Visit Europe! » backpacking europe

All Aboard Europe

admin — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 04:32:05 +0000

Are you considering going on a holiday for some rest and relaxation to loosen up from all the stress at work? If you are, then right now you might be trying to decide on where’s the best place to spend a vacation to make it all worth the money you will be spending. If you have the budget to go overseas have you ever thought of Europe as a choice destination for your vacation? Europe is such a big continent and it has numerous countries to choose from assuring you of a wonderful trip and a memorable experience that you will never forget.

Since, Europe has so much to offer you can’t possibly visit all of the places in one vacation spree so try to determine what would fancy you the most. Do you leisure at the thought of visiting places by the countryside enjoying the beautiful scenery of the mountains and valleys, savoring nature at its best? Or do you prefer to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of a place by exploring historic monuments and museums? Europe’s diverse culture has so much to offer that it has a country to offer whatever be your fancy. If you are a first time traveler to Europe, I suggest that you ask for the help of a travel company who could provide you packages that would suit your taste and budget. If you are up for some adventure and would prefer to travel and explore on your own like those who backpack their way around Europe then map out a plan of the places you would want to visit along the way.

Please ensure that you have secured all the necessary visas and travel documents for the countries that you will be visiting. There are certain European countries that issue only one particular type of visa and if you have this then you can visit the other countries included for this visa. For you to save on costs, book for your trip months in advance.

When in Europe you have a lot of options to choose from when traveling from one destination to another. Boat travel is cheap and this gives you a chance to enjoy the beautiful rivers of the European cities. You can also opt to travel by train wherein some run fast enough to take you there in a shorter period of time. Traveling by train is economical compared to a plane flight and it gives you a chance to admire the beautiful countryside. Traveling by air though is still one of the fastest ways for you to reach your destination.

My Skiing Vacation to Europe

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:32:11 +0000

Around a year ago, I went on a skiing vacation to France and had a great time by all accounts. The best part was that I went with all my friends, all of which had varied abilities, but were all eager to give it a go. Some of my friends compete in competitions and the like, whilst others have only been on the slopes a few times in their life. The fact is that we were all really looking forward to it, and we were all sure to enjoy ourselves whilst we were away. Unfortunately, we don’t spend much time together, as we all go to different colleges, whilst others are trying to make it through the rat race.

When we decided to book the holiday I was delighted to hear that everybody was able to make it, and that everyone had promised to save up enough money to really enjoy themselves while we were away. The cost of booking the holiday worked out at around $300 for accommodation for the week as we were going to be staying at a backpacker’s location, and it was only going to cost $150 for return flights. We really felt like we had struck a bargain, and we were even more delighted when we heard that the cost of living would be really cheap when we got there. We had decided to save up $1000 each, which meant that we would have more than enough spending money for when we arrived.

I have to say, I never quite expected Europe to be such an excellent skiing destination for people like us with mixed abilities. Sure, there are the Alps, but I thought these were only the playground of the expert skiers. How wrong I was! There are simply loads of different places in Europe you can go, regardless of your skiing ability, and you’re almost guaranteed to have a great time. Also, the facilities right on the resorts are out of this world. It really is a great place to go skiing.

We arrived in France, and we were firstly shocked at how laid-back it all seemed. It was some surrealist painting, except in motion, with strange, stereotypically French characters passing by. Regardless of this initial culture shock, we soon got our skis on and experienced the awesome slopes for ourselves. Trust me – France is a great place to go skiing with your friends, and a great place to go on a vacation if you’re looking to have a good time.

We chose France for our vacation, but there are loads of great European ski resorts, and in fact, some people even say that Europe is the home of the sport, and it is easy to see why. If you’re looking for a great time, go for Europe, to experience a wholly different way of life, and skiing that is simply second to none. Check out your travel agent for good deals, and remember that the more flexible you are, the cheaper your holiday. By booking up the flights at the last minute, you can end up saving loads with some of the budget airlines, and by being totally flexible, you can avoid peak times, which means you can avoid peak prices. Your vacation in Europe doesn’t have to cost the earth, but it can be a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget.

