Soon you will be able to travel again

Deciding where to go is the first thing to do to organise your adventure.
If you are going alone, finding the ideal destination should be relatively easy. If you are going with someone, it's harder, but it should be easy to solve. Agree on your expectations and which mode of transport you will use. A train trip in Europe or touring Europe on a bike are not organised in the same way. You can also choose to mix modes of transport!

However, if you plan to travel  in a group, you will have to agree. Discuss what each person expects from a trip: relaxing, exploring, sports... a bit of everything? Once you have determined what to expect, you will be able to find the destination that meets the most criteria. if you plan to walk or travel everyday, check that everyone is in shape to do it without any problem and that the climate or weather is ideal.

You also need to discuss the budget. Going backpacking means travelling on a budget, sleeping in youth hostels, etc. Be mindful that comfort expectations are often different when you are 20 and when you are 40. Similarly, you will not necessarily want to change place everyday. You can rent a flat for a few days to explore a region then head to another place nearby.

If you dream of going to a particular place, prepare your plan for others and describe everything that attracts you to this destination. If you give them an estimate, you should win over your travel buddies! Be careful that they do not mistake you for a travel agency...

Do you all agree on a destination? It is now time to choose a route.
You can go with your friend's tales that have gone to the same place, read guidebooks (Lonely Planet, DK Eyewitness, Rough guides, etc) and of course research online. Tourism offices increasingly have websites that suggest routes and activities in their area.

First you can list all the places you want to discover, and work out how much time it will take to travel between each place. Based on this, you will be able to decide on a detailed route.
Keep your options open,  you may want to stay longer in one place or if you are disappointed, move on faster to the next stage. Once you have decided on the first and last stage, to book travel, the rest is much more flexible. Also plan rest days and days where each person, if you are travelling in a group, can take some time out for themselves. So you can take your time and also visit places that only you are interested in!

Even if a trip never goes exactly as planned (and that's part of the magic!), planning your route in advance enables you to have targets that can change depending on your experience on the ground.

You are staying in Europe, but depending on the countries you intend to visit, you may need visas, vaccines, etc...
These formalities can require a little anticipation, ideally, research it before you buy your tickets. In any case, never leave behind your ID, which should ideally be recent. If you have a passport, keep it with you.
OUR TIP: check out the European Union website to verify all the formalities and papers you need.

Generally speaking, to avoid bad surprises, find out about bank fees for withdrawals and payments abroad, increase your withdrawal limits if you plan on using a lot of cash. Also check the prices of your telephone contract abroad, particularly mobile data. Deactivate roaming mobile data on your telephone to avoid significant extra cost.

Once you have decided on the dates of your trip, the first stage and where you are arriving, you can book your tickets. Remember to do so with your bank card, most of them have cancellation insurance, which could be useful.

Depending on your trip, you can book only your plane, train or boat tickets... to arrive or leave the country, and buy your other tickets as you travel to adapt your route to your wishes. When organising the different stages, take into account the travelling times and make sure you have enough time for connections.
Take time to check fare compare websites to get the best price possible. Remember that the cookies on your wen browser can explain why from one day to the next the tickets get more expensive...

There are several modes of transport to travel:
- Ferry companies offer lower prices if you book early!If you think you may have to change your dates, get the insurance! You can change your mind and your departure dates.
- If you intend to rent a car to go on a road trip, book it before you leave!You could get a better price and might even be bumped up when you get the keys.
- If you are thinking of a nomadic train trip around Europe check out the Interrail passes. They enable you to travel around Europe by train. The passes also give you rights to a discount on accommodation or guided tours, to lower the overall cost of your trip!
- Why not go for a bike tour of Europe? You will save on transport and can leave on your bike from your home.
No matter which accomodation you choose, check that your arrival time is compatible with their opening times. Or that there is someone there to welcome you if you arrive very late or very early.
- Do you have no alternative than the plane? If you want, you can compensate the carbon!

Youth hostels, rentals, hotels, bed&breakfasts or campsites, up to you to find out what you want and what fits your budget! You can even plan to spend a night in a 4 star hotel after a week of camping, you will appreciate the comfort even more. Don't hesitate to consult the specialist sites to get the best price!

If you are going to an area with a mild climate, why not camp?If is a very cost-effective option, especially if you are carrying your tent! If you want to lighten your rucksack, some campsites have pre-pitched tents or bungalows you can rent. If you get to the campsite and it is raining, ask if they have any bungalows available, you won't have to pitch your tent under the rain and be damp the next day.

Youth hostels are not only for young people!They have services tailored to families and groups of friends no matter their age. It is usually the cheapest solution, apart from camping maybe, and the advantage is that you don't need to carry your tent.
Sleeping in a hostel is great because the cooking area is where you can meet other backpackers and share meals with them. They will share their tips and maybe make you want to change your plans!

Rentals and peer-to-peer rentals in particular, we will not give THE reference in peer-to-peer rental, but you won't have any trouble finding it... Rental flats and houses are best for longer stays. Settle in comfortably, save money by cooking and explore the surrounding area as you wish. It's a luxury alternative to a youth hostel, perfect if you have a budget and you enjoy peace and quiet.

Guest houses and Bed and breakfasts are often comfortable and you will eat well. Travelling for several weeks using guest houses and B&Bs isn't always possible for all budgets as they prices are often higher. However, they can be a great step during a nomadic trip or as a reward once you have got where you want to be.
Finally, I won't present the hotel option! It all depends on the budget you have allocated for your holiday. A night in a hotel may enable you to hit the road again well rested.