Backpacking Through Europe

[BrodyP]

Hey guys well 6 months of planning and my trip to Europe is finally here in a week. I’ll be backpacking for 8 days. First stop is Amsterdam then over to France, Venice, Rome, and back to Amsterdam to relax . I have never been over seas. I booked all the hostiles already so I would have no worries when I arrive at each destination. I also booked a 4-hour night bike tour of France the first night. No other activities are booked. I was wondering who has been to these destinations? Has anyone backpacked? Where should I visit besides the obvious? And Amsterdam where should I visit and what should I stay away from? Any help would be great, I’m new to all of this.
Thanks all!!

[fredjacksonsan]

Exchange cash before you go, but don't carry too much. Most places take Visa over there.

Double check on visas (travel, not credit) and check to make sure there are no travel advisories for the areas you want to visit. I don't think there are but take a peek at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...w/tw_1764.html

Lastly, have fun and watch out for the hostiles. (I think you meant "hostel")

Sounds like a great trip!

[drunken monkey]

venice: do a google on the small islands for directions and pop into one of the glass factories.
it's also worth going mainland for a walk around - better shopping and there's a bus to the local supermarket to stock up on cheap groceries.

france: I'm resolutely British and France is my sworn enemy.... or something like that.

Amsterdam: look for the Absinth bar. the last time I was there for christmas, they had midgets dressed as santa's little helpers (not the Simpson's dog...) serving but that was christmas. Fantastic architecture if you venture into the suburbs. The big green science museum is cool (to look at).
You've also got to look out for the waffle truck. Skip the strip joints.
Stay away from most of the Obvious tourist cafes. A quick google will bring up the locals' favourites.
And if it's still available, I recommend white zombie.

Rome: too much of a detour when I did my last trek around italy but generally, don't forget to validate you train tickets in Italy; they can be gits when it comes to that.

[thadrawr]

have you seen the movie hostel?? nice knowing you man

im kidding have a good trip man and enjoy amsterdam to the fullest and some

[replicant_008]

General Advice

• Avoid looking like a tourist - no seriously. Folk with US flags on their backpacks are easy marks for touts, muggers and pickpockets
• If you have to consult a map, don't open in the middle of the street (you look like a mark), most intersections in Europe have good street signs, note the streets in the intersection and wander into a cafe, store or off the street to inconspicously consult your map (better work out your route before setting off)
• Try and have your daypack in front of you (it's harder for someone to open and reach inside), don't carry around expensive digital cameras around your neck
• Wallets - not in your back pocket (inside the waistband of your undies or in a money belt).
• The senora at my hostal in Barcelona gave me sage advice - carry only the cash you need for the day in your pockets. Leave the credit cards/passports and valuables in a safe (carry a photocopy of your identity documents with the letterhead of the hotel - if you are stopped by Police refer to fact documents are in the care of the hotel safety deposit box). That way if you are robbed, mugged, pickpocketed you'll only lose a day's travel money - if you turn out your pockets then the mugger will only get change and not your cards, ID or anything that will give them a chance for identity theft (which you won't notice till you get home)
• Know a few phrases - hello, thanks and goodbye. When you go to a shop, use the words like a local (you don't have to have a conversation), look at the cash register (even if you can't work out what price the assistant has said) and give the currency straight away - eg Bonjour, Merci, Au revoir for France. Makes less likely to sound like a tourist.
• Having a few words/phrases to say hello, explain you from overseas and prefer to speak in english when looking for assistance is bloody helpful. Contrary to what the English say French people can be very accomodating, helpful and friendly, esp when they realise that you are not English or American... or alternatively use the condescending practice of talking loudly and slowly in English to them as if they have learning difficulties without trying their language first.
• Stores near tourist attractions or in hotels are rip offs. Souvenir shops are worse - supermarkets are good places to buy supplies.
• Be friendly with the folk you do meet but don't necessarily trust them. Always know where you credit cards and ID are at all times.
• Instinct - if someone isn't right or you feel uncomfortable about something then trust them and leave.
• Do listen to other folk esp other travellers
• Guidebooks are handy but they aren't bibles.
• My suggestion is that the Irish, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and South Africans are good fellow backpackers to talk to/hang around (it's also easy to identify them by their accent and generally are good fun to be around... except in Oktober in Munich/Munchen)
• Remember that not everyone will share your point of view about politics, religion or even your opinion about your country, theirs or someone elses... have an open mind.
• Make notes on your travels in a diary (it's easy to forget interesting things later), take plenty of photos (it's the only lasting thing apart from memories that you probably can have)
• Get your shots. Tetanus is a 10 year booster (for cuts etc) and Hepatitis A (a virus spread via contaminated or undercooked food), Hepatitis B (body fluids) and practice safe sex (that's not something you want a lasting reminder of).
• Medications - the usual rules apply about prescription and OTC drugs. Check first and note that different laws apply in different countries.
• Insurance - I strongly recommend travel insurance esp for medical evacuation, treatment of accidents or sudden illness, personal liability and third party liabilities
• Cellphones - find out if your GSM phone works in the countries you want to travel to (CDMA phones should be left at home). Rather than pay roaming charges, get a cheap non-contract plan (often at the airport) so you can make local calls and folk who call you from home are paying the roaming charge. Have a calling card for use in an emergency to call home toll-free

PS have the contact details of consulate/high commission or embassy in the countries you are considering visiting to contact in an emergency.

[BrodyP]

Awesome info guys thanks so much. Replicant great stuff, common things I just would not have thought of. I appreciate it!!

And I did see that movie Hostel my girl refuses to watch it b4 we go

[Toksin]

Rep = Genius.

[replicant_008]

Originally Posted by Toksin

Rep = Genius.

Nope, just a degree in travelling from the University of Life Experience that's all - brody, good luck mate with the trip. The old saying is that life's a journey rather than a destination... travelling is a whole education - I learnt more on a six week trip in Europe about sculpture, painting and art history than I did studying fine art at high school for two years.

One last piece of advice is that little men and women in uniform don't usually possess a sense of humour. No matter what country it is, be polite, take off your hat and sunglasses when you at immigration and customs counters.

Otherwise, welcome to the big wide world. I hope you enjoy the trip as much as I have enjoyed mine.

[smarties]

Seriously, if you looks touristy, you will definitely become a victim to a pickpocketer.

My friend's wallet and digital camera was stolen, and to this day, he's not even sure when or where this all happened.