Europe Excursions

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 04:32:15 +0000

Now, when I think of traveling through Europe, I am reminded of the movie that I’m sure most people have seen, or how Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France in 1993. Embracing the outdoors. That sounds too extreme for me. So I took the next best thing. I hired a mobile home.

Planning. Planning. Planning – the key to the perfect campervan vacation. That, and the amazing destinations that I get to choose. Instead of backpacking through Europe, I would rather take my whole wardrobe and icebox with me. An assurance that I will have an ice cold cola waiting for me, and fresh crisp blankets and clothes when I get back from a swim. I get to enjoy evening drives and air-conditioning which I couldn’t get from a tent. Light and power, and a hot and cold shower, much like a hotel, except its cost-effective.

First things first, who am I going to travel with? A trip is much more fun with the company of the people you feel comfortable with, so you get to take pictures together and talk about what happened on the trip even weeks after it happened.

With that done, I could call up Campervan Hire Europe to check out the available booking dates and motorhomes I could rent to take me to where I want to go. The operators are friendly enough to assist me in picking the right vehicle and the right dates. When all things are confirmed, and the insurance approved, there is nothing left to do but pack and highlight the events and hot spots I’m going to drive to!

My next vacation will be a trip to Europe on a motorhome. Hey, I’m in good company, both with the people I’m traveling with, and with Campervan Hire. Europe, here I come!

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Hidden Treasures of Eastern Europe Hungary

admin — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:32:19 +0000

Hungary is quite simply one of the hidden treasures of Eastern Europe. Formerly part of the old Soviet Bloc until the late 1980s, it has developed into a wonderfully diverse and independent republic.
Although the 1990s brought extremely difficult times with economic problems affecting many aspects of every day life, foreign investment and living standards have rapidly increased and the country is now firmly back on track.
For travellers, Hungary offers a wide range of attractions which beautifully fuse the best of eastern and western Europe together walk the vibrant streets of Budapest, take a dip in a thermal spa, listen to some local music, visit a local vineyard, admire some amazing architecture or simply unwind at the postcard perfect Lake Balaton. The varied highlights of this small countries amazing culture and history will keep you on your toes for weeks.
After the Czech Republic, Hungary is the most visited country in the former Eastern Bloc. Thousands of backpackers are attracted to Budapest, a cosmopolitan European capital on the banks of the Danube.
Visitors who refer to Hungary as a Balkan country risk getting a lecture on how this small, landlocked nation of just over ten million people differs from all those Slavs.
Hungary made the transition to multi party democracy without a shot being fired. The removal of the iron curtain along its border set in motion the events leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The end of Communism has hastened the spread of glossy western capitalism and on arrival in Budapest your first impressions will be of a fast developing and prosperous nation.
This is the country which boasts one of the worlds most beautiful capital cities and the World Heritage list.
Hungary is divided in two by its main waterway, the Danube other large rivers include the Tisza and Drava, while Transdanubia contains Lake Balaton, a major body of water. The largest thermal lake in the world, Lake Heviz is located in Hungary. The second largest lake in the Carpathian Basin is the artificial Lake Tisza.
Despite repeated historical disasters which devastated both the people and their heritage, much remains of great value that is worth visiting and getting to know.
Lake Balaton in the west is a popular holiday region, not least because of its sandy beaches and the shallow waters.
Local dishes include fish soup with pasta. Budapest has many nightclubs, discos and bars. During the summer months the popular.
Lake Balaton resort has a very lively nightlife.

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Travelling Advice – Backpacking in Europe

admin — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 09:01:25 +0000

The thought of schools are always tied in with backpacking. What if you get a chance to go backpacking in Europe, one of the most beautiful locations in the world? It would be an experience to recall. The most important thing required for this trip is of course a backpack, which is strong enough to carry your belongings. Do not over pack your backpack, as you must remember that you have to do a lot of walking to catch the ferry or the tourist buses in and around the cities in Europe.

