We are in no way experts but we did learn a lot while backpacking Europe together. Here are some our tips and tricks as you plan!
CHECK OUR OUR MONTH IN EUROPE HERE!
Quick Tips:
*LEARN THE LANGUAGE! Check out some amazing options to learn the language right along with your kiddos: We love Talk Box mom!
*MAP IT OUT! Take time planning where you want to go before you get into the details. What we mean is- take out an old fashion map and dream about your favorites. Then, when it's time, map out to see how close together each thing is and how you can make it happen. *CHILL TIME! Stay in one place at least two evenings in a row. Your exhaustion hits at different times during the trip, so being able to know where you will rest at night will help immensely! *MONEY: Learn and prepare for the countries you want to travel to Monetary System. *YOUR BACKPACK: See below
From plane to boat, cable car to bike, bus to taxi, and mostly our legs, we used every sort of transportation possible while in Europe. Here are some of our tips on it: *Flights can be so cheap if you are traveling within Europe. Rules vary from other countries so read up. *Flights bag limits vary tremendously. When you book a flight make sure it matches with whatever backpack you have chosen.
*There are many ways to get around Europe so you'll need to figure out whats best for. Be sure and check our what is best for the countries you want to go to. We used Rail Europe quite a bit and it was a lifesaver! *Some 'train' tickets are connected to some busses, so when booking look into this. Quick Tricks: *UNIVERSAL OUTLET: Pack along a universal outlet and make sure it's a good one. I was terrified I was going to blow a fuse and sure enough- first night at the hostel I did with just a curling iron. I was even using a universal outlet. Later we found out it wasn't a great one :)
*BACKPACK: Try on and use your backpack ahead of time. If you can go into a local sporting goods store or REI and try on your backpack. If you are getting one from Amazon, watch the return policy and use it around the house a couple days. Everybody is different and you are going to want to be SURE you have the right one for you. My husband and I wanted thick straps to not cut off circulation. Good call! While we loved our packs, I'm sure they have many more options now and I would suggest finding one putting more weight on the hip instead of the back. 30/40 pounds doesn't seem like much until you are carrying it around for hours on end. Trust us - do your research on this!
*Something we didn't have
