Your backpacking travel planner

There has always been a tradition for Brits to head abroad for their summer holidays, and when you consider the steady stream of poor weather that we all have to endure throughout the winter months it really is no surprise! By the time we enter spring, everyone is longing for the sort of sun and warmth that can only be provided by a weather system not found in our own country!

Obviously finances play a huge part both in terms of where people go, and whether or not they go at all. With this in mind it is important to consider the more affordable places to visit which will give you a total chance of scene, as well as climate.

One of the first places to spring to mind is Malaga, in Spain. Spain is renowned for being a cheap place to stay. Food and drink is a fraction of what you would expect to pay here in the UK, and on top of that, the coastal resorts surrounding Malaga have wonderful weather records. Of course, despite the fact that flights to Spain are in general very affordable, you still have to consider trying to find the best deals, which is why you should think about having a look at off peak flights to malaga. You can save a lot of money by searching in this way and getting there cheaply will only make you value your holiday even more!

If you are travelling around Europe and choose to visit the West of Ireland during your visit, there is a good chance that you will by flying to Knock Airport in County Mayo. Whether you are travelling for business reasons, to see family in the area, or are on a backpacking holiday, the West of Ireland offers some beautiful scenery and unique experiences that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and backgrounds. However, you will find that many people will travel to this region of Europe for for religious or spiritual reasons, with Catholic people in particular from across the world and Europe taking pilgrimages in the region. Knock Shrine which is visited by around 1.5 million people every year is famous for an apparition of the Virgin Mary that was said to have taken place in the year 1879. Now people visit the shrine and the surrounding area for a peaceful and spiritual pilgrimage or holiday experience that can be a welcome break from the hussle and bussle of larger tourist cities in Europe.

     The area apart from its airport is relatively remote, so getting around may be best achieved by car. Visitors to the area may choose to take up the option of car hire Knock Airport at a reasonable rate, thus allowing themselves the freedom to explore the region at their own pace and leisure. There are however also pilgrimage experiences that can be booked at the airport itself of through companies in the local region. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary that is a touch more relaxing than visiting a big city in Europe, why not take a trip to Knock and find out why it remains one of the most popular visitor destinations in Ireland.
 

Welcome to travel guide Europe and our guide to the best holiday destinations to visit in Europe during this wonderful Christmas period. If you have been lucky enough to avoid being grounded by the snow at airports such as Gatwick that have ruined so many peoples holidays this winter – why not pack your bags and set off on a holiday to one of the many great European holiday destinations for winter travel.

Of course, when it comes to choosing the best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe opinion will be divided and there is always going to be differences in choice depending on your interests, age and disposable income.. For example, if your personal cup of tea tends towards a fantastic Christmas party inspired by twinkling Christmas lights, superb local cuisine and part filled music – then the best countries to visit in Europe for a Christmas holiday must surely be found in the UK and France. London and Paris are famous for their seasonal festivities, whist you can also travel to Germany for an authentic outdoor market experience with beers a plenty!

If you can afford to travel to destinations outside Europe, cities such as New York and Florida are brilliant places to visit at Christmas – and of course New York will provide you with all the Christmas shopping opportunities you will ever need! Florida will of course also have some good weather for this time of year if you fancy something a bit different to snow and freezing temperatures!

A Brief Overview of Portugal

Portugal offers one of the warmest climates in Europe and provides the backpacking tourist with a wealth of things to see and do.  Typically, a backpacking vacation implies that you are travelling on a budget or have limited funds.  Not to worry.  There are a number of cheap hotels in Portugal that you can take advantage of.  Additionally, since most international flights land in Lisbon (the capital), there are a number of Lisbon hotels that you can take advantage of as well, although we wouldn’t call all of them cheap.

Backpacking Hot Spots

Although many backpacking tourists prefer to explore the inland regions of the country, it is the beaches and seaside mountains of Portugal that holds the allure for many backpackers.  If your choice is Portugal’s countryside, then you might want to consider one of the following areas:

- Castelo Branco
- Évora
- Douro Valley
- Leiria
- Miranda do Douro
- Viseu

However, if you want to observe the wildlife of the region in its natural state, then you owe it to yourself to backpack and explore the Azores or Madeira Islands.  Additionally, the mainland has nature reserves situated in the Douro Valley, at Peneda-Gerês and at Serra da Estrela.