There is a certain segment of individuals who prefer backpacking to Europe during summer as they can savor summer activities and visit various beaches. But there are others who opt to plan a trip to Europe in wintertime. Winter would not be disappointing for them too because France have the skiing opportunities. The best place for skiing would be Interlaken which is on a double lake system completely surrounded by mountain peaks. Another interesting event during winter is the winter carnival at Venice, Italy.

It is very essential to pack according to the weather conditions when planning Backpacking in Europe. Don’t forget to have two pants with lots of pouches if visiting in summer. It is more handy if you take pant that can convert to shorts when needed. Pack 2 -3 shirts with one or two long sleeve shirts. You have to have at least 3 pair or under garments. Hiking shoes or walking shoes would be the most preferable shoes for the backpacking trip as you have to walk a lot. You can also carry a pair of sandals or flip flops to walk around the place you stay.

When you decide to go on backpacking trip to Europe, you may not be certain where you might pass the night. This is where travelers’ inn comes in convenient. They are very much cheaper and handy that hotels. The best places to spend a night while in Europe are the traveler’s hostel. They are cheap and you do not have to make any reservation. Do enquire about the stuff they provide at the hostel which would make it convenient about what to pack in your back pack.

Most significantly, get copies of all your essential documents such as passport, your medical info and put it in different places in your backpack as well as your wallet and your trouser pouches. Last but not the least; Remember to enjoy your Europe trip and have fun backpacking!!

If you are looking for more information about backpacking in Europe, take a look at European Travel Site or/and Cheap European Travel

Tariq Ghazi is a devoted writer

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Shopping for Wholesale Backpacks and Their Uses

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:01:14 +0000

Backpacks are essential equipment for students, hikers, travelers, and athletes of all ages. Everyone knows how useful and practical a backpack can be and just about everyone owns at least one backpack. When purchasing backpacks for personal use or retail, consider buying wholesale backpacks. Wholesale and discount backpacks come in various sizes and styles and there is a backpack for every need. Selecting the right backpack for yourself does not have to be overwhelming. Check out these types of backpacks and learn how to choose the best backpack for you.

Picking a backpack is more than just a fashion choice, it is a decision that can affect your health. Depending on the size of your load, you’ll need to choose a pack with sufficient support. The main categories of backpacks are backpacks with internal frames, backpacks with external frames, and frameless backpacks. Frameless packs are meant for lighter loads. This kind of backpack is simply a bag with straps that fit over the shoulders. More sophisticated frameless backpacks may have padded shoulder straps and backs for extra comfort and additional pockets to help organize your supplies.

When carrying more weight or traveling longer distances, you will need a backpack with a frame. Hiking backpacks usually have an external frame, made of a lightweight metal such as scandium or titanium alloys. The body of the backpack is cloth attached to the frame. This frame supports the weight of the pack and then distributes the weight across your hips for a more ergonomically correct fit. Backpacks with internal frames are a recent innovation. The concept is simple: a metal or plastic frame is sewn into the backpack for built-in support. Plastic strips follow the shape of your back for a better fit. Additional metal components may reinforce the frame. And when you go exploring in an urban setting, backpacks make perfect lightweight and convenient luggage. Backpacking across Europe is a popular pastime for older teens and young adults. When weight is distributed properly, you can carry your backpack long distances without back pain or muscle strain.

Young children enjoy carrying backpacks as a sign of their maturity and growing independence. Even preschoolers and kindergarteners like to carry backpacks to have a special place to put their things. Just remember, pediatricians advise that filled backpacks should weigh no more than 10-15% of a child’s body weight. Most school backpacks also have adjustable straps for a more comfortable fit.

