|
Help on the Way
Slipknot420

Registered: 08/12/00
Posts: 2,893
Loc: Another World
|
Anyone ever backpack around Europe?
#5646254 - 05/18/06 12:53 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Where did you go? When did you go and how long did you do it for? Did you go about it alone? With friends? What did you think of the experience?
Any advice on going about this that could be helpful?
Know any especially helpful websites about it that you'd like to share? 
Or any people who just have recommendations of must-see places in Europe?
--------------------
*Divine Moments of Truth* "Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns - it calls me on and on across the universe" ~ John Lennon "Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right" ~The Grateful Dead "Religionists, with their guaranteed eventual paradise, of which they know nothing, taking it all on 'faith,' can't be expected to understand or sympathize with those with a yen to storm the Gate of Heaven and see for themselves what all the praying's about!" ~Robert Hunter
|
KingOftheThing
the cool fool


Registered: 11/17/02
Posts: 27,397
Loc: USA
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: Help on the Way]
#5646270 - 05/18/06 12:57 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
>franklin's tower
|
Help on the Way
Slipknot420

Registered: 08/12/00
Posts: 2,893
Loc: Another World
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: KingOftheThing]
#5646278 - 05/18/06 12:59 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
--------------------
*Divine Moments of Truth* "Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns - it calls me on and on across the universe" ~ John Lennon "Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right" ~The Grateful Dead "Religionists, with their guaranteed eventual paradise, of which they know nothing, taking it all on 'faith,' can't be expected to understand or sympathize with those with a yen to storm the Gate of Heaven and see for themselves what all the praying's about!" ~Robert Hunter
|
cybrbeast
Up, then down, then...



Registered: 01/06/03
Posts: 4,777
Loc: event horizon
Last seen: 7 years, 8 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: Help on the Way]
#5646327 - 05/18/06 01:13 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
I made a solo trip which was cut short due to personal reasons, but it was really great. Went to Germany and Switzerland, saw some great things, did some great things and met some great people and a special girl  Skydiving, paragliding and hanggliding in Switzerland were amazing. Here are some pics of the trip: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62401146@N00/
--------------------
futuretribe.space
|
flubbilynumpkins
Governor ofCalifornia


Registered: 07/06/03
Posts: 150
Loc: Inside Your Pencil
Last seen: 16 years, 1 month
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: Help on the Way]
#5646391 - 05/18/06 01:30 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Backpacking Europe was one of the funnest times I ever had, too expensive for me to do again though
Let's see, places to go
Amsterdam: Not just for the obvious reasons but because I thought it was one of the most beautiful places I'd been to. There are tons of great museums (Van Gogh) and parks to explore, plus the people are super friendly. One of the funnest things there was to take a tour of the Heineken factory, relatively cheap and lots of good fresh beer to drink. I wish I had taken a canal tour though, those looked really fun.
Copenhagen: Another beautiful city I'd recommend, lots to do there, rent a bike and ride around just checking the place out. I don't know if it's still there but there was this cool utopian-community-experiment called Christiania I think in the middle of the city. First place I ever saw Mary Jane plants growing out in the open and vendors selling hash from little stands on the street.
Italy: Amazing country, Milan was fun, lots of museums and touristy places to explore. Venice was another really cool city, I could spend a few days there.
Um, any other advice. Look into rail passes, if you're a student you can get International Student cards and get discounts some places. If you're staying in hostels (we did a lot) look into advance accomadations and possibly a hostel membership because it will be cheaper.
Bring lots of socks. And a lock for your backpack. And if you're staying in hostels they usually want you to bring your own sheets, or a sleeping bag will work well too (saved my but a few times when we slept in train stations waiting).
If you're going to be travelling a lot, try and book your train rides at night IMHO. that way you don't have to pay for accomodation for the night and save some money. Although the view out the trains during the day was usually pretty beautiful.
If you've got any other questions feel free to pm me, I've got lots more notes.
oh and LONELY PLANET travels book/books. Those things are my travel bibles.
|
flubbilynumpkins
Governor ofCalifornia


Registered: 07/06/03
Posts: 150
Loc: Inside Your Pencil
Last seen: 16 years, 1 month
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: cybrbeast]
#5646399 - 05/18/06 01:34 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
p.s. those are some amazing pictures cybrbeast, I think switzerland is defineatly a place I wished I had gone to, next time I guess
|
cybrbeast
Up, then down, then...



