We have been dreaming of it for a while, we are waiting for one thing only, hitting the road again. Being able to discover new landscapes, meet new people and feel free. Being able to travel, simply.
So while we wait for the right time, we will help you prepare your next adventure!
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...
To find your next destination, find inspiration in our advice and in our ambassador's travel stories:
Do you want to make your life easier and make the most of your trip? Why not go on a package tour?
Package tours aren't only for pensioners! On the contrary, many travel agencies now organise trips that combine sport and travelling.
Your luggage will be transported by the agency and you can enjoy your day on the footpaths or visits without worrying about logistics. All the meals and accommodation are planned by the organisers.
Just enjoy the trip and think only about the gifts you will be bringing back for your friends and family!
For example, to give you an idea of a typical day on a package holiday in the desert, we have written an article:
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.
1. Scan your identity documents and e-mail them to yourself, to have copies in case they are lost or stolen.
2. Inform your local embassy that you arrived in the country.You will be sent a message with instructions to follow in the event of a crisis.