Gems and Secrets of the Country

For many tourists, the Algarve is the destination of choice with its abundance of natural beauty and some of the most stunning coastlines in Portugal.  Unfortunately, it is gradually becoming overdeveloped and is no longer the hidden gem or secret that it once was.  However, it is still worth exploring because some of the Algarve’s beaches are less visited than others.

Amarante is one of Portugal’s most magnificent little towns and well worth the visit.  It is a lovely city that features some spectacular architecture with beautiful paths and trails to explore along the River Tamega.  Many tourists have commented on how beautiful the architecture and the green streets are as they reflect off the waters of the river.

If you travel to Oporto in the north, you will be at the gateway to another one of the gems and secrets of the country, namely the Douro River Valley.  The most outstanding characteristic of this valley is the vineyards growing along the sloped banks of the river.  The local wineries in the area are complemented by some stunning panoramas of the river.

Events and Cultural Festivals in Portugal

During the summer months, there are numerous fairs that take place especially in the northern regions of the country.  Additionally, there are a number of music festivals that take place that might be of interested to you.  These festivals are typically set in some of the most beautiful countryside and small, quaint villages.

To the north – the two oldest festivals in the region are the Paredes de Coura festival and the Vilar de Mouros festival.

To the south – along the western part of Portugal’s southern coast is the Festival Sudoeste, by far the oldest and most famous of Portugal’s many festivals.

 It may seem a little pessimistic, but before you even think about setting set off on a backpacking holiday or vacation to any of the best holiday destinations in Europe that are discussed here in my blog, you should always be fully prepared for a worst case scenario. For this reason I would always ensure that you have sufficient travel insurance coverage to suit the activities that you are likely to take part in on your trip. Although travel insurance policies for single trips and holidays to Europe are readily available online these days from just a few pounds, if you are planning a longer excursion (perhaps on a month long backpacking holiday) or are planning on taking part in any extreme sports or other potentially dangerous activities during your visit then you will need to ensure that your policy covers the worst case scenario in such eventualities before you take out the policy.


     Travelling in Europe should always be a fun experience you remember for the rest of your life - and for the vast majority of backpackers and holidaymakers on the continent this will be the case - but please also keep in mind that at some of the holiday destinations in Europe you may plan to visit on your travels, you may possibly find that the standard of health and safety can on occasions be less thorough and strictly regulated than the conditions we are perhaps used to here in the UK. For this very reason, proper preparation as well as due vigilance and care for your personal safety are always essential.

      If the worst happens and you do fall foul of an injury or illness whilst on your holiday, then it’s always advisable to seek the advice and expertise of a qualified holiday claim specialist or solicitor who will be able to give you greater clarification on your legal options, should you wish to pursue them. In many cases, any initial enquiries you make are usually available for free, and you may find that seeking legal advice in such scenarios is often far less intimidating than one would potentially expect. If the accident or illness that occurred on your holiday was not through any fault of your own, it is possible you could be entitled to varying levels of compensation – but the help of experts in the field is invariably the best path to take to explore your options.

If you are looking for an exotic holiday destination with a difference this winter then why not jet off on one of the great safari holidays available in locations across East Africa. If you tire of looking at the architecture, museums and art galleries that adorn Europe’s great cities and instead are looking for one of the best holiday destinations that will allow the visitor to get away from urbanised areas, then there is probably no better way of experiencing the great outdoors, going back to nature and seeing Africa’s vibrant and varied wildlife.

A Kenya safari will doubtlessly offer the traveler a holiday of a lifetime - and unique experiences of another world and way of life. With cultures, peoples and landscapes so different to those found in both urban and even rural Europe safari holidays can offer the visitor and exciting step into the unknown. With incredible natural wildlife seldom seen in the wild in many other locations across the world that includes mighty elephants, fleet footed leopards and powerful rhinos, there is no better way to enjoy these animals in there natural habitat than going away on Safari.

