The Savvy Backpacker is the ultimate guide for budget backpackers who want honest, in-depth, and independent travel advice for their backpacking trip in Europe. This site is constantly being updated with the most helpful and …
Read the full story »Choosing Your Itinerary, Budget Planning, Money Matters, Travel Planning Tips, Etc.
Advice For Packing, Complete Packing List, How To Choose A Backpack, How To Dress For Each Season, Etc.
Train Travel Tips, Eurail Passes, Air Travel Tips, Car Rental Help, Bus Travel, Etc.
Information on Hostels, CouchSurfing, Apartment Stays, Camping & More
Money Saving Tips, How To Avoid Scams, Solo Traveler Info & Tons Of Great Advice
Knowing what items to pack for your European backpacking trip is one of the biggest challenges for most backpackers because it can be very daunting. This is especially true for beginners. Nearly every new traveler brings way too much stuff. The number one rule of backpacking is to pack light. I’ve seen people with monster backpacks that were so heavy they could hardly stand up.
I suggest limiting yourself to 20-22lbs worth of stuff (including your backpack). If you exceed 22lbs (10kg) you start running the risk of exceeding the carry-on weight limit for budget airlines (Ryanair). Even if you don’t plan on taking planes, I still suggest keeping your weight around 20lbs. Unfortunately, many of you won’t listen to this advice but hopefully some of you will. Read the full story »
Budget backpacking and cheap travel can be difficult in Europe. Many travelers end up spending a lot more money then they need to—especially on day-to-day things—simply because they’re unaware of money saving strategies. I’ve complied a …
Depending on who you ask, tipping in Europe seems to spark a lot of controversy because each country has their own tipping culture. In fact, American’s are known for over-tipping in Europe so some waiters …
A proper itinerary is essential if you want to go backpacking cheap in Europe. There are so many amazing places to visit in Europe—you could travel for over 12 months and still feel like you’ve missed …
Your budget is usually the most important factor when planning your European travels. Unfortunately, planning is very confusing because it is so difficult to know how much you’re actually going to spend. There are …
I am not a fashion expert and I don’t claim to be one. The point of this guide isn’t for teaching you how to look “European.” In fact, there isn’t really a “European” look. Just …
Your plane ticket to Europe will probably be your single greatest expense. Unfortunately, after the economy collapsed many airlines cut back on their number of international fights so there are less tickets available—which means that days …
Traditionally, guidebooks have been the traveler’s bible, and I think they’re still a great resource for planning your journey. Although, over the past few years there has been a proliferation of online travel resources and …
Want to truly experience the local culture, save money and make friends all over the world? Then you should consider CouchSurfing. The couchsurfing scene has exploded over the past few years and it is hugely …
Hostels are great but sometimes it is nice to get some privacy. If you want change things up a bit, consider renting an apartment or flat in Europe. It is a great way to experience …
First off, Europe is pretty safe and there isn’t a ton of violent crime. Most would argue that large European cities are much safer than most large American cities. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people …
 Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door 2011: The Travel Skills Handbook
A great book with a lot of good info for newbie travelers that want to truly experience Europe.
Other Rick Steves Books  |
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 The Rough Guide First-Time Europe
Some good advice aimed at budget travelers.
Other Rough Guide Books |
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 Lonely Planet: Europe On A Shoestring
Lonely Planet's guide to budget travel in Europe.
Other Lonely Planet Books |
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 Let's Go Europe: The Student Travel Guide
Lot's of helpful travel advice. Worth checking out. |
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 Notes from a Small Island
— Bill Bryson
A hilarious and witty travel book from the popular humorist, Bill Bryson. This book is full of great stories from Bryson's 20+ years living in the UK. |
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 Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe
— Bill BrysonBryson recounts his journeys through Europe with great wit and humor. |
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 How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization |
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