Registered: 01/06/03
Posts: 4,777
Loc: event horizon
Last seen: 7 years, 8 months
|
|
Thanks flubbily. I got a rail pass for 350 euros or something which allowed me to travel by train through all of europe for a month. Too bad I couldn't use it all.
I would advise not to pack sheets, most hostels I went to had sheets or sheets for rent. A sleeping bag could work but travelling as light as possible is much more comfortable. Also fast drying synthetic clothes and towels are really good, you can wash them in the sink and they dry in a couple of hours. This also means that you don't have to pack that many sets of clothes.
Amsterdam is nice. I live in Holland and personally I think the smaller cities are more beautiful. They are less touristy and usually less dirty and less crowded.
Do you have any pics online?
--------------------
futuretribe.space
|
BLAST_420
Stranger
Registered: 06/19/05
Posts: 1,307
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: cybrbeast]
#5646475 - 05/18/06 02:08 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
if you go to amsterdam take the canal tour they are fun, just dont get the water on you.
|
BLAST_420
Stranger
Registered: 06/19/05
Posts: 1,307
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: BLAST_420]
#5646487 - 05/18/06 02:13 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
and if you go to paris watch out for the dog shit
|
gema
Freedom from the Known

Registered: 10/24/04
Posts: 1,767
Loc: t(here)
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: cybrbeast]
#5646649 - 05/18/06 03:05 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Those are cool pics. Makes me want to go to Europe as well.
|
grphish
the Modern dayPacman

Registered: 04/01/02
Posts: 1,687
Last seen: 9 years, 2 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: gema]
#5646752 - 05/18/06 03:26 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
i live in europe you american bitches don't polute my continent we can spot you from miles away and we don't like you hanging around like retards, trust me
-------------------- BoUnCy BaLL IS All SoUrCe OF LIGhT AnD HaPPiNeSS!!~! *bEEP* *beEP*
|
AlteredAgain
Visual Alchemist


Registered: 04/27/06
Posts: 11,181
Loc: Solar Circuit
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: grphish]
#5646822 - 05/18/06 03:48 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
I'm going to Germany this summer. Too bad I'm missing the World Cup.
--------------------
|
KingOftheThing
the cool fool


Registered: 11/17/02
Posts: 27,397
Loc: USA
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: Help on the Way]
#5646928 - 05/18/06 04:15 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
|
BLAST_420
Stranger
Registered: 06/19/05
Posts: 1,307
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: grphish]
#5646943 - 05/18/06 04:21 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
you couldent spot me because everyone thought i was from canada, eventho im like 2,000 miles from it.
|
cybrbeast
Up, then down, then...



Registered: 01/06/03
Posts: 4,777
Loc: event horizon
Last seen: 7 years, 8 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: AlteredAgain]
#5646952 - 05/18/06 04:26 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
AlteredAgain said: I'm going to Germany this summer. Too bad I'm missing the World Cup.
wtf? I liked hanging out with some Americans in my Europe trip. Most of them were really outgoing and fun even though they were Christians
--------------------
futuretribe.space
|
Help on the Way
Slipknot420

Registered: 08/12/00
Posts: 2,893
Loc: Another World
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: cybrbeast]
#5647642 - 05/18/06 08:30 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
hey cybrbeast, those pictures are awesome! switzerland looks beautiful
thanks for all of the advice and info so far you guys, i'll definitely have to check out some of the places you guys have mentioned
so it seems the train system is very effective in getting around? are hostels generally easy to find and get to?
Is it hard to cross the country borders?
Edit: lonely planet travel books....ill definitely have to check those out too!
--------------------
*Divine Moments of Truth* "Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns - it calls me on and on across the universe" ~ John Lennon "Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right" ~The Grateful Dead "Religionists, with their guaranteed eventual paradise, of which they know nothing, taking it all on 'faith,' can't be expected to understand or sympathize with those with a yen to storm the Gate of Heaven and see for themselves what all the praying's about!" ~Robert Hunter
Edited by Help on the Way (05/18/06 08:31 PM)
|
InTheFlesh714
Drunk

Registered: 10/19/05
Posts: 958
Loc: (714)
Last seen: 9 years, 2 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: grphish]
#5647734 - 05/18/06 08:54 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
grphish said: i live in europe you american bitches don't polute my continent we can spot you from miles away and we don't like you hanging around like retards, trust me
americans can also spot europeans from miles away, we enjoy your company as well! what gives?
|
InTheFlesh714
Drunk

Registered: 10/19/05
Posts: 958
Loc: (714)
Last seen: 9 years, 2 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: cybrbeast]
#5647739 - 05/18/06 08:55 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
ps cybrbeast i was enlightened by your pictures!
|
cybrbeast
Up, then down, then...



