Big Ben Image by S Wilson

Yes, Europe.  The entire continent.  This may be the only time an entire continent is designated as the “Destination of the Month” and in the future we will most likely cover specific regions or cities in more detail.  But with the recent travel disruptions due to the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland  (tips for those affected by the disruptions), I was reminded just how important my first trips to Europe were to me as a traveler.  Not only were they filled with great memories, but it taught me a lot about planning a journey and exploring off the beaten path.

My first trip to Europe was brief.  We landed at Paris at the early hour of 8:00am, left to London on the Chunnel three days later, then finished our trip with three more days in Edinburgh, Scotland.  It was a whirlwind tour for sure, but it was the most thrilling experience in the world for an 18 year old.  Four years later I planned a similar trip with my partner, Joshua.  While I did visit all three of the cities I saw before, I also explored smaller towns and include Italy in my month long itinerary.

It’s a right of passage for many young people in North America to be able to backpack Europe, many of whom choose to get a Eurail Pass and hop from hostel to hostel.  Though the methods may be similar, the trips are extremely diverse both in duration and destination.  Some prefer the warmer Mediterranean cities (Rome, Athens, Nice), while others head north (the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway) or east (Russia, Germany, Poland).  Some focus on entertainment or art, others sports and nature hikes, others, well, partying and booze. Big cities, small cities, little towns, forests, beaches, highlands.  Some want a little bit of everything.

The diversity is what makes this destination so ideal for many travelers.  The infrastructure makes it easy to navigate for inexperienced travelers while still offering countless destinations off the beaten path for those who are little bit more adventurous.  Customize your trip for your own interest, budget, and pace.

The best way for the budget traveler to start planning a trip to Europe is to figure out what airport is the cheapest to fly into.  For flights from North America, most major hubs in Western Europe are easily accessible and affordable.  Try London- Heathrow, London- Gatwick, Paris- Charles de Galle, Dublin, or Amsterdam-Schipol.  Don’t discredit other airports though, especially if traveling from other parts of the world.  Frankfurt and Munich are also great hubs.

Don’t worry if your cheapest starting point is far from your actual destination.  Most international airlines have connecting flights all over Europe.  If your airline doesn’t, there are many budget airline alternatives or ground transportation options.

Getting there is typically the most expensive part of a budget trip so once that hurtle is crossed, you are free to live life as cheaply or luxuriously as you please.  The options are plentiful so get to reading.  Inspire yourself.  Have fun.

LINKS

Basic

• Backpack Europe.com
• Trip Advisor: Europe
• Rick Steves: Europe through the Back Door
• Travel Europe
• Wikitravel: Europe
• Wikipedia: Europe

Accommodations

• Hostels
• Hostel Bookers
• Hostel World
• Hostelz
• Hotels Europe
• Venere

Transportation

• Rail Europe
• Europe by Air

Activities

• World Heritage Sites
• Free in Europe