Many travelers’ dream trips include a stopover in Europe when backpacking. But where do you even begin organizing a big trip with so many unknowns?

Organizing a backpacking vacation through Europe doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going to sunny Costa del Sol in Spain or exploring beautiful Budapest, this guide has you covered!

We’ve gathered the best tips into this Europe backpacking guide to assist you with preparing for your dream trip.

How To Plan A Europe Backpacking Trip

Step 1: Getting the Perfect Bag

A bag is the most vital part of backpacking your way through Europe. It contains all of your essentials – usually the bare minimum you need for a basic daily routine. 

You must choose one that is sturdy yet lightweight. Something easy to carry everywhere that can withstand extreme conditions. Backpacking your way through Europe requires you to move around a lot. Oftentimes, you’ll practically be dragging your backpack along with you everywhere you go.

It is better to do a bit of research on the different kinds of backpacks available and pick one that fits your frame and one that you won’t have a problem carrying for long periods of time. I recommend trying these on inside a store first, in order to get a sense of how it will feel on your back.

Read more: The Best Travel Backpacks (Detailed Buying Guide)

Step 2: Choose a Destination

Numerous variables will influence where you choose to backpack in Europe.

Consider the locations that are calling you first. Where has your dream destination always been? Maybe you’ve been scrolling through your phone and across different travel blogs and there are destinations you are repeatedly being drawn to.

Then, think about your overall budget. What overall budget is easy for you to work with?

The decision of where to travel in Europe will vary based on what you wish to see and how much money you want to spend because the continent is so diverse in terms of culture and cost.

Read more: The Best Weekend Getaways in Europe (& Where to Stay)

Step 3: Research Costs and Create a Budget

Research the prices you find online for your trip. and create a thorough travel budget for Europe, utilizing online budget planners. Once you’ve decided on a destination or have reduced your options to a few top contenders, you’re ready for the next step.

Understand the typical costs of hotels or hostels, flying expenses, and meals. Be sure to account for the extra cash you need for leisure and any tours you want to take.

Read more: Europe Travel Tips: 10 Things You Need to Know

Step 4: Schedule and Manage Your Itinerary

Choose your travel dates based on your budget. If you’re not as worried about ideal weather and you have a limited budget, you’ll want to travel in the shoulder or low season.

Planning during your destination’s shoulder season is, more often than not, a great idea, but we’ll cover more on that below.

Read more: Packing List for Europe (Fits in a Carry-on)

Step 5: Schedule a Flight

Next up, you’ll want to purchase your flight. There are specific websites to find cheap flights, but I suggest you also use Google flights.

This will give you an idea of the most cost-effective airline to fly with, the ideal time to travel, and any other nearby airport options.

For your flights, it’s preferable to do extensive research unless you have airline loyalty. Before making a reservation, apply for the airline’s rewards program. The benefits of earning points can be substantial in the future.

Read more: How to Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere

Step 6: Find Inexpensive Lodging

Nowadays, there are many affordable lodging options for travelers in Europe, including hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, bed-and-breakfasts, camping, homestays, and Couchsurfing.

The choice you make entirely relies on your preferences and budget. We advise researching a few possibilities in your target place to determine which one you feel most at ease with.

Low on funds? Below are two ways to get free hostel lodging in Europe:

1. Start by thinking about house-sitting as a substitute for accommodation. We use TrustedHousesitters.
2. If that doesn’t work for you, and you don’t mind spending a little more time in each place, think about working at a hostel as a trade-in for free space and meals.

Step 7: Explore Transportation Options

Moving onto your options for transportation, here are some crucial things to know.

Look at regional transportation options, including trains, buses, and low-cost flights. Get a broad idea of how to travel from A to B and how much it will cost for all of those options.

Before departing on your trip, be sure you have a clear plan for getting from the airport to where you’re staying.

Step 8: Visas

Does Schengen sound familiar? It’s a region of more than 20 European countries that don’t recognize international boundaries. This implies that border control doesn’t exist here and that you can travel freely within these countries from internal borders sans a passport.

However, suppose you are a citizen of one of the numerous non-European countries, such as Australians, Americans, Canadians, or New Zealanders. In that case, you are only permitted to stay 90 out of every 180 days in the entire Schengen area.

This does not imply that you must leave Europe completely after meeting those 90 days, only that you must move on to a non-Schengen country once your visa has expired.

Step 9: Study a Few Key Phrases

Were you aware of The European Union has 24 official languages?

Anyone can benefit from having a rudimentary understanding of the local language of any place they travel to. No one expects you to master the official language of every country you visit.

