Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Western Europe: Tips From My 4-Month Solo Trip

If you’re dreaming of strapping on a backpack and exploring Europe, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime. I spent four unforgettable months backpacking across Western Europe, hopping from city to city, meeting amazing people, and learning a ton along the way. Whether you’re going for 10 days or several months, this guide will help you plan smarter, travel cheaper, and make the most of your time.

Where I Went & Why It Was Life-Changing
I started my journey on June 28, 2022, with a one-way ticket to Spain and no set return date. What followed was four months of exploring seven incredible countries:

🇪🇸 Spain

🇫🇷 France

🇮🇹 Italy

🇨🇭 Switzerland

🇧🇪 Belgium

🏴 England

🏴 Scotland

Although most of my travels were in Western Europe, the advice in this post still applies to Central and Eastern Europe—just keep in mind that some regions, like the Balkans or Greece, have less developed train systems.

Step 1: Choose Your Starting Point
You don’t need to map out your entire route before you leave. I planned about 2–3 weeks in advance, especially since I traveled during peak season (June to August). If you’re going in the off-season (September to May), you’ll enjoy more flexibility and better availability.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Google Flights and enter your departure city with “Europe” as your destination. You’ll see a map of the cheapest flights across the continent. Cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam often offer the best deals from the U.S.

Step 2: Be Realistic About Your Itinerary
When creating your travel route, less is more. I’ve seen people try to cram five countries into a 10-day trip—don’t do it. Stick to two countries max (preferably neighbors), and focus on three well-connected cities. This allows you to actually enjoy the culture instead of rushing through it.

Some of my favorite stops were places I discovered on the road, thanks to tips from locals or fellow backpackers.

Step 3: Where to Stay – Hostels, Airbnbs & More
I mostly stayed in hostels—and if you’re traveling solo, I highly recommend them.

Dorm rooms are great for budget and meeting people.

Private rooms exist too if you want quiet without losing the social aspect.

Airbnbs/Hotels are better if you’re traveling as a couple or group.

💡 Hostel Tip: Use Hostelworld to compare reviews, but book directly on the hostel’s site. You’ll often get better deals and perks (like free breakfast or towels).

Step 4: Getting Around – Trains, Buses & Flights
🚆 Eurail Pass
If you’re riding a lot of trains across borders, a Eurail Pass can save money. I used a 10-trip pass over two months for around $500. Worth it.

🚌 Buses
For shorter routes, buses are ultra-cheap. I paid €10 from Brussels to Paris using FlixBus. Omio is a great app to compare transport options.

✈️ Flying
Budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet are great for long distances, but they nickel-and-dime for baggage and usually fly from remote airports.

Step 5: Money Tips – Currency, Cards & Fees
💳 Cards vs Cash:
Always carry some cash. Public transport, markets, or mom-and-pop restaurants may not take cards.

💡 Travel Credit Cards:
I used the Chase Sapphire Preferred. No foreign transaction fees and 3x points on travel. Those points helped pay for my next trip.

🏧 ATM Hacks:
Use banks like Charles Schwab that refund ATM fees. And always decline currency conversion at foreign ATMs—they use terrible exchange rates.

Real-Time Trip Planning: A New Kind of Adventure
Flash forward to now—I’m planning a two-week trip to Europe with my wife for our anniversary next year. It’s her first time abroad, and while I’ve done the backpacker thing solo, planning as a couple is a new adventure.

Our Two Route Options:
London → Paris → Switzerland → Venice

London → Paris → Bordeaux → Barcelona

We’re torn between iconic cities and scenic beauty. Here’s what we value most:

🍷 Food & Wine

🏛️ Culture & History

🏞️ Natural Scenery

👫 Friendly Locals

Why We’re Leaning Toward Route #1
After digging into recommendations, we’re favoring the London → Paris → Switzerland → Venice route. Why? Switzerland’s Bernina Express has come up again and again as one of the most breathtaking train rides on Earth. Travelers have raved about hopping from Milan to Lake Como, ferrying across to Varenna or Bellagio, and boarding the Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur—climbing high into the Alps with panoramic views of glaciers, lakes, and tiny villages.

From there, it’s an easy jump to Zurich, then down to Venice (maybe stopping in Verona, which oozes romance).

It’s essentially a highlight reel of everything Europe offers—history, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

But we’re still open to ideas. If you’ve done something like this, feel free to drop tips!

Final Thoughts
Backpacking through Europe changed how I see the world—and now, I’m excited to share that with my partner. Whether you’re going solo, as a couple, or with friends, Europe offers something for everyone. Plan smart, travel light, and say yes to new things.

🗺️ Whether you’re chasing sunsets in Spain, sipping wine in Bordeaux, or cruising the Alps by train—Europe is yours to explore.