Registered: 01/06/03
Posts: 4,777
Loc: event horizon
Last seen: 7 years, 8 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: Help on the Way]
#5647810 - 05/18/06 09:16 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Cool that you like my pictures  The borders in Europe are open, that means no border checks. Sometimes in the train when you cross a border a couple of agents come and just look around. All the train systems are connected. Finding hostels is really easy, especially in big cities. What you might want to do is make a reservation for a hostel in the city where you land, then look on the internet for hostels in the next city.
--------------------
futuretribe.space
|
grphish
the Modern dayPacman

Registered: 04/01/02
Posts: 1,687
Last seen: 9 years, 2 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: cybrbeast]
#5648689 - 05/19/06 12:42 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
americans and canadians, same shit to me you're both bowl smoking fags roll some spliffs instead for christ sake's
-------------------- BoUnCy BaLL IS All SoUrCe OF LIGhT AnD HaPPiNeSS!!~! *bEEP* *beEP*
|
BLAST_420
Stranger
Registered: 06/19/05
Posts: 1,307
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: grphish]
#5648706 - 05/19/06 12:49 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
I roll 6 gram blunts, so you should stop smoking them fag "spliffs" and start smoking blunts
|
alsnow469
Stranger

Registered: 10/15/05
Posts: 392
Last seen: 6 months, 13 days
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: Help on the Way]
#5648938 - 05/19/06 02:24 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
I backpacked alot In Europe, During WWII
I'm not really that old. But I was born
In Germany. I got pushed in a stroller alot there
|
eligal
Noobie


Registered: 05/25/05
Posts: 7,021
Loc: California
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: alsnow469]
#5648974 - 05/19/06 02:45 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
I backpacked too. went to middle school and high school in europe. backpacked from home to school.... and the head shop!
-------------------- \m/ Spanksta \m/ "do you have the freedom to do with your nervous system what you want?" "MolokoMilkPlus said: I'll respect you if you let me give you a blow job" "tactik said: respect the can."
|
Jalruza
Boot Lover


Registered: 10/09/04
Posts: 1,985
Last seen: 15 years, 7 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: eligal]
#5649144 - 05/19/06 05:09 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
The only place in Europe worth going backpacking is Amsterdam. Everything else is pretty low if you consider yourself hardcore esteemed backpacker.
I.e. you not gonna find anything on the same level as Autralia or Asia backpacking, and ive done both.
-------------------- Time keeps ticking and running away And It's taking us fast to a brand new free dimension Too cool to mention well that's the intention But some of us too dame blind to see Jesus is the King Volume I Jesus is the King Volume II Shroomery MSN club I'm talking to aliens! Volcano Vap and Brain Chakras Hilary Duff!!
|
Jalruza
Boot Lover


Registered: 10/09/04
Posts: 1,985
Last seen: 15 years, 7 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: Jalruza]
#5649152 - 05/19/06 05:19 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Try going to london maybe, we have one big hostel in here called generator. Lots of peeps from around the world, nice bar where you get a free drink everynight for newcomers and get chance to meet each other.
But still it sucks, hard to score drugs, last time we ended up going to SOho and asking bar tenders there... Also metro closes at 12 and re opens at 6 so if you end up going clubbing you gonna be stranded for the night.
|
HeadTripVertigo
at least I'm housebroken



Registered: 05/07/06
Posts: 10,788
Last seen: 5 years, 10 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: Jalruza]
#5649190 - 05/19/06 06:01 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
No way, keep out of the UK. don't you know what happens when you go backpacking in/around england?
-------------------- TACOS LIKE A MOTHERFUCKER
|
cybrbeast
Up, then down, then...



Registered: 01/06/03
Posts: 4,777
Loc: event horizon
Last seen: 7 years, 8 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: BLAST_420]
#5649236 - 05/19/06 07:00 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
BLAST_420 said: I roll 6 gram blunts, so you should stop smoking them fag "spliffs" and start smoking blunts
You live in Amsterdam and you roll six gram blunts? If you smoke that alone you must get seriously stoned, couch locked and mute.
Ewok, that's bullshit about Amsterdam being to only worthwhile place. Maybe Australia and Asia have more interesting landscapes, but Europe has a lot of really great and diverse culture and museums, if your into that kinda stuff. There's also tons of beautiful natural and diverse places to hike in.
@HeadTripVertigo That's a great movie
--------------------
futuretribe.space
|
Jalruza
Boot Lover


Registered: 10/09/04
Posts: 1,985
Last seen: 15 years, 7 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: cybrbeast]
#5649238 - 05/19/06 07:02 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
i donno, europe is so over populated and expensive that it takes the edge off
|
cybrbeast
Up, then down, then...



