Most people groan when they receive a pair of socks as a gift but seasoned travelers jump for joy. That’s because high-quality socks essential when you’re on your feet all day. In fact, bringing cheap cotton socks is one of the biggest mistakes that inexperienced travelers make. This guide will explain why quality socks are so important when you travel and we’ll tell you our favorite hiking socks for backpacking Europe.

Why Good Socks Are Important

Think about it… you’re going to spend hours and hours on your feed every day when you’re traveling. You want to treat your feet as well as possible because once your feet starting hurting it makes walking miserable. Good socks will keep your feet dry, prevent blisters and help eliminate odor. Good quality socks are not cheap but they should be viewed as an investment. Plus, they’ll last for a few years before wearing out so in the long run they’ll probably be cheaper than those cheap cotton socks that need to be replaced more often.

The best socks are made of fine wool, synthetic materials or sometimes a combination of both. The worst material is cotton. Just avoid cotton socks at all costs.

Best Materials For Hiking Socks

Merino Wool

Merino wool is the wonder fiber of choice for many of the best quality socks. Merino wool provides cushion, naturally wicks moisture, doesn’t smell, provides warmth in the cold, and helps keep feet cool in the heat. If you want wool socks it is recommended to purchase high quality wool because cheap wool is often itchy and poorly constructed — which leads to improper fit. The best wool socks are constructed with fine merino wool so they aren’t itchy and they’re sturdy — which means they’re last for years. Wool also has the amazing ability to stay warm even when wet — which comes in handy if you ever step in a puddle if you’re traveling in the winter. Wool does tend to be more expensive than synthetic material.

Synthetic

Synthetic materials have advanced greatly in over the past few years so there are many high quality socks that offer many of the same benefits that are found in their wool counterparts. Synthetic socks also do a good job of wicking moisture and some people thing that synthetic materials are more durable than wool. Drying time for synthetic socks is also normally shorter than wool. Some synthetic socks tend to smell but many companies incorporate antibacterial materials that help stop odor. Synthetics are generally less expensive than wool.

Wool and Synthetic Blends

There is a new breed of socks that are constructed of both marino wool and synthetic materials. They provide the advantages of both wool and synthetic. Some also incorporate other natural materials like silk and bamboo.

Major Benefits of Quality Hiking Socks

Super Fast Drying

Good socks can be hand-washed in the sink and will air-dry overnight. This is nice because it cuts down on the amount of socks you need to bring when you travel. Cotton socks will take well over 24 hours to air dry.

Keeps Feet Dry

High performance wool and synthetic socks wick away moisture from you feet. Having sweaty feet leads to painful blisters and these special materials wick away moisture from your skin — which helps prevent blisters and odor.

Helps Stop Smell

Fine wool is naturally odor resistant and many synthetic materials have anti-bacteria coatings. This is important when you can’t/don’t wash your socks after each wearing. You can usually wear a single pair of socks for a few days before they start to smell. Normal cotton socks will be pretty stinky after one day long wear.

Best Hiking Socks For Warm Weather Travel

It may seem a bit strange but wool socks are actually great in the summer. The key is using fine lightweight merino wool— you obviously don’t want thick bulky socks during the summer. If you don’t like wool (or don’t like the price of merino wool) there are a lot of synthetic options. Generally, I look for lightweight running socks running since they are designed for performance.

Women’s Warm Weather Travel Socks

Smartwool Hide and Seek These are great no-show socks for walking around the streets in casual sneakers and other low top shoes. These have extra wool in the heel for added comfort.

Men’s Warm Weather Travel Socks

 Best “Three Season” Socks for Spring, Summer and Fall

You’ll often seen socks described as “three season.” This means that they are suitable for all but the coldest winter days. These type of socks do come in various weights so the thicker style are better for cooler days and the thinner are suitable for the heat. Also, winters in Europe tend to be fairly temperate so these “three season socks” should be fine. I actually prefer to wear two pairs of these medium weight socks (as opposed to one heavy pair) when it get really cold but that is personal preference.

Women’s Socks for Spring and Fall

Men’s Socks for Spring and Fall

Best Heavyweight Hiking Socks for Winter Travel

The following socks are thick and cushioning. They are generally best for winter but are often suitable if you’re going to be hiking a lot. A lot of travelers choose to wear two medium weight or one lightweight and one medium weight socks together instead of one heavy pair. This allows you a bit more versatility and it is more economical since you’ll be able to wear these new socks more often once you’re back home.

Treat Your Feet

Don’t forget to pamper your feet.

O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Creme - This famous feet cream will make your feet baby soft. It does an amazing job on cracked and rough feet.

Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister Cushions - You shouldn’t get blisters if you wear good socks but it is good to be prepared… so throw a few of these blister bandages in your bag.

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Whether it’s in Europe or Southeast Asia, a comfortable pair of underwear is essential when you’re traveling. You don’t want to be stuck on a long flight or walking around a city with a pair of constricting drawers. Luckily, there are a new breed of high tech underwear made specifically for travel. We’ve reviewed the best travel underwear for men and women.

