BY rimshaatherDec 2, 2021

Everyone should travel abroad and explore the mysterious corners of the world at least once in their lifetime. And what better place to start your journey than Europe, which literally has it all. From quaint little hamlets to breathtaking natural wonders, bustling spired cities to soul-soothing golden beaches, Gondola rides in the Venetian canal to romantic candle-lit dinners atop the Eiffel Tower. Not to mention, the friendly indigenous folk, the local cultural events, and the refreshingly unique food. Indeed, traveling across Europe is sure to turn your life around for the better, enriching it with precious memories of interesting adventures. But there are a lot of factors to take into consideration before you can begin this Euro trip. Let me help you with a few backpacking tips if you prefer to travel on foot and point you in the right direction. Here are 5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip: Everything depends on your budget. If you can afford to stay in one of those pricier hotels, then go for it. But if you’re a backpacker, then you might want to save on the accommodation costs, for which there are plenty of options. Here are a few helpful backpacking tips: 1. Seasonal Selection: If it is during wintertime that you decide to begin your Euro-tour, then head over to the places with the best skiing facilities and the most tasteful New Year parties, like Finland, Sweden or Austria, etc. In the case of the spring season, perfectly balanced between the dying winter and the emerging summer, select Netherlands, Greece, France, or Ireland as your European destinations, in full bloom. For an autumnal golden view mixed with browns and greens, travel to the Mediterranean. As the tourist traffic dies down, enjoy the pleasant quietness of the coastlines and explore the eerie cities of Spain and Italy, etc. Finally, if the hot summer season is your choice for the trip, then make your way to the Baltic regions, the eastern Slovenian mountains and the wonderful Balkan coastline. Just make sure to pick your season wisely and not begin your journey haphazardly. 2. Euro-Train Travel There are many ways you could go around Europe, but the best mode of transportation for backpackers is the railway. It is featured in many wanderlust movies, like Before Sunset (2004) which shows the characters getting the most out of their journey via train travel. You can order these movies by visiting here, for further inspiration. Why the train, you ask? Well, for starters, you can better enjoy the multi-colored view of the European landscape from your train window, rather than from an airplane. Other than that, if you sleep overnight in your cabin on one of those long rides, then you’ll save on accommodation costs. Plus, most countries require a single train pass, like a Eurail or an Interrail Global pass, in order to become accessible. Cool, right? 3. Accommodation Options Visiting Europe is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From searching hotels in west London to packing your bags for the southernmost tip of Prague, there is so much to do. If you truely want things to be just right, here are a few useful tips: Guesthouse: This is a private mode of lodging, where the hosts allot one separate section of their house to a paying guest for staying in. It also goes by the name of the bed and breakfast. You can book your spot in such guesthouses online by going for digital accommodation apps like Airbnb etc. They give a much homelier welcome than the super-formal hotels, so you won’t feel home-sick. Hostel: Also known by the name of an ‘inn’, this accommodation system goes way back to medieval times. It is an establishment that gives inexpensive lodging and food to students, workers, and travelers mostly. Book your rooms beforehand to avoid any sort of inconvenience. Camp: If you want to truly test yourself and connect with the nature on the rawest level, then book your spot on a well-equipped camping site. It is not only quite affordable, and but comes with a special bonfire bonding. University Stays: Most of the universities in certain countries offer cheap lodgings to students. You can avail of this option as well. There are other accommodation options too, but these are the ones which I’d recommend. 4. Cultural Delve Once you reach a place, be sure to collect as many experiences as you can, and such experiences begin once you indulge in the local cultures. Festivals are a major part of any culture, so plan your trip around such events in advance. There’s the orange battle festival in Italy, the bullfight in Spain, the shamrock-jeweled St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Ireland, and the interesting naked run Roskilde festival in Denmark, etc. In addition to such events, be sure to savor the curious, indigenous cuisines. Instead of going to the expensive restaurants, save on your backpacker’s budget by eating like the locals. Refresh your taste buds with the multi-colored street food. Popular dishes include French crêpes, Denmark’s smørrebrød, the Italian trattoria, currywurst of Berlin and the Belgian fries, etc. Apart from this, the best option would be to cook your own food. Handpick ingredients from the local markets, which come with their own titillating flavors. Markets are a hubbub of interesting activity. Don’t forget to add them to your tour. Do buy small souvenirs, like key chains, to hang from your backpacks. 