After our three months traveling, we have decided to compose a list of things we wish we knew before we left. These would have made our travels much simpler and easier! So firstly, we have written a list of tips – actually read them, they are useful. Secondly, our favourite accommodation and thirdly, a list of helpful websites.
Part One: General Travel Tips
ü Get a Eurail Pass
Yes, at the time, they seem ridiculously expensive. Trust us when we say it is totally worth it. Wouldn’t you rather be paying a 10 euro reservation fee for a train compared to a whopping 118 euro for a three hour train trip?!
As well, actually get it for countries you are going to….
Yes, at the time, they seem ridiculously expensive. Trust us when we say it is totally worth it. Wouldn’t you rather be paying a 10 euro reservation fee for a train compared to a whopping 118 euro for a three hour train trip?!
As well, actually get it for countries you are going to….
ü Be Flexible
Plans change. Don’t plan everything ridiculously early. In the words of Katherine “Wing it”. Do have a general idea of places you want to go, but at the same time talk to people from hostels, find out where their favourite places were and plan accordingly.
Plans change. Don’t plan everything ridiculously early. In the words of Katherine “Wing it”. Do have a general idea of places you want to go, but at the same time talk to people from hostels, find out where their favourite places were and plan accordingly.
ü Use Hostel’s Reviews
Hostel world and Hostel bookers are websites which have reviews on each of the hostels. Use the reviews as much as possible as they give true indication of things like the hostel’s location, the cleanliness and just the general quality of the hostel.
Hostel world and Hostel bookers are websites which have reviews on each of the hostels. Use the reviews as much as possible as they give true indication of things like the hostel’s location, the cleanliness and just the general quality of the hostel.
ü Pay more for Location, So you can Save on Transport
As can be expected, the hostels in the centre of the cities are more expensive than those on the outskirts. However, when staying in the centre, you can walk to the majority of the sights and hence save money. Whereas when staying not in the centre, you have to pay for public transport which definitely adds up.
As can be expected, the hostels in the centre of the cities are more expensive than those on the outskirts. However, when staying in the centre, you can walk to the majority of the sights and hence save money. Whereas when staying not in the centre, you have to pay for public transport which definitely adds up.
ü The Lighter you pack, the Better
Well obviously, if your bag is lighter it is easier to handle your bag. But as well, if you only bring a handful of clothes – you firstly, have more room for shopping in terms of clothes and gifts but secondly, you are only with the same people for a couple of days. You can re-wear outfits and no one knows (minus photos… but no one really cares anyway.. you’re a backpacker!).
Well obviously, if your bag is lighter it is easier to handle your bag. But as well, if you only bring a handful of clothes – you firstly, have more room for shopping in terms of clothes and gifts but secondly, you are only with the same people for a couple of days. You can re-wear outfits and no one knows (minus photos… but no one really cares anyway.. you’re a backpacker!).
ü Wear your shoes in before you get to Europe
Being silly, both Katherine and I bought shoes that we had not worn in. It kills your feet and when you’re walking around for 6 hours a day, it really is not fun. Worn in shoes are just so much more comfortable to walk around in.
Being silly, both Katherine and I bought shoes that we had not worn in. It kills your feet and when you’re walking around for 6 hours a day, it really is not fun. Worn in shoes are just so much more comfortable to walk around in.
ü Free Walking Tours
Technically they aren’t free, you pay via a small tip. However, the tours are definitely cheap and definitely worth it. You walk around for between 2 and 4 hours with a tour guide who knows, and loves the city. So yes, you can see the sights by your self for probably a slightly cheaper price, but at the same time, you don’t get the history or the interesting stories to go with the sight. As well, because they get paid only via tips at the end of the tour…. They make the tour really interesting.
Technically they aren’t free, you pay via a small tip. However, the tours are definitely cheap and definitely worth it. You walk around for between 2 and 4 hours with a tour guide who knows, and loves the city. So yes, you can see the sights by your self for probably a slightly cheaper price, but at the same time, you don’t get the history or the interesting stories to go with the sight. As well, because they get paid only via tips at the end of the tour…. They make the tour really interesting.
ü Cooking your own Food
Use the hostels’ guest kitchens as much as possible. If you are tight on money, it is so much cheaper buying a packet of pasta and sauce which lasts two or three meals compared to going out for food or even Maccas.
Use the hostels’ guest kitchens as much as possible. If you are tight on money, it is so much cheaper buying a packet of pasta and sauce which lasts two or three meals compared to going out for food or even Maccas.
ü Hotels and Apartments
Paying for a room rather than per person (as in a hostel) can sometimes be cheaper. Do all your research!
Paying for a room rather than per person (as in a hostel) can sometimes be cheaper. Do all your research!
ü Plan breaks throughout Travels
Traveling is exhausting. You will get tired and believe me when I say you need a break in the middle. Think about visiting friends or relatives where you can just chill in their house for possibly a week or so, to revive and survive! If you have no one inEurope … find a beach!
Traveling is exhausting. You will get tired and believe me when I say you need a break in the middle. Think about visiting friends or relatives where you can just chill in their house for possibly a week or so, to revive and survive! If you have no one in
Part Two: Our Recommended Accommodations
O Munich Berlin
Great location and fun bar.
Great location and fun bar.
O Edinburgh Smart City
It was expensive, but the rooms were nice and clean and they had the most amazing breakfast and good bar downstairs with nice food. Amazing location as well.. within walking distance to EVERYTHING. Good club around the corner as well.
It was expensive, but the rooms were nice and clean and they had the most amazing breakfast and good bar downstairs with nice food. Amazing location as well.. within walking distance to EVERYTHING. Good club around the corner as well.
O Madrid
Walking distance from the main plaza and as well it was cheap. The activities they run are definitely worth attending (free drinking games, pub crawls, free walking tour etc). Breakfast is included and free wifi.
Walking distance from the main plaza and as well it was cheap. The activities they run are definitely worth attending (free drinking games, pub crawls, free walking tour etc). Breakfast is included and free wifi.
O Barcelona
Fantastic location – on the 2nd most expensive street inSpain
Fantastic location – on the 2nd most expensive street in
O Nice: Meyerbeer Hostel
Amazing location - a block to the beach and as well it had a really good atmosphere where everyone spoke to everyone. It was a relatively small hostel which meant that everyone got to know who was staying. Good kitchen and common area, great staff and free wifi.
Amazing location - a block to the beach and as well it had a really good atmosphere where everyone spoke to everyone. It was a relatively small hostel which meant that everyone got to know who was staying. Good kitchen and common area, great staff and free wifi.
Part Three: Helpful Websites
As well, keep your wits about you when traveling. Keep an eye on your belongings, lock your bags, use the lockers and safes provided and work out where the hostel is located from various airports, train stations etc. READ ALL INFORMATION ON YOUR TICKETS!!!!
This is just general knowledge stuff but it doesn’t hurt for us to reinforce it.
What I am going to say is, if do get the chance to travel, take it. It has been the most amazing experience for the both of us and neither of us would change it for the world.
Hope this is helpful!
Cait and Katherine xx
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