Why You Need Travel Underwear

Travel underwear is great because… 

• Quick Drying – The high-tech synthetic material dries extremely quickly so you can wash your underwear at night and they’ll air dry completely in just a few hours. This means you can bring less pairs — which will save you space in your bag. For reference, a pair of cotton underwear can take 24+ hours to air dry (and even more in high humidity climates).
• Breathability – Normal cotton underwear doesn’t breath well and cotton holds in sweat. This leads that swampy feeling we’ve all experienced. Travel underwear allows more air circulation and it also wicks sweat away from your body. These high-tech fabrics allow you to stay cool and dry in all conditions — and this is a huge benefit for travelers.
  • Also, breathability is crucial during the winter. Remember that you still sweat when it’s cold. That sweat will chill you down — even if you are bundled up. High-tech materials will wick the sweat away from your skin and it will help keep you warm and dry.
• Odor Control – Many of these fabrics have natural anti-odor properties or a special antimicrobial coating. I think those benefits speak for themselves.
• Lightweight – Travel underwear is made up extremely lightweight material, which means less weight in your bag.
• Great at Home - Even thought they’re made for travel, these underwear are so comfortable that they’re great for wearing long after your travels are over (which helps justify their price). I know many people who have replaced nearly their entire underwear collection with travel underwear.

Drawbacks of Travel Underwear

• The Price – At around $8-$30/pair, travel underwear isn’t cheap. Luckily, you only need 2-3 pairs. This price does dissuade some people but experienced travelers constantly rate  their travel underwear as their favorite purchase.
• Air Dry Only – This is actually a benefit when you’re traveling but make sure you don’t throw these in the dryer when you’re using them back at home. High heat can shrink or completely ruin these high-tech materials. Luckily, they do air dry in just a few hours so it isn’t a huge deal.

And Now Our Vote For The Best Travel Underwear

Exofficio Give-N-Go Travel Underwear

Exofficio is the undisputed leader in travel and their ‘Give-N-Go’ line of travel underwear is the top choice of many travelers. I’ve heard of multiple people who’ve worn these for a week straight without changing them. These are made out of synthetic material that dries incredibly quickly. The Give-N-Go line has multiple designs and colors for men and women.

Men’s Models 

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Brief
ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer
ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Brief

Women’s Models (the ‘lacy’ version is a new addition to the line that adds a bit of femininity)

ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs
ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Boy Cut Brief
ExOfficio Women’s String Bikini
Exofficio Women’s Give-N-Go Thong
ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Lacy Low Rise Bikini
ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Lacy Thong
ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Lacy Bikini

Smartwool Microweight Underwear

If you’re one of the people who don’t like synthetic material then you should look at the Smartwool Men’s Microweight Boxer Brief. These are made out of super fine merino wool (which doesn’t itch and stays cool in the summer) but at $50/pair  they are really expensive. They are incredibly nice but are probably too pricey for budget travelers.

Smartwool also has a line of women’s Microweight underwear that is more affordably priced than the men’s version. 

Icebreaker Underwear

Don’t let the icebreaker name fool you… these can be worn all year round. These soft merino wool underwear wick away moisture and naturally resist odors. They’re also breathable and dry quickly. Icebreakers are around half the price as Smartwool so they are a good option if you prefer natural fibers.

They offer both men’s and women’s styles.

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Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) is a famous French children’s book that everyone should read. Dessine moi un mouton (Draw me a sheep) is one of the most famous lines from the book.

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A nice pair of headphones or earbuds is a great travel accessory. Having music really helps make flights more enjoyable and I think it makes train travel even more magical. When you wear them while walking around a city it makes you feel like you’re in a movie. There are hundreds of headphones on the market but this list will feature a range of our favorite headphones for travel — from quality budget models to high-end noise-canceling options. We believe that the headphones listed below are the best value for the money at each price-point.

Features to look for when searching for the best headphones for travel:

• Price — While higher end headphones do cost a lot, you don’t necessarily have to spend a ton to get a quality pair.
• Packability — Some headphones can be big and difficult to pack.
• Comfort — Even the best sounding headphones become less desirable if they become uncomfortable after wearing them for a long time.
• Audio Quality — Cheap headphones usually don’t sound that great but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality pair. The recommendations below all received positive reviews for audio quality
• Noise Cancellation — High-end headphones often have a noise cancellation feature. This is great for airplanes and other loud environments. This feature is usually pretty expensive so it might only be best for very frequent travelers.
• Bang-For-The-Buck —Look for headphones that get the best rating at the price you are comfortable spending.

The headphones on the list below are ordered by price. We chose each each pair based of their reviews. We know everyone has a different travel budget so we tried our best to list headphones in the $25-$300 price range.

Bose QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones - $299

Priced around $300, these Bose headphones are pricey but they’re amazing at canceling outside noise. These are perfect for long plane rides and they get positive reviews for sound quality. Over-the-ear headphones can get a bit bulky but the QuietComfort is surprisingly compact. They also come with a travel case so they can be packed away safely. Obviously, the QuietComfort probably aren’t the best choice for budget travelers but if  you’re a flashpacker with some cash to spend then you’ll enjoy these.

Beats by Dre Headphones - $200

Beats by Dre headphones might not have the same sound quality as other similarly priced headphones but they look damn sexy. I saw fashionable people wearing these all over Paris so if you want to headphones that will help you look like a hip city-dweller, these these are the perfect choice. Additionally, these are pretty sturdy, come with a travel case, and fold up for easy packing.

