staff usually don’t enjoy cleaning kitchens.

Breakfast (free): A lot of hostels have free breakfast. Don’t get too excited because it’s usually pretty meager — but it’s free, so whatever. Just about every breakfast consist of generic corn flakes, white or wheat bread (w/ jam, peanut butter, some yummy chocolate spread, & butter), orange juice, milk (room temperature), tea and coffee. If you’re lucky you’ll get a croissant.  I’ve been to a few hostels where the breakfast isn’t free and it usually cost a lot for what you get.

Hostel Bar: If you want a hostel with a lively social scene then you’ll want to find one with a bar. The beer prices at hostel bars are usually pretty affordable and sometimes it’s the best deal in town. And drinking in the hostel is safer than wandering the streets drunk after a big night out.

The bars do get a bit noisy, so you might want to book a hostel without a bar if you’re a light sleeper—or don’t enjoy drunk people.

Free WiFi/Computers: Free wifi is becoming standard in hostels. Most hostels have computers with internet access but they usaully charge you to use the computer. The internet is often fairly expensive and the computers usually suck. Some hostels have free computers with free internet and that is really nice. Free computers can be a little annoying because they’re always occupied with people checking facebook.

Washing Machines: If you’re a long-term traveler a washing machine is a great luxury. Hand washing your stinky socks (and trust me, your socks will stink) is never fun so having a machine do all the work is a miracle.

Good Location: The location can really have a big impact on your hostel experience. It is much more convenient if you’re located near the sights/bars/clubs/grocery stores/public transportation/McDonald’s.

How To Find A Good Hostel In Europe

Thanks to the Internet, booking a hostel is incredibly easy. Sites like Hostelworld.com allow you to read past reviews of other travelers so you can judge the quality of the hostel before you book it.

I only really book with Hostelworld because they are the largest site and they have the most hostel reviews/community base—and the site is super easy to use. Simply enter your travel information and the site will give you a list of results. Each hostel is rated by fellow travelers, so you’ll get a pretty good idea if the hostel worth booking. You can also see video, pictures, amenities, and directions. You book your reservation by paying 10% of the total payment (by credit/debit card) and then you pay the reminder of the payment directly to the hostel when you arrive. It’s super easy.

Hostel World's Rating System

Hostel booking sites are also nice because they allow you to filter your search results based on price or rating. I usually look at the highest rated hostels first and then find one in my price range. But you can always filter based on price alone if you’re on a strict budget.

By doing a little homework, you can find  some truly amazing hostels.

Recommended Hostel Booking Sites:

• HostelWorld.com
• HostelBookers.com

Helpful Hostel Tips

• Write detailed instructions for how to get to the hostel from the train station/airport/wherever you’re coming from. Getting lost sucks and some hostels can be tough to find.
• Book hostels ahead of time during the busy season—especially summer.
• Bring ear plugs and a sleeping mask. There is bound to be one person who snores super loud when you’re in a room of 12 people. He is probably the same jerk who turns the lights on when returning to the room at 4am. He’ll probably brush his teeth and leave the water running the entire time too. And I bet he hates puppies.
• Renting a towel from a hostel is a lot better than carrying your own stinky wet towel around in your backpack. Not all hostels offer towels for rent so I suggest buying a special quick drying travel towel.
• I always like to book hostels that only allow people 18+. Large school groups often rent hostels for school trips. 50 middle schoolers running around isn’t remotely enjoyable. I also like hostels that don’t rent to bachelor/stag parties — as these groups often get belligerently drunk.
• Read the hostel’s policies. Some only accept cash, some have a lockout period (usually between 11am-4pm) for cleaning and some even have a curfew.
• Some hostels charge for linens. I’ve never encountered this but I have had to pay a refundable deposit on sheets.
• I’ve never met a front desk worker who didn’t speak pretty good English.
• Many hostels have pub-crawls and the guides know where to get the cheapest drinks. This is a great ways to meet other travelers.

Support The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve invested a lot of long hours creating this site. If you’ve found it helpful, the best way to say thanks is by clicking on my Amazon.com links.I get a depressingly small commission when you purchase anything on Amazon after you’ve clicked my link—this helps me keep the site running… and maybe buy a few beers. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Also, if you’re a student don’t forget to sign up for a FREE year of Amazon Prime.

Thanks for all your support!

Guide To Hostels in Europe: Bunk Beds, Beer and Breakfast, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

Budget backpacking and cheap travel can be difficult in Europe. Many travelers end up spending a lot more money then they need to—especially on day-to-day things—simply because they’re unaware of money saving strategies. I’ve complied a list of simple money saving tips to help stretch your travel euros.

Note: These tips are focused on how to save money on day-to-day activities. Check out the rest of this site for other money saving advice on rail travel, plane tickets, etc.

Tips For Eating in Europe on a Budget

Lunch Specials: Europe is known for great food. Many European restaurants offer discounted lunch menus so you can taste the local cuisine without breaking the bank. Eat a large lunch and then take it easy at dinner.

Grocery Stores: Buying food at the grocery store will save a lot of money. A picnic in the park can be really nice.

• Alcohol: Buying alcohol at the grocery store and drinking at the hostel (or in the park/on the street) is always a fine option. Pre-partying at the hostel is always a popular option if you still want to go party.
• Snacks: Buy some fruit or other snacks at the grocery store and carry it with you during the day.

Farmer’s Markets: Check out the local farmer’s markets. You can get some high quality food at a good price.

Cook Your Own Meals: Cook in the hostel’s kitchen. Get a bunch of people together and make a big meal. This is a great way to make friends.

Don’t Get Too Hungry: Find a place to eat before you’re really hungry. If you wait until you’re about to pass out from starvation you’re very likely to eat at the first place you see—which is probably expensive.

Do A Little Research: Go online and find cheap restaurants.

Eat The Free Breakfast: Many hostels have free breakfast — eat it. It is usually pretty bland but whatever. Go back for seconds if you can.