Whether you are camping out, hiking on the trails, or just hitting the books, it is easy to find wholesale backpacks that fit your lifestyle and complement your personality. When buying wholesale backpacks for personal use or for resale at a retail outlet, scout the market for the best bargains and get the most value from your budget.

The Internet is a resource for discount backpacks. Reputable manufacturers, dealers, and brands sites allow you to conveniently purchase wholesale backpacks online. Back to school sales, early spring and fall hiking season, and after season closeouts, are the best time to find deals on backpacks at lower prices.

This article has been written by Marc Joseph, an avid collector of backpacks of different shapes and sizes. He is also a bargain-hunter who loves to purchase wholesale backpacks from reputable manufacturers and dealers.

How to Travel on a Budget – Hostels and Backpackers

admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:01:17 +0000

Are you on a shoestring budget but still have the travel bug? Or would you really want to experience the day-to-day life of a community, its people and the sights of a certain country that you feel you might not see with a guide. Then, you could enjoy travelling and staying at a backpacker. These are also known as hostels, and are reasonably priced and efficient accommodations that are available worldwide, allowing backpackers a chance to experience the world on a tight budget.

If so, you might enjoy traveling and staying at a backpacker. Also called a hostel, these low-cost and efficient accommodations are available all over the world, giving backpackers a way to see experience the world on a tight budget.

1) Expect To Save Money!

The greatest advantage to staying at a backpackers is the price. These little gems offer clean, safe accommodations at a fraction of the price of a hotel, allowing you to do more or stay longer in the country you wish to visit. If you are going on an extended trip around Europe, or visiting a part of Australia you’ve always wanted to visit, there is a hostel waiting for you.

For example, if you’ve always wanted to see Venice, Italy, you can stay at a hostel for as little as $21 per person for a shared room, or $46 for a private room.

Want to see Paris? You can, for as little as $26 for a shared room or $55 for a private.

Want to bask on a Brazilian beach in Rio de Janeiro? You can, for the cheap rate of $14 for a shared room!

When you consider that the cheapest hotel rate for a single person for Venice runs around $91, Paris at $126, and Rio de Janeiro at $80, you can get a sense of the savings you’ll reap by going the backpackers route.

2) Be Prepared To Be Friendly.

Besides being low cost, backpackers tend to be a great place to meet other travelers. In fact the layout of the hostel encourages getting to know other visitors more so than a hotel or motel. Unless you request a private room you’ll stay in a dormitory-style bedroom, often co-ed. Most have a common area to gather and socialize, as well as a kitchen and an area to do laundry. It’s a great way to get to know people, but if you’re shy or value your privacy, you might want to think twice about staying at a hostel.

3) Carry Proper ID.

If you’re traveling in your own country, you’ll still want to carry proper identification, such as a photo driver’s license, passport or state/country ID. Most backpackers ask for more information than a hotel or motel would when staying with them because they want to ensure the safety of their guests.

Also, because of their cheap prices, hostels want to make sure that locals aren’t taking advantage of their hospitality, thus taking space away from an international traveler who really needs the cheaper accommodations. If you don’t have a passport, you might want to invest the time to get one, even while traveling your own country, just to give yourself one more ID choice.

4) Pack Lightly!

If you’re a true backpacker, you’re going to travel from hostel to hostel with your clothes on your back. You’re probably going to use local transportation, such as the bus or subway system, or your own two feet. Even if you’re not packing your way from hostel to hostel, keep in mind you’re not going to have a ton of space to toss open countless pieces of luggage. In either case, you don’t want to carry a ton of clothing and valuables to weigh you down and keep you from enjoying your trip.

What will you need?

- A sleep sheet: two sheets sewn together to put on your mattress so you can sleep in your own, clean bed. Some hostels rent them. Most hostels don’t allow sleeping bags because they offer ample places for bedbugs, fleas and ticks to hide in. Most hostels offer clean blankets.

- Toiletries, such as soap, shampoo and toothbrush

- Your own towel

5) Lock Up Valuables.