Bose IE2 Audio Headphones - $100

The Bose IE2 headphones are a good option for tech savvy travelers who want outstanding sounding in-ear headphones.  These sound great and they are comfortable. Plus, since they’re earbuds, they hardly weigh anything and they can be thrown into a daypack.  But the quality does come at a price which will probably make it too expensive for most budget savvy travelers.

Grado Prestige Series SR80i Stereo Headphone — $100

The Grado SR8oi is probably the best bang-for-your-buck option for people who don’t want want to pay a fortune but still want excellent quality headphones — many reviewers say these sound just a good as headphones at 2x the price. The SR8oi is constantly voted as the best headphones for under $100. These are not only comfortable but I also really like the retro style design. These don’t fold up but they do fold flat and they’re lightweight.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones - $84

The Audio Technica M50′s are another great value for the money. These produce great quality sound and people all say they’re comfortable — even after wearing them for hours. These are a bit on the big side but they do fold up when you want to store them away.

Sony MDR-V6 Monitor Series Headphones — $75

The Sony MDR-V6 is anther great sub-$100 option. These get great reviews for sound quality but some people complain about the comfort.

Koss PortaPro Headphones — $47

The Koss PortaPro’s are excellent headphones for travel. They are lightweight, fold for easy packing, and their sound quality gets high praises. The PortaPro’s are probably the best headphones in the $30-$50 range. People either love or hate the styling so you’ll have to decide if you like it. I remember seeing people on the Paris Metro wearing these often and the style has grown on me.

Klipsch IMAGE S4 In-Ear Enhanced Bass Noise-Isolating Headphones - $45

The Klipsch Image S4 are probably the best rated in-ear headphones for under $50. This is a great option because they do a nice job of isolating outside noise. Plus, since they’re earbuds, they don’t take up any space in your bag.

Monoprice 108323 Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Pro Headphone - $35

For under $40 you’d be hard pressed to find over-the-ear headphones that sound as good as these Monoprice 108323. They’re sturdy but some people complain about them being a bit uncomfortable after wearing them for awhile.

JBuds J5 Earbuds-Style Headphones - $30

The JBuds J5 are a great option for budget travelers who still want quality sound from their headphones. These come with different size earpieces to ensure a great fit.

Sennheiser HD201 Lightweight Over-Ear Headphones - $25

Sennheiser makes some of the best headphones and the HD201 are the best entry level headphones on the market. They’re known for being a bit uncomfortable after extended wear but for around $25 the HD201 can’t be beat. Plus, at this price, you probably won’t be heartbroken if you lose or break them.

What are your favorite headphones for travel? Let us know in the comments!

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Guide to Best Digital Cameras For Travel in Europe

Picking the right digital camera for travel can be tricky because you want one that fits your travel style. My digital camera is the most essential thing I bring when I backpack through Europe. My photographs are my most cherished souvenirs from my travels. Luckily, digital camera technology is so good and there are so many great cameras to choose from… sometimes too many.This guide will explain all you need to know about choosing the perfect camera for you.

Features to Look For in a Digital Camera For Travel Photography

• Megapixels — Many people assume that more megapixels equals better photo quality. This simply isn’t true. Even budget cameras come with 10+ megapixels (which is way more than what most people need). Anything higher than 8MP should be fine. The real quality comes from a nice lens and sensor quality.
• Fast Lens — Lens aperture is measured in f/numbers, such as f/2.0 or f/3.5. You want as low a number as possible. Basically, the lower the number, the better it will perform in low-light situations.
• Zoom — Do you want a zoom? Some people love a nice zoom and some don’t  care. It is a personal preference based on your shooting style. Either way, always look at the “optical” zoom. A “digital” zoom should be totally ignored.
• Lens Quality — A high quality lens separates low quality cameras from high quality cameras. The only way to find out about the lens quality is by reading reviews.

Choosing The Type Of Digital Camera For Your Travel Style

Point & Shoot vs DSLR vs Four-Thirds — There are three major categories with digital camera — Point & Shoot, DSLR and Micro Four-Thirds. Each have their advantages and disadvantages.

Point and Shoot Digital Cameras

Almost everyone has a digital point-and-shoot camera and this is the type of camera that most backpackers choose to bring to Europe. Personally, I recommend a high-quality point & shoot camera over a bulky DSLR — and many photo geeks agree. In addition, the image quality of the nicer p&S cameras is pretty amazing.

Pros

• Compact — There is a saying about cameras, “The Best Camera is the One That’s With You”. When you’re backpacking you’re much more likely to bring a camera that is small and easy to carry.  These cameras continue to get smaller and the image quality gets better. I’m amazed that its possible to get near pro results from a camera the size of a deck of cards.
• Affordable — You can get a decent camera for about $160 but a really nice one will cost $300-$400.
• Easy to use — Simply point it at your subject and shoot the picture (hence the name).

Cons

• Less control — Many P&S cameras don’t offer as much control as a more expensive dSLR camera. But, unless you are a total photo nerd, this shouldn’t be a huge deal. Most travelers are more comfortable using the automatic features of a camera anyways.
• Poor In Low Light Conditions — If you’ve used a digital camera you’ve probably noticed that they don’t take good pictures in low-light conditions. Although, many of the high-end P&S cameras do a pretty good job.
• Poor Zoom — In general, as cameras get smaller the zoom also decreases.
• Shutter Lag — If you’ve used a digital camera you’ve experienced the lag between pressing the button and the time it takes the camera to actually take the photograph. This lag makes it difficult for taking quality action shots.

