Any hints, ideas regarding backpacking in Europe? My friend and I are going and just wanted to see if anyone had a good experience? Thanks!!

You probably get more replies when you post your question on thorntree.lonelyplanet.com <BR>That site is mainly for backpackers; Fodors' site attracts a more affluent crowd. <BR>Anyway, try to be a bit more specific in your questions.

Check also the boards on www.eurotrip.com

Bob, <BR> <BR>Also try the bulletin board at www.travelcuts.com <BR> <BR>It's not as huge at Thorntree but it's a lot more civilized, and people are willing to help and answer your questions.

I have "backpacked" in Europe, but what, exactly, do YOU consider backpacking, bob? Are you wanting to camp, hostel, or what? If you could be a little more specific, I'll certainly try to help you out! <BR> <BR>

Hi SharonM, --&gt; backpacking in regards to hostels... can we check in at hostels without any type of reservation? <BR> <BR>My friend says it's better than tagging along with a luggage.... <BR> <BR>thanks!

Hi Bob, <BR>I spent a couple weeks on one trip backpacking from Amsterdam to Munich. Had a great Kelty pack (with removable daypack) and a Eurail pass. Spent time in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany, deciding more or less, to make decisions along the way. First stop upon arriving somewhere was to find the local tourist office where they have lists of hostels, pensiones, and smaller, inexpensive hotels - very helpful. Traveled in September and had no problem whatsoever in attaining accommodations. I did have a hostel card, but found I never needed one. Some of the smaller inns or B&Bs were actually about the same price as some of the more private hostels. The only problem I had was going into Lake Como where apparently, they had some festival going on and NOTHING to be had! (same trip where my boyfriend forgot his passport on the train...) We ended up "sleeping" in a park that night... <BR> <BR>Be flexible. Have fun.

Bob, <BR> <BR>I have backpacked throughout Europe, (Belgium, Netherlands, France, Italy, Greece, in that order). We never had any reservations. We simply went the the information booth in the train station, and told them that we were looking for a hotel, hostel, basically anything under $25.00 a night. They made the reservations for us, gave us directions and everything. While on the Greek Islands, the second you get off the boat, you will be bombarded with people trying to get you to stay at there hotel. Tell them a price, and I guarantee you will find some place to stay. Also, if you take the boat from Brindisi, Italy to Greece (I can't remember the town in Greece) you will take a train to Athens. People speaking English will get on the train at different stops and will solicite there hotels. They will get a group of people together and walk you to the hotel. But beware, that some of the hotels are not that great or in good locations, but they will be cheap. You can also get a International Youth Hostel card, that will supply you with a book, and list all the hostel in every country. We bought the card, but didn't use it once. We could find cheaper hotels. Feel free to email me if you have any questions, or want cheap hotel ideas for certain cities.

If you are going to backpack and want to do it cheap - I strongly suggest the "Let's Go" series of travel books. It has a listing of the most cost effective hostels. Lonely Planet is good too but provides Low - Medium - to high cost accomodations.

Yes, you certainly *can* check in any hostel without reservation. But there's no guarantee they will still have a bed for you. During summer in a touristic town, I would certainly try to reserve if I'm sure I will be at a certain place on a certain day...also, you can choose your hostel, this way. They clearly aren't all similar/equivalent. <BR> <BR>Apart from that, Carey gave sound advices, IMO. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Also...I don't know if "your friend" is actually your girlfriend. But if it the case : <BR> <BR>-Most hostel have private rooms for couples (as opposed to dormitories). But I would strongly advise you to reserve in advance. There usually aren't much of these rooms and a lot of takers. <BR> <BR>-Since you pay "by head" in an hostel, cheap hotels, pensions and the like are often actually cheaper than hostels for two persons, and more confortable. But of course you meet much less people.