[Kabouter]

I don't think it gave simular results. That looks much more depressing then the Europe pictures.

Sorry if it wasn't clear, but I am in Europe.

[Haly]

Overnight trains can be really really really crowded (as in, the individual rooms), although since you're traveling alone and lightweight it won't be nearly as bad.

[trinest]

Sorry if it wasn't clear, but I am in Europe.

Ah okay. Then your point is noticed. :P

[white dynamite]

I don't see myself scrounging up enough money to go backpacking across Europe anytime soon. I'd like to someday, but I'm not going to be able to for at least the next 5 years. So the next best thing is I've decided to vicariously live through you Evilore, and male-believe I'm traveling from your posts and pictures. Don't let me (us) down!

[Burger]

If you are in London for any length of time, and you have an iPhone, get Tube Deluxe. It's amazing. Just tell it where you want to go, and it will tell you how to get there, using buses, the tube, overground, anything.

Buy a weekly zone 1-3 travel card from any underground kiosk. You can go pretty much anywhere you want using the above travel methods.

If you want a couch in reasonably central London for a couple of nights for free then let me know.

[Dany M]

If I were going to backpack around europe, I wouldn't plan a damn thing. I'd take my backpack, my monies and just go, wherever seems interesting for however long I'm interested in staying. Fly by the wind.

[Haly]

If I were going to backpack around europe, I wouldn't plan a damn thing. I'd take my backpack, my monies and just go, wherever seems interesting for however long I'm interested in staying. Fly by the wind.

I'm pretty sure the hollywood approach to backpacking through europe doesn't actually work.

Could be wrong though.

[Sloane]

Also, if you want to immerse yourself culturally, I'd probably recommend not visiting too many countries. Maybe 5 tops over the course of three months, otherwise the whole vacation will just end up being a blur. Personally, I've always started having trouble after three weeks or so, when you've seen so many new things that your brain can't really cope anymore, so I'd probably rather do less than more. Depending on your preferences, England, Ireland, France, Italy and Netherlands / Belgium should make a nice diversified itinerary.

I'm pretty sure the hollywood approach to backpacking through europe doesn't actually work. Could be wrong though.

Nah, it works, it's become even easier thanks to Wi-Fi and iPhones etc.

[Dragonzord]

I'm pretty sure the hollywood approach to backpacking through europe doesn't actually work. Could be wrong though.

Ansane(resetlivegrow on youtube) essentially did that around the entire world.

[Dany M]

I'm pretty sure the hollywood approach to backpacking through europe doesn't actually work. Could be wrong though.

I know several people who've done this, one visted asia, other in east euro and west asia. It seems like a blast.

[Snarfington]

I can't help much with regards to planning but if you want to see (and photograph!) some southern British beauty on your way down to the mainland I'd highly recommend that you pay a visit to the South Downs and Devil's Dyke in particular:

Not the most beautiful place you could go on a backpacking trip, I'm sure, but it's really quite amazing in person, provides amazing opportunities to photograph sunsets and early morning views and has a lovely pub to eat at and draw in the view and talk to people and two traditional windmills that make an interesting visit. There is also a path that follows the hills and you can walk along most of it for an interesting journey if you're into that.

As far as getting to the mainland you can use Eurotunnel, Eurostar or other services like that or even boats. The cost is a little higher than a boat but I would suggest Eurostar for travelling to the mainland as a backpacker because it tends to end you up in more interesting and varied locales than France's port towns or Calais (for Eurotunnel).

Oh yes, and if you're going to be in the UK for a while and might want cheap access to mobile internet you should look into getting a Giffgaff SIM card. They have a good deal for cheap mobile internet when combined with texting (£10 for a month, so it's not even a bad deal if you're only there a week or so) and it's just the best deal you'll get with regards to 3G in the UK as far as I can tell. That said, we have WiFi access at almost literally every large-ish town in the country thanks to McDonald's and Starbucks that should serve you equally well.

[WonkersTHEWatilla]

I recmmend going to Venice. San Marco or Murano. Check out glass blowing workshops.

Have fun wherever it is you end up!

[JJD]

You should crash at random gaffers houses. You would save at least half of your budget! Lol!

Pay then with a tag! XD

[CassSept]

Please come to...

Don't die in a Eastern European hellhole, please.

:(

But yeah, problems with Poland are overblown in my opinion and you shouldn't be afraid. We have some really beautiful landscapes and people are generally friendly to foreigners. Tatry are quite something to behold, and above that Mazury are really beautiful. You will not regret it.

[M_Night]

If you're planning to see more than one city per country, I heartily recommend Cambridge in addition to London. Direct trains are available from London, and also there's something for everyone (plenty of architecture, museums, art galleries, the famous University, pubs, nightclubs, etc etc etc).

yeah, cambridge is a beautiful city, even on an overcast day.

[Milchjon]

I'm pretty sure the hollywood approach to backpacking through europe doesn't actually work. Could be wrong though.

Works al ot better than in the US, actually, due to good infrastructure/great public transport in almost all countries.

[Hero]

Can I come with?