Digital SLR (DSLR) Cameras

These cameras are often known as “professional” cameras, although most have an automatic mode that does all the work for you so anyone can use one.

Pros

• Great Photos — You can take some amazing photographs if you know how to use the camera.
• Good Zoom — The choice of lenses for DSLRs means you can find some with a nice zoom.
• No Shutter Lag — Taking photographs of action is much easier with a DSLR because there is no shutter lag.

Cons

• Big and Bulky — The worst thing about a big camera is the hassle of always hauling around all the extra weight and bulk. I know some travelers that bring a camera like this but then end up not using it much because they hate always taking it with them. Even many pro photographers choose to their high-end point & shoot over their DSLR when they travel.
• Need Technical Know-How — To get the best photos, you need to know how to properly use the camera. An inexperienced shooter won’t see much improvement in photo quality when compared to a nice p&s.
• Expensive — A new DSLR starts at about $500 for an entry level but go up to $3000+
• Fragile — Protecting a DSLR can be challenging—especially when you’re always on the move.
• Not Inconspicuous — If you want to take pictures of the locals be prepared for them to shy away when you point one of these huge cameras in their direction. A small camera is less noticeable.

Micro Four-Thirds Digital Cameras

These cameras are fairly new to the market, but I believe they  are the future to photography. They basically combine the best features of DSLRs and point-and-shoot cameras. They are about the size of a point-and-shoot camera but still take DSLR quality photographs.

Pros

• Compact — These are bigger than a compact p&s but they are much smaller than a DSLR. They are small enough to carry around all day and not seem bulky. Unfortunately, these are still too large to be “pocketable” but they will easily fit in a small.
• High Quality Photos — You can take DSLR quality photos if you have a basic understanding of cameras.
• Good Zoom — Depending on your lens you have the ability to have a nice zoom.
• Minimal Shutter Lag —   There is pretty much no (or very minimal) shutter lag.

Cons

• Expensive — Expect to pay around $600-$1200 depending on the brand and lens configuration.
• Image Quality Not Quite DSLR — If you’re a photo nut and need the best image quality possible then you’ll notice the image quality difference. But, 99% of the population will never know the difference. In fact, many pros would gladly give up a little quality for the increased portability.

Other Things To Think About When Buying A Digital Camera

HD Video: A lot of new cameras can take high quality video. If you would like video from you trip make sure your camera has HD video capability.

Batteries: Batteries are incredibility important. I prefer cameras that come with rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. I think cameras that use traditional batteries (AA) are annoying because they are pretty expensive in Europe. Although, some people prefer traditional batteries so this one will come down to your personal preference.

Important Digital Camera Accessories

Memory Cards —Don’t forget to bring enough memory cards. You absolutely don’t want to limit the amount of photographs you take because of limited memory card space. On my first trip I didn’t bring enough memory cards, so I had to constantly look for internet cafes so I could upload my pictures to my flickr account.

Extra Batteries — I bought an extra battery for my digital camera off ebay and it worked great. It was nice not having to worry about running out of battery.

Recommended Digital Cameras For Travel

There are many cameras on the market and broken them down into different categories so you should be able to find the perfect one for your style of travel. Note: Cameras are listed in no particular order.

Best Budget Digital Cameras

Do you eat ramen noodles for every meal? Check out these sub $200 cameras that still perform well.

Handy Digital Camera Accessories

Adobe LightRoom 3 Photo Editing Software — I love Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 for editing my photographs. My photos are so much better because of LightRoom. They have a student version for $80 and the regular version for $299.

Memory Cards — It is essential to have enough memory cards. These new cameras take really high quality photographs but that also means the file sizes are very large. The last thing you want to do is run out of card space while you’re traveling. Don’t buy a bargain brand of memory card because they have a higher chance of having errors.

Also, memory cards are rated by class. The higher the class, the faster the card performs. I recommend getting one rated at 8 or above. Luckily, memory cards are pretty cheap anymore.

I recommend the Transcend 16 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card that costs about $28 (at Amazon). In fact, I like all Transcend Brand media.

Extra Batteries — Don’t forget the batteries! I like to bring an extra battery just in case one runs out of juice during the day. Check eBay for cheap third-party batteries.

Gorillapod Tripod — I used my Gorillapod Flexible Tripod a lot on my trip. It is a handy little accessory that doesn’t take up a lot of room.

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Whether you’re budget backpacking around Europe or jet-setting across the globe, having a computer while traveling is nearly a necessity. To help you wade through all the different options we’ve assembled a list of the best laptops for travel. This guide will feature the best laptops, ultrabooks, tablets, smart phones and other electronics for traveling.

Before you start looking at laptops we should first look at what kind of things you want to do with a laptop. Do you just want easy access to the web and email or do you want to edit photographs and video? Do you want something to fit in a small bag? Do you want an Apple or a PC? Are you going to be living out of a backpack and moving cities every 4 days or are you going to spend a greater amount of time in one location? We will address all these issues in this guide.