5. Nightly Forays One word: pubs. Even though the days are full of invigorating explorations, nights are equally alive with inebriation in the European countries. So, there are plenty of reasons to stay up late and go on nightly forays. There are hipster dives in London and Berlin, ruin bars in Budapest, and wine tastings in France and Italy. Moreover, the flamenco music scene in Seville, historic pubs of Oxford, and cafes in Brussels are a must-visit too. Do not miss out on these dark, happy hours by wasting them away on sleep. One important tip that you should definitely keep in mind is that your safety is your own responsibility once you go backpacking tips across Europe. So, do not take any chances with expensive cameras or jewelry, and always be on your guard. Especially, when you go on the roads less taken and explore under-the-radar areas, like Berat or Olomouc. Be sure to take the basic precautions to stay safe. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: How long is the backpacking trip to Europe? A:  For larger Europen sites you will need 2 to 4 full days and 3 to 5 nights. For smaller sites, you will need 1 to 2 days maximum. So it all depends on how much time you can spend on your trip to Europe.  Q2: Is backpacking to Europe is cheap? A: If you choose the peak time which is the Summer season, then it is going to be expensive for you as well as the place will be crowded. To have a smooth trip to Europe with any crowd and also where accommodations are 50% cheaper, travel during the shoulder or offseason. Q3: Are hostels in Europe safe? A: Not that much, the common security issue you will face is theft, especially in larger cities like Paris and Rome. therefore the hostels have lockers that save your belongings from getting robbed. But always carry your purse along with your passport, credit cards, IDs with you.  Q4: Is there any age limit to take a trip to Europe? A: Hostels and Hotels will only allow you if you are 18 or above, otherwise a guardian accompanying you will be nice. Exception when counted, Germany’s Bavarian Region does not consider this age thing in most hostels.  Wrapping Up: So, whenever you plan your backpacking tips journey, be sure to pay attention to the aforementioned tips. These will surely benefit you in the long run and make your Euro-trip bump-free. Read More: How to Choose A Backpack 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe

BY Ariana SmithFeb 20, 2021

Europe is a jewel of a continent. From the west to the east, no country is the same as the last, with each nation having its own unique customs, architecture, and must-see attractions. Traveling across Europe is fairly easy thanks to the fact the vast majority of it is landlocked, meaning it’s common for people to travel across the continent on an extended break rather than simply visiting one country and then coming back to visit another the following year. Whilst traveling from country to the country might seem effortless, there are a number of things you need to be aware of. When traveling to somewhere in Europe such as Ireland, make sure to book a reputable airport transfer company in advance. If you’re thinking of traveling across Europe, make sure you keep these 10 tips in mind before your trip commences. 1. Currency Changes: Time zone changes are a given, but currency changes aren’t. You’d be forgiven for thinking that most European countries use the Euro, but they don’t. Not every country on the continent of Europe is in the EU (such as the UK, Norway, and Turkey). Regardless of whether a country is the European Union, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to use the Euro. Such countries include: Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Hungary Poland Romania Sweden It’s always worth keeping Euro with you as some countries that don’t normally use the Euro will accept it as a form of payment, but you should be mindful of the currency of the countries you’re going to be visiting and make a note of the exchange rates. For instance, if you are visiting Romania for business purposes or are willing to start a business in Romania, you should be aware of the currency factors. Also, it's better to understand what form of registration is more applicable in that geographic area. As far as Romania businessmen are concerned, they always go for the PFA registration process instead of SA or SRL. Why? PFA is simple and low-cost! 2. Opening Hours (Siestas) Depending on where you’re from and where you’re going, you’ll likely encounter different opening hours to what you’re used to. This mainly applies to hot countries like Spain where it’s traditional for the locals to take a siesta during the hottest part of the day. This results in many businesses closing at noon for two hours. In tourist hotspots and resort areas, this might not be the case as businesses attempt to maximize profits, but in hidden gem areas that are off the beaten track, it’s more likely that this long-term tradition will be adhered to. So, you need to make sure you’re aware of closing times and societal opening hours before you’re caught short and in need of urgent supplies but can’t get any. 3. Temperature Changes: Europe is a very varied continent that spans over 1,339 miles from the east to the west and 2,076 miles from north to south. Whilst it’s one of the smallest continents on Earth, it encompasses sub-arctic and desert landscapes all in one. If you’re planning on traveling from the west to the east, or the north to the south, you’re likely to experience all of these temperatures during your trip, so you need to pack accordingly. Whilst you might be okay wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals in Rome, you will most definitely want sturdy boots, wooly mittens, and a big parka coat by the time you get to Russia. The last thing you want is to freeze (or melt) and have to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe for every country you visit. 