[zerokoolpsx]

I want to do some traveling some day. Backpacking through Europe sounds like fun. A nice change of scenery. Going freeform with no plans terrifies me lol. I have the time, but not the money, so I've decided to vicariously live through you Evilore.

I expect ton of pics!

[Kaako]

Sounds pretty awesome. Hope you take a shit ton of pics of the scenery man. Have a blast!

[GCX]

Northern Europe has some beautiful cities like Stockholm, Riga, Tallinn, Copenhagen, St Petersburg, etc.

Also stop here in Helsinki if you pass by. :)

[Korey]

I've always wondered, what happens if you lose your wallet/passport when you're abroad? Are you just completely fucked?

[Haly]

I've always wondered, what happens if you lose your wallet/passport when you're abroad? Are you just completely fucked?

Yes.

[Fritz]

I've always wondered, what happens if you lose your wallet/passport when you're abroad? Are you just completely fucked?

Wondered this too. Is it like in the movies and you just have to check in at the next embassy? Probably a lot of stupendous paper work.

[Femmeworth]

Reenact Before Sunrise.

[Gunloc]

I don't have any tips or suggestions because I haven't been to Europe. Or anywhere, really. :/

But I hope you have a great time. Stay safe!

[Pookmunki]

Some great suggestions already and surely more to come.
Ill recommend that you visit a fewer number of places for longer to really soak it in.

Madeira is a beautiful island however ( before the mudslides of a few years back - not sure now)

You'll enjoy yourself wherever you go though, this side of the world has some treasures, hidden or otherwise :)

[Peru]

If you want a cheap typical but compact and easy to navigate old-European-city style thing then Tallin is great. Cheap restaurants, old city is beautiful all over. Not big, so you just need a few days there, but a great little experience.

[The_Hitcher89]

Don't plan your trip to London. Set aside 2 days, buy tickets to use the underground all day, and go where you please. Just avoid Brixton :P

[Pringler]

Come to Heidelberg, Germany. It is just ridiculously gorgeous. Plus no need for a hostel, cause I could host you.

[CassSept]

Wondered this too. Is it like in the movies and you just have to check in at the next embassy? Probably a lot of stupendous paper work.

I thankfully never lost my passport, but probably yeah. Checking into embassy is a must. Technically being abroad without a passport (sans EU) is illegal, so this has to be done. A lot of paper work, that too. And I believe you have to be deported immediately too.

[CiSTM]

I've always wondered, what happens if you lose your wallet/passport when you're abroad? Are you just completely fucked?

Not really, pick up phone book or just google the nearest embassy and ask for help, they will gladly assist you.

Also, do go visit Estonia (Tallinn). These days Tallinn is such an awesome city. Mixes old and new well, crazy clubs and plenty of traditional restaurants where they serve about the best food you will ever have. All around nice place to visit and to live. Also, it's cheap place to travel. Not too big either, you don't need more then few days to go through the essentials but if you are into night life then you should stay few more days/nights to party.

[Vastag]

I've always wondered, what happens if you lose your wallet/passport when you're abroad? Are you just completely fucked?

You go to the nearest consulate or embassy and do the paperwork.

[The_Hitcher89]

I've always wondered, what happens if you lose your wallet/passport when you're abroad? Are you just completely fucked?

My Dad had his bag stolen with his passport and wallet in it. He went to the French tourist board in Annecy, they contacted the British embassy, and after some identity-confirmation they faxed over a plain-paper-passport that was only valid until our ferry back to merry old Englandshire was scheduled to arrive back at Dover. Not sure how it works if you're not doing it between EU members

[Kenshin001]

If I were going to backpack around europe, I wouldn't plan a damn thing. I'd take my backpack, my monies and just go, wherever seems interesting for however long I'm interested in staying. Fly by the wind.

This is what I did and I ended up broke and living like a homeless man in Wien until I found a job at a Spanish restaurant. If you have the cash though I doubt it'd reach that point.

Anyway, I'd go London >ferry> Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, then head either north to Scandinavia or south through Czech Rep/Austria and Italy, whatever takes your fancy. Come back to London through France.

I've been to Europe twice now, once backpacking, once as a tourist. Didn't like London that much, absolutely loved Paris in summer and Northern Italy/Austria. The small towns in the Alps are where it's at. Breathtaking scenery, great food, friendly locals.

[KAOz]

Come by Sweden. Me and other swedish Gaffers can show you how to wrestle polarbears, aswell as hook you up with some nice girls.
Then go hiking up North, or as another poster said, go to Gotland. Amazing places.

[Hazaro]

I'll be in Europe for about a month... in about a month.

Love to hear what you'd be up to. Your photos and write ups were really enjoyable the last time. Looking for more food photos!

[SolidPain]

Make sure when you are in London to visit the museums in Exhibition road (and if you have time pass by the Imperial College and say hi :P). The science museum is amazing, as well as the natural history. Plus try to visit the imperial war museum, I really liked it.