Criteria for Finding the Best Laptop for Travel:

• Size — If you’re backpacking around you have limited space to carry stuff and a laptop is a bit bulky. Obviously, the smaller laptop will suite your needs better. The biggest screen size I recommend is 13″.
• Weight — I suggest limiting the weight of a laptop around or under 3lbs (1.36kg). Once you get much above 3lbs the laptop becomes much more difficult to carry around.
• Performance — Not everyone needs the top-of-the-line technology. Most travelers just want the ability to surf the web, check facebook, chat with people back home, and edit/store photographs.
• Price — The more you spend on a laptop the less you have to spend on traveling.

Macbook Air

Unless you need to ability to do a lot of intensive video editing, the Macbook Air is one of the best fully functional laptops for travel. The 11″ model is one of the lightest computers available and it weighs only 2.38lbs so it doesn’t add much weight to your bag. Additionally, the Macbook Air is just a bit over .5″ tall so it is incredibly thin — it is crazy how thin these things are. I also prefer using Apple’s operating system better than windows. Another thing to consider is that there are Apple Stores in most major cities in Europe so you can take your computer there if you have a problem and your AppleCare protection is good worldwide. I had a problem when I was in the UK a few years ago and a certified Apple repair facility fixed my computer at no charge.

But at $999 the Macbook Air might be a little out of some budget travelers price range. Although, Apple products do have a reputation of lasting a long time (I’m still using my 6-year-old Macbook) so its a good choice if you want a laptop to use after your trip. Although, when compared to other “ultrabooks” the Air is reasonably priced.

Samsung Chromebook

If you like the thinness and the light weight of the Macbook Air but don’t want to pay $1000,  you might like the new Samsung Series 550 Chromebook. The 11.6″ wifi model is only $250. The Chromebook runs on Google’s Chrome operating system and it utilizes Google’s suite of cloud-based software applications — Gmail, Google Docs, Google Maps, Google Drive, etc. You also have access to thousands of apps from the Google app store. To get the most of this computer you’d want to have fairly easy access to a wifi connection since so much of this computer is based off using Google Drive (their cloud storage system). I’d say this is a great choice for travelers who don’t have a lot of cash but want access to computer that can do everyday tasks. The Samsung Chromebook is available via Amazon. If you like the Chrombook idea, there are other computers that use the Google chrome operating system.

Acer Aspire One AO756-2626 11.6-Inch Laptop

The Acer Aspire One is a nice option for people who want a fully functional computer that is portable and affordable. This laptop uses Windows 8 so the operating system is fully functional. It doesn’t get as much battery life or have as good a build quality as the Macbook Air but it is $650 cheaper — which is something to consider. This model does have a nice processor, a quality screen, and 4gb of RAM so it’s hard to beat at this price point.

iPad and iPad Mini

Ok, this is not a laptop but I believe that the Apple iPad is a traveler’s dream. While it can’t do advanced processes like a laptop, it can still do nearly everything that a traveler needs. It is perfect for for people who want to surf the web, email, video chat with friend/family, play games, use travel app, watch video and listen to music. The Apple iPad is great for the airplane since not only is it simple for taking through security, but it is good for keeping yourself entertained during the flight.

Weighing in at about 1.4lbs, the iPad is light enough to carry around as you explore a city. Although, if I wanted something small enough to carry around all day I would pick an iPad Mini since it only weights about .7lbs.

Iphone, iPod Touch and Smartphones

Some travelers just want the ability to surf the web, send emails, use apps and use other basic functions. In this case I would choose a smartphone or an iPod touch. Modern iPhone and other android smartphone let you easily (and discretely) use google maps, take photos, use skype, and make phone calls. Having access to 3G/4G can be extremely helpful—especially for using Google Maps to find directions in confusing European cities—but make sure you sign up for a data plan in the country you’re visiting. You’ll have a huge bill if you use your plan from back home since international data roaming is ridiculously expensive.

Do you have a favorite computer that you travel with? Let us know!

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If you’re backpacking Europe on a budget then you’ll probably stay in hostels. Luckily, there are thousands in hostels throughout the continent but it’s not surprising that some are not great. That’s why I always use Hostelworld when I want to review and book hostels. Hostelworld is my favorite booking site because it is the largest booking site so it has a ton of reviews from past travelers. I use these past reviews to make my decision of which hostel to book. In this article I will guide you through my process of booking a hostel and give you advice for finding the perfect hostel at the best price.

Ok, on to the guide…

Once you enter your location and travel dates you’ll get a your search results. At this point I prefer to first filter by rating to see the best rated hostels.

But you should also look at the number of reviews because some hostels might have a really high rating but only have a few reviews. I’d rather book a hostel with a slightly lower rating but with a few hundred reviews than a hostel with higher reviews but only 10-15 reviews. I also like that all the reviews on Hostelworld are from the past 6 months so it gives you a better idea of the hostel’s current condition.

Then I look a little deeper at the review. Hostelworld breaks down the review into six categories: character, security, location, staff, atmosphere and cleanliness. You’ll have to decide which categories matter the most to you.

I also like to read the written reviews of past travelers as they can put a story behind the guest’s reviews.

Additionally, I also look at the hostel’s amenities — like free wifi, kitchens, security, etc. Read more about what to look for when choosing a hostel in our guide to staying in hostels.

