Backpacking in Europe 101: an open letter to my 20 year old niece

My 20 year old niece recently sent me a text message asking to hang out and chat about her upcoming backpacking trip through Europe this summer. What a mix of emotions I had as an aunt. I had no idea she had the travel bug in her. Who was she going with? Did her parents know? OMG! Would she be safe? When did she grow up? And then I thought, thank goodness she reached out to me.

Wait a second! Hold on. How old was I when I went backpacking through Europe? 20!

Since then we’ve actually met up a few times, but I wanted to make sure that I didn’t forget anything so I began to draft an e-mail on my advice and tips. I soon realized that others could benefit from my advice and so, here is my open letter to my niece:

Dear Fatima,

Wow! You are going backpacking through Europe this summer for 3 months! I am so excited for you and so very happy that you reached out to me for some tips.

I am sure you have already heard that backpacking through Europe is a “rite of passage.” Well my darling, it is absolutely true. Everyone should do it! It reminds me of a quote by Mohamed:

Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have travelled.

You are about to get lost in a new city without knowing how to speak the language. You will sleep in those overnight trains and yearn for your comfy bed back home. You will have a humble budget to manage. It will be all up to you. You will be tested. You are going to see how beautiful this world can be, and will be in awe when you see what humans are capable of creating. The history and architecture in Europe will blow your mind. You are about to meet people from all over the world in hostels that you’ll be staying at, and possibly make lifelong friends. You will come to realize that we are more the same than we are different. You will not come back the same person. You will become a better version of your fine self. You will gain greater perspective and a new appreciation for life and living. You will return home with new eyes, just like Marcel Proust says:

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

Oh boy, I have so much to share with you. Where do I even begin? How about I start with my own personal experience. I spent two months backpacking through Europe before I started University. When I went, things were, ummmmm different. For example:

There was no internet. Take a moment to ponder that.
Cell phones didn’t exist. Take another moment to ponder that.
There were no digital cameras. Yes, that’s right. Film baby! Oh, and we didn’t go around poking people with selfie sticks either.
The Euro currency didn’t exist (try managing multiple currencies).
Take a close look at the patches on the actual backpack that I took to Europe (pictured below). One of those countries went into civil war shortly after I left!

The detachable front section of the backpack that I took on my backpacking trip to Europe years ago. Check out the patches that were collected!

OK, so yeah, that’s interesting and certainly provides some perspective, but what other valuable insights can I share with you? Well, I would like you to learn from my mistakes. When I look back, I would have done a few things differently:

I rushed. I wanted to see as much as possible, but what I really needed was more time to digest, take it in and relax. Do not rush. See less, but experience fully what you do visit and see.
I was way too conservative and careful. Yes, strange advice to be giving a young adult, but hear me out. I might as well have been wrapped in bubble wrap with caution tape to secure said bubble wrap. Oh, I was safe, but probably too safe. I never went out at night, as I was too scared. I am not saying go wild and crazy, but do strike a healthy and reasonable balance between safety and fun.
I was too shy. I needed to make more of an effort to meet people. Don’t be shy. Talk to people.

As you know, since that trip, I have traveled a fair bit and have gained so much experience and knowledge and yet still continue to learn and grow each and every time. I have so much to share with you. Where do I even start? How about I share my thoughts, insights and some practical advice and tips in general categories, so that you can easily refer back. You may get overwhelmed by my letter but keep in mind that my only goal here is to be thorough and helpful.

The tips and advice here is not only meant to ensure your safety and well being but to give you a more comfortable and fulfilling experience.

A: Mindset & Attitude

Before I dive into the practical tips, I think it is important to consider your frame of mind and attitude going into this trip.