Find the Cheap Bars: Many hostels have pub crawls and they know the cheapest bars in town. You can also ask the hostel workers where to find the cheap alcohol.

Street Food/Fast Food: No, not McDonalds. Doner kebabs are a favorite throughout Europe. They’re cheap and really tasty. You can also find cheap baguette sandwiches in France.

Leave the Tourist Area: You’re going to pay a premium on food and alcohol in the tourists areas. Find where the locals go and the prices magically drop.

Ask For Table Water: If you ask for water at a restaurant they will always bring you an expensive bottle of water. Table water (a pitcher of water) is free but you have to specifically ask for it.

Drinks at The Bar: Drink your drink (coffee, tea, beer, wine, hot chocolate, etc.) at the bar and it will be cheaper than if you sit at a table.

Eating On The Patio Is Expensive: Eating on the patio of the restaurant is great for people watching (a national sport in Europe) but it can sometimes lead to a larger bill.

Soda is Expensive: Soda is really expensive at restaurants and you get a tiny bottle. Ohh, and don’t expect ice.

Don’t Tip: Tipping isn’t required in most European countries.

Prix-Fixe: These are fixed price meals. They usually come with a starter, main dish, maybe a dessert and drink for a set price. These can be a good deal.

Accommodation Money Saving Tips For Backpacking

Book Directly With Hostel: You might be able save a few euros if you try to book directly with the hostel. In the low season you might be able to haggle a bit.

Learn Hostel’s Cancellation Rules: Be careful about canceling your hostel because you could get charged for the first night if you don’t show up. Most hostels will cancel your reservation without a penalty if you call ahead of time. 

Split A Hotel: If you’re in a group 3+ people you might be able to save a little money by splitting a hostel room. It will be crowded and not very comfortable but you could save a little money.

Couchsurf: Couchsurfing is free and a great way to meet locals. Rightly recommended.

Overnight Trains: For long journeys consider taking an overnight train. You will have to pay extra for a bed but you also don’t have to pay for a hostel that night.

Camping: There are plenty of camp sites in Europe but you’ll need a tent (which is a lot of extra weight to carry around). Camp sites also also located outside the cities so they might be difficult to get to.

Sleep in Airport/Train Station: This isn’t a good long term plan but it can work in a pinch. I’ve slept in a train station once  and it was terrible. Sleeping in an airport wasn’t as bad but it wasn’t enjoyable.

Miscellaneous Budget Backpacking Tips

Student Discounts: Many museums and attractions offer student/youth discounts.

Count Your Change: Some dishonest cashiers will shortchange you. This is more prevalent in Eastern Europe where the money is so foreign to Westerners.

Internet Cafes: Hostels often charge a lot to use their internet. I’ve seen $10/hr. There are many internet cafes that charge about 1€-2€/hr.

NEVER Use Credit Card In A Payphone: NEVER! Many European payphones allow you to pay for calls with your credit card. Unless you like paying $50/minute you should avoid this at all costs. I know someone who racked up $150 bill from 3 calls that never even went through.

Free Days: Some museums have free days. I think every national museum in Paris is free one Sunday each month.

Avoid Taxis: Taxis are extremely expensive. Always look for public transportation alternatives. Many Eastern European taxis are notorious for ripping off tourists so beware.

Research Museum Passes: Many cities offer museum passes that give you access to multiple museums for one price. These could be a good deal or they could be wasteful. Make sure you know the terms of the pass. I would advise against visiting more than one museum a day or you’ll get burnt out quickly.

Research Public Transportation Passes: Many cities offer multi-day passes for the bus/subway/tram. These can save you a lot of money when compared to buying many single passes.

Regional Focus: Transportation from one city to another is very expensive. Consider sticking to a region of Europe to minimize expensive long-distance travel.

Coupons: Look online for special passes and coupons. Check free magazines/newspapers that can be found in most cities.

Support The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve invested a lot of long hours creating this site. If you’ve found it helpful, the best way to say thanks is by clicking on my Amazon.com links.I get a depressingly small commission when you purchase anything on Amazon after you’ve clicked my link—this helps me keep the site running… and maybe buy a few beers. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Also, if you’re a student don’t forget to sign up for a FREE year of Amazon Prime.

Thanks for all your support!

How To Cut Day-to-Day Expenses & Save Money While Backpacking in Europe, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

Depending on who you ask, tipping in Europe seems to spark a lot of controversy because each country has their own tipping culture. In fact, American’s are known for over-tipping in Europe so some waiters will take advantage of this fact. This guide will help give you a better grasp on how much, if any, you should be tipping when you travel.

General Advice For Tipping In Europe

Tipping Isn’t Always Necessary: In many countries the tip is already included in bill. The receipt will usually indicate this so be sure to pay attention. If you’re paying in cash you can always round the amount up to the next euro (for example, give the waiter 25€ on a 24.30€ bill). You can always add a little extra if you want but it isn’t expected.

Tip in Cash: Most waiters prefer to be tipped in cash. If you had good service, even when you pay with a credit card, your waiter will appreciate it if you tip with cash. Something if you tell the waiter “thank you” as you hand them the cash they’ll assume the “thank you” means to keep all the change… so be careful.

Tip Before You Get The Change: For example, if the bill is 23€ and you have 30€ in cash, tell the waiter “25€” and they’ll bring you back 5€.

A 10% Tip is Generous: Waiters don’t rely on tip to make their living in Europe but a 10% tip is usually considered nice.

Tipping At The Bar: If you order drinks at the bar/club it isn’t usually necessary to tip.

Country Specific Information

Austria: There is usually a 10% service change already added to the bill. It is customary to add a little extra tip to the bill (around 5%). On a cheaper meal you should just round up to the next euro amount (or just add an extra euro).

Belgium: The service charge is usually included. Round up the next euro of you want.

Czech Republic: Restaurants in the tourist areas usually add a service change—if they don’t, a 10% is customary.