At this point I start looking at the price. The display price can be a bit deceiving because it shows the price for the absolute cheapest option. The cheapest option might not be the best option for your travel preferences so that is why I look at the rating first before I look at the prices. For example, just look at the image below. This is just from a single hostel so you can see all the different room and price options some of these hostels have. And notice how the cheapest rate is for a bed in a 28-person dorm room. This is something you’d want to consider when booking a hostel.

How to Book Your Hostel

Booking a hostel is super easy. You select the type of room you want and the total price is shown at the bottom of the page. You are charged a 10% deposit/down payment (this deposit is deducted from your total). You then pay the remainder of the payment directly to the hostel once you check-in.  The whole process is pretty painless and I’ve never had a problem in the 25+ hostels I’ve stayed in.

Once you book your hostel make sure you write down the address, directions and other important information. Most hostels provide this information but it’s a good idea to have this information easily accessible.

The best way to learn about using Hostelworld is by clicking around and exploring the site. Hostelworld also now lists budget hotels and Bed and Breakfasts but I’ve never used Hostelworld to book those type of accommodation.

Hostelworld Reviews — How to Book a Hostel with Hostelworld, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

The Complete Guide to Backpacking Europe

Backpacking through Europe is an amazing opportunity to discover some of the most interesting cultures and cities in the world. But planning your backpacking Europe journey can be difficult since there are so many things to consider. That’s why I created The Savvy Backpacker. This website will cover almost every aspect of backpacking in Europe and this specific planning guide will give you a comprehensive overview for planning your journey. Each section within this article will link to more in-depth articles on the subject so be sure to click around and discover! 

1. Pre-Departure Paperwork Issues
2. Money Matters
3. Choosing Which Season to Travel
4. Travel Itinerary Planning
5. Estimating Your Costs and Budgeting Advice for Planning Your Travels
6. Backpacks and Packing Advice
7. Using Electronics
8. Digital Camera Advice
9. Traveling Solo Tips
10. Traveling with Friends Guide
11. More Great Backpacking Europe Travel Advice

Pre-departure Paperwork Issues for Backpacking Europe

Passport and Visa

It’s a bit of a no-brainer but you need a passport to travel in Europe. Make sure that you don’t put it off until the last minute because it can sometimes take 4+ weeks to get a passport. As of 2013, a U.S. Passport costs $135 but if you need a passport quickly it will cost an extra $73 for expedited service and overnight delivery.

American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens don’t need a visa to visit any European country but the amount of time you can spend in a county will depend on local law. It isn’t too complicated for most travelers. Basically, any American, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand visitor can stay in a Schengen zone country for a total of 90 days without a visa (New Zealand residents can actually stay longer so see the laws if you’re a Kiwi). The Schengen zone countries are listed below:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

But be aware that once you enter the Schengen zone you’re only allowed to visit for the next 90 days and and the time does not reset if you visit a non-Schengen zone country. For example, if you spend 60 days in France, you can only stay in Belgium for another 30 days before needing to leave the Schengen zone. Or if you spend 60 days in France and then you visit the U.K. (which isn’t part of the Schengen zone) for 60 days you will not be able to legally return to any Schengen zone country because you would have first entered a Schengen zone country more than 90 days prior.

You have to wait a full 90 days after the end of your initial 90 day visit before you could enter any Schengen zone country.

The United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and N. Ireland) and Ireland are not part of the Schengen zone so they have their own rules. Visitors can stay in the UK for 180 days without a visa and in Ireland for 90 days.

If you are planning on visiting for an extended period of time you need to carefully plan your journey or look into getting a long-stay tourist visa—which can be difficult. For example, If you plan on visiting the U.K. or Ireland, put it at the very start or end of your trip since they are not part of the zone.

Another note: passport checks are not very common when when crossing boarders of Schengen zone countries, and when they do check, they usually don’t check stamps to see when you arrived. Therefore, there is a chance you can overstay your 90 days without anyone knowing. The only place that ever checked my arrival stamp and asked why I was in Europe for over 90 days was in Iceland (I had to show him my French work visa to prove that I could be there). Other than that, I’ve only had people look at my passport photo. But this option is a bit risky so if you get caught you might get a big fine and you could get expelled from the E.U. for 5 years.

Money Matters for Backpacking Europe

I recommend bringing about 50€ (or whatever the local currency) as it is nice to have a little cash when you arrive. Don’t bring much more than 50€ because you’ll be charged a terrible exchange rate from your local bank to get foreign currency. Also bring a $100 bill (0r whatever your currency) in case you need emergency cash.

The best way to get money while traveling abroad is through an ATM (cashpoint/cash machine).  ATMs will give you a much better exchange rate than you’ll find at a money exchange place or from your local bank back home. The good thing about ATMs in Europe is that they don’t charge you a fee to use their ATM (no matter what bank you use). Your local bank might charge you a fee to use your card in a foreign ATM so be sure to read up your bank’s policies about using your card abroad. It is best to withdraw bigger chunks of cash than making a lot of smaller withdraws since your bank will probably charge you a fee each time you use the ATM.

You can avoid fees in many cases if you’re a member of a bank that belongs to the Global ATM Alliance and you use a foreign ATM that is also a member of the alliance.

It is best to only use your credit card/debit card when making large purchases since you’ll get charged a fee each time you use it. That’s why I like to use cash for small things and then my card if I need to buy something bigger.

