The Costs of Backpacking in Europe

You must be careful to budget your European backpacking trip. The last thing you want to do is run out of money while you are away. If you're from a European Union country it is not as bad as you can legally work in most countries of Europe. But if instead you are a traveler who is an American, Canadian or from down under running out of money could become a much bigger issue for you.  So, before you go on your backpacking adventure you need to know how much money you need to equip yourself and how much you need to travel and enjoy your adventure.

To begin with equipping yourself with everything you think you need for your trip may wind up costing more than you expect. You can either do this by saving as much money as you can and then going out and buying everything you need or as you earn money start buying what you require over time. It may seem slower to you but also may show you more what kind of money you need for your big adventure.

The two most important purchases are your backpack and your walking footwear. You can expect to spend anywhere from ninety to a hundred and ninety dollars on a good backpack. Don't buy based on price but based on comfort, durability and a good weight support system. A good pair of walking shoes may cost you in the same range. Make sure they have rubber soles, metal grommets to lace through, and are waterproof. Above all they must be comfortable to walk in. 

Your basic travel essentials can cost you up to another two or three hundred dollars. These include a lightweight fast drying micro fiber towel, guidebooks, toiletries holder, first aid kit, sunglasses, sleep sheet or sleeping bag, flashlight, and utility knife. You will spend another one to two hundred dollars to get your passport. This is essential since you cannot travel without one.

You have now spent nearly nine hundred dollars. Add in the little things you want to take or a few pieces of clothing you want to buy and you have spent a thousand dollars. Your next big expense is the airfare to get to Europe. Booking in advance will help to lower this cost, but the thing that really makes the difference in airfares is that time of year you travel.

Once in Europe you'll have to sleep somewhere nightly. This can cost anywhere from twenty to fifty dollars depending on if its peak or off peak season and if you stay in a hotel or hostel. Eating can cost you fifteen to fifty dollars a day depending on what you eat and how often you want to eat out in style. Then there are the entrance fees for attractions you want to see.  As well, there are the train and bus fares.   This means that if you backpack for sixty days you can expect to spend another forty eight hundred dollars.