England: The service charge is usually included so you don’t need to tip anything. You don’t need to tip anything at bars.

France: Virtually every restaurant will include a 15% service. If you had good service you can round up to the next full euro amount.

Germany: The service charge is included but a 10% tip is customary.

Greece: A service charge of 13% is always included but it is customary to tip an extra 5%-10%.

Hungary: Tips are not usually included in the bill—10%-15% is customary.

Ireland: Many restaurants add 10%-15% to the bill. There is no need to add anything extra. If there is no gratuity added it is customary to tip about 10%.

Italy: Expect a service charge of 10%-15% and you don’t need to add anything extra. Add 10% if nothing is included on the bill.

The Netherlands: Restaurants usually add 5% to the bill. If you liked the service you can add an extra 10%.

Portugal: The tip is included but an extra 5%-10% is nice for good service (round up the bill on cheaper items). Don’t tip anything you thought the service was poor.

Scandinavian Countries: You’ll probably be charged a small service charge but extra tipping isn’t expected.

Scotland: If the restaurant adds a service change (usually 10%-15%) an extra tip isn’t expected. If there isn’t a service charge add 10%-15%.

Spain: The service charge will be added to the bill (even if it doesn’t state it). You don’t need to tip anything extra. You can add something extra if you wish but keep it under 10%.

Switzerland: The service charge is included in you meal. A 5% tip is customary.

Support The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve invested a lot of long hours creating this site. If you’ve found it helpful, the best way to say thanks is by clicking on my Amazon.com links.I get a depressingly small commission when you purchase anything on Amazon after you’ve clicked my link—this helps me keep the site running… and maybe buy a few beers. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Also, if you’re a student don’t forget to sign up for a FREE year of Amazon Prime.

Thanks for all your support!

Backpacker’s Guide to Tipping and Gratuity at Restaurants in Europe, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

A proper itinerary is essential if you want to go backpacking cheap in Europe. There are so many amazing places to visit in Europe—you could travel for over 12 months and still feel like you’ve missed a lot. It can be very difficult to narrow down exactly where you want to visit and a lot of travelers can really struggle with the decision. It takes a lot of creativity and you’ll probably spend many hours trying to nail down your itinerary. There are multiple strategies for traveling and it is up to you to find the one that works the best for your journey.

Keep in mind that the length of your trip has a huge impact on how much of an itinerary you’ll need. Basically, the shorter your trip, the more you need to plan. Anything under two weeks should be planned out in-depth, trips 2-4 weeks require a little less planning and anything over a month can mostly be planned as you travel (although you should still do some planning ahead of time).

**Cheesy Analogy Alert** Planning is a lot like doing a puzzle. You start by assembling the boarder (your arrival and departure dates) because it is the easiest. Then you figure the rest out. Sometimes you have a few chunks assembled but it takes a lot of trial and error before you complete it.

Why Should I Plan an Itinerary? I Want To Be A Free Spirit!

Some people travel to Europe with the “I’ll just wing it and see what happens” attitude. I was one of those people and it doesn’t work. Without planning you waste a lot of time on trivial stuff that you could have easily done at home and you end up missing a lot of great things. It takes 10 minutes to book a hostel online but it can take you an hour or two trying to find one randomly in an unfamiliar city. It takes like a hour to research a city to find stuff that looks interesting but showing up in a city without any clue to what it has to offer can be a disaster. You’ll spend all your time wandering and you might not find anything that is really interesting to you. European cities are not like Disney Land — everything isn’t all laid out nice and neat. Sights are spread throughout the city and you’ll never find the little gems if you don’t look ahead of time. You don’t have to plan out every second of your trip but a little homework really pays off.

Note: I tried to present these steps in a logical order but it is impossible to document exactly how to choose your itinerary. I think these steps will get you about 70% to where you need to be but you’ll have to figure out your own system to do the rest.

Step One: Choose the time of year you want to travel. Check out our guide on picking which season to travel.

Step Two: Pick your travel dates. Your dates are usually determined by your budget or available free time—probably a combination of the two. How you plan a two week trip is a lot different than a six month trip. Don’t count the days you arrive and depart because you won’t be doing much on those days.

Step Three: Write down any 100% certain things you going to do. This is stuff like “I have tickets to the Daft Punk concert on June 18th in Paris” or “My rich uncle is letting us stay at his villa in Tuscany May 5th-13th.” These are dates that can’t not be moved. You’ll have to plan around these events so they’ll greatly effect your other travel plans.

Step Four: Break out the map and start brainstorming where you want to visit. Go the the bookstore to take a look at the travel books. Look online at travel sites. Write down all the places that look interesting (don’t limit yourself at this point – go crazy). Think about what kind of stuff you’re interested in seeing — Do you want to see castles, beaches, WWII sights, major cities, nature, etc? Click Here for the Best Travel Guidebooks and Travel Guide Websites for Budget Backpacking in Europe.

Step Five: Start narrowing down your list. I would make three lists – 1) Places you 100% want to see, 2) Places you really want to see, 3) places you could live without. You’ll find yourself returning to this step often as you narrow down your list.

Step Six: Write down how many days you think you’ll want to spend in each city. Don’t rush it! This is where many beginners — myself included — make mistakes. Naturally, you want to see as much as possible, so you end up trying to jam a million things into a short amount of time. You’ll just end up missing a lot and you will get burnt-out. Getting burnt-out is one of the worst things that can happen. It will make your trip extremely stressful and you might get to the point where you hate traveling.

I would recommend a minimum of 3 full days for big cities (and that is really rushing it). You can easily spend 5-9 days in cities like London and Paris without getting bored. The list below indicates the minimum amount of days that I think you should spend in each city. Remember that only staying for the minimum will feel like a whirlwind.

Don’t forget that there are a lot of good day trips that can be taken while in big cities.

