* Backpacking Tips *

These are things I learned first hand backpacking across Europe for a month. I honestly feel most of these are best learned first hand, however, I wanted to share these with you in case you wanted to write these down or print them out to potentially help reduce your stress levels while traveling in a foreign place. :)

 

Trains/Metros/Buses

• My biggest tip.....Allow yourself plenty of time at the train station! I cannot stress this enough!! Some train stations are big and its easy to get lost, turned around, or in need of heading to the ticket office to ask exactly where you need to go.

• Trains depart ON TIME! If your train departs at 14:22 it really departs at 14:22:00. Also, trains aren't at the stop forever. If you are connecting and your train comes do not go grab a drink or food. I've literally been waiting on a train at the stop and by the time I walk on the train it is rolling away. Always be where you need to be, on time.

• Another thing to be mindful of, sometimes trains are there 10 minutes before departure. BUT, sometimes trains come and go frequently at the same stop. Meaning, if your train is at 12:22, there could be a train that depart before yours at 12:10, or even 12:17.  So when you get to your train stop please be sure to ask someone or double check that you are on the right train!  I'm always a fan of asking someone if need be. If its your train feel free to get on early to get a good seat!

• Trains marked with a number 1 is class 1, or first class. Class 2 is second class. At some train stations they will give you a heads up where each classes are. 

• It can be quite hard to find train workers when a train arrives. In all of my train travels on average there are only 1 or 2 train workers that will pop out the train on the platform. And trains can be LONG. So if you have a question be on the lookout for them stepping off the train and be prepared to walk fast!

• After the train departs the train workers will come by at some point to check your ticket at your seat, so keep your ticket handy. Also, if your traveling with a euro pass have that handy too. They will want to check BOTH. Also have your euro pass dates filled out before they check it.

• Not all trains have the electronic boards in each cabin clearly explaining the next stop. Its important to STAY AWAKE and pay attention. I thought if I booked a train from Madrid to Barcelona that it would be nonstop. That is not the case. There could be 13 stops in between, and Barcelona may not even be the last stop. So riding a train is not like flying, where you can fall asleep and wake up there. Yes, you will know the time you should arrive so you can nap accordingly. Just pay attention when you are on shorter routes, especially if there aren't electronic announcements OR message boards stating the stops. You can however look out the window when pulling up to a stop. Usually you can see the name of the stop through the window. If that's your stop be prepared to grab your bags and GO!

• Some cities are notorious for pick pockets, especially on trains, metros and crowded touristy places. So when traveling on trains, metros, and in between cites I did not have all my accessories out. Meaning my camera was packed and locked in my bag, and so was my passport and extra money. You really only need your train/bus tickets and directions (and maybe a few euros for a snack) handy when traveling/changing destinations. Yes I will admit I missed a few camera shots, for example the Lisbon airport metro station had awesome art there. But the last thing I wanted to do was to get mugged, or look like an easy target.

Packing/Directions

• Do not over pack! You may think you need that second white shirt, but trust me everything adds up! I was ready to drop kick my backpack before I even made it to my first destination!! The good thing is however, is that you will get use to your backpack and it will get easier, because I think you get stronger with carrying all that weight. LOL. Soon you will think you have forgotten some things because your pack starts to feel lighter. :)

• Definitely bring one good pair of tennis shoes and flip flops. Flip flops are necessary for the shower. Only bring additional shoes if you really need them. Again every additional thing takes up space and adds weight! I chose one pair of brown Nike air maxes and a black pair of Adidas casual shoes and packed all my clothes accordingly.

• Normally when you book through hostelworld your booking confirmation will have directions to the hostel. Have your directions handy so when you depart the train/bus/metro you don't have to dig through your pack to figure out where you're going. I got my confirmations by email so I kept my phone hidden (will explain next) in my pocket so when I needed directions (or to snap a photo) they were close.

 

• Pack all your shower/bathroom/makeup items in one bag. It took me a few hostels and trips to the shower to figure this out. Some hostels don't have the most private bathrooms or accommodations so it may be necessary to bring your clothes in the shower room as well. Also don't forget your key card! It took me multiple ins and outs of my locker, bag and room to realize what all I needed in my "shower bag." Especially at 6am it's annoying to have to go in and out of your room/locker/bag to grab your hair brush or mascara or underwear. I suggest to put all body lotions, makeup, shower stuff, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, floss, etc in the same bag. That way when you need to shower you can grab one bag (and your clothes) and you have everything you need to get ready. And don't forget your room key card! It would suck to lock yourself out of the room at 6am and have to wake your roommates up to let you in.

These are all the tips I have for now..  If I can think of any others ill be sure to update this page!  Feel free to leave your suggestions as well!