Pick Your Travel Season for Backpacking Europe

Most people backpack through Europe during the summer but this is also the high season in Europe. It is understandable that most people want to travel during the summer since the weather is the best but it will be busy and crowded. Another great option is traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). The crowds decrease dramatically during the spring and fall and the weather can still be really nice. If you want to skip the crowds travel in the winter. Although, the weather during the winter can range from mild to very cold (depending on where you travel). If you do want to backpack Europe in the winter, I invite you to read our guide to staying warm while traveling in the winter for tips on traveling .

European Travel Itinerary Planning

Choosing a well-researched travel itinerary is essential if you want to get the most out of your journey. You don’t have to plan every second of each day but I believe you should have a good idea of what you want to do/see before you leave.

Personally, I like to first get take out a map of Europe to get an overview of all the places I can visit. Then I make a note of all the places that seem interesting. Once I have an idea of where I want to visit, I make a rough itinerary and I make sure the order in which I’m traveling makes sense — don’t waste a lot of time and money by traveling in a haphazard manner. I tend to grab a few travel guides to get an idea of what each city has to offer — read about my favorite guide books and online travel guides here.

One of the biggest mistakes travelers can make is trying to visit too many places. While possible, trying to visit five destinations in 2 weeks will totally wear you out and everything will blend together. Trust me. I recommend spending more time in fewer places because it will give you more time to enjoy traveling. Additionally, traveling to each new destination takes a lot of time so you’ll spend a large chunk of your time on a train, plane, or bus if you change destinations every two or three days — plus, traveling isn’t cheap so you’ll save money by traveling less.

Budgeting Advice and Estimating Your Travel Costs

Backpacking in Europe doesn’t have to be extremely expensive but it can be pretty costly if you don’t pay attention. Your budget will also depend on your personal travel style and budget restraints but I assume most people reading this guide are budget conscious travelers.

There are five general areas where you’ll spend money:

• Accommodation
• Food and Alcohol
• Sightseeing/Attractions
• Public Transportation
• Travel
• Nonessential Extras

Accommodation

Most budget travelers and backpackers stay in hostels because hostels are usually the cheapest accommodation option. In Western Europe a night in a hostel will cost about 20€-30€ for the cheapest option but prices drop dramatically in Eastern Europe. If you want a room with less people (or a private room) the price will be higher. The best place to find a good hostel is through Hostelworld (that is who I always use). Want to know more about hostels and what to look for in a perfect hostel — view our guide to hostels in Europe.

If you want to treat yourself, or if you want some privacy, I recommend renting an apartment through AirBnB. I’ve used AirBnB a lot and I’ve really liked it. If you’re traveling with another person, the price per person can be comparable to a hostel. Additionally, I feel much more like a local when I stay in an apartment.

If you want to really save some cash, there is always the option of CouchSurfing. The downside to couchsurfing is that is can be difficult to secure housing (especially in large cities where hosts are overrun with requests) and you can’s just ‘check-in’ whenever you like since you’re dealing with an individual, not a company. But it can be a great way to discover a city and save money. I’ve written a guide to CouchSurfing and I invite you to read if you’re interesting in learning more about this option.

Food and Alcohol

Food costs can be a little tricky to estimate because the prices can change a lot depending on where you go. The cheapest option is buying food at a grocery store and making a meal for yourself. It is pretty easy to eat for 10€-15€/day if you choose this option. That said, it isn’t always easy or possible to make all your meals. However, many grocery stores have pre-prepared sandwiches and salads which can be a good budget option. In Paris, I could get a decent sized chicken salad, a bag of chips and a drink for about 8.50€ from a grocery store (there were cheaper options, too).

Eating at restaurants can become costly but it is nice to sample the local cuisine — and you’ll get tired of eating ham sandwiches and pasta. You can find cheap pizza and kebabs in pretty much any European city and a full meal from a restaurant will start around 15€. A good way to save some money is to eat at a restaurant during lunch because there are often lunch specials.

Alcohol can bust your budget if you’re not careful. Luckily, good beer and wine is pretty cheap if you buy it from a grocery store. In France (and other wine producing countries), a good bottle of wine starts around 7€ and a 6 pack of Leff Belgian beer is about 6€ for the store. You can get a few really good speciality Belgian beers for about 1.50€-3€/bottle. In Paris I paid anywhere from 4€-9€ for a beer. Be sure to look for Happy Hour to save some money.

Attractions and Sightseeing

Don’t forget to budget for visiting attractions like museums and monuments. Some cities, like London for example, have a lot of free museums but most places charge. Museums generally run about 5€-12€ for the normal collection (I suggest looking up the prices for where you’re visiting). If you’re under 26 you might be able to visit for free or at a discounted student rate so be sure to check.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in pretty much all of Europe is very good — especially in cities. The price for using public trans can be really cheap but in some cities is can a bit expensive. Just be sure to do a little research before arriving so you know your best option.

Travel

One of your biggest expenses will be traveling between destinations.  There are a lot of budget airlines which makes long distance travel fairly affordable if you buy early. You can read our guide to cheap air travel in Europe for more information about flying in Europe. I love train travel but it it can be pretty expensive. I’ve written a guide about rail travel in Europe that has some tips about finding the best ticket prices and general train travel advice. Additionally, another popular option for traveling by rail is by using a rail pass.

