Information on travelling?

Question

I want to travel Europe alone and want some information. I'm a noob to this and so far have established RailEurope would be a cheap way to get between countries - but I need to know what else I would need! For example, do you book all the hostels ect in advance or just turn up.

How does it all work basically?

Answer 1

you can book hostels in advance or just turn up. most of them have room, as travellers are always on the move. your best option would be to book your first few nights and just take it from there. if you book too far in advance you might find you change your original plans and waste money. most hostels have internet access and people along the way will recommend places for you to stay. you'll have a great adventure - enjoy it!

Answer 2

Travel light. That pack or suitcase which doesn't seem like much in your livingroom is a whole different thing when trying to get through train stations, subways and busy streets.

I also think it's important to always have one hand free. That helps with opening doors and just having less hassle.

Have you joined the international hostel association? They have a lot of help. It's not expensive and it's surprising in some countries how many things hostels provide.

Oh, and wear sensible shoes. I see so many people wandering these massive cities in flip flops. It kills your feet, people step on them. It's not good. Take at least two part of shoes so you can alternate.

The other thing I do is separate my money, credit cards and debit cards. I've never been robbed, but if I am I don't want to lose everything and have my trips ruined. And as someone with a backpack you are a target because pickpockets know you can't move quickly and won't necessarily know they've been in your pants - you might just think it's someone who's brushed up against your pack.

I always carry a small amount of loose cash in my front pocket, so I can pay for tickets, papers, all the little things without reaching for my wallet. I always make sure I can feel my wallet. And if you're wearing something under your shirt, try not to make it too obvious.

Italian pickpockets seem to be the best. They also are organized the best and sometimes will scoop down on a scooter and grab your pack (they've been known to cut them off people) or have teams of kids distract you.

One of my friends - this was many years ago - was robbed while in the shower. He came out and found everything gone. He was left with flip flops he wore into the shower and a towel. Nothing else. This was in Morocco. So think about how to protect your stuff while you are inside.

I don't want to scare you. I love travel and make 10 or more trips a year. Just keep a little guard up to protect your stuff. But have a fun time.

Answer 3

With regard to hostels, it depends on the time of year. Summers are busy, so you would need to book ahead then. Out of high season, you might want to verify that the hostel you want to stay at is open when you're planning on being there. You might also be advised to check from region to region, I know that in Bavaria (Southern Germany), you can't stay in a youth hostel if you're older than 26, unless you are supervising a group of students.

You might find this website helpful, if you haven't found it so already: www.hostelworld.com

Have a great and safe trip.

Answer 4

Try this site for information on getting between countries and accommodation. Have a great time
http://www.seat61.com/

Answer 5

Look on Hostel Bookers.com and Hostel world.com for accomodation
Work out ya itinerary....fly from UK?
Get a cheap flight to first destination......Using Ryan Air-Easyjet or Wizz airlines. Get a cheap flight first...start from there..........
Frankfurt...Go either into Poland-direction(krakow is nice)........or...train down to munich.........then train through.austria...slovenia......arriving in Zagreb.....Croatia(get train down to Split).......boat over from Split (1 hour-£20 return) to island of Hvar using jadrolinija ferries....you can boat down to dubrovnik or boat up to rijecka.....or boat over to Italy(ancona).. south Italy is nicer......bit more pricey for that boat though.............or arriving in Zagreb -Croatia...train to Belgrade(serbia)........train into Romania(north Romania is nice...get to Brasov area).........then train up into Hungary and work ya way back.
Stick to the cheaper countries for extended stays.....Romania-Poland-Bulgaria etc.....don,t spend too much time in pricey countries ..........
You can book ya first nght or two accomodation on internet..Hostel Bookers covers most of europe.........ya can keep costs down by booking a bed in a dormitory....(if ya don,t mind others snoring)......take a holdall (with little lock on the zip).........keep ya valuables(dosh/tickets etc and passport) in a bodybelt................most of Europe is safe.....watch the taxi drivers in Romania, especially in Bucharest....little things like that...
Europe is a doddle....
Recommended Hostels...
Zagreb/Croatia...Ravnice hostel
Budva/Montenegro...Hippo hostel
Krakow/Poland...Trzy Kafki Plus or Basztowa...both walk distance to centre/trains etc
Prague.....Alia hostel
Check the Hostel websites.........enjoy