I'm 18. Am I too young to backpack through Europe?
Jul 31st, 2017, 06:10 PM
#61
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My big checked luggage fits between the seats too and even if it didn't, it really isn't that hard to keep an eye on your luggage when it's in the racks, or just not put valuable stuff in your luggage. I'm not even convinced that luggage theft is that common on trains. There's a lot of angst about it, like what lock you should buy, but I've never seen many reports of it, and it hasn't happened to anyone I know.
I agree that there are roller and backpack people. I don't like backpacks because I'm prone to hitting things with them.
I agree that there are roller and backpack people. I don't like backpacks because I'm prone to hitting things with them.
Aug 1st, 2017, 01:31 AM
#63
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I went to Paris by myself when I was not much older than you. I loved it. Be sure to go to a concert at Sainte Chapelle. There is nothing lovelier than looking at the beautiful stained glass while listening to a concert.
Aug 1st, 2017, 11:09 AM
#65
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When I go overseas I have my bag pack and a roller suitcase.
Which I keep forgetting since I never have it ...
when I was young I had a backpack half as big as myself.
When in the army I had a bag pack and we would carry it all day long.
No wheels for tough men.
Which I keep forgetting since I never have it ...
when I was young I had a backpack half as big as myself.
When in the army I had a bag pack and we would carry it all day long.
No wheels for tough men.
Aug 3rd, 2017, 08:03 PM
#68
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Definitely! On this day 20 years ago I was in Europe at age 18, doing just that, backpacking around all alone.
I was a bit scared and I stayed the first couple of days with friends of a friend in Paris, then I went off on my own for the rest of the month. I took trains everywhere (got a Eurail pass) and I stayed in hostels. At every single hostel I stayed at I made friends and we'd all go out on the town together that night, then sometimes a few of us would travel to the next place together, and then you meet new people, and you'd travel together to the next place. Honestly I never really felt alone, unless I wanted to be, which I did sometimes.
Honestly though as long as you stay in hostels you will be around people in your age group. I had the time of my life and have those great memories forever. Just be aware of your surroundings, don't go out at night alone, and be careful on trains alone by yourself especially night trains. I did encounter a few perverts in europe on that trip, which was a bit unsettling. Not fellow travelers, just creeps who thought they could take advantage of a young foreign girl. I don't mean to scare you just be aware of where you are. Overall, I feel much safer traveling in Europe than here in the states. You'll have a great time!!!The biggest danger in doing it is that it will start a travel bug in you that you will probably never shake!
I was a bit scared and I stayed the first couple of days with friends of a friend in Paris, then I went off on my own for the rest of the month. I took trains everywhere (got a Eurail pass) and I stayed in hostels. At every single hostel I stayed at I made friends and we'd all go out on the town together that night, then sometimes a few of us would travel to the next place together, and then you meet new people, and you'd travel together to the next place. Honestly I never really felt alone, unless I wanted to be, which I did sometimes.
Honestly though as long as you stay in hostels you will be around people in your age group. I had the time of my life and have those great memories forever. Just be aware of your surroundings, don't go out at night alone, and be careful on trains alone by yourself especially night trains. I did encounter a few perverts in europe on that trip, which was a bit unsettling. Not fellow travelers, just creeps who thought they could take advantage of a young foreign girl. I don't mean to scare you just be aware of where you are. Overall, I feel much safer traveling in Europe than here in the states. You'll have a great time!!!The biggest danger in doing it is that it will start a travel bug in you that you will probably never shake!
Aug 4th, 2017, 12:17 AM
#69
Figure out the train system, get an idea of your accommodation possibilities, draw up a plan where you'd like to go, get your gadgets and money cards set up for travelling and off you go!
You'll be alone at times or you'll meet lots of friends. Hostels are a great place for meeting people but Irish pubs can draw a youthful crowd too. Experience sharing along your trip will help you focus on what you'd like to see.
Go with an open-mind but keep your money, passports and electronic gadgets well stashed.
As for backpack or wheeled luggage, I'd certainly take the luggage, deposit it at the hostel and use a light day backpack to explore the city.
Enjoy! There's a whole world out there waiting for you to see.
You'll be alone at times or you'll meet lots of friends. Hostels are a great place for meeting people but Irish pubs can draw a youthful crowd too. Experience sharing along your trip will help you focus on what you'd like to see.
Go with an open-mind but keep your money, passports and electronic gadgets well stashed.
As for backpack or wheeled luggage, I'd certainly take the luggage, deposit it at the hostel and use a light day backpack to explore the city.
Enjoy! There's a whole world out there waiting for you to see.
Aug 4th, 2017, 04:36 AM
#70
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I did that in the 80s also when I graduated college. My parents made me an authorized user on there Amex account and gave me a card. Psychologically it put everyone's mind at ease knowing I had a way to "get out" if needed.
Aug 4th, 2017, 04:38 AM
#71
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I did that in the 80s also when I graduated college. My parents made me an authorized user on there Amex account and gave me a card. Psychologically it put everyone's mind at ease knowing I had a way to "get out" if needed.
Aug 4th, 2017, 06:36 PM
#72
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I'm so excited for you! Like others, I did the same when I was young, on several different trips, usually with friends but also solo for parts of those trips. Lots of good advice here. Two things:
Don't overpack! Remember you're going to Europe, not the wilderness; if you need an item of clothing, you'll have fun shopping for it there.
Also, one thing I've done when solo is if I'm staying someplace for a few days I find a neighborhood cafe/ restaurant/pub that I like near my lodging and make it a regular stop. It makes you feel like you're a little part of the neighborhood and hopefully the staff will welcome you back - or at least acknowledge you!
Use common sense, stay open minded, and have a great trip!
Don't overpack! Remember you're going to Europe, not the wilderness; if you need an item of clothing, you'll have fun shopping for it there.
Also, one thing I've done when solo is if I'm staying someplace for a few days I find a neighborhood cafe/ restaurant/pub that I like near my lodging and make it a regular stop. It makes you feel like you're a little part of the neighborhood and hopefully the staff will welcome you back - or at least acknowledge you!
Use common sense, stay open minded, and have a great trip!
