The big trip in my life thus far was this past fall! I decided to go backpacking alone in Europe after my friend couldn't go around in Europe with me. After alot of planning and trepidation, I decided to give myself plenty of planning time to go to Europe. Thanks to meeting up with former working colleagues (four of seven people I met up with in Europe) who were gracious hosts/hostesses and I am forever indebted to them for their generosity of time and advice as well as hospitality.
I figured with a budget I couldn't go above, armed with good travel books (and tons of internet research and trolling various travel boards/blogs) I decided to head off. I got my ticket to Europe (I decided against open jaw when I saw the price). I decided six weeks (I couldn't afford anymore time off, plus I was still paying expenses here in the US (otherwise I would have gone off longer to Europe).
Being equipped with the proper gear and having the right information is what I found to be crucial. I was going during off season (cheaper prices, less crowds but crappier weather) played a role. I decided to sprinkle in some former Easter bloc countries (to keep the costs of the Western Europe nations) so the overall budget would still be achieved. Since I am over 26, I couldn't take advantage of the Euro rail pass discounts, I decided against it and did point by point purchases. Plus this allowed for flexibility and armed with myself with many suggestions for hostels to crash at along the way.
I adore Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) he has great advice and he is thorough. I got his travel bag and tour books for some of the places I visited. I love his phrase books because they include more useful phrases beyond the typical phrase book.I love his travel philosophy and found it clicked with mine. In addition, I added other stuff I knew that I would need while being gone and roughing it. I also got great advice from the Thorn Tree on the Lonely Planet website. I totally recommend it. I found out about the ATM charges, credit card surcharges while I was away. I told my credit card company I was going to be away (to avoid them thinking I was having false charges racked up on my card). I bought some plastic utensils (to dine al fresco), small flashlight (aided me in the dark hallways at the place I stayed in Budapest and the darkened train cabin en route to Budapest), sneakers and hiking boots (I had to hike in snow and slush in Bavaria) as well as some snacks and water (very important to be hydrated). Handi wipes and anti bacterial gel saved me many times as well as the many tissues I brought along. I made a grand itinerary and it changed while I was away. I got a great travel journal from my friend Juleen (it was great and I filled it!). One booklet itemized everything I spent, all charges, all reservation information, places to check out, friends contact information, and tips I gathered while traveling. Of course I had stash of US money (came in handy when I was on the Aviano airforce base trying to mail back stuff to the US) and euros (from my trip earlier in the year to Belgium and Holland).
In addition I had to think of comfort and being warm. So I made sure I brought layers, light polar fleece jacket (black), socks, gloves, scarf, jacket (with many pockets and big enough to wear layers underneath, comfortable shoes /sneakers, flip flops (for the showers) and many layers of shirts and pants. I personally thought I brought too much (two pairs pants), t shirt and pajama pants, 7 pairs of socks (I threw out as I traveled), 1 long sleeved top, three short sleeved tops. Plus I had the toiletries, shampoo, lotion, feminine products, sunscreen, comb, tooth paste, tooth brush, floss were other crucial products along with multivitamins and calcium supplements. I was worrying about health and nutrition too because I was aware I would not being eating as well as I do in the States.
Another thing about backpacking, a certain personality emerges from this experience. I must confess I was able to do laundry only twice throughout the six weeks. So hand washing and being able to deal with ones lack of constant laundry access was interesting--1--costs and 2--laundry facilities were not always accessible. You take for granted many things. Water pressure for a shower---worst experience was a dribble of water (I later learned NOT to fully lather alot) until knowing the water pressure. Or the lack of or abundance of hot water, so important. Whether or not if there were a ton of stairs to get to your hostel (I found it to be the case ----my legs got a work out!!!).
Suffice to say I averaged a good 16 KG in the beginning (after taking off the huge stack of magazines to the Air Canada stewardesses en route from Toronto to Heathrow) with everything I had to carry on my person. I have a habit of collating all the magazines I do not read and bring them on a trip. I get to finish them and give them to others to read when I am done (I usually just recycle them). And I do not have to carry the magazines on my return trip.
As I traveled around Europe my back pack averaged almost 40 pounds (including my smaller day bag). So needless to say, I had to keep purchases to a minimum---no wine, souvenirs I wanted to buy as every ounce counted when you have it on your back. Needless to say I developed my back muscles during this trip and my endurance as well. I did mail some stuff back (twice) during this trip, but it was costly and time consuming.
Once I got all my tickets, reservations for the first two hostels I was staying at down, and tentative dates to visit friends/people I set off on a warm day. I must admit the travel advice of buying books you like and tearing out the pages you need (1-saves weight 2-saves space 3-you can mark up the pages 4-save valuable travel time 5-gives you reading material when you are traveling en route 6-you can leave for other travelers if you so desire (especially at hostels and the like---I loved love the BOOK exchanges---kept me from being bored on the numerous train rides I took).
But with many things, sometimes you do have hiccups and this trip had them (luckily there were not alot). (to be continued).
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