4. Pack Light: We’ve just said to pack for every eventuality, but in the same breath, pack light. Europe is full of narrow streets, winding roads, and dainty amenities, and that can make lugging two 20kg suitcases extremely difficult. You’re more than likely going to be taking several types of transport and constantly be moving from place to place, so the last thing you want is to pack up your entire life every other week and drag it along some impractically small cobbled streets. Instead, take two of everything, with enough fresh underwear to last a week. That means two jumpers, two pairs of jeans, two skirts/shorts, two dresses, etc. There will be plenty of launderettes around to wash your clothes for you, and whilst going to the launderette every week might not sound too pleasant, neither does dragging your whole wardrobe down the winding, single file, cobbled streets of Greece. 5. Travel By Ground: Europe is – mostly – a landlocked mass (with the exception of some islands and parts of Scandinavia). Europeans also rely heavily on trains to get to and from places, and this means the countries are typically well connected by railway lines. If you’re planning to travel across Europe, do so by train as much as you can. It’s cheap, it’s fast and it gives you the chance to take in much more of the natural beauty the continent is home to. If you’re going to be traveling to islands like the UK and those in the Mediterranean, ferries are an option that is still often cheaper than flying. When it comes to getting to hard-to-reach locations, taxis are your friend. Whether you opt for Uber or an independent company like Place2Place, taxis are rife in Europe and easy enough to hail down. Once you get to your destination, you may wish to rent a car with the help of a site like StressFreeCarRental.com to give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and go exactly where it is you would like to. 6. Comfortable Shoes: As mentioned, Europe is home to many narrow streets, cobbled roads, and elevated inclinations. There’s a LOT of walking to be done, so make sure you pack a comfy pair of trainers or flats because this is one continent where – no matter where you are – you won’t be able to appreciate it in a pair of heels. 7. Reservations: Most of Europe is flooded by tourists at any given time of the year which results in almost every restaurant being rammed almost all of the time. If you’re a spontaneous diner, you’ll need to change your ways – and fast. Europeans work on a basis of reservations. You might even need to reserve a seat in a bar because it gets so busy! Make sure to call up a day in advance to book your place, otherwise, you’ll find yourself eating a McDonald’s instead of a traditional local delicacy, and that would be a complete waste of a trip. 8. Tap Water: Depending on where you go, tap water in Europe varies, so it’s best to stay away from it. Bottled water is incredibly destructive to the environment, but tap water in Europe could be incredibly destructive to your digestive system, so it’s all about weighing up the risks. By this, we mean the number of minerals in the water can change drastically which could cause nausea or diarrhea. It’s important to remember the tap water in Europe is perfectly safe to drink and is strictly monitored, but it can vary from place to place which means your stomach could get a little upset by it. This is something to keep in mind. 9. Food Tourist Traps: Earlier we mentioned making reservations, but it’s also important to note to avoid food tourist traps. Major attractions will be dotted with eateries and coffee shops, and whilst they’re practical, they’re also double the price and half the quality of other local places. Venture just a bit further out and you’ll find some beautiful places full of local delicacies that are much better prepared and much more reasonably priced. 10. Flight Compensation (EC 261): In the event you do travel by air across Europe, the good news is, you’re covered by EC 261 which is a flight compensation scheme. If your flight is delayed by three hours or more, is canceled or if you’re denied boarding, you’re entitled to compensation and the airline must provide accommodation where necessary. This applies to all flights taking off or landing in European countries, regardless of if the airline does not belong to an EU member state. This is a nice little bit of protection should things take a turn for the worst. If you are looking for great day tour options, then booking someone like Collins Day Tours is a great idea. These are just 10 tips for traveling across Europe, but the biggest tip of all is to HAVE FUN! Read Also: Top 5 Romantic European City Breaks 5 European Destinations Negatively Impacted By ‘Over-Tourism Top 3 Party Destinations For Safety-Conscious Tourists

BY Barsha BhattacharyaAug 18, 2023

