Planning a Backpacking Trip Through Europe

Backpacking through Europe is a classic first big trip, and for good reason: dense rail networks, short distances between very different cultures, plenty of hostels and a long tradition of budget travel make it easier than most regions to explore independently. It still rewards planning. Rules for entering Europe are changing, prices vary hugely between countries, and the most common mistakes, such as trying to see too much, are easy to avoid. The guide below follows the planning order from route to packing to life on the road.

1. Sketch a route, then cut it down

The most common regret among first-time backpackers is moving too fast. Spending just a day or two in each city means much of the trip is spent on trains, packing and finding accommodation. A good rule is to stay at least three nights in most places, and to plan routes that follow geography: for example, a western loop through Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Switzerland; a central route through Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest; or a southern route through Spain and Portugal. Leave a few days unplanned for places you discover along the way.

2. Check the entry rules

Most of continental Europe belongs to the Schengen area, which has no routine border checks between member countries. Many visitors, including citizens of the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area combined, not per country. Overstaying can bring fines and entry bans, so count your days if you plan a long trip. The EU's Entry/Exit System, which records non-EU travelers' entries and exits digitally instead of with passport stamps, began operating in October 2025. A separate travel authorization called ETIAS is scheduled to follow, requiring visa-exempt visitors to apply online before travel. Check the official EU websites for the current status. The UK is not in Schengen and has its own Electronic Travel Authorisation for many visitors.

3. Budget by region

Costs vary dramatically. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark and major cities such as London, Paris and Amsterdam are expensive. Much of Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Portugal and parts of Spain, Greece and Italy are considerably cheaper. Mixing expensive and cheaper regions stretches a budget. The main costs are accommodation, transport, food and attractions, and building in a buffer for unexpected expenses avoids running short.

4. Plan transport

Trains. Rail passes such as Eurail (for non-Europeans) and Interrail (for European residents) allow flexible travel across many countries, but many high-speed and night trains require paid seat reservations. Compare the pass price with point-to-point tickets for your actual route, since booking in advance can be cheaper for a few long journeys.

Night trains have made a comeback, with routes linking cities such as Vienna, Munich, Amsterdam, Zurich and Rome. They save a night of accommodation and a travel day.

Buses are often the cheapest option, especially in Central and Eastern Europe.

Budget airlines can be cheap for long distances, but strict baggage rules and fees, plus airports far from city centers, can erase savings. Read the bag allowances carefully.

5. Choose accommodation

Hostels are the backbone of budget travel in Europe and are a great way to meet other travelers. Many offer private rooms as well as dorms, kitchens for cooking, laundry facilities, lockers and organized activities. Read recent reviews for cleanliness, security and atmosphere, since some hostels are known as party hostels while others are quieter. Guesthouses, budget hotels and short-term rentals are alternatives, especially for groups.

6. Pack light

You will carry everything up stairs, onto trains and across cobblestones. Many experienced backpackers recommend a pack of around 40 liters, which often meets carry-on limits. Essentials include:

• Clothes for about a week that can be layered and mixed, plus a lightweight rain jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes already broken in, and sandals or flip-flops for hostel showers
• A padlock for hostel lockers, a quick-dry towel and earplugs
• A universal plug adapter and a power bank
• A small daypack for sightseeing
• Copies of documents stored securely online

Laundry facilities are common, so there is no need to pack for the whole trip.

7. Sort out money and phones

Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases, especially in parts of Eastern Europe and rural areas. Use cards without foreign transaction fees where possible, and when a terminal asks whether to pay in your home currency or the local one, choosing the local currency usually gives a better exchange rate. eSIMs or local SIM cards provide affordable data. EU roaming rules mean that a SIM from one EU country can usually be used across the EU at no extra cost.

8. Stay healthy and safe

Travel insurance with medical cover is essential. EU and some other residents may be covered for state healthcare by the European Health Insurance Card or its UK equivalent, but this does not replace travel insurance. Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists, particularly in busy areas of large cities and on public transport. Keep valuables in a zipped inside pocket or money belt, and be wary of distraction tactics such as petitions and staged commotions. Europe's general emergency number, 112, works across the EU.

Food on a budget

Eating out every meal adds up quickly, especially in Western Europe. Supermarkets, bakeries and markets make cheap picnic lunches easy, and hostel kitchens let you cook breakfast and dinner. In many cities, lunch menus offer a set meal at lower prices than dinner. Local specialties from street stalls, such as crepes in France, pizza al taglio in Italy or burek in the Balkans, are filling and inexpensive.

Staying connected with home

Share your itinerary with someone at home and check in regularly. Save digital copies of your passport, insurance details and bookings, and note the contact details of your embassy in the countries you visit. A small notebook with key addresses written down helps if your phone dies.

9. Travel respectfully

Some popular cities have introduced measures to manage overtourism, such as Venice's day-tripper fee and limits on short-term rentals in several cities. Learning a few words of the local language, respecting quiet hours in hostels and residential areas, and visiting lesser-known towns as well as famous cities make for a better trip and a lighter footprint.