Don’t forget to take travel time into account! Many beginner travelers forget how much time it takes to travel from one city to another. The traveling process includes: getting to the airport/train station (you usually have to get there early), time traveling, getting to the new hostel, checking in.

An Example Of How Travel Time Adds Up — Paris To Amsterdam (By Train):
Hostel>Metro Station: 15 minute walk + 5 minute wait for the train
Metro Ride To The Correct Train Station: 45 minutes
Wait Time At Train Station: 30 minutes (you don’t want to miss your train)
Train Ride From Paris to Amsterdam: 4.5 hours
Walking To Your New Hostel: 35 minutes
Getting Checked In and Putting Your Stuff Away: 20 minutes
Total Travel Time: About 7 hours (even though the train ride was only 4.5 hours). This also doesn’t take into account the extra time you’ll spend getting lost when you can’t find your new hostel (it will happen, trust me).

Another Travel Note: Traveling is exhausting. Spending all your time on a plane/train is terrible and by the time you arrive at your new hostel, you’ll be too tired to want to do anything. So this is another reason to slow down and to spend more time in each of your destinations.

Step Seven: At this point you have a rough idea of where you want to visit. I would now start looking at your plane ticket to/from Europe. You have two options when purchasing a ticket. You can either buy a standard ticket or an “open jaw” ticket.

• Standard Ticket: You arrive and depart from the same airport. These can be good if you’re traveling in a specific region and the airport is relatively near where you’re traveling.
  • For example, you want to travel to France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. You can easily fly in and out of Paris because you can design your travel so you go in a loop with Paris being at the end of the journey.
• Open Jaw: You arrive and depart from different airports. These can be good option if you plan on traveling a good distance away from your arrival airport.
  • For example, if you want to visit Ireland, England France and Germany. Therefore it makes sense to fly into Dublin and leave from Frankfurt.

There are many factors that go into what plane ticket you purchase. An open jaw ticket could cost a lot more so you might have to adjust your trip based upon that factor. There can be a huge price difference between airports so you might have to base you trip around that factor too. Click here for the Savvy guide to finding the cheapest airfare to Europe

Step Eight: Decide on the best route to take. Try to avoid backtracking because it wastes time and money. Get a calendar and block out the days you’ll visit each location. Remember not to rush.

Step Nine: Now you should figure out your transportation costs. Are you going to take the train (buy tickets or use an Eurail pass), are you going to take planes, rent a car or maybe use the bus? Are you going to take multiple forms of transportation? You need to price each option and figure this into your budget.

Get a rough idea of how much it is going to cost to get from city to city. You might start to see how much transportation eats into your budget. If the costs are to high you might want to limit the number of cities you visit.

Note: Even if you’re using a rail pass you should still get an idea of where you want to visit. You want to use your pass as efficiently as possible. Click here for The Savvy guide for choosing and using an Eurail pass.

Step Ten: Go back through all the steps above (in no specific order) until you figure out your itinerary. Remember that all this will take some time and you’ll change your mind often.

It is important to remember that this isn’t about planning every second of your trip. You’ll drive yourself crazy doing that — But you’ll save a lot of money — and frustration — by planning as much as possible.

Savvy Tip For Beginners: If you’re a new traveler I suggest starting your trip in an English speaking country. London is an excellent place to start. Aside from being one of the greatest cities in the world, it is foreign enough to be interesting but similar enough to not be overwhelming (it also has excellent links to the rest of Europe). This way you’ll ease into traveling before heading off to non-English speaking countries.

Savvy Tip Number Two: Don’t forget about jet lag. Your first day might be a little rough so don’t plan on doing a ton of stuff. But don’t go to sleep in the middle of the day either because this will really mess you up.

Support The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve invested a lot of long hours creating this site. If you’ve found it helpful, the best way to say thanks is by clicking on my Amazon.com links.I get a depressingly small commission when you purchase anything on Amazon after you’ve clicked my link—this helps me keep the site running… and maybe buy a few beers. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Also, if you’re a student don’t forget to sign up for a FREE year of Amazon Prime.

Thanks for all your support!

Itinerary Planning Advice for Budget Backpacking in Europe, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

Your budget is usually the most important factor when planning your European travels. Unfortunately, planning is very confusing because it is so difficult to know how much you’re actually going to spend. There are so many variables to take into account but this guide will help give you an idea of how much you should expect to spend.

The Million Dollar Question — How Much Money Will I Spend Backpacking Each Day?

The short answer: As a general rule of thumb, plan on budgeting between 50€-70€/day for Western Europe and around 30€-50€/day for Eastern Europe. Continue reading to get a more in-depth answer to this question.

The amount of money you’ll spend per day will vary greatly based on multiple factors. Your main day-to-day expenses will be:

1. Accommodation
2. Food
3. Sightseeing/Attractions
4. Public Transportation
5. Extras.

I’ve broken down each of these categories and I try to give real life examples of how much you’ll potentially spend in each category.

Note: Travel expenses (airfare, train tickets, etc) are not included day-to-day costs.

Accommodation

I am going to assume that you’ll be staying in hostels. Hostel prices can vary greatly from city to city. Many are more expensive on the weekends (Friday-Saturday) and some holidays (I’ve seen $25/night beds go for $85/night around New Years day). I am going to list the ballpark price of a decently rated hostel in various cities across Europe so you’ll have an idea of what you’ll pay.

