Author	Message
Scottsingo Member Rotherham	# Posted: 12 Mar 2010 15:19:02 Hey everyone, Me and a couple of my friends are looking into backpacking during the summer, but we've never done it before so i'm just looking for a bit of advice. How much would you recommend we save if were going for a month round Europe? Preferably Holland, Germany and France. We were thinking about just saving as much as we can and then setting £100 to the side. Then when we run out of money, just use the £100 to head home. Is that a good idea or not? Also, should we book our hostels/campsites because i've read they can get pretty full during the summer. Thanks in advance

Marc Jacobs Member United Kingdom (Great Britain)	# Posted: 12 Mar 2010 17:11:55 Hmmm, travelling around Europe can be pretty expensive unless you plan methodically and get work whilst you travel. There are varous websites that you can find with regards to work such as fruit picking and bar duties. Holland can be expensive especially if you like a smoke. The munchies are completely catered for and it has been known for people to spend a lot of money this way. Germany is pretty much the same just with the beer. France is good for work. It is a good idea to set aside some money to get home, as you said. One place I would recommend is Copenhagen. Christiania in Central Copenhagen is a great experience although I've been told it has changed quite a lot nowadays. The biggest problem is the weakness of the pound compared to the Euro. If you manage to save a couple grand I would recommend you visiting Asia or Africa as you could probably last a couple of months on a grand in these places, if you manage your money well. Last time I checked Jet2.com was selling flights to Sharm El Sheik (Sinai, Eygpt) for about £60. From there you can go to the hippy town of Darhab, although it isnt the place it used to be. Alternatively you can catch a bus to Alexandria r Cairo and maybe work your way across North Africa to Morocco and back into Spain. So much to consider....! best of luck though. Am sure whatever you do you will love it. You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need
Leslie Lewis Member United States of America	# Posted: 30 Mar 2010 12:20:10 Backpacking to Europe is so expensive. You need to save a lot of money to have a peaceful trip and accommodation. You will not find work anywhere during travel so you have to be careful about money while traveling. Saving £100 is a good idea to keep you stress free while travel. Romantic bed and breakfasts Life is a sacrifice
marc jacobs Member United Kingdom (Great Britain)	# Posted: 30 Mar 2010 12:37:17 I completely disagree with Leslie here. You will find work in Europe, trust me; I'm European and have visted Europe extensively. I have always found work. In many countries companies often employ foreigners because they can offer them slightly cheaper wages, do not have to pay as much N.I and sometimes even the country will not require taxes from companies for foreign labour. You are in a better position than most. Trust me every country I've been to in Europe I have been offered work. It may not be great money but it will keep you going. You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need