It’s not uncommon to locate an English-speaking individual wherever in Europe, particularly in the tourism sector. However, will need to communicate in the local language as you venture to smaller towns where English isn’t spoken as widely.

Making notes with a few important expressions on them is beneficial. As a result, you are more familiar with them and can refer to them whenever you need to without having to go through a large book or fiddle with your phone.

Step 10: Protect Yourself

While traveling in Europe on a budget is generally safe, unexpected events can happen anytime.

It’s wise to have a backup strategy in place in case something goes wrong, whether it’s a break-in, an accident, or having to withdraw from your visit because of a problem at home.

You can feel safer when you have travel insurance before you go on your trip. Never forget to research potential insurance providers before selecting one. You can quickly compare travel insurance plans offered by thousands of suppliers online.

Europe Backpacking Destinations

You will have a blast wherever your backpacking experience in Europe takes you.

However, not all European nations are made equal. So, your decision regarding which country to plan your vacation in will rely on your traveling preferences, interests, and financial constraints.

Here’s a summary of a few of our top recommendations for where to backpack in Europe.

Backpacking in Spain

For a good reason, Spain is considered a well-liked European destination for backpackers.

Regardless of how long you decide to backpack through Spain, there are always new things to discover because every region is packed with amazing history, architecture, and attractive Spanish culture.

We advise tourists visiting Spain to venture beyond the popular tourist destinations of Barcelona and Madrid and explore a bit more of the country.

A fresh perspective on Spanish culture may be found in cities like Granada, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, and San Sebastian. These cities have a lot to offer.

But bear in mind that Spain follows its laws and culture in many respects.

Firstly, don’t anticipate maintaining your regular sleeping schedule while there. Due to Spanish norms, dinner is typically eaten at around 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., and parties typically last all night.

In addition, many Spanish communities continue to practice siestas, during which stores, restaurants, and other businesses close during the day to let customers go home, nap, or spend time with their families.

Backpacking in Portugal

Portugal is undoubtedly among the top destinations you should visit while traveling in Europe if you appreciate amazing scenery, top-notch ocean views, and reasonable rates.

Even though Porto will keep you very well-fed, get a Francesinha and a Bacalhau sandwich during your time there. Lisbon is a large city that captivates you with its bohemian vibe.

Additionally, we advise leaving the towns and exploring the quieter areas too.

Portugal’s over 1800 km of coastline, which features a few of the world’s best surf, along with its amazing landscapes, castles, and wineries, are worth exploring.

Read more: How to Visit Lisbon, Portugal on a Budget

Backpacking in Germany

Germany has had several different identities throughout its history. However, now, Germany has changed to become one of the most historically aware and culturally relevant countries in Europe.

Many museums, castles, woodlands, and historical locations exist. And, of course, the most excellent food and beer ever!

There is also a thriving party culture in cities like Hamburg and Berlin. The Germans, like the Spanish, tend to stay up late partying.

Backpacking in Croatia

Croatia is known for its gorgeous scenery and cobblestone alleys.

Croatia, located directly opposite the Adriatic Sea from Italy, will take you cruising the seas, trekking along cliffs, learning about history, enjoying little coastal villages, and swimming in waterfalls.

Split, Zagreb, Krka National Park, and Plitvice National Park are excellent places to visit while you’re here.

It’s better to visit between Spring and Fall because many events are only available during those times of the year.

Additionally, Croatia is relatively affordable. So, it seems that it has recently emerged as among the most sought-after destinations in Europe.

Read more: 10 Safest Cities in Europe for Solo Female Travelers

Backpacking in Scandinavia

Suppose you’re interested in stunning fjords, the Northern Lights, vibrant fishing villages, imaginative cities, and some of the most welcoming locals you’ll ever meet. In that case, preparing a backpacking trip through Norway, Finland, or Sweden will grant you the great experiences you’ve desired.

Indeed, Scandinavia is famed for being among the costliest parts of Europe, so taking this route is not recommended for individuals on a tight budget.

Read more: Where to Stay in Norway (The Best Hotels & Locations)

Backpacking in Eastern Europe

Backpacking through Eastern Europe, which is made up of nations like Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, and Moldova will be considerably different from a typical vacation to Western Europe.

Because a lot of Eastern Europe used to be a part of Yugoslavia or was governed by the Soviet Union, this region’s architecture, historical landmarks, culture, and mindsets are influenced by it.

Additionally, prices are far lower for almost everything, partly because tourism is less popular in this part of Europe than in the West.