It is a privilege and a blessing that you will soon make one of your dreams come true. You are luckier than most on this planet. Be grateful for this experience.
I know you have worked hard and saved for this trip and you should be proud of yourself for having the discipline and guts to go after what you want and making it happen.
Do not rush. You will see less but have a greater, deeper and more meaningful experience.
Be present and fully in the moment.
There will be challenges and you will find yourself in uncomfortable situations from time to time. That is normal and part of the experience. This is where the real growth happens. Expect it. Embrace it. Allow it to transform you and make you stronger.
Remember to breathe and take a moment.
Respect other cultures and be open to different perspectives. You are a visitor in their home. You don’t have to necessarily agree. Just listen, consider and try to understand their points of view.
Everyone has an opinion and advice. I am sure most folks are well intended. Go ahead and consider any advice that comes your way, but place a blanket or layer of your own good judgement around it and do what is right for you. In other words, you don’t need to take their advice if it doesn’t resonate or sit well with you.
Try new things but don’t be reckless. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t when you are travelling.
The MOST important thing is your personal safety and well being. PERIOD. NOTHING else matters besides that. As long as that is intact, there is nothing that you can’t handle and figure out.
Be happy!

Are you ready to dive in? Vamos!

B. Plan, Research & Prepare

I’m a big believer in planning, researching and being as prepared as possible. For me the journey begins well before I get on the plane. Good planning helps make dreams come true according to Lester R. Bittel:

Good plans shape good decisions. That’s why good planning helps to make elusive dreams come true.

Before your trip, try to do as much research as possible. Planning and being prepared are key success factors. Why? You will not only be more comfortable, but you will be safer, more knowledgeable and have a greater experience. And, IMHO, it is fun and part of the journey. This way you won’t be walking around Europe completely clueless. Not that you couldn’t do that and figure it out as you went along, many do, but I want you to have the best experience ever, and I think the more research and planning that you do beforehand, the greater the experience. I am not saying don’t go with the flow. Flow away, but do have some of the basics down before you board that flight to Europe. Your trip will be smoother and trust me, you will have a fuller experience as a result, as you won’t be struggling with basics. You’ll be able to take things to a higher level.

Having said how important it is to plan, obviously things don’t always go to plan and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, so be ready to be flexible.

Here are a few tips for preparing for your trip:

Do you know which countries you want to visit? 3 months is a good amount of time to spend in Europe, but it is not enough to see every country in Europe. Come up with a list and look for a natural flow from one place to another to minimize travel time. Having said that, travelling within Europe is pretty easy, so travel time may in fact be a non-issue if you consider flying or overnight trains.
Write down the places and sites you really want to see and prioritize them. Why? You are more likely to see them in the order of importance to you.
Logistics take more time than you realize. The transportation systems are different in each country and city that you visit. Then you need to find a place to sleep. Once you do that, you need to check in and settle in. Then before you know it, it is time to go, check out and repeat the entire process. If you do that daily, it will be draining. Do you really want to face another set of logistics and repeat? Take your time. Maybe have a minimum stay of 2 or 3 days per place as a general rule.
Get in shape! You are going to be doing a lot of walking.
Do you know what the weather will be like during the time of the year that you will be there? Pack accordingly.
Do you know when the sun rises and sets? I recommend arriving at your accommodation during daylight hours and touring first thing in the morning when it is cooler and quiet.
What is the time zone or time difference between where you are going to be and home? Even within Europe, there may be a time difference. For example, there is a one hour time difference between Portugal and Spain. It is nice to know that when you are calling home or using social media. It maybe noon in Europe, but some of your friends may still be sleeping in North America.
Start following the news and current events in Europe. Have an idea of what is going on right now and stay current while you are there too.
Pack well in advance of your trip. Then walk around town with the contents you plan on bringing with you in your backpack and see how it feels. Test it out by going up and down stairs, hills, through puddles and running for the train or bus. How does it feel? Do you need to make any adjustments?
Leave a copy of important documents (for example, a copy of your passport, flight and insurance information) with your mom/dad or you can leave such with me too. You should also give a copy to your travel partner too! This way you have a backup or a way for someone to help you, if need be. You should also have a secure digital copy online or in your e-mail, just in case you misplace your paper copy and need access to it.
Do you know the currency conversion? At the time of writing this, it will cost you about 140 Canadian dollars to get 100 Euros. Ouch!
Get used to the metric system and know the conversions. For example, 1 kg = 2.2 pounds and 1 meter = 3.28 feet.
Social customs and etiquette. Have an idea and be sensitive to such.
Tipping. What is expected or not expected?