Although backpackers offer a secure and safe environment, you don’t want to take a chance of losing your more expensive personal goods by leaving them about. Just as you would in a hotel, you want to keep your valuables safe when staying in a backpacker. Most hostels offer a locker or safe of some sort to store valuable items while you’re out. You could also invest in a lock and key before starting your trip to keep handy in case it’s needed.

6) Check for bedbugs!

Unfortunately, bedbugs happen everywhere, be it a five-star hotel or a backpacker. These little pests do suck blood but don’t transmit any diseases, and aren’t any more pesky than a flea bite in most cases.

However, they do carry the stigma of a place being ‘dirty’ if you discover them. This just isn’t so. The cleanest, most expensive accommodations can have them. It’s important to know what they look like so you can tell the backpacker host/hostess. They will take the proper steps to clean the room and get rid of the little pests, since no one wants bedbugs around.

Bedbug signs:

- Most people think they’re so tiny you can’t see them, but this isn’t so. Bedbugs are about 5mm long, oval in shape and brown in colour.

- Check for flecks of blood on the sheets, mattress seams and bed slats

- A large bedbug infestation has an almond-like smell that’s very unpleasant

Bedbugs like to sneak into clothing and gear to travel to the next location with you, so if you think you’ve been infested with bedbugs, you should:

- Wash everything you own in the hottest washer setting and then dry on hot for at least 20 minutes-this includes your backpack!

- Wash yourself in a hot shower

- If something can’t be washed, check it carefully for signs of bedbugs

- Tell the backpacker hostess/host or staff so they can clean the room thoroughly

7) Learn the Etiquette.

When traveling in a different country or even in your own it’s important to know the proper etiquette and rules for that area to enjoy your backpacker stay. For example, some countries don’t allow smoking in public areas and others may have stipulations about drinking alcohol, such as age. You don’t want to end up breaking the rules and find yourself without a place to stay, or worse, locked up in a foreign jail cell.

You’ll also want to check if your backpacker observes a curfew or lockout times. A curfew means that unless you want to find yourself sleeping outside, you’ll be in the hostel at that time. You’ll also want to learn if there’s a lockout time, meaning the backpackers is closed for cleaning or to give the hosts time to run errands, so you can plan accordingly.

Book Online.

To ensure you have someplace to stay when traveling, you’ll want to book your stay in advance. The easiest way is to book your backpacker stay online. BUG (http://www.bugeurope.com) and Hostels.com offer accommodations worldwide as well as online booking. You can also see how others rated their stay and compare between other backpacker locations in the same city.

In Conclusion:

Going round the world or even travelling through your own country can be exciting and fun when staying at backpackers hostels. Providing you don’t forget to take proper ID, stick to the rules, check for bedbugs and pack suitably, you will be able to mix with the locals and save money while you travel. You may make a few new friends along the way!

World travel isn’t just for the rich and famous–even if you low in cash you can still explore the globe! If you’d like to find an
Australian backpackers

hostel, Start Local is the spot for you. Start Local is Australia’s fastest growing local search engine and business directory. Get a list of the most popular backpacker hostels in Australia at => http://www.startlocal.com.au/accomodation/backpackers/

Top 35 Free Sites for Europe Travel Tips Everybody Ought to Know About

admin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:00:08 +0000

When planning a trip to Europe, there are a ton of available resources for travelers. With this is mind, it is often time-consuming to wade through all of the websites to find really valuable information.
Here is a list of some of the top travel resources for planning a trip to Europe.
1) Wikitravel

This is one of the best sites for travel available. It is open source, so it is constantly updated; further, it is usually locals or people who have direct, experience with an area who contribute information. Thus you get localized information you might not have gotten elsewhere.
2) World Travel Tips

This is a huge, comprehensive resource for world travel. It includes forums, articles, links, free membership and much more for every continent. Their European section covers every European Country and offer in-depth information about each one.
3) About.com: Europe for Visitors

