| When I headed off to Backpack across Europe I | | | | but don't let them get the better of you. |
| was totally unaware of the steep learning curve I | | | | Take each day as it comes, whatever happens, |
| was about to start climbing. Spending only three | | | | somehow things will work out or someone will be |
| days in the UK I board a ferry to France and said | | | | there to help. Several times I found myself in |
| farewell to the English language for roughly six | | | | some desperate situations, usually because I |
| months. With no accommodation booked and no | | | | arrived late at night, because I decided to take a |
| map or any idea of the layout of the port town I | | | | later train because it was cheaper...bad idea... All |
| would be staying in that first night I was lucky to | | | | this to save a few Euro....stupid, don't do it! |
| get a room in a small hotel. During the coming | | | | Anyway, moments like these test you to your |
| weeks this was how I traveled. | | | | limits as you Backpack across Europe, yet from |
| After a month on the road the travel smarts | | | | somewhere you have to find the inner strength |
| were starting to take over, planning in advance, | | | | to tackle the situation, to remain calm and |
| booking ahead, relaxing more and taking each day | | | | objective. Easier said than done sometimes but |
| as it came. No matter what time of the year you | | | | remind yourself that stressing and panic simply |
| go Europe or any other destination for that | | | | make matters worse. |
| matter, your destination will have a great deal to | | | | Keep in mind it usually takes several weeks to |
| offer you. | | | | settle down and be at complete ease when |
| However of course, there are times of the year | | | | exploring foreign places and being far from home |
| that are more desirable to travel Europe. This | | | | and friends. It took me almost two months to |
| time of year also coincides with a great invasion | | | | feel completely relaxed and at home on the road |
| of Americans on vacation. | | | | as you Backpack across Europe. |
| An ideal time to Backpack across Europe is from | | | | Once you do settle into the travel rhythm |
| April to June and September through to October | | | | everything becomes easy and second nature, |
| when the weather is still warm, however the | | | | with home, work and your life before backpacking |
| holiday crowds have moved on and | | | | seeming so distant and almost surreal. When you |
| accommodation and transport prices are much | | | | reach this point, however long it takes you, you |
| lower that the peak times of July and August. In | | | | will realize that this is what life is really meant to |
| Greece I was picking up nice little hotel rooms for | | | | be like. For you are free to go where you want |
| 25 to 30 euro. | | | | and do what you wish with the only limitations |
| When you go and Backpack across Europe it is | | | | being self imposed or financial. |
| important that you pack the right mindset. You | | | | So what are you waiting for, get over there and |
| are on holidays after all so try not to let anything | | | | Backpack across Europe you won't regret it... |
| bother you, sure you will face some challenges | | | | |