[Criteria: Late June, Rating of 82%+, and cheapest room available -- prices found at HostelWorld]

• London: Weekday £14-£22 // Weekend £16-£28
• Paris: Weekday 28€-35€ // Weekend 31€-40€
• Dublin: Weekday 12€-22€ // Weekend 14€-27€
• Amsterdam: Weekday 21€-36€ // Weekend 27€-39€
• Munich: Weekday 13€-25€ // Weekend 17€-21€
• Berlin: Weekday 13€-23€ // Weekend 16€-24€
• Krakow: Weekday 8€-15€ // Weekend 11€-17€
• Budapest: Weekday 9€-16€ // Weekend 11€-17€
• Barcelona: Weekday 15€-21€ // 18€-26€

Food

Budgeting for food is really hard for travelers because there isn’t any way to know how much food is actually going to cost. Food can get really expensive if you eat at restaurants or can be fairly cheap if you shop at grocery stores. I would budget about 25€/day for food (about $35). Assuming you get a free breakfast this is about 8€ for lunch and 17€ for dinner (this doesn’t include alcohol/drinks!).  This budget will not buy you anything fancy but it should buy you a cheap meal at most standard restaurants. You can get this price down a lot if you really eat cheap. Spending 10€/day is possible if you make your own meals.

But even the most budget conscious travelers will break down and buy a meal. You will too, trust me. When you’re not familiar with the city is can be challenging to find a grocery store and it is even worse when you’re already really hungry. And after a long day of sightseeing it is often hard to force yourself to make a meal — Even eating at a McDonald’s starts looking attractive. Budgeting a little high for food will give you a little safety net for those times when you can’t stick to your budget (plus you can spend the balance on alcohol).

Kebab Photograph: Gueorgui Tcherednitchenko

Sights/Attractions

You go to Europe to experience the culture and to see the sights. Well, get out your wallet because most attractions charge an admission fee. The fees are usually not outrageous but they do add up. Many places offer student/youth discounts so be sure to inquire about those. I would budget about 15€/day ($20/day) for sightseeing. Here is a list of admissions prices at some popular attractions in Europe so you can get a feel of how much you’re going to pay:

• Louvre Museum – Paris: 9.50€ ($13.50)
• Centre Pompidou Museum – Paris: 12€ (16.50)
• Tower of London : £17 adult, £14.50 student ($27/$22.50)
• Van Gogh Museum – Amsterdam: 14€ ($19.50)
• Walking Tours – Various Cities: Free (guides work on tips) or $8-$15 for paid tours.

Public Transportation

You’ll find good public transportation in nearly every city. You can always walk but you’ll want to use public transportation fairly often. Also, forget about taking taxis because they will kill your budget. Each city has multiple travel passes/options (i.e. single tickets, 1,3,5,7 day passes, month pass, etc), so be sure to find the option that works best for you. Some examples of transportation cost:

• London Tube (w/Oyster Card): £1.80/off-peak single fare — £5.60/all day
• Paris Metro: 11.60€ for 10 one-way tickets
• Amsterdam (tram): 72 hours of unlimited travel € 15,00
• Budapest (bus and subway): 72 hours of unlimited travel about $19 or 10 single tickets for about $14
• Prague: Single tickets are $1.00-$1.4
• Barcelona (metro): single ticket 1.05€ — 3 day pass 10.80€ — 5 day pass 16.50€

Alcohol

Europe has so much good beer and wine and it would be a shame to not sample a gallon or two. It is very easy to spend a lot on alcohol and it gets a whole lot easier after a few drinks. Good wine and beer are cheap at the grocery store but get a little pricier at restaurants/bars. As always, alcohol is much more expensive in the touristy parts of town. Alcohol prices go down considerably in Eastern Europe. Sample alcohol prices from around Europe:

• London (Pint of Beer): £2-£4 ($3.10-$6.20) but expect to pay more at trendy clubs/pubs.
• Paris (Wine): 7€ cheap bottle of good wine from the store.
• Prague (Pint of Beer): Restaurant – $1.90 // Grocery Store – $0.70
• Budapest (Pint of Beer): $2-$3 at a bar
• Munich (Beer): $9 for a huge mug at a beer garden. One liter (34oz) of beer for around $1 at the store.

Extras

Don’t forget to set aside a little cash for souvenirs/club entrance fees/bail/skydiving.

Me sailing through Interlaken by parachute

Support The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve invested a lot of long hours creating this site. If you’ve found it helpful, the best way to say thanks is by clicking on my Amazon.com links.I get a depressingly small commission when you purchase anything on Amazon after you’ve clicked my link—this helps me keep the site running… and maybe buy a few beers. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Also, if you’re a student don’t forget to sign up for a FREE year of Amazon Prime.

Thanks for all your support!

Budget Planning: Estimating Your Daily Costs In Europe, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

I am not a fashion expert and I don’t claim to be one. The point of this guide isn’t for teaching you how to look “European.”  In fact, there isn’t really a “European” look. Just like in America, Europeans wear all styles of clothes and it varies from country to country.  That said, styles do tend to be a little more “dressy” but many younger (under 30) Europeans are moving toward a more casual, t-shirt and jeans wardrobe.

In fact, I really don’t think there is a huge difference between what the average 22- year-old American and their European counterparts wear. Anyways, this is a guide for helping you “blend in” so you’re not taken for a tourist from 100 yards away. If nothing else, this guide will help you look like a European tourist (as opposed to an American tourist).

Fashion Faux Pas — What You Should Absolutely Avoid Wearing

Running/Athletic Shoes: Unless they’re doing something athletic, most Europeans don’t wear athletic shoes. This doesn’t mean you have to wear nice “dress” shoes but you should avoid the solely “athletic” style shoes. If nothing else, avoid white shoes. White shoes are the calling card of American tourists.

• A note about shoes: Deciding on shoes seems to give many travelers a lot of problems. You absolutely want to bring comfortable shoes because you’re going to be doing a ton of walking—I can’t stress this enough. Many athletic shoe companies (Nike, Puma, Adidas, etc) make causal sneakers that don’t look like running shoes. This is the style that you should be looking for because they are great for city walking. They also don’t look bad at night when you visit the bars and clubs.
  • Many normal bars and pubs might not let you in if you are wearing running/athletic shoes or flip-flops.

Flip-Flops: You only want to wear these on the beach or in the hostel showers.

Athletic Shorts/Pants: Much like athletic shoes, Europeans don’t wear athletic clothing unless they are playing sports. Some of Europe’s “seedier” people wear a lot of track suites (and similar clothes) so you might want to avoid those if you don’t want to be mistaken for a troublemaker.