Registered: 01/06/03
Posts: 4,777
Loc: event horizon
Last seen: 7 years, 8 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: Jalruza]
#5649246 - 05/19/06 07:09 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
The UK is fucking expensive, most other countries especially in the east and south are pretty cheap. Also the backpacker/tourist hotspots are usually more expensive than other cities close by. I don't think it's that overpopulated. I live in Holland which is supposed to be one of the most crowded countries. When I take a train or go by car I still see tons of empty space and cow pasture. Most cities are really not that crowded because almost all the cities are mostly low rise.
--------------------
futuretribe.space
|
kilroy69
POKER GOD


Registered: 11/19/00
Posts: 1,303
Loc: Jackson,MI. And not in pr...
Last seen: 8 years, 4 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: cybrbeast]
#5649351 - 05/19/06 08:17 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Ever see hostel?
-------------------- Yeaaa im still alive.
|
cybrbeast
Up, then down, then...



Registered: 01/06/03
Posts: 4,777
Loc: event horizon
Last seen: 7 years, 8 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: kilroy69]
#5649433 - 05/19/06 08:59 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
No, not yet. Ever seen Cabin Fever? Does that not make you want to go to cabins anymore? It's just a movie.
--------------------
futuretribe.space
|
kilroy69
POKER GOD


Registered: 11/19/00
Posts: 1,303
Loc: Jackson,MI. And not in pr...
Last seen: 8 years, 4 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: cybrbeast]
#5649507 - 05/19/06 09:30 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Yep. And I don't like clowns because I watched IT.
-------------------- Yeaaa im still alive.
|
alsnow469
Stranger

Registered: 10/15/05
Posts: 392
Last seen: 6 months, 13 days
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: HeadTripVertigo]
#5650511 - 05/19/06 02:31 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
HeadTripVertigo said: No way, keep out of the UK. don't you know what happens when you go backpacking in/around england?
Good PIC
|
BLAST_420
Stranger
Registered: 06/19/05
Posts: 1,307
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: alsnow469]
#5650525 - 05/19/06 02:35 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
I'm not from Amsterdam I just put it there for fun
|
Help on the Way
Slipknot420

Registered: 08/12/00
Posts: 2,893
Loc: Another World
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: BLAST_420]
#5651094 - 05/19/06 05:55 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
haha...hostel was a little more traumatic than cabin fever ("PANCAKES!!!!!!!!" ~Crazy martial arts kid)
i would like to get to the UK and Ireland too, i've heard great things about both places...but im not really sure how since they are on the island...probably a lot more expensive to get to than simply taking a train...
plus yea ive heard from a lot of people that London is really expensive in general
is there a semi-affordable way to get to the islands? or is it pretty much gonna be hard and expensive?
--------------------
*Divine Moments of Truth* "Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns - it calls me on and on across the universe" ~ John Lennon "Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right" ~The Grateful Dead "Religionists, with their guaranteed eventual paradise, of which they know nothing, taking it all on 'faith,' can't be expected to understand or sympathize with those with a yen to storm the Gate of Heaven and see for themselves what all the praying's about!" ~Robert Hunter
|
cybrbeast
Up, then down, then...



Registered: 01/06/03
Posts: 4,777
Loc: event horizon
Last seen: 7 years, 8 months
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: Help on the Way]
#5651369 - 05/19/06 07:23 PM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
There goes a train from Calais in France, through a tunnel under the north sea channel, to Kent in the UK. One of the longest tunnels in the world. Also flights within Europe are usually dirt cheap if you can fly via Easyjet.
London is pretty expensive but there are some nice hostels which are really affordable. Hostels usually have kitchens so if you buy your food and drink at a supermarket it's not that expensive.
--------------------
futuretribe.space
|
Help on the Way
Slipknot420

Registered: 08/12/00
Posts: 2,893
Loc: Another World
|
Re: Anyone ever backpack around Europe? [Re: cybrbeast]
#5671940 - 05/25/06 08:50 AM (17 years, 8 months ago) |
|
|
anyone been to vienna? nobody mentioned it in this thread, and nobody i know in real life has ever been there or mentioned it either, so im wondering about it
--------------------
*Divine Moments of Truth* "Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns - it calls me on and on across the universe" ~ John Lennon "Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right" ~The Grateful Dead "Religionists, with their guaranteed eventual paradise, of which they know nothing, taking it all on 'faith,' can't be expected to understand or sympathize with those with a yen to storm the Gate of Heaven and see for themselves what all the praying's about!" ~Robert Hunter
|
|