In this blogpost were going to be looking at what I believe are the 5 of the best online resources and travel websites to help you plan, prepare for, book and ultimately enjoy your dream backpacking holiday to all of the best holiday destinations in Europe. With the following travel tips and advice hopefully you will find some useful resources to help your trip go smoothly - and also save you a heap of money too!

1. InterRail - http://www.interrailnet.com/

It may be somewhat cliché, but as any young backpacker will tell you these days, getting around Europe with an InterRail travel card is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to travel - and importantly give you the great amount of flexibility you will need to enjoy all the brilliant backpacking holiday destinations in Europe. Booking a ticket online is quick and easy, and the travel cards are valid in the vast majority of countries in Europe.

2. Hostel Bookers - http://www.hostelbookers.com/

Quite possibly the biggest and best online resource for backpackers who are looking to compare and book hostels in Europe and indeed, across the rest of the world. I used have used this site when traveling, booking holidays, stag dos - you name it. Its really easy to use, has an extremely simple booking system and has many useful reviews from likeminded travelers to help you make informed decisions on where to stay based on your personal requirements whether it be location, cost, atmosphere etc.

3. Gaynors Sports of Ambleside - http://www.gaynors.co.uk/

While far less well known outside of the UK than the 2 sites I highlight above, Gaynors is a great shop for anyone looking to take on a backpacking holiday, camping trip or who simply enjoys the great outdoors. Their shop in Ambleside in the Lake District is packed with great gear at low prices or you can also save time and money by buying online. Whether you are in the need of backpacks, waterproofs or boots they have hundreds of products from well known outdoor brands and tend to have some great deals available throughout the year.

4. Low Cost airline Guide - http://www.low-cost-airline-guide.com/

Need help on finding the availability and price of cheap flights to Europe? This great resource is one of the quickest and easiest ways to compare and find out the latest flights online with this low cost airline guide. Listing all of Europe’s best holiday and backpacking flight destinations in the UK, Spain, Romania, Russia, Norway, Serbia, Portugal and pretty much anywhere else you can think of - you’re sure to be able to find the details you need to plan and book your flights whilst traveling in Europe.

5. World Backpackers Forum

If you are planning a backpacking trip or simply need help along the way its nice to be able to share your thoughts, questions and concerns with other likeminded individuals online. With this travel forum you can find backpacking tips and advice, ask questions, raise concerns you may have and generally soak up the knowledge and info of other people who are enjoying their traveling in Europe and other holiday destinations around the world.

Known as the Emerald City, Seattle is well used to its fair share of rain! Not that this doesn't have its disadvantages though. The city is a wonderfully green and vibrant colour, thanks to the very healthy plant life! Seattle is a wonderful place to visit though, and is full of interest. The Autumn brings (other than rain) the Octoberfest, a beer festival popular across the whole of the city, and Bumbershoot, a music festival, owing much to Seattle's fine history of wonderful musical exports.

If you are looking for a vacation destination in Southern Europe that offers natural scenic beauty, friendly people and a wonderful hot, sunny climate then look no further than the Greek Islands. There are so many holiday resorts to choose from on the dozens of islands that collectively make up this region of Europe, although I would personally strongly recommend you check out Kefalonia - one of Europe’s best holiday destinations for a summer break.

I’ve never been a fan of package holidays as I feel they are often rather restrictive, so I would instead suggest taking out car hire Kefalonia Airport and driving around the island visiting many of the quaint little fishing villages. Driving round the island you will find that each place you visit that offers a unique picturesque ambience all of their own. Taking advantage of the cheapest car hire in Greece can also allow the visitor to explore the island’s mountainous areas, sandy beaches and many charming tavernas and restaurants.

If you are a big fan of both sunshine and golf and are looking for a holiday destination in Europe then you can’t really go wrong with visiting one of the may beautiful golf resorts that France has to offer. If your idea of a perfect holiday is smashing the ball off the tea in a great temperate climate as well as enjoying all the great hospitality and facilities you would expect from the worlds top golf resorts then French golf holidays could be just the thing you are looking for this summer.


Golf resorts such as Le Touquet, Hardelot and Chantilly remain extremely popular destinations for golfers looking to find the best golf holiday destinations that France has to offer, whilst the South of France also offers some stunning courses alongside unbelievable scenery and weather conditions. If you are a big sports fan looking for a European holiday with a difference then why not treat yourself to a superb golf break in France this summer.