A cheap option for backpacking is traveling through Europe by coach. While slow, coach travel is generally the cheapest travel option.

Another backpacking Europe option is traveling by car. If you’re going to just travel between large cities then I would forget about driving. Driving in any large European city is a nightmare. But driving to tiny little town can be a ton of fun. I rented a car when I explored the Normandy region of France and it was fine (until I had to drive in Paris). Be sure to brush up on your driving a manual transmission skills because automatic cars are much more rare and cost 2x-3x as much to rent. You can read more about renting a car in Europe in our car rental guide.

Nonessential Extras

Don’t forget to budget for those extra things that you can’t anticipate — whether it be good or bad.

Backpacks and Packing Advice

Travel Backpacks 

Finding the right backpack is important and there are many options available. In general, I recommend buying a backpack that is between 35 liters – 65 liters. This size range is good because it isn’t too small but it isn’t too big. Also, I personally think a panel loading (front loading) is preferable to a top loading backpack since they are easier to pack and unpack. I think the best all-around backpacks are the Osprey Porter or the Osprey Farpoint but you can read about  our top rated travel backpacks for Europe.

Packing Your Backpack  

Remember to pack light. This can be tough — even for experienced travelers. Traveling is stressful but it is much more difficult when you’re hauling around a ton of stuff. Remember that no matter how long you travel, the amount of clothes you bring should be about the same since you’ll wash your clothes as you travel. In fact, your clothes comprise the largest bulk of your backpacks weight so bringing less clothing will cut your weight by the greatest amount.

The big thing to remember is to bring clothes that you can mix and match. This way you can combine different articles of clothing to build multiple outfits. I think it is best to bring clothes that are black, dark blue, dark green, brown and other similar clothes that hide stains.

How to Pack Your Bag

Living out of a backpack has its challenges so you’ll want to be organized as possible. If you just throw your clothes in the bag you’ll not only have trouble finding your stuff but all your clothes will be constantly wrinkled. I like to use packing cubes and packing folders to keep everything organized. The cubes and folders also allow you prevent wrinkles. For a better explanation on how to properly pack a backpack I invite you to read our guide to how to pack a backpack for traveling in Europe.

Using Electronics in Europe

Backpackers are bringing more and more electronics as they’re backpacking Europe. The main thing you’ll need is an electronic plug adapter. This adapter will convert the plug on your electronic device to the European outlet. This won’t change the voltage that enters the device (Europe uses 220v and N. America uses 120v). I’ve written a guide that explains everything you need to know about using electronics in Europe — from voltage issues and plug adapters to wifi and laptops.

Digital Cameras for Travel

A camera, in my opinion, is the most important item you can bring to Europe — but I love photography. It’s important remember that the best camera is the one you have with you. That’s why I prefer bring as small a camera as possible that also takes quality photos. Clunky DSLRs may take amazing photographs but most people end up leaving it in the hostel because it is too heavy to lug around. If the camera can fit in your pocket then I guarantee you’ll us it more often. Plus, when your backpacking through Europe you already have a limited amount of space and a big camera will just become something else you have to pack.

One thing I always recommend when looking for a camera is its low-light performance. Most people look for high megapixles but low-light performance is much more important and it will make your photos so much better. Also, make sure you bring plenty of memory cards so you don’t have to worry about running out of memory card space.

Traveling Solo in Europe

My first trip backpacking Europe was completely solo. I loved it. I was worried that I would be an outcast and I would be lonely but I ended up meeting new people every day. Traveling alone gives you the freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want. I was able to change my plans quickly and I didn’t have to argue with my travel partner about anything.

I stayed in hostels and I was able to meet other travelers — both traveling solo and with other people. The worst thing was having to eat alone but this was just a minor thing. After a while I started to enjoy it.

Traveling in Europe with Friends

While I do love traveling along, I also love backpacking Europe with friends. I’ve done a lot of travel in Europe with my wife but things can get a bit tense when the stress of travel kicks in. The main tip for success is communication. Make sure everyone in your group voices their opinions before you leave so everyone has an idea of what they want out of traveling.

And don’t be afraid of splitting up. It is nice to have some alone time — even if it is just for an hour. Then everyone can come back together and continue the travels.

More Great Travel Advice from The Savvy Backpacker

How To Avoid Stupid Travel Mistakes & Other Good Info

Fashion Advice: How to Avoid Looking Like An American Tourist In Europe

Money Savings Tips for Budget Travel and Backpacking in Europe

How to Avoid Scams In Europe and Tourist Safety Advice

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Europe

Important Planning Activities That Are Easy To Overlook

Guide to Ultralight Backpacking and Travel in Europe

Hostel Etiquette: How To Make Friends While Backpacking Europe And How To Not Be An Ass

Ryanair Survival Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Flying Europe’s Cheapest Airline

Do you have any tips or advice from your time backpacking Europe or do you have questions? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and I’ll get back to you.

Backpacking Europe — Full Guide to Backpacking through Europe, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

Stormy Paris Along the Seine, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More

Paris and Wine, Guide to Budget Backpacking in Europe - The Savvy Backpacker - How to Backpack Europe Cheap. Travel Tips, Costs, Itinerary, Routes, Packing Lists, Hostels, Eurail Passes, Planning Checklist & More