Backpack Europe: Itinerary Review and Insight

(Oct'09)

Traveling Europe for 3 weeks, I spent a day in London; 3 days in Paris; 7 days in Costa Brava and Barcelona, Spain; 3 & half days Rome and half day Venice, Italy; 3 days Lucerne and Mount Titlis, Switzerland; half day Munich Germany; 1 and half days Salzburg, Austria; and the last 3 days back in London again.

Post Travel Insight 

Backpack Europe last minute and spontaneously without a rigid itinerary gave me the freedom to stay and go wherever and whenever I like. Overall, I had enjoyed an exciting adventure and enriching experience in spite of some minor hiccups.

However, think I was a bit too ambitious in my goal of traveling to at least 7 countries in Europe within 3 weeks. It would have been more relaxingly enjoyable if I have just covered 4-5 countries.

Staying 1-2 days at one place didn’t leave much opportunity for fellowshipping and to get to know the culture and people better. Also, I ended up spending a bit too many hours sitting in planes, trains and buses every 2-3 days.Unpacking and re-packing every few days were troublesome. (I really dislike working the compression bag without a vacuum cleaner.)

Realized now, some of my pre-travel concerns were a waste of mental energy. For example, if I don’t book hotels or transportation tickets in advance, I may be stranded. Tourist information counters are readily available at all air and ground stations to give advice on accommodation, public transport, city tours, etc. Also most hotel-counter staff were more than happy to help guests’ requesting travel and local tour info.



KISS Nuggets for future travel:-


Central Europe is beautiful, I would love to backpack Europe again covering more of the eastern countries in the near future. However, next trip, I would spend at least 4-5 days in each country or major city. (1 day for arrival, 1 day for departure, at least 2-3 days for sight-seeing and some local adventure.)