This is a great site dedicated to travel in Europe from About.com. Geared towards everyone from first time to experienced travelers, it is a goldmine of European travel and planning information.
4) Virtual Tourist

This is a great travel guide. Their motto is ‘real travelers – real info.” This seems consistent with the site, which has everything from transportation reviews to the best travel deal and trip planners. The site also includes forums where you can read about other people’s adventures in Europe.
5) Travel Europe

This is an swicki (cross between a search engine and wikipedia) where community users can add, remove and improve the results. This particular swicki is geared towards travel in Europe and is a great resource fro planning a trip to or in Europe.
6) Visiteurope.com

This is the European travel commission’s guide to Europe and is packed with tons of useful information, articles, advice and much much more.
7) Europe for Visitors

This is a site that offer European news, general advice, specific country advice, hotels, links to city guides, tourist offices and much, much more.
8.) Europecities.com

This is a comprehensive portal site that offers European city reviews and guides to hundreds of European cities and over 40 European countries.
9) Travel Library

Travel Library is an impartial resource for travelers and offers a plethora of resources that offer in-depth travel information, from hotel and hostel ideas to travelogues and most popular locations.
10) Europa: Traveling in Europe

A huge site that offers tools and information for over 30 European Countries. Each country has their own site dedicated to travel resources, information news and more from that country. Categories for visitors include: documents you will need, choosing a time to travel, getting there, staying healthy, money, shopping, communicating, pets, and if things go wrong.
11) Europa: Your Europe

While this site is geared towards European citizens, it still offers tons of great information for visitors outside of Europe. Information categories include: working in Europe, education and study, living in Europe, traveling in Europe, consumer protection, European citizenship and diplomatic protection.
12) European Union Website

This is the official website of the European Union. It offers news, educational resources and tons of links to information about what’s going on in Europe and well as youth travel portals, travel guides, transportation information and much, much more.
13) Yahoo Answers

This is a great place to ask questions and get answers about anything Europe related. You ask the question and get a number of answers, then choose the answer that fits your question best. This site is great because it gives you several points of view to read and learn from and is focused on sharing knowledge.
14) Travels Wise

This site offers tons of information about travel in Europe and countries including Belarus, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Iceland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and the Ukraine.
15) Rick Steves’ Travel Tips

This site is a large portal site that offers tips and advice for exploring Europe safely, effectively and confidently. From packing tips and safety to accommodations and communications, you will find what you’re looking for.
16) Travel Punk

This site offers travel tips and advice targeted at backpackers, budget travelers and tourists. Offers tons of great information as well as travel tools and resources for finding cheap flights and accommodations.
17) TERC Europe Travel Tips

Offers tips on traveling in Europe and categories run the gamut from packing tips and staying healthy and safe to money matters, budget planning, food and accommodations and much more. It is a huge site that is well worth visiting for any Europe travel-related needs.
18) Accessible Journeys

This is an awesome travel site that offers a wealth of information, tips and travel advice about accessibility and traveling in a wheelchair. With information on everything from traveling with your wheelchair or scooter to equipment rentals, handicapped parking permits in Europe and accessible ways to travel, it is a great resource.
19) Europe Travel Tips

A large portal with tons of travel tools, articles and information about travel in 40 European countries, from Austria to the United Kingdom.
20) Independent Traveler
Great site offering lots of travel tips and advice to independent travelers.
21) Travel-and-transport.com

This is a highly useful portal that offers basic and necessary transportation information for Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway and Sweden. New to the site is a route planner that is especially handy.
22) Travel Notes: Europe

Comprehensive travel notes and advice for traveling throughout Europe. Lots of links, resources and tools for travelers.
23) Open Travel Info

Great travel site with a large amount of travel and Europe related information. The forums and articles are especially useful.
24) Discover Europe

Another excellent portal site that offers a wealth of tools, resources and links for travelers to learn about different European countries and plan their trips effectively and efficiently.
25) World 66: Europe

