Backpacking through Europe - The Budget Trip with Lads

Given a tight budget and just 11 days, this is was actually the worst time of the season to visit Europe. Prices at their peak, everything booked, cities uncomfortably crowded and all tourists’ spots overwhelmingly packed.

We chalked out a perfect budget than run out of money halfway or having to make an embarrassing phone call home or friends.  

To make our trip a little tighter, the Euro too rocketed to Rs 73 -- its peak but it really didn't affect our itinerary.

Where to go

Our aim was to visit five countries and seven major cities. Europe has largely remained expensive for most travellers from India. However, with smart planning and quite a bit of research made it possible without spending a fortune.

We were four and had its own advantages especially looking at safety. We could cut down on expenses simply by purchasing group passes while taking public transportation or even share taxis.

It took us more than a week to map our back-packing tour across the sunny side of Europe. After several discussions and pricing, we zeroed in on this plan:

June 16 to June 26: Bengaluru-Paris-Stuttgart-Rome-Venice-Amsterdam-Stuttgart-Frankfurt-Bengaluru.

Transport:

Airfares, trains and buses make up a significant part of your travel expenses and we were lucky enough to find return tickets for just Rs. 38,500 on Air India Dreamliner.  

In Europe, there are multiple budget airlines connecting cities and if you can book them three weeks in advance, probably you get the best deal.

My suggestion is not to carry a backpack weighing more than 10-12 kilos or you will end up paying the same amount on excess baggage.

If you are willing to spend more time on the road sight-seeing the countryside at high speeds and also look to save money, there are Eurolines and Meinfernbus. Compared to airfares, even trains don’t come cheap either. The high-speed trains are equally expensive as the airliner. I was very lucky to find Club Class tickets from Rome to Venice for just €35. Rideshares are also another inexpensive mode to travel long distances for the price of sharing fuel.

Hostels:

There are several hostels spread across major European cities and a handful of them rated high by fellow travellers. Always book hostels rated 80 and above. They are usually clean, tidy, friendly and also serve you free breakfast.

Exploring the city:

Most of the cities are well-connected with metro trains and buses. Purchasing an unlimited day pass or a group pass is always ideal to explore the city. Entrance fees to the museums are always expensive and the best way to get to know a city is to walk around, enjoy a coffee at an outdoor café, and observe the hustle and bustle.

Personally, I enjoyed walking instead of taking the train or bus. It was not only more enjoyable, burns off more of the great food (especially authentic pizzas) you have enjoyed. If you are a student or U-26, you can avail discounts at many attractions and museums. All you need to carry is your student identity card.

Where to Eat:

If you are a backpacker, a sumptuous breakfast can keep you going till evening. There are plenty of street food joints spread across the city and plan your meals carefully which is another great way to reduce your travel expenses.

Review:

Despite being on the run for 11 days, the memorable experience gives me another opportunity to plan my next trip to the Scandinavian side of Europe.

Visa: Schengen (France)

Places where I stayed:

1. Caulaincourt Square Hostel
2. Xenia Hotel, Stuttgart
3. Camping Jolly, Rome
4. Camping Jolly, Venice
5. Bob’s Youth Hostel, Amsterdam
6. Alex 30 Hostel, Stuttgart
7. A&O Hostel, Frankfurt

Travel map:

1. Bengaluru to Paris – Air India
2. Paris to Stuttgart – Eurolines
3. Stuttgart to Rome – Vueling Air
4. Rome to Venice – Treno Itali
5. Venice to Amsterdam – Transavia
6. Amsterdam to Stuttgart – Germanwings
7. Stuttgart to Frankfurt – Meinfernbus
8. Frankfurt to Bengaluru  - Air India

Websites helped me plan my trip:

• Hostelbookers.com
• Rome2rio.com
• Raileurope.com
• Meinfernbus.com

Some useful suggestions:

·        Photocopies of important documents and itinerary

·        Pick season wisely

·        Be savvy about accommodation

·        Buy train/ bus pass

·        Don’t carry valuables

·        Update friends and family through social media

·        Carry travel cards and little cash in pockets

·        Beware of pickpockets and scam artists

·        Don’t travel alone on deserted streets

·        Make sure you look like a tourist (Locals will misunderstand you to the Bangladeshi and Pakistani vendors)

·        Always carry your passport, valuables and buy a lock

·        Learn the basics of the local language

·        Visit the information centre to grab the city’s public transport map

·        Don’t forget raincoats or umbrellas

·        Water bottle

·        Extra cell phone, batteries and travel adaptor

·        Medicines