Also, visit Edinburgh. I went there for a weekend with a bunch of friends who some of them were participating in a marathon. I really liked the city, and the people there were friendly. You get to see a lot of locals. What we did is that we asked one of the cab drivers to tell us the best places to visit to hear local stories, and he was kind enough to tell us where to go.

[Phantast2k]

I've always wondered, what happens if you lose your wallet/passport when you're abroad? Are you just completely fucked?

Back in the 90ies my then-English teacher got robbed in a shady hotel in a remote town in Thailand and lost everything, except for a few possessions that were on her. She sold her gold chain to be able to stay in a different hotel (the ppl. at the first one acted like they've never seen her before) and called the embassy from there. An employee drove out to meet her and bring her to the German embassy. They gave a temporary passport and payed for the flight ticket.
Back home they sent her the bill.

As for suggestions, dunno - search gaf, lol - there's probably a thread for every major city in Europe.
My next EU destination is Madeira, Portugal mainly for hiking purposes. "Pico do Areeiro" looks great:

[swordfishtrombones]

If you indeed make it to the Netherlands, my suggestion would be to spend a day or two in Amsterdam (lots of nice museums, but very much a tourist trap for the rest; NB: foreigners are not yet banned from coffee shops in this part of the country). Then I would take the train to one of the smaller cities (e.g. Leiden, Delft, Haarlem, Utrecht). Most of them are just as nice as Amsterdam, but a lot less touristy.

Bonus tip: the Kröller-Müller Museum. Situated in one of the prettiest parts of the Netherlands, you grab a free bike and ride around the huge park if you're fed up with seeing all those Van Gogh paintings.

[EviLore]

My next EU destination is Madeira, Portugal mainly for hiking purposes. "Pico do Areeiro" looks great:

Yes plz.

[Alx]

Rome is overrated, Venice is awesome though.

I agree 100%. There are so many better Italian cities to visit than Rome, and Venice is just in a class of its own (I'm having difficulties not planning my next trip to go through Venice, because I should go see other places, but really want to go back there).
Of course Rome still has a few unmissable landmarks (Vatican, Colosseo), but those can be seen within a day.

[storafötter]

I recommend you to visit the Norwegian capital Oslo if you have time or interest. We have plenty of nice nature experiences along with the urban life (beaches, lakes, forest, islands, city). We have a decent enough railway that connects to most of the country if you want to travel South, West, North or to Sweden (eastwards). So Oslo could be a good starting point before visiting the fjords or anything elsewhere in Norway. Here are some pictures I have taken over the years around the Oslo (which is also a big commune/county).

Center of Oslo/Vigeland Park
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v256/Mike_88/oslo/

Oslo during the night
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v2...uring%20night/

Oslo islands
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v256/Mike_88/Islands/

Hovedisland
http://s782.photobucket.com/albums/y...VIII/Hovedoya/

Bogstad
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v256/Mike_88/bogstad/

Bygdøy
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v256/Mike_88/Bygdoy/

If you choose to come here I will be happy to show you around as I enjoy doing that with people who are new to the place. I know some nice spots. I guess thats enough with Oslo/Norway propaganda for now.

[The_Hitcher89]

Go to Mont Blanc if possible, and definietely go up it if you go near it

[strafer]

Sweden man.

Uppsala.

You will love the ladies here. :D

[The_Hitcher89]

Sweden man. Uppsala. You will love the ladies here. :D

Is that where the Millennium trilogy is set? Rings a bell

[Korey]

My Dad had his bag stolen with his passport and wallet in it. He went to the French tourist board in Annecy, they contacted the British embassy, and after some identity-confirmation they faxed over a plain-paper-passport that was only valid until our ferry back to merry old Englandshire was scheduled to arrive back at Dover. Not sure how it works if you're not doing it between EU members

How did he pay for anything?

[The_Hitcher89]

How did he pay for anything?

Phoned the bank, cancelled his card and shared my Mum's card. Not sure what we'd have done if his was the only card we had with us. Guess we'd have had to go back early

[Firestorm]

While studying abroad I loved Cinque Terre in Italy. 5 towns along the Italian Riviera with a beautiful coastal view all along the way. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinque_Terre It is the perfect 10AM-6PM trail... just a nonstop amazing view.

Loved Cinque Terre but as an FYI two of the coastal trails were down when I went about two weeks ago. Had to take trains instead for those. Hopefully they're up in a month or two. The mudslides last fall really did a number on 'em :( Really pleasant hike though. Was great.

http://savevernazza.com/traveladvisortrailupdates/

[arbok26]

ive been to europe 3 times... its freaking amazing... i can't really list it all - but i never had a dull moment anywhere... favourite part was oktoberfest.... OMG.... ive spent about 4 months there in total travelling around...

how come u are going backpacking? isn't neogaf worth like a million dollars?

[Chopper]

If you are travelling to the UK, I can definitely recommend immersing yourself in some quintessential English countryside. I am landlord of a pub on the South coast, about an hour from London, based on the Goodwood Estate, which I would consider the most beautiful part of the country.

And if it's beer you're after, my friend... ho ho ho. I have plenty of that. 50% of my stock is local and independant too, so you won't have ever had it before.