This is a great wiki site that allows members (free) to change and information. It has a great travel guide, maps, and resources for getting to Europe and getting around it. Members can also post photos and there is a cool photo gallery of different places in Europe. Well worth checking out.
26) Backpacker.net

Geared towards backpackers, this is one of the better sites for information, advice and travel planning for backpackers. Users can submit and read recommendations for hostels, tours, bars, beers and much more.
27) WorldWideBackpackers.com

This site is another excellent resource for backpackers and other travelers. While it is geared towards backpackers, there is a wealth of rich information for all travelers, so you should definitely pay them a visit.
28) Gate 1 Travel

This is a travel site for Central Europe. there is a wealth of information that is super handy; they offer info from climate and clothing advice to packing, required travel documents, travel insurance, transportation, communication and much more.
29) Backpackeurope.com

This is another site that is geared towards backpackers in Europe but is highly useful for all travelers. Has Europe travel tips, advice on packing, hostels and hotels, transportation and links to other travel resources.
30) Gemut.com

This is a great travel site that offers visitors advice on everything from car rental and rail travel to hotel reservations, money matters and much more.
31) Travels With Friends: Travel Tips for Europe

Travel tips and advice from planning your trip to executing it. The site’s creators travel Europe and research sites, accommodations, destinations and much more, so there is great, first-hand information available on all aspects of travel in Europe.
32) Suite 101: Eastern Europe & Russia Travel

Travel, culture and trip planning and advice. This is an excellent resource for finding out more about Eastern Europe and its cultures.
33) Traveler’s Point

Europe advice, tips and travel help for all European countries.
34) Budget Travel Online

Great site offering ideas, how-tos, advice and tips for travelers.
35) Yahoo Travel

Yahoo’s comprehensive travel site offers a wealth of information on all European Countries and many of its countries. Another great resource to check out.

Aurora M. Brown is Head Writer for Social Media Systems online marketing company. Call-in-Europe is a global cell phone service provider for Americans traveling in Europe and authors a Europe travel blog filled with tips and information for Americans traveling Europe who need a cheap cell phone. .

Pack Some Fun Into Your European Backpacking Trip

admin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 09:00:12 +0000

If you are backpacking across Europe, it’s important to pack only the essentials. Even if you are a clotheshorse or fashion guru, it’s just not possible to lug around a ton of heavy bags while traveling on foot. As long as you keep the mundane stuff like clothes and shoes down to a minimum, you can make room for a few extras in your backpack that will make your vacation more enjoyable.

Here are our top picks for what to include in your backpack if you have room:

Lonely Planet Guide. These travel guides are the Bible for economy travelers. They can be chunky, but we just don’t have the heart to tear pages out of these books. They are well-written, interesting, and fun to read. You won’t want to miss a single page.

Global Positioning Device. This is such a cool electronic gadget when you’re doing a lot of walking from town to town. It’s also handy to have when you don’t want to lug around a bunch of different maps. You’ll find yourself relying on it more and more as you navigate around the globe.

Travel towels. If you’ll be staying in hostels while you backpack across various countries, you’ll appreciate having at least one travel towel. Although you can rent the towels available at hostels, they aren’t always appealing. Travel towels are also great if you are caught in an unexpected downpour or need to wash up in a public restroom. They dry quickly and fit into a tiny corner of your backpack.

Photos of friends and family. We know you won’t forget what your family looks like and we aren’t getting sentimental. Having a few snapshots with you is a great icebreaker when you’re traveling. Backpacking is the perfect opportunity to meet locals and strike up conversations. You’ll be amazed by how people warm up to you when you pull out a few pictures of your family and friends from “back home.”

Inflatable neck pillow. Trust us on this one, you’ll find yourself sleeping somewhere uncomfortable at least once while backpacking. It may be a metro station, a beach, or the back seat of a bus. When you’re curled-up tight and shoved into a corner, you’ll be thanking the stars you thought to bring an inflatable pillow so you sleep without getting a permanent crick in your neck.