You will also need to plan during your trip. You may want to take a guide book, but, you don’t have to if you do not want to as you do have other sources of information available to you:

go online and go to the country or city specific tourism website
other great online sources: Wikitravel, Wikipedia, tripadvisor or do a simple google search
tourist office
ask the staff at your hostel or accommodation; they may also have guidebooks for loan too
ask fellow travelers and locals
refer to that list you created before the trip
you can also download guidebooks right onto your smart phone

C. Budget

Put some thought into how much money you can afford to spend and don’t forget to build in a cushion and wiggle room. No matter what, never compromise your safety to save money. EVER. Also, this is an epic trip, so go ahead and spend money in the right places for you.

Your budget can be broken down into the following categories:

One-time, upfront costs (CAD $3,000 to $4,000):

international flight
Eurail pass (here is an article on whether or not a Eurail pass is worth it or not)
medical and travel insurance (this is critical)
other (stuff you need for the trip, like a backpack)

Daily costs (~40 EUR per day):

accommodations (~20 EUR per day)
food (~15 EUR per day)
other (~ 5 EUR per day for bus, taxi, entrance fees, tours and miscellaneous)

Other costs:

Consider having some money set aside for splurge days. Maybe you want to stay at a nice hotel one night or go to a special restaurant.

How to save money?

If we take the estimated above average daily cost of 40 Euros per day or 56 Canadian dollars at current exchange rates that works out to almost CAD $1,700 per month. If you are going for 3 months that is a lot of money. Hopefully the exchange rate improves in your favour by the time you leave for your trip and during it, but you are most likely still going to have to think of ways to save money without compromising your experience. Here are a few ideas:

The fact that you have a budget will instantly get you focused and realistic.
If possible, try to borrow the stuff you need for your trip. For example, you are welcome to borrow my purple backpack, packing cubes, money belt, etc. You can thank me, by returning my stuff and sending me the occasional postcard 😉
Do you have friends and/or family that you can stay with? Maybe friends of friends?
If you can’t crash with a friend or family, then stay at hostels. Hostels are cheap and a great way to meet people and potentially make new friends. But, again, don’t risk your safety to save money. ALWAYS check the ratings and reviews. It is worth paying more for a safe and convenient location.
Sometimes your accommodations will include breakfast.
Grocery shopping is healthier and cheaper. Sometimes hostels have kitchens that you can use. Maybe partner up with someone a make a meal together to save money.
Museums have free days. Find out when those days are and avoid the entry fee. Just be prepared for crowds on those days.
Do NOT buy souvenirs. Take tons of pictures and videos instead! Ensure you have a system to backup your pictures and videos as it is your memories that are precious. If you really want to purchase something, really think about it, as you will have to carry it and spend money on it.

D. Managing & Protecting your money

Before you go on your trip, go to your bank and do the following:

Advise your bank of your travel plans, so that they can put a note on your account and ensure that your cards will work in Europe. Do this for both your debit and credit card.
Get some Euros to take with you.
Ask about ATM and credit card fees. Then inquire if there is a way to minimize such fees. For example, some debit cards will not charge an ATM fee as long as you carry a minimum balance and some credit cards don’t charge a foreign exchange fee.
Ensure you have a positive balance on your credit card by making a payment before you leave.
Do you have online banking? If not, sign up for it so that you can manage your finances from anywhere in the world.
While you are traveling, you may have bills that need to be paid. I would schedule such payments in advance or get a trusted friend or family representative to do it for you.

While you travel:

Take 2 cards: one debit card and one credit card.
Always make sure you have cash on you, as you may not be able to get to an ATM.
Don’t carry on you, more than you can afford to lose. You will be going to the ATM more often and potentially pay more fees, but you will have greater piece of mind. Do the calculations to determine what is the appropriate withdrawl amount for you.