Austria is justly famous for its excellent skiing. What makes Austria particularly appealing for skiing holidays it that restrictive planning laws mean that any Austrian ski holiday is not going to be marred by the sorts of concrete developments that often get in the way of the breathtaking mountainous scenery in other countries. The Austrian landscape has been maintained to remain pure and beautiful, providing a wonderful backdrop to any ski holiday.

Of course, no skiing holiday is complete without a buzzing apres ski scene, and that’s another area that Austrian ski resorts really deliver in. With great beer, wine and simple but delicious food, Austrians really know how to show their guests a good time. Mayrhofen in particular is famous for a great night life, and the annual Snowbombing music festival which puts a world-class music festival right in the middle of the mountains.


As many of you will have recognised, the further east in Europe you go, the cheaper things tend to be, and Austria is no exception. By no means as cheap as genuinely Eastern European countries, ski holidays in Austria certainly won’t break the bank in the same way a group ski holiday to France or Switzerland may do.

If you’re after pristine scenery, deliciously simple food, great beer, great skiing and a great time at a reasonable price: Austria could well be your perfect ski destination.

If you are looking for a holiday destination in Europe that offers visitors a variety of great natural landscapes including truly beautiful natural coastline and warm temperate waters, then there are surely fewer places better to take a vacation than Dalaman in Turkey. This area which is to be found in the South West of the country is sandwiched between the mountainous areas and the beautiful ocean and has great beaches and coastal views in natural abundance, and for this reason proves a great draw for tourists around the world. The area is also popular for its sporting facilities and archaeological sites which are of some interest to tourists.

If you want to explore the coast further and without restriction why not take advantage of the widely available car hire Dalaman Airport? Whether you choose to stay in the more upmarket hotel accommodation or prefer to save money and enjoy the great outdoors by camping out under the stars in the back drop of this picturesque natural coastline, you’re sure to want to take advantage of cheap car hire Turkey to make the most of your visit to this region.

If you enjoy backpacking in Europe then one country that you really must see is Spain. When it comes to Europe’s top holiday destinations, Spain certainly has them in abundance, whether you are a holidaymaker looking to travel with your family to some of the country’s many great beaches or a young backpacker looking to explore some of the great cities that Spain has to offer tourists. The country remains the top holiday destination for people travelling from the UK, with literally thousands of Brits flying to Spain each year in search of some summer sunshine. If however like me you prefer to be a little more adventurous than just lying on a busy beach all day, then one of the best ways to get around if you want to explore mainland Spain more feely is to look for cheap car hire Spain online.

You will be pleased to know that there are many rental companies that tend to operate in and around Spain’s major airports - such as those found close to Barcelona and Madrid. Getting car hire Madrid airport for example, is a very quick and easy way to get set to travel and explore the surrounding mountains and countryside. In order to save time, you can book online and then simply pick up the keys on arrival at your holiday destination, then simply drive away and start exploring! I would always advise that booking your car hire services online is highly recommended as it is quite simply the quickest, cheapest and most convenient method of renting a vehicle in Europe.

Finding places to visit in Prague is rather simple, with over 50 major landmarks within the city, there is bound to be something for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you'd like to visit the Metronome, the Prague Zoo, or the National Museum, you'll need a place that you and your family can call home during your vacation. Surprisingly, traveling in groups is actually cheaper in Prague because you can find affordable three bedroom modern Prague apartments that can accommodate the entire family or a group of backpackers for less per person than a one or two bedroom apartment.

Although as you’ve probably read here on my travel guide blog, I’ve spent a great deal of my time backpacking in many fantastic places in Europe - traveling around by train and visiting the many great city destinations that the continent has to offer - I’ve also spent some great holidays here with friends and family. One great holiday experience in Europe that I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to relax and put their feet up in order to get away from the stress of the day job is renting a villa somewhere in the beautiful Italian countryside.