Shorts: In general, Europeans view shorts as children’s clothing. This is starting to change a little though. Shorts are becoming more popular in England and you’ll find them in southern Europe. Although you should avoid wearing khaki cargo shorts—as this is another trademark American tourist stereotype. All that said… I would still avoid shorts. Lightweight cotton pants work well, even in the heat.

Sweat Pants: Come on, this is Europe — not your 8:00am History 101 class. Avoid sweat pants. They look bad and they’re too bulky to travel with anyways.

Baseball Caps: Baseball caps are pretty synonymous with Americans.  Although, rap and hip-hop culture is very popular in much of Europe, so you do see a lot of people dressing like American hip-hop stars (complete with baseball caps). I would still avoid them though.

White Athletic Socks: Leave the white socks in Chicago. Actually, this isn’t a huge deal but many Europeans tend to wear socks that match their pants (i.e. not white).

Tips On What You Might Want To Wear

Well-Fitting Clothes: Europeans tend to wear better fitting clothes. You really won’t find many people wearing “oversized” styles.

Limited Bright Colors: Many Europeans tend to wear more subdued colors but I think many are starting to wear more color (especially younger people). You can’t go wrong with black, gray and other earth tones.

Scarves: Everyone wears scarfs when the temperature start dropping. You’ll probably look out of place without one.

Basic Daytime & Nighttime Fashion Advice

Daytime/Sight Seeing Clothing: During the day you’re going to be visiting the sights with a million other tourists. Don’t worry too much about what you look like—well, still avoid the things on the Fashion Faux Pas list. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. A t-shirt/polo shirt and jeans/skirt is fine.

Nighttime: You want to put a little more effort into your look when you go out at night but this isn’t really any different than what you’re used to. A well-fitted button up shirt and dark jeans is a perfect (and easy) nighttime look. The only thing keeping you out of the super trendy nightclubs will be your shoes. Although, many of these clubs have expensive cover charges and overpriced alcohol, so these are not places for budget backpackers anyways. Don’t worry because there are still many fine nightclubs that you’ll be able to visit without needing $200+ shoes.

Visit These Websites To Get An Idea Of What Europeans Are Wearing

Topshop & Topman — British chain of clothing stores that operates in more than 20 countries. Geared toward the “hip” 16-25 crowd.

H&M — A Swedish clothing company that is popular all over Europe and in the US. They are known for being fashionable and fairly inexpensive.

Urban Outfitters – Urban Outfitters has spread across Europe and can be found in a few countries. A lot of the stuff there should work well.

Zara — A Spanish retail store that sells fashionable clothes. They’re located all over the world but have a heavy presence in Europe.

The Sartorialist — An amazing blog that features photographs of “real life” European fashion. A lot of this stuff is really fashion-forward. None of it is practical for backpacking but it is kind of interesting to look at.

Support The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve invested a lot of long hours creating this site. If you’ve found it helpful, the best way to say thanks is by clicking on my Amazon.com links.I get a depressingly small commission when you purchase anything on Amazon after you’ve clicked my link—this helps me keep the site running… and maybe buy a few beers. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Also, if you’re a student don’t forget to sign up for a FREE year of Amazon Prime.

Thanks for all your support!

Fashion Advice: How to Avoid Looking Like An American Tourist In Europe, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

Your plane ticket to Europe will probably be your single greatest expense. Unfortunately, after the economy collapsed many airlines cut back on their number of international fights so there are less tickets available—which means that days of super cheap airfare are gone. At the moment expect to pay between $900-$1400 for a round-trip ticket (from the US).

That said, you still want to find the cheapest airfare possible. This guide will give you strategies for finding the best possible prices on plane tickets.

Looking for tips on finding cheap airfare for travel within Europe? Click here for our guide on air travel around Europe.

Things to Consider When Searching For Plane Tickets

High Season vs. Low Season vs. Shoulder Season: The time of year you travel is going to have the biggest impact on ticket prices. Click here for the savvy guide to choosing which season to travel.

• High Season (Mid June-August): It is almost impossible to find tickets under $1,100 during the high season. You should expect to pay $1,200-$1,400. This is when most people travel so the airlines can hike up the prices.
• Low Season (Mid November – Easter): This is where you’ll find the cheapest tickets. I purchased a round trip ticket for $515 from 12/14/2009-1/7/10 [For your reference -- I flew out of Kansas City, MO and I purchased my ticket from Student Universe].  These days, I would expect to pay $750+ for low season tickets but it is possible to find tickets at a lower price.  Note: Price wise, traveling around Christmas is pretty much like flying during the high season.
• Shoulder Season (Mid September – Late November & Easter – Mid June): Shoulder season are the periods of time between the high and low seasons. You’ll often find reasonable plane ticket prices this time of year. A lot of budget travels pick this time to travel. Plan on finding tickets in the $750-$850 range (although I have seen tickets a little bit cheaper).

Departure Airport: Where you fly from can have a big impact on your ticket price. Tickets always seem to be the cheapest from New York City. Unfortunately, you can’t really change where you live so there isn’t much you can do about it. But if you live near multiple airports you should see if there are any price differences between them.

Search Multiple European Airports: The European airport you fly into can save (or cost) you an extra one or two hundred dollars. Search all the major European airports and compare prices.

London (LON: LCY, LHR, LGW, STN, LTN), Frankfurt (FRA, HHN), Paris (CDG, ORY), Madrid (MAD), and Amsterdam (AMS) are the largest airport hubs in Europe so you’re more than likely to the best price by flying into one of these airports. But search the others as well.

Note: The cheapest airport isn’t always the best choice — it has to fit into your travel plans. For example, say you want to visit France but you find a flight into Dublin that costs $200 less that flying into Paris. You’ll spend a lot of time and money getting from Dublin to France so you’ll negate any potential savings. It would make more sense to just fly into Paris.