In order to minimize the risk of loss, you will need to separate and place your cards and cash in multiple locations. Here are some possible locations:

backpack, day bag or purse
money belt
pocket: cash in your pocket for small purchases
soles of your shoes
hotel safe (front desk or in your room)
a hidden pocket / strategically sew in compartments into your clothing

And finally, create a fake/toss wallet for yourself!

E. Health

If you aren’t your healthy self, you will not enjoy your trip. The good news is you have lots of control over this. Here are some tips to staying healthy while travelling:

Listen to your body. Yes, that sounds so simple, but most people ignore what their bodies are telling them, especially in new and unfamiliar situations.
Hydration: always carry a reusable water bottle with you, so that you can easily refill it from the tap. It is convenient and you will save money by not having to purchase plastic bottles and creating waste. You can always try adding a slice of lemon or lime to it. Never, ever, ever go anywhere without a bottle of water with you.

Why is it so important to stay hydrated? Well, your body depends on it to survive and in fact is made up more than half of your body weight. Your body needs water in order to be able to maintain its temperature.

Here are the signs of dehydration: sleepiness; dry mouth, extreme thirst, headache, confusion, a lightheaded feeling or dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms you may be dehydrated. Of course the best way to prevent this is to actively drink plenty of water throughout the day. How do you know if you are drinking enough water? Check your urine. If it is light yellow, you are most likely well hydrated, but if it is dark yellow it is a sign of dehydration.

Do not underestimate the power of the sun. Summer in Europe is hot. Wear a hat and loose and breathable clothing. Don’t forget to use sunscreen. Tour early in the morning when it is cooler and less crowded. You should also be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion.
Do not skip breakfast and make sure you have enough fuel to carry you through your activities. I always keep an emergency protein bar in my day bag just in case I need it.
Make sure you are well rested. Get your 8 hours of sleep or whatever the number of hours you need. You can also take an afternoon nap away from the blazing sun. This will give you more energy and ensure you have your wits about you.
Even if you want to sleep, the fact that you have to share a dorm room poses some challenges. Not only do you need to be considerate and thoughtful of others, they should be doing the same with you. Unfortunately, there are some people in this world that are selfish and only think of themselves. Yes, you may get stuck with those that are less evolved, lack awareness and good manners. Be prepared for this by bringing with you ear plugs and headphones to listen to music to zone them out. And don’t forget your patience.
Consider getting a private room if you are feeling like you need some guaranteed rest and privacy. Yes, you may need to break the budget every now and again, so plan for this in your budget.
Take time to yourself to chill and reflect.
You are going to be doing a lot of walking. Certainly more than the usual amount that you normally do in your everyday life, so get into shape before your trip and ensure you have excellent, tested and broken into walking shoes. To get into shape, wear the walking shoes you plan on taking with you and take the stairs and walk everywhere you go, so that you are ready to take on those hills and cobble streets. In fact, put on your backpack and ensure that it is fully loaded when you are trotting about.
Consider taking a probiotic before and during your trip. I always do this to build my gut health as I have a sensitive stomach.
Make sure you always have on you an emergency protein bar.
Alcohol: go ahead an enjoy a lovely glass of wine, cocktail or a beer, but never more than 2 and always with a glass of water. You need to make sure you are not vulnerable and an easy target. You need to be alert, aware and hydrated.
Drugs: never, ever, ever. I would even go so far as to say that if you happen to be around those that are doing drugs, politely excuse yourself.
Take a first aid kit with you and make sure to tell your travel partner where to find it.
Stay in touch with your support network while traveling.
Be aware of bed bugs and know what to look for. Always look at the reviews of the accommodations. Use a liner and your own pillowcase.

F. Safety

You were born and raised in Toronto, so you already have street smarts, so take it with you.

Before you go on your trip:

Research the areas that you will be visiting and become familiar with the safe and not-so-safe areas of a city/country. The same for local scams.
Take a self defense class. In fact, let’s do a class together! I took a few private sessions before my solo trip to SE Asia in the fall and it gave me greater confidence in knowing what to do if I was ever attacked.