Villas in Italy are a great way to unwind and spend time with your closest friends in a superb authentic Italian environment. Taking a holiday in Europe in this way gives you a chance to explore your surrounding area, go for walks, take in some fresh air and enjoy some truly beautiful natural surroundings that we often forget about when stuck in the office. If you rent an Italian villa by the coast you'll also have the benefit of some great sea views and the possibility of unwinding with a bit of fishing. Sometimes I feel its nice to travel to a holiday destination that is a little less intense than many of the great cities I’ve visited in Europe to party such as Krakow and Prague. So if you feel like this is something you would like to get out of your holiday in Europe then why not give it a try.

The city of Pescara is undoubtedly one of the finest holiday destinations to visit if you are travelling in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Many people who are backpacking in Italy will look to reach the city by train, but there is also access via the Pescara airport if you are just looking to take a holiday here. Located on the east coast of the country, Pescara is a quaint port city that lines up against the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. The city has a fine beach which is well worth a look if you fancy a bit of sunbathing or maybe a quick dip, and has all the usual sun beds and umbrellas for hire to tourists visiting the city.


If you fancy a drive to the nearby Majella national park to enjoy the stunning natural scenery, then you can easily get car hire Pescara airport. Similarly to many other European countries you may visit, cheap car hire Italy is widely available to book online if you are visiting Pescara. The park is also a great place to go walking, hiking or climbing as it sports some impressive mountains, the largest of which is Mount Amaro which stands at 2793 meters tall. It also has some interesting caves to explore if that’s your thing - but always be safe and go with some experienced local guides if possible.

No holiday or backpacking trip in the South of France would be complete without taking time to visit the city of Montpellier and the fantastic surrounding region of Languedoc-Roussillon in which the city is located. Montpellier has some very famous and extremely popular visitor attractions – that have helped to make it one of the fastest growing holiday destinations in Europe. Perhaps best renowned of these is the Place de la Comédie in the centre of the city. This stunning town square is a great hive of activity for any visitor to the city featuring some fantastic architecture, fountains and statues.


The Languedoc-Roussillon area is famous for its huge vineyards and if you want to go and explore them then Car Hire Montpellier can be the best way to get around in the district. Although often overlooked for more well known wine making regions, the area has vast expanses of vineyards and produces some fantastic tipple not to be missed. Luckily cheap car hire France is available from several regional outlets and can be booked online meaning its relatively easy for you to get around and enjoy one of the best holiday destinations in France. The car hire services are reasonably priced for this area of Europe – particularly if you are sharing with friends or family.

If you are planning on taking a backpacking holiday in Europe it’s obviously a good idea to buy some currency in advance so you are not charged extortionate exchange rates at the airport or train station for your travel money. While you clearly wont want to be risking carrying around large amounts of cash in your wallet or rucksack, its still worth while having some local currency already in hand for when you arrive at your European city destination – particularly as you may arrive at an awkward time during the night (especially if arriving by train on an inter rail pass) when some currency exchanges may be shut.

If you’re looking for a great holiday experience this summer that combines all the elements of a fantastic climate alongside all the intrinsic qualities and fun features that you’d expect from any warm and sunny Mediterranean holiday destination – but also offers a bit more of an enlightening and interesting historical experience then look no further than Greece – surely one of the best holiday destinations that Europe has to offer. Travel along the stunning coastline adorned with fantastic sandy beaches and you’ll instantly see why so many holidaymakers visit Greece each year.

Many people choose to stay in large hotels in one of Greece’s many popular holiday resorts – but I find that if you want to get a truly authentic taste and experience of the Mediterranean way of life then why not rent out a Greek holiday villa with your friends or family, and take time out in a more relaxing fashion than you would find on a package holiday to Europe. I also find that renting Greek holiday villas allow you a much greater deal of freedom than package holidays – something I’ve always thrived upon and tended to seek out as a “must have” when travelling Europe either on a backpacking trip or just a summer holiday break.

There are also many fantastic other benefits to renting out a villa in Greece – such as being able to have a much more personal and close holiday experience with your family and friends then what you would expect to receive when staying in a hotel or other larger accommodation, as you can privately hire out the villa for your own use. You also tend to get a lot more for your money with self catering – so the quality of your holiday accommodation is likely to be much nicer than in an all inclusive holiday package.