Search Multiple Departure Dates: Plane ticket prices can vary greatly depending on when you travel. Leaving a day later or earlier could save you $20-$100. In general, traveling during mid-week will give you the best prices. I really like student universe’s flexible travel search feature (other sites are starting to offer this feature). It gives you all the results for 3 days +/- of your selected travel date. This lets you find the best time to travel.

Try Open Jaw Tickets: During my last trip I was able to save about $110 by arriving in Paris and departing from Frankfurt. These type if tickets are called ‘open jaw’ tickets. A lot of times these type of tickets cost more so your results will vary.

Buy Tickets Far In Advance: For international flights you want to book as soon as possible. A month before is usually considered the bare minimum. Some people say you should book six months in advance for the best deal. I don’t think anyone really knows. For some winter flights you might be able to get a cheap ticket by waiting until the last minute but this is a big gamble. You could end up paying a ton more. I don’t think it is worth risking it but it is up to you.

Buy Tickets After Midnight: I have heard airlines lower their prices after midnight. I have no idea if this is actually true but you might want to check it out.

Cheap Tickets Are Often Nonrefundable: Cheap Tickets are often nonrefundable or there is a very high ticket change fee. Many companies charge something like $250 + other fees to change your original flight. Most people don’t have a problem but you should be aware your ticket’s terms.

The Best Websites To Find The Cheapest Plane Tickets To Europe

Student Universe
Student Universe is another one of my favorite sites for youth traveles. It is geared towards college students (anyone, regardless of age, currently enrolled in a college, even part-time) or anyone between 18-25 years old. They do check to see if you’re currently a student/are the correct age and they won’t process your reservation until your status is confirmed. On my last trip from the US to Paris I saved over $115 compared to other sites — even TripAdvisor. But they don’t always have the best price. Sometimes the Student Universe price is well above TripAdvisor so remember to shop around.

STA Travel
STA is another travel website geared towards students/people under 26. They offer much of the same deals at StudentUniverse and their prices seem to be nearly identical. I know people who have used them and didn’t have any complaints.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor has recently gotten into the airfare search engine game and I constantly find the best prices here. The airfares are pretty much exactly the same or lower than Kayak (which is pretty rare). I could see TripAdvisor becoming one of the largest search engines within the next few years. Also, TripAdvisor is also nice because the price they show you in the search results is the price you pay (all taxes and extra fees are included in the display price).

Kayak
Kayak is another good site for tickets. They are worth checking out.

Vayama
Vayama is a new search engine that specializes in international travel. I have found some good prices on this website. They are worth a look.

SkyScanner
Tradiatioally SkyScanner was really only used for flights inside Europe but they’ve started offering flights from all over the world. It also allows you to search by country and not just cities (for example, search for flights from Seattle to Germany). This is a nice feature if you don’t have a specific destination in mind. I’ve used them a few times and I’ve been happy with everything.

CheapOAir
CheapOAir is another popular mega search engine that is definitely worth a look.

Mobissimo
Another popular airfare search engine.

Momondo
Another mega search engine.

Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, CheapTickets and Hotwire – These sites are well-known but I rarely find the best prices here. You might as well check them out but don’t get your hopes up.

The Airline’s Website
Don’t forget to go directly to the airline’s website. While rare, it is possible to find a cheap deal there.

Support The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve invested a lot of long hours creating this site. If you’ve found it helpful, the best way to say thanks is by clicking on my Amazon.com links.I get a depressingly small commission when you purchase anything on Amazon after you’ve clicked my link—this helps me keep the site running… and maybe buy a few beers. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Also, if you’re a student don’t forget to sign up for a FREE year of Amazon Prime.

Thanks for all your support!

The Complete Backpacker’s Guide to Finding Cheap Airfare to Europe, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

Traditionally, guidebooks have been the traveler’s bible, and I think they’re still a great resource for planning your journey. Although, over the past few years there has been a proliferation of online travel resources and it is now easier than ever to find out about the best Europe has to offer.  I think any good travel planning should include both printed travel books and online guides.

I often hear people mention that they don’t want to plan their trip, but they would rather “play everything by ear.” They have romantic notions of “finding that great little cafe” by accident. I think this is a terrible idea (trust me, I was one of those people).   European cities are full of little gems—but they’re often hidden away and you’d never find them unless you knew exactly where to look. Without some foreknowledge you’re going to waste a lot of precious time and you’re going to miss out on many great things.

There are hundreds of guidebooks and travel guide websites out there, but I am  going to mainly focus on the ones geared towards budget and younger travelers.

In this guide I will review “traditional” travel guidebooks but I will also review new sources of travel information—like online guides.

Independent Online Guides—Written By Locals

Spotted By Locals: Having a local show you around is the best way to experience a city but many of us don’t have that luxury. This is where the multi-award winning site Spotted By Locals steps in. I really like these guides because they’re written by hand-picked locals. I believe that most their writers are students/young professionals so the reviews are geared toward the twenty-something budget-conscious traveler.

The guides are currently available for 30 popular European cities, and unlike guidebooks, these are updated multiple times a year. You’re not going to find much information about “tourist” stuff but you will find plenty of information about local restaurants, bars, clubs, specialty grocery stores, shops, markets and plenty of other “under-the-radar” spots. I find that these guides have a fairly heavy focus on restaurants/bars (with plenty of budget options).

Each guide costs 3.99€ and comes as a PDF. They also publish a free blog for each of the cities. Spotted By Locals has won a bunch of travel awards so you know the guides are going to be good.

InYourPocket: I believe I first saw these free guides when traveling in Krakow. They now offer free online guides to numerous cities throughout Eastern Europe (and a handful of Western European cities). These guides are written by local English speakers and are available for free download on their website. They still print free guides (available at various hostels) or you can buy the printed guides before you go (5€-8€ w/ postage included).

