I'm not sure where to put this, but since this is a "travel" area, I'll post it here. If this isn't the right place, feel free to move this, mods. Anyways, I was thinking after Highschool, I would use saved up money and take a trip across Europe and possibly the Middle East/Asia. Only walking or taking short train trips, so literally backpacking it. And not in a tour either, just alone and having the freedom to do whatever. I'd spend a good 8 to 12 months traveling to all the different countries. I was thinking of starting in England, then go to France, and make it all the way to Russia, or possibly Pakistan or China. What do you guys think about this? About how much would you think this would cost? I was thinking, depending on my budgeting abilities, it would cost anywhere from $10,000 - $15,000. For a comfortable trip. I'm sure I could do it with barely any money and work across Europe, but I don't know how fun that is.

Long story short: Want to backpack across the other side of the world, what do you think about this?

Awesome idea. If you're serious about walking, get into shape. Walking a large distance is mentally and physically draining. Be sure to have plenty of money, I've met people on vacation that were stuck there because they ran out of money. Bad position to be in.

I could sell you a Eurail 1st Class Adult Global Pass (http://www.eurail.com/1_global_pass?currency=usd&currencySubmit.x=27&currencySubmit.y=11) (15 days in 2 months) for $800. You'd save about $400 and would have 2 months to have 15 train rides (in addition to any night rides you'd want to take) all over Europe (basically Scandinavia to Greece, take a look at their map). I had planned to go Europe earlier and now that plan has failed so I need to unload my pass. Your budgeting plan sounds good, but make sure you know where to keep your cash; money tends to disappear rather quickly when you get robbed every 4th day or so :o. See my thread here (http://www.totse.com/community/showthread.php?t=2128021) and see if it could apply to you on your way there (or back, I dunno). Man what I wouldn't do to kill a year on another continent, but they won't give me an extension on this damn scholarship. Good luck and be sure to post (very lengthy) experiences.

Keep it in a fucking bank. Taking everything in cash with you is retarded.

I never said I would be taking it all in cash O.o

I would use an ATM card, money in a checking account.

I never said I would be taking it all in cash O.o

I would use an ATM card, money in a checking account.

nshanin implied it. :p

So what's it going to be Tarchi? I'll take it down to $700, but that's it.

Nah I can't afford it, yet. Sorry nshanin.
And Fza, what he means is the cash you take out of an ATM, So you're going sight seeing one day so you take out $200, put $50 in your pocket and the other $150 in a cash belt, that's kept concealed.

Nah I can't afford it, yet. Sorry nshanin.

Aha!! Later this summer or not at all?

You don't have to be worried about getting robbed in Europe. Crime is lower than in the States. I don't even know anyone who has ever been robbed.

hey, wouldn't your Eurrail pass be in your name? You have to fill that shit out on the site when you buy it, so if buddy here wants to buy it, he'll be out 800 when he can't use it.

It's complicated, but I can get it in his name (or anybody's name for that matter). I'll take a photo of the pass when I get it if anybody wants to purchase.

You don't have to be worried about getting robbed in Europe. Crime is lower than in the States. I don't even know anyone who has ever been robbed.

I lived in Europe for a few years and ALOT of people I knew there got robbed and pickpocketed including myself. Way more so than in the States unless you are in a really bad area.

I lived in Europe for a few years and ALOT of people I knew there got robbed and pickpocketed including myself. Way more so than in the States unless you are in a really bad area.

When I thought about it afterwards, I thought I was probably wrong. Evountry has it's shitty areas. Especially the big cities.

The area I live in is just really fucking save, so I tend to forget haha. :)

But if you travel sensibly there's no reason why you should get robbed, just ask locals in every city what area's you should avoid and you should be fine.

Get a decent guide book(s) and know the area your traveling. Some areas are dodgier than others as far as crime--obviously.

The suggestion to withdraw money and keep a small amount in your pocket and the rest (say, 100 euros/dollars/dongs/whatever) in a cash belt is a good idea.

Also, shopping around for the right pack makes a big difference. Comfort is a huge issue when walking long ass distances. Its nice to have a pack with multiple sections (one for dirty clothes, one for clean clothes, etc).

The pack I got was large enough for everything I need and very supportive. It also had a backpack strapped to it that could be removed and used as a day bag--this is common. Backpacks made for traveling also can come with secret pockets that make traveling feel more secure.

You definitely want to really plan to manage all of the things you want to see. You can try to "wing" it and that can be very fun but it can be frustrating as well; when your back in the states and you see something on the travel channel that looks amazing only to realize you were at one point just an hour away from it without knowing it sucks!

If you are really going by yourself, take a good look in the mirror and decide if your really ready for it. I took a backpacking trip alone just out of high school and got very sick for about four days while backpacking through Germany and trecking it alone with a painful ailment not only is an intense test of physical endurance but is also one of mental perseverance. I recall another instance backpacking alone where I managed to make contact with my family only to find out some very troubling information. This too can be overwhelming when your in a world of complete unfamiliarity.


Having said that, the most important thing is to HAVE FUN! I think a backpacking trip is something everyone should experience!

If your feeling overwhelmed with the planning, the "student travel association" can get you some decent student discounts and help guide you through your trip. Look them up!


-Einstein

I would love to do that also. I'm heading of to France to do a fortnight's back packing into Switzerland (and Amsterdam). If i had the chance to stay longer, then i defiantly would.

Couple of pieces of kit well worth investing in:

Very good, COMFORTABLE boots.

Water proof rucksack liner, as you can't control the weather, but you can stop all your stuff from getting soaked.

Sunglasses!!! and Earplugs.

All things i've forgotten at one point, and wished so badly i hadn't. Perhaps you can learn from my mistakes.

And as said before, make sure you are in good physical and mental condition.

I'm sure I could do it with barely any money and work across Europe, but I don't know how fun that is.
just want to say that it really is fun. highly recommended by me. makes you learn a lot.

but go with the plan you decide. a few cities to visit as ideas in random order here :
London
Amsterdam
Berlin
Paris
Barcelona
Rome