Here are some safety tips while travelling:

First and foremost, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Ask the actual locals and other travellers about safety.
Always beware of your surroundings.
Do NOT arrive at a new city at night. Give yourself enough day light hours to find your accommodation and settle in.
Do your touring in the morning. Why? Not only is it cooler and quieter (due to less crowds) it is also safer and more enjoyable. Criminals tend to come out at night.
Always tell someone your plan. For example, the staff at the hostel and/or your family and friends. When I was traveling through SE Asia this past fall, I didn’t have a firm plan before leaving. I just knew I was going to be in Northern Vietnam and had some ideas of what I wanted to do, but I didn’t book anything specific. As I booked some tours, I would then send my plan to my sister via e-mail with specifics.
Create that fake wallet I mentioned earlier.
Don’t draw attention to yourself.
Consider pulling out parts of a local paper and inserting your map into it. That way when you need to look at it, it appears you are reading the local paper and look like a local.
If you need to look at a map, go into a local establishment to look at it there.
Have a code word with your travel partner.
Wear flat shoes as not only are they clearly more practical and comfortable, but you can more easily walk away from a situation or get to safety faster if need be.
The first day you arrive in a new place, sit back and observe.
You should know what to do in an emergency.
Memorize this number: 112. It is the emergency number in Europe.

I would like to highlight two excellent sources of information by the Government of Canada on health and safety while travelling. I encourage you to read these links before your trip:

general advice on travel health and safety
“Her own way – a woman’s safe-travel guide“

G. Backpack, Day Bag, Packing & Packing List

You will obviously need a backpack if you are “backpacking” through Europe. You will also need a day bag. The next step is knowing how and what to pack.

Here are some basics:

If you forget something or end up needing something while you are in Europe, you can simply purchase it there.
Do not take anything that you are not prepared to lose or have stolen.
Less is more!
You can always donate your stuff. If it is worth the postage you can even send your stuff back home.
For ALL of your flights, determine what your weight and size allowance is for your carry on. If you are considering checking in your backpack, it is probably TOO big.

1. Backpack

Choose the right backpack for you. Take your time. Try and test them out. Is it comfortable? Do not go cheap on this critical item, as it will be money well spent. Make sure you test out your backpack after your purchase to ensure you still find it comfortable. Here are a few other tips:

Normally the rule of thumb is not to carry more than 10% of your body weight. In your case 10 pounds is the maximum you should carry. Of course you could probably carry a bit more, but I don’t recommend it.
Make sure that your backpack is a carry on size, otherwise you might be forced to check it in.
One of the downsides of having a light and manageable backpack, means you will need to do laundry often. In fact, probably daily, so just get into the habit and do it as part of your settling-in or wash up routine. Make sure you have quick dry clothing that when you hang overnight will actually dry.

2. Day Bag

My all time favourite day bag is a black collapsible silk day bag. I absolutely love it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any support/structure, so you need to create that yourself and make sure that nothing pokes into your back. I do that by inserting a packing cube into it to contain my stuff and keep it dry. I place my warm layer and/or rain jacket at the bottom of it to create a cushion.

3. Packing

Here are a few tips for packing:

Identify what you absolutely NEED.
Use packing cubes. Get clear ones so that you can easily see the contents. I like to use waterproof ones so that the contents stay dry. Some packing cubes can be compressed, by removing the air, but that is more for hiking.
Roll your clothing into the cubes.
When packing avoid a top or bottom heavy pack by packing your heavy items close to the center of gravity (the middle of your back). You will feel more balanced. Distribute the weight in your backpack as follows:
- Place soft weight items at the bottom of your pack. It will be more comfortable as it will be rubbing against your lower back. Remember that these items will not be easy to access, so choose wisely. I would put my clothing.
- Heavy weight items should be packed in the middle of the bag. Ensure you buffer the items with a soft item, like a jacket, so that it doesn’t rub against your spine.
- Place medium weight items at the top or down the front of the pack.
- Keep frequently used items at the top or in the accessible sides of the backpack (for example, first aid kit, snacks, map, bottle of water).
Use the compression straps! It will bring the load closer to your body and feel like it is more of a part of you. You don’t want your backpack flopping around on your back and throwing you off balance.

