| Backpacking Europe, it's a great way to learn about | | | | Sleeping on Someone's Couch-you thought at home |
| yourself, see the world and broaden your horizons. | | | | was the only place you could crash on someone's |
| When you first arrive, you're ready for anything and full | | | | couch? Why not do it in Europe. Probably the easiest |
| of energy. | | | | way is to use Couchsurfing.com, a site that connects |
| However, as the weeks pass and you grow more | | | | travelers with locals with an unoccupied couch. You'll |
| and more tired, it's easy to fall into a routine. Take train | | | | meet amazing people who can show you the city like |
| to city, find hostel, look in guide book, see couple sights, | | | | only locals can, definitely do this at least once. |
| spend evening in Hostel bar, rinse and repeat. | | | | Eat Local: You'd be amazed at how often I see other |
| So how do you keep your trip from becoming just a | | | | backpackers eating in American chain restaurants, |
| routine to pass the days until you head home? Plan | | | | while they're definitely a lot less scary than that tiny |
| things to spice up your trip. Adding a little variety will | | | | little German hole-in-the-wall, but you can get |
| keep your trip seeming new, even if you've already | | | | McDonalds everywhere. |
| seen 20 churches and art museums. | | | | Just walk around any town or city and you'll see tons |
| Here are some tips on how to get out of the typical | | | | of little shops and restaurants. Go in and you'll see that |
| backpacker routine: | | | | they're usually a lot less crowded, cheaper and more |
| Put the guidebook down: A guidebook is one of the | | | | fun to eat at. Even if the staff does not speak English, |
| best tools a backpacker can have, and I definitely | | | | they'll probably be very willing to try their best, and if all |
| suggest every backpacker have one. However, don't | | | | else fails just point at something on the menu, you |
| live out of the book. I've seen a lot of backpacker who | | | | might get lucky. |
| always have their guide book out. Don't just check off | | | | Do things that a backpacker wouldn't: Don't just stick |
| everything in your guidebook and then move on. | | | | to seeing famous buildings and cultural spots. Take |
| Play the city by ear. Ask your hostel staff about things | | | | some time to do fun stuff as well. |
| to do, look around for signs, pick up local tourist | | | | Go miniature golfing in the Netherlands, play |
| information and even just wander around. You'll find | | | | videogames in a Croatian arcade, or find a bowling |
| you're missing a whole lot if you just stick to your book. | | | | alley in Germany. |
| Stay in unusual places: Every backpack will soon learn | | | | If you have the money, try things that are more |
| hostel life, so when you're traveling keep an eye out | | | | adventurous like whitewater rafting or horseback riding. |
| for cheap places to stay that aren't hostels. Many will | | | | Anything that will break up the string of castles, |
| get you off the beaten path and let you meet some | | | | churches and monuments and will keep you from |
| really nice people. | | | | getting burnt out. |
| Consider staying at a convent. They're generally very | | | | If you keep some of these things in mind, you will have |
| basic accommodations, and most have rules you'll | | | | a much more entertain trip and might just come home |
| have to follow while you're there. However, it's a | | | | with some new stories to tell. |
| cheap way and interesting way to stay. | | | | |