Backpacking Europe?

Question

Next summer I was think about backpacking through Europe for 2 weeks and I was wondering what kind of stuff do you take? How do you go about planning the trip? Any recommendations?

Answer 1

I backpacked for 6 months and let me tell you rule #1 - take as little as possible!  All I had was a Jansport backpack and everyone was very jealous of me every time we had to walk a mile from the train station to the youth hostel.  Plus, packpackers are poor and people understand that so it's not really a big fashion faux pas if you wear the same clothes all the time. I took: a pair of jeans, a pair of slacks, one dress for museums and stuff but that wasn't really necessary, a light sweater, a tank top and I bought another sweater at second-hand store there.  I also bought a coat once it got cold.  Also, I brought pajamas appropriate for public sleeping (hostels), toiletries (no makeup! it just weighs you down), and a GOOD pair of walking shoes.  A swimsuit might be appropriate.  Depends on where you are going.  Bring lots of underwear since they take up so little room and you won't have to constantly be washing them.  If you are a woman, bring two bras so you can wear one while washing the other (made that mistake and went braless a few times). I also suggest an iPod, a Camera, and a headlamp for late night reading or for trains.  Don't forget a watch that doubles as an alarm clock and night light. Have a great time! It was the best thing I've ever done.