Cumbria is a stunning region in the northwest of England, renowned for its unspoiled wilderness and picturesque Lake District. With wild moorlands, immense mountain ranges and beautiful lakes, Cumbria provides a wealth of experiences that make it one of the most desirable places to visit in the UK. Whether you are looking for an action-packed holiday or just want to relax in some stunning countryside scenery, Cumbria has something for everyone. From ancient villages steeped in history to modern cities brimming with culture, there's plenty to explore here. There are numerous activities available such as hiking and biking through breathtaking landscapes or taking part in water sports at Lake Windermere. History Of Cumbria The Lake District National Park, covering most of Cumbria, offers visitors some truly breathtaking views due to its mountainous terrain interspersed with picturesque lakes – making it one of England's most popular tourist destinations since Victorian times! Originally a rural area largely untouched by industry or modernisation, it has evolved significantly over time yet managed to retain much of its original charm thanks to efforts made by conservationists and locals alike – meaning that those looking for peaceful walks through stunning landscapes will not be disappointed when visiting this unique corner of Northern England! Places To Visit Cumbria is home to many stunning and historic villages that are well worth visiting. The village of Windemere, which was first established in the 12th century, is one such example; here you can stroll through its cobbled streets while admiring the quaint cottages and Georgian buildings or take a boat ride across the lake for some stunning views. Other popular places include Grasmere with its picture-perfect waterfalls and Keswick with its wonderful mountain scenery – both excellent spots for outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling. Last but not least Cumbria offers visitors sites that showcase incredible natural beauty too! From tranquil lakeside scenes in Ullswater or Coniston Water to towering peaks at Scafell Pike (England’s highest peak) – there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring sights waiting around every corner here! For those wanting a more relaxed experience then why not try one of Cumbria's many nature reserves? These special areas contain some rare species including red squirrels, otters, and ospreys – perfect if you want to get close up with wildlife without disturbing it too much! Things To Do Hiking and adventuring in the Lake District is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. With its rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and rugged mountain ranges, Cumbria is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. The region offers a wide range of trails for both experienced hikers and those looking for a stroll around the landscape. There are scenic routes through forests and riverside paths leading up to breathtaking summits – perfect for taking in panoramic views over the National Park! For those looking for something more challenging, there are also plenty of difficult climbs available which require technical skills such as scrambling or rock climbing. Exploring local markets and cultural centers is another great way to immerse yourself in Cumbrian life during your stay here. From vibrant street markets like Keswick's Saturday Market where you can pick up unique souvenirs or try delicious local dishes made with fresh produce from nearby farms; to historic towns like Ambleside with their abundance of indie shops selling locally crafted goods - these places offer visitors an insight into everyday life in this beautiful corner of England that cannot be found anywhere else! Finally, no visit to Cumbria would be complete without taking time out just to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery on offer here! Whether it’s spending time peacefully fishing on one of its many lakes or simply sitting back admiring views from one of its many viewpoints – there’s something incredibly calming about being surrounded by natural beauty while breathing clean air far away from any hustle & bustle. So make sure you take some time out during your trip here so you can truly appreciate what makes this part of England so special! Accommodation Accommodation in Cumbria is as varied as the landscape itself, and there are plenty of options to choose from depending on what type of experience you’re looking for. Campsites and caravan parks in Cumbria offer a great way to immerse yourself in nature while still having access to modern amenities such as showers, toilets, and laundry facilities. Cumbria also offers other accommodations, including a wide range of hotels to suit your budget, holiday cottages to let, and traditional camping sites for tents and touring caravans. If you do choose to camp, take note of our camping tips. Conclusion In conclusion, Cumbria is a wonderful location to visit for a truly enjoyable vacation. With its stunning views and abundance of outdoor activities, it's perfect for individuals, couples, or families looking to experience the beauty of nature firsthand. The region also has an incredibly rich culture and history that can be explored through its folk songs, quaint villages, and historic sites. Whether you're after adventure or relaxation this part of England really does have something for everyone – so don't miss out on the chance to explore all that Cumbria has to offer! Planning a journey overseas? Take a look at more of the best places to travel in August. Read Also: Top 4 Ways Of Preparing An Enjoyable Retreat Celebrate Your Happiness With Family Friendly Gites South Of France Looking For Your Next Fun-Filled Family Vacation: Head To Aquaventuras Park