I like InYourPocket guides because it gives you a lot of practical information about the city (public transportation tips/maps, city maps, money saving tips, helpful words/phrases, upcoming events, etc). The guides are updated every few months so the information is current. There is a lot of good information about stuff to see and do at every price point. You’ll find a decent amount of advertisements but its free.

Unlike.Net: If you want to know where the hip people hang out head over to Unlike.Net. The guides are written by culture-savvy journalists, fashion, art, music professionals and other people way cooler than we’ll ever be. You’ll find trendy bars, restaurants, shops, concerts and other interesting things. Right now they have about a 8 European cities. Unfortunately, most trendy things are expensive so a lot of the stuff on this site skews toward the pricier side—although there are still some budget friendly suggestions.

What really sets this site apart is its iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad city guide App. The city guides can be downloaded (so you don’t need to be online to get info) and you can customize your own tour. The App will allow you to see all the cool stuff that is within proximity so you don’t have to do a lot of searching while you’re on the go. The Unlike App cost 3.99€/city and you can find a bunch of free info on their site.

Superfuture SuperGuides: Are you a trendsetting traveler that loves to drop a lot of cash? Well, Superfuture’s SuperGuides might be perfect for you. The SuperGuides are geared toward travelers on the cutting edge of fashion and design, and that want to know the coolest new shops and places to visit. The information is updated every month so you can be sure you’re only reading current reviews. The true budget traveler probably won’t find this too helpful because a lot of the stuff in these guides are fairly high-end. Each guide costs $20—so, it too, is on the high end of the spectrum.

Crowdsourced Travel Guides

TripAdvisor: The mecca of user generated travel reviews. This is one of my favorite sites to visit when first planning a trip. The reviews are written by a wide range of travelers, each with different expectations, so not everything you read is going to be from the point of view of a young budget traveler. You have to read into the reviews a bit but I still think it is a great resource.

WikiTravel: The wikipedia of travel. There is a lot of really good practical information about European countries/cities. All the major tourist things will be highlighted and some guides will give recommendations for hostels/shops/restaurants/etc. I like to go here to get a good overview of each city.

Traditional Guidebooks

I think a good guidebook can be very valuable. Personally, I like to use guidebooks to find out about the tourist things (museums, sights, attractions) but I would rather find non-tourist things (hostels, restaurants, shops, bars, etc) from the online resources I listed above—although a guidebook will still list many good “non-tourist things.” There are many guidebooks available and each one caters to a different audience/niche. It is important that you get one that fits your travel style.

Guidebooks are generally split between focusing on all of Europe or focusing on a specific country/city. I think the country/city specific ones have better information, but if you visit multiple countries it doesn’t make sense to take multiple books with you (this is why I think having electronic guides on your smart phone/iPod Touch is a great idea). On the other hand, if you only plan on visiting one country it doesn’t make sense to get a book that covers all of Europe (duh).

I recommend going to a bookstore to check out the travel guidebooks in person. You’ll find tons of travel books at Barnes & Noble, Borders or any other bookstore. Take a few that look interesting and flip through them for a few  hours. If you don’t want to spend money, you can always write down the things that look interesting in your homemade travel guide and not buy the book. I like to buy my books on Amazon because the prices are so much better than in the store.

Lonely Planet: The most popular guidebook series—especially with young, budget orientated travelers. There is a lot of good information in these books and I think they’re worth checking out. Their “Europe on a Shoestring” is especially designed for budget travel. The guides are only updated every two years so some information might be out of date (although, this is fairly common among guidebooks).  Although, be warned that any place that gets featured in a Lonely Planet book will likely be overrun with tourists—this makes some travelers shun the LP series.

Lonely Planet allows you download guides in PDF format and you can pick which sections you want to buy. I think this is a really great idea—I usually just cut the pages that are interesting anyways.

Rick Steves—Europe Through the Back Door: Rick Steves is a seasoned travel writer/television show producer and he has published multiple travel books. His “Europe Through the Back Door” series is very popular with travelers of all ages. It is written for independent travelers who want to get away from the touristy stuff. He also has a bunch of country/city specific guides. In addition, he also has a few travel guide iPhone Apps.

Rick Steves also has all 66 of his PBS travel shows available on Hulu for free (US Only).

Fodor’s Guidebooks: Fodor’s publishes some high quality guide books and I know a lot of people who really like them. I think you should check them out. 

Rough Guides: Another popular series that is popular with younger travelers.

Let’s Go: These guides have been a long time favorite of student travelers but I’ve heard the quality is starting to go downhill (I guess they were purchased by a different company). There have been many reports that the 2010 versions on the books have less content and are less helpful than earlier editions. You can always buy the 2007-2009 versions but much of the info could be out of date. Although, I hear the maps in these books are really good. If you see one at a bookstore you might want to thumb through one, but I don’t think I would recommend buying one.

Eyewitness Guides: The eyewitness guides seem to get good reviews but I think they are better for travelers with deeper pocketbooks. They do have a lot of pretty pictures so these are great to read through at the bookstore, but I probably wouldn’t buy one to take with me while I traveled.

Miscellaneous Travel Guide Sites

Time Out: Time Out is a pretty good online travel site (they also publish travel books) that caters to younger, more budget-oriented and culturally hip travelers. They have guides to a lot of the major cities in Europe so you’re bound to find something interesting. The website is free and they also offer iPhone apps for a bunch of cities that cost £2.99/city.

Do you have a favorite website or guidebook? Leave me a comment and I will check it out!

Support The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve invested a lot of long hours creating this site. If you’ve found it helpful, the best way to say thanks is by clicking on my Amazon.com links.I get a depressingly small commission when you purchase anything on Amazon after you’ve clicked my link—this helps me keep the site running… and maybe buy a few beers. And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Also, if you’re a student don’t forget to sign up for a FREE year of Amazon Prime.

Thanks for all your support!

The Best Travel Guides For Budget Travelers: Travel Guidebooks, Online Travel Guides & More, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More