In This Issue:
Backpacking Europe

Backpacking Europe - by David Ardagh

Backpacking through Europe is the ultimate travel experience. Once out of the plane, through customs, and on the ground, the choices are limitless.

It is so easy to get from country to country by plane, train, ship, or bus, let alone the thousands of edgy and stylish hostels available to lie down for the night and meet fellow travellers. Having spent 3 and a half months on the fly through Europe myself, I can certainly vouch that it's a journey like no other.

My adventures began in London, a great starting off point for any European journey. What a relief it was to grab my backpack, get on the train, and realize that everyone spoke English and was happy to help a lone traveller find their way. Another amazing plus to landing in London is that it's an eclectic blend of Indian, Italian, American and traditional British pub fare, often all in the same block! I stayed at one of a group of UK hostels called the Globetrotters' Inns, which are well known for their cleanliness and lavish amenities. There is even a movie theater in this hostel! The Globetrotter's Inn was a great place to make friends, as was the Ashlee House hostel where I also stayed. I am still in touch with some of my fellow backpackers from those hostels who have become lifelong friends.

From London, I travelled all over Europe. I used two Eurail passes for the 3 and a half months, which may have been the best decision I could have made. My rail pass got me some amazing discounts within Europe including cruising from the white cliffs of Dover at sunset to France, and also cruising from scenic southern Italy to the bountiful shores of Greece. I also got to enjoy some fantastic scenery passing through the mountains of Switzerland and feel like old world nobility with a free first class upgrade in Spain. Flights within Europe are cheap and cheerful-Ryanair and Easyjet are two airlines that go wherever one might feel like heading to at the drop of a hat for unheard of prices (one penny from London to Dublin, anyone?)

The real highlight of travelling as a backpacker throughout Europe is the independence to do whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want. I would never plan my trip more than once city in advance. When I was eating pizza in Rome, I would know that the next day would see me sailing the canals in Venice. The future beyond that was wide open and the whole continent really is your oyster. This flexibility also comes in handy when you meet some great people from faraway places and decide to join them for a while, just because you can!

I took advantage of this flexibility in many situations. Some highlights include sleeping in a hammock with a hilltop view of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain; jumping down canyons into raging waterfalls in Interlaken, Switzerland; rebuilding ancient stone churches by hand outside of Avignon, France; and standing in awe of the man-made wonders in St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Every country has something unique to offer and doing Europe as a backpacker gives you the chance to experience the best of each one.

All told, independent backpacker travel through Europe is one of the best trips I have taken, and one that I am happy to share and help you plan your own. Flight Centre is chock-full of independent travellers who are very savvy about how to best plan a European adventure as a backpacker. Let us be your unbeatable choice for planning your ultimate European experience!

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