Tips For Backpackers

Tips For Backpackers

Check out these stupendous tips for backpackers. Backpacking is a form of low-cost, independent travel which provides young people the fun of travelling without spending huge amounts of money.

The factors that traditionally differentiate backpacking from other forms of tourism include use of public transport (mostly trains) as a means of travel, preference of youth hostels to luxury hotels, length of the trip, use of a heavy loaded backpack, an interest in meeting the locals as well as seeing the sights.

Wow! That was a bit of a mouthful!

Europe can be considered as a backpacker haven for both prices and ease of transportation. Railway passes like Interrail and Eurorail are widely used in Europe which allow unlimited train travel within a specific amount of days. Here is a great little video about travel tips and hostels.

Accommodation Tips For Backpackers

The logic of backpacking is to "spend less so that you can travel more"!

Hostels, B&B's and camping grounds are the top three accommodation options. Hostels are the best as they provide budget-oriented accommodation where guests can rent a bed, sometimes a bunk bed in a dormitory with a shared bathroom. There may also be access to a shared lounge and kitchen. Rooms can be mixed gender or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available if you are willing to pay higher prices for them.

Hostels are generally cheaper for both the operator and the occupant; many hostels employ their long-term residents as desk clerks or housekeeping staff in exchange for free accommodation. Hostels are generally most economical for individual travellers but also have great advantages for large groups. Some hotels won�t accommodate large groups.

Choosing The Best Hostel For Backpackers

There are so many fascinating hostels around Europe, but also many that you should avoid. Backpacking is an unplanned kind of travel by its nature and most people don't bother to book or at least research their hostel.

You should avoid hustlers waiting for you in train stations. They try to offer you cheap and mostly low quality accommodation. You will end up with crowded, noisy rooms with bad smells. You are better off researching online and paying a slightly higher price for a good quality hostel. This way, you will avoid all those unpleasant accommodation memories and enjoy your stay!

Europe is packed with thousands of hostels in almost every city. However, you have to do your homework before you go. Which one is cheaper? Which one is closest to the city centre? Which one has hot water 24/7?

Luckily almost all European Hostels have a web site or are included in hostel directories. Such directories will provide you inside and outside photos, maps, directions and even reviews of the hostels. Make sure you pay close attention to the comments as they were written by people who actually stayed there.

Most sites will also offer you various booking options. Online hostel booking is a must for every backpacker especially in high season. For example; if you are planning a trip to Amsterdam at the weekend, book online 3-4 days before, because it is almost impossible to find a place to stay. This also applies to big cities like Barcelona, Paris, Rome, etc.

For all locations, I would recommend checking prices before you go since they tend to change when you arrive at the reservation desk without any prior booking. I have personally noticed that the prices at booking sites are always lower. That means you can save some money to spend on a meal at McDonalds!

Hope you enjoyed these crucial tips for backpackers and enjoy your trip. Be safe! Here's some tips for women from one of my friends. Her website is Backpacking Women on the Road and covers backpacking travel information, safety tips, money matters and plenty of advice, resources and inspiration for women who love to travel on their own � or would if they could!

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