thebudgetbackpacker.com

What is a Eurotrip?

thebudgetbackpacker Eurotrip is a group trip that has a structure free schedule. The traveler gets the safety of traveling with a larger group, but freedom to be independent and decide how he or she wishes to experience each city. By utilizing a backpack as our means of luggage, the traveler gets to experience a more traditional way of traveling through Europe.

Each Eurotrip will be planned and accompanied by a Trip Leader. It is his or her job to make sure members of the group get from destination to destination in an orderly fashion. All the traveler must do is plan their day of activities in each city, and let the experiences happen.

Eurotrips will consist three to four cities. The cost of each trip will cover the main Trans-Atlantic airfare, as well as any short flights we may go on during the trip. It also covers your lodging each night, and transportation between the main cities. All the traveler will need beyond that is spending money for the trip and enough to cover their own food costs, which we suggest about $60-90 U.S. dollars a day.

Once the group arrives to a new destination, and we are all checked in, it is up to each traveler to set up their daily activities. We have found, through experience from past trips, that not everyone in a group may want to do the same activities as others so that is why we leave that part up to each traveler. In most cases, it is easy to find others in the group that are wanting to do stuff and pair up. We lodge and travel together between the main cities, but other than that it is very much each travelers own trip.

What is a hostel?

Hostels are more common over in Europe, but can definitely be found in major cities in the United States. They are a lower budget style accommodation that highlights competitive pricing, while still offering excellent amenities. By doing this they are able to provide lodging for more travelers at a lower price than hotels, which is often why European school groups use this type of accommodation when traveling. Usually there will be one shower and bathroom facility per room. But on rare occasion the traveler might have to walk down a hall to reach the bathroom. Generally, there are about 6 persons per room. We use mixed rooms, meaning guys and girls in the same rooms, for the convenience of keeping as many of the group members together. We strive to pick the best hostels available to us in each city we visit. We focus on safety, location, amenities, and whether they serve a breakfast with the stay. Hostels have received a lot of negative attention due to recent scary movies showing horrible things happening at them. But in reality, what they really are is a safe place for younger travelers to stay while traveling and a great place for him/her to meet others doing the same from all over the world. We have always been strong believers in the use of hostels due to their locations, price, safety, and resources available to the independent traveler.

What kind people usually go on the Eurotrips?

So far the age ranges of our travelers on the Eurotrips has been from 19 to 40, with an average age of around 26. Largely because of the budget minded nature of travel, and method of using a backpack to travel with, we see this being more attractive to those age groups. On past trips we have had college students, young professionals, recent graduates, and other locals wanting to break the mold and do something different. Statistically speaking this budget minded style of travel makes up for around 1/10 of the annual travelers from the U.S., and averages around 3 million people annually*.

What do you mean by "budget" travel?

Over the years of traveling to Europe we have found many ways to travel. From overnight cruises, economy airlines, rail travel night or day, we have utilized many forms of transportation. In addition, we have discovered the use of hostels and can share some of our "Best Picks" for us to stay in while we travel. Lastly, the traveler will gain our first hand knowledge of travel advice while we are on the road. Just because you are traveling on a budget, meaning you didn't come to stay in first class lodging and dining facilities and go on tour after tour, doesn't mean you can't see and do everything there is to see in each city. With even some of the basic information we will provide you about each city you will learn time and money saving tips like, utilizing public transportation, buying certain city passes that cover a bunch of sights rather than paying for each separately and spending more money, purchasing certain sightseeing attractions though your hostel, or even gathering food and having a picnic somewhere beautiful rather than spending the money at an expensive restaurant. There are so many aspects to being a budget minded traveler and the best way to learn them is while your doing it.

Are there any organized activities arranged for the group?

Other than the travel periods when we are actively moving from one destination to the other, the traveler is own their own. It is up to each traveler to best determine what he/she wants to do with their time in each city. What usually tends to happen, and what we encourage, is that certain travelers will pair up with other travelers from the group to go explore the city. In the past, the group has independently organized and gathered for evening meals, tours, and even day trips. But this is something again that we leave up to the group members. We will all be lodging in as large of a group per room as we can, so you will be in contact with other travelers from the group often.

In addition to seeing us, the Trip leaders will have a cell phone on them in case you need to contact one of us for questions. We have found on past trips that most cell phone carriers operate in, or have affiliates in, the countries that we visit. Because of that, we found texting each other via our cell phones is one the most valuable ways to stay in contact with other group members.

Why do you recommend using backpacks, does that mean we are going to hike a lot?

We recommend using a backpack because it is the most versatile way to travel. By using a backpack, the traveler can travel with a greater sense of ease, more so than if he/she had chosen a suit case. Some past travelers have even used duffel bags and smaller day-packs. The size we would recommend is something that holds no more than 3200 cubic inches.

Our belief is that by having a backpack the traveler is very mobile. Though we won't be hiking all over Europe, we will have to travel from the train station to the hostel. During this time each traveler will be responsible for carrying his/her belongings. There might be stairs during this time and a with a backpack on you move with greater ease.

Do the people on the trip usually get along with each other?

Yes, they do. Many go on to stay in contact with one another well after the trip. We encourage this since this is the spirit of travel that we enjoy as well. As a group we will meet a few times before going to get to know one another, usually at a local pub for some light drinks. The idea is to get to know the other travelers. But as we all travel around and "make the memories" you almost can't help to be a little more open to friendships with those experiencing it with you.

Can I bring my laptop computer on the trip?

If you decide to bring a laptop computer, you should be able to find WiFi in most cafés. Just remember, most places we will be staying in will have Internet access. It generally won’t be a problem. At most, you may have to pay a euro or two for 15-20 minutes of usage. I would advise against taking a computer just for the potential for damage. It’s a better idea to pack just your cable for your digital camera, that way you can just hook up your cable and upload your pictures to a computer along the way, if that might be a concern. Bringing a laptop might seem like a good idea, but the advantages of maybe using it a few times are out weighted by the possibility of having it accidentally broken or stolen. Save yourself the space and the weight leave your laptop at home.

How will I know what kind of things I can do in each city?

Other than doing some guide book reading on your own prior to leaving, we will put together a Trip Packet that goes over some of the basics. Nothing can replace a good travel guide before and during your trip. But, what we try to provide is a basic description of the city and a list of things we have done that you might also find interesting. We will also provide a map in the packet to help you navigate the city.

What if you have never traveled before, is this trip right for you?

This trip is perfect for you! The main idea of these trips are to allow you to travel with others that have gone before and are experienced travelers. The Trip Leader is there to lead the group in the right direction when it comes time to travel from destination to destination. They are your point of contact in the group, and are there to help represent your interests if an emergency should arise. If you have never left the country this gives you the piece of mind that all the important details, such as your main transportation and lodging, are taken care of. We have seen some of the most novice travelers before the trip, turn out to be the most open-minded travelers after the trip.

*source: Nielse Net Ratings, Summer 2007