4. Packing list

Shoes:

You will need 3 types of shoes:

comfortable walking shoes is critical (make sure you have tested and broken into them before your trip)
cute (no heels)
flip flops (for those communal showers, walking around in your accommodations or at the beach)

Clothing:

light, quick dry, breathable and versatile clothing (4 tops, 4 bottoms and a dress)
PJ’s
undergarments and socks
rain jacket/poncho (you want to stay dry, as wet is miserable)
jacket / sweater
hat
bathing suit
shawl (multi-use)

Toiletries & Health:

quick dry towel
JCloths (yup, if you don’t want to carry a quick dry towel, you can use this instead to dry yourself off as it is super light, dries quickly and eventually disposable when you are done with it)
Ear plugs
First aid kit
Water bottle
sunscreen
toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, etc.)
basic makeup (mascara, blush, concealer and lip gloss)
a jar of peanut butter (instant protein)

Other:

garbage bags (have a few in your backpack as there are many uses for them like keeping you and your stuff dry)
ziploc bags (multi-use)
liner and pillowcase
chargers
adapter / converter
duct tape
money belt
backpack cover (or just use one of the garbage bags to protect your backpack when it is raining)

H. Communication & Relationships

What is communication and why is it so important when you are traveling?

According to Merriam Webster, the definition of communication is:

the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else

Travelling will test the relationship you have with your travel partners.

I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. – Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer Abroad

You have two main challenges: you only speak English and you will be put in new, unfamiliar and at times challenging situations.

The stronger your communications skills, the better your experience will be in every way. Here are a few tips:

You should know a few words in the language of the countries that you will be visiting. It is simply good manners. It demonstrates you are polite and respectful. It also just fun to practice and you will be more likely to get a response or help.
You need to manage expectations with your travel partners before you book your trip. Set boundaries with one another and establish a code word.
Try to stay calm when something is going wrong.
Effective communication is a two way street. I know you know that, but not everyone does. Some people just want an audience and don’t have the ability to consider what you might have to say. Just know it isn’t you and don’t get stuck around such people. They are energy saps and attention seekers. Excuse yourself politely and find better company.

I. Smart Phone & Electronics

Besides a comfortable backpack, tested/broken-in walking shoes and a bottle of water, the next critical item would be a smart phone!

I couldn’t possibly travel without a smart phone. You can stay in touch, take pictures/videos, refer to maps and do research.

Here are some tips:

The only electronic device you need is your cell phone as it is an all in one. Don’t bother with a camera or an ipad. More weight, chargers and stuff to worry about. A smart phone takes good enough pictures.
ensure your smart phone is unlocked
investigate getting a European SIM card and an affordable data plan
use WIFI as much as possible but don’t forget that your information is not secure; so never use WIFI if you are accessing your banking/credit card information and be careful with your passwords
ensure that you have a backup system for your pictures and videos
don’t forget your charger
adapter or converter? yes, there is a difference

The Government of Canada has some excellent advice on cyber security while travelling that you should have a look at.

That’s that. Phewwwwww. I hope I didn’t miss anything!

Fatima, you were well raised and have a good head on your shoulders. You are mature beyond your years. I love your heart and your openness. You have a calm disposition and beautiful inside and out. You are going to charm the pants off those Europeans!

I trust you and believe in you. Go live! Be happy. Be safe! Grow. Explore. Learn. Be.

HAVE. A. SPECTACULAR. TIME.

You know that I am here for you in any way you need me. Call, text, e-mail, Facebook or Snapchat me. Never, ever hesitate to reach out to me.

Love always, Auntie Manita

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

– Hilaire Belloc

Dear Reader,

Do you have a friend, niece, daughter, son or nephew that is going backpacking through Europe this summer? If so, share this with them.