Compass. It’s not just for camping. When you are lost in downtown London, trying to decipher a map and not sure which way you are facing, you can get your bearings by picking landmark and using your compass. Is Big Ben to the North or South of where you’re standing? That’s a good start for figuring out where you are.

Power bars and granola. The reason you’re walking across Europe with a backpack slung over your shoulder is to save money while you take in the sights. One of the biggest expenditures you’ll have is food, so stock your bag with power bars and granola. If you substitute one of these high-energy goodies for a meal each day, your savings could add up and you may be able to extend your trip.

Rain poncho. A lightweight vinyl or plastic rain poncho can fold into a tiny square and is amazingly versatile. Apart from the obvious protection from rain, you can also use your rain poncho as a tarp for picnic lunches, to wrap up wet items when you pack, and as a place to lay out clothing to dry overnight.

When you start packing, lay out everything that is essential first, and then add the items from this list that you’d like to take. See what fits and go from there. Pare things down until you get your bag to a manageable weight and you’re ready to go. Remember – the less you take, the more you’ll enjoy the trip.

Casey Phillips is a freelance writer from Sacramento. In her spare time she likes to travel and see the world. If you are shopping for new luggage, check out Innovation Luggage.

Tips when Shopping for Wholesale Backpacks

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:01:10 +0000

Backpacks are essential equipment for students, hikers, travelers, and athletes of all ages. Everyone knows how useful and practical a backpack can be and just about everyone owns at least one backpack. When purchasing backpacks for personal use or retail, consider buying wholesale backpacks. Wholesale and discount backpacks come in various sizes and styles and there is a backpack for every need. Selecting the right backpack for your does not have to be overwhelming. Check out these types of backpacks and learn how to choose the best backpack for you.

Types of Backpacks

Comfortable Hiking Backpacks

When carrying more weight or traveling longer distances, you will need a backpack with a frame. Hiking backpacks usually have an external frame, made of a lightweight metal such as scandium or titanium alloys. The body of the backpack is cloth attached to the frame. This frame supports the weight of the pack and then distributes the weight across your hips for a more ergonomically correct fit. Backpacks with internal frames are a recent innovation. The concept is simple: a metal or plastic frame is sewn into the backpack for built-in support. Plastic strips follow the shape of your back for a better fit. Additional metal components may reinforce the frame. And when you go exploring in an urban setting, backpacks make perfect lightweight and convenient luggage. Backpacking across Europe us a popular pastime for older teens and young adults. When weight is distributed properly, you can carry your backpack long distances without back pain or muscle strain.

Cool School Bags

Because of their versatility, backpacks, sometimes called knapsacks, are popular with students. Kids’ backpacks give them more space when carrying books, binders, notebooks, lunch, gym clothes, and other essential school things. Plus, many backpacks offer extra pockets that are perfect for pens, cellphones, and other gear. Trendy backpacks are available in different designs and colors, often featuring the latest celebrities or television characters, giving kids a chance to express their individuality through a hip backpack. Young children enjoy carrying backpacks as a sign of their maturity and growing independence. Even preschoolers and kindergarteners like to carry backpacks to have a special place to put their things. Just remember, pediatricians advise that filled backpacks should weigh no more than 10-15% of a child’s body weight. Most school backpacks also have adjustable straps for a more comfortable fit.

Save Money by Buying Wholesale Backpacks

Back to school shopping or preparing for a hiking trip can be costly. Save money by buying discount backpacks. With wholesale backpacks, you’ll find high quality, affordable backpacks at deep discounts. Check out online deals on backpacks to find the greatest variety of hiking packs and school bags. Whether you are camping out, hiking on the trails, or just hitting the books, it is easy to find wholesale backpacks that fit your lifestyle and complement your personality. When buying wholesale backpacks for personal use or for resale at a retail outlet, scout the market for the best bargains and get the most value from your budget.

Purchasing Discount Backpacks

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