The East of Europe is the ideal destination if you’re traveling in Europe on a tight budget.

Backpacking in Central Europe

In all honesty, how you describe Eastern and Central Europe on a map varies. However, let’s specify central Europe to include Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Hungary to make it more organized.

These nations are at the center of the pricing spectrum. If you’re exploring Europe on a tight budget, whether you’ll be able to have a lavish or a basic experience depends entirely on where you are in central Europe.

The post A Step-by-Step Guide to Backpacking Europe appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Facebook has a large number of users and this is a great place to find potential clients. The number of Facebook users is estimated to reach 2.9 billion in 2023. As an interior designer, you may need to get the word out that you can provide exceptional services to potential clients.

Facebook offers you an opportunity to tap into this online audience. On the platform, you can share content and reach a wider market.

Building an audience on Facebook for interior designers is essential for the growth of your business because most people spend their time online and that is one of the best places to target them.

How to build a Facebook Audience for Interior Designers

Building a Facebook audience for interior designers takes a similar path to that of other businesses. It is not rocket science but requires you to master the basics so as to work the magic and watch your audience grow.

The main aim is to attract an audience and keep them engaged and more importantly, informed on the services available and how and where to hire you as an interior designer.

The following are some of the tasks that you can do so as to achieve this goal:

Make your Facebook page presentable

This is the basic step in which you can start off. Do an audit of your Facebook page and update or edit the sections as necessary. Your Facebook page ought to be presentable and capable of keeping the audience engaged. The profile photo and cover photo ought to be well-selected. Have a good description in the ‘About’ section and take quality videos and images which are to be uploaded to the gallery.

You can mention that you provide interior design services and include the call to action- liking the page or subscribing to your newsletter.

Understand your audience

To build your Facebook audience, you will need to understand your audience. They may have similar interests and therefore, this will help you to categorize them and also know the best way to approach and target them.

This will give you an understanding of their browsing behaviors, the platforms in which they are in and what type of content attracts their attention. The information you get when you study your audience also helps when it comes to setting up targeted ads.

Use Facebook ads

Adverts are an effective method of targeting your audience. Facebook offers businesses with ads that can be tailored to reach your audience, within your budget. You can even select your campaign objective.

It may be to increase awareness, conversion, or consideration. Some factors that you may select as considerations of the success of the campaign include page likes, traffic, messages, video views, lead generation, video views and post engagement.

It is important for you to get the timing right so as to achieve a maximum possible reach over the period in which the campaign shall run. You can then schedule posts and have them published at the time they will have an optimum reach.

Build and refine your Facebook marketing strategy

The online audience is bombarded with a lot of information and thus, you need to be precise so as to reach them.

In addition to that, you may need them to take action so your communication needs to be effective. Set the goals for your campaign and to test checks to confirm if it is proceeding as expected after the campaign goes live. If you had a set goal of likes or followers to get, check if you are on track to reaching the numbers.

Get your content right

It is important that you publish posts that are capable of attracting an audience. The information should be engaging, educational and clear. Design your content in such a way that it has a good flow and ensure that it does not sound too promotional. Your content can be words, videos, or an infographic.

The online audience has many posts to check but little reading time. This means that you need to create content that can attract them and keep them engaged. Using sponsored posts and relevant hashtags also help you to reach a wider audience.

 Get social and vocal

Facebook is a social network and you need to engage on other platforms so as to be seen by the online audience. With a vast number of Facebook users, it is not a pool but a big ocean with many conversations being held in various pages and groups.

Pulling an audience will also require you to go out and dive deep into the ocean. Get social and network with other people who are in the interior design industry. Like their pages and comment on their posts. By sharing your views, you will be seen by the other users interacting on the platforms.

You can also offer to feature other people in the interior design business on your page. Partnering with other page-owners and brands will give you more visibility. You can tag them in your posts and they can do the same for you. Such collaborations shall benefit both of you and give you the opportunity to reach a wider audience.

Go live

Facebook live has gained popularity and this is a method that personalities and brands use to connect with their audiences. You can have live Q&A sessions on interior design so as to increase the engagement and traffic to your Facebook page and site. You can also do demos of your work via Facebook Live.

As soon as you master the best time to go live, you will be able to build an audience and keep them on the lookout for more live sessions from you.

Use the in-depth knowledge to build your interior design business

With this knowledge at hand, you can work on your Facebook marketing strategy and achieve the best results. Now that you have figured out how to go about building a Facebook audience for interior designers, pull the audience to your Facebook page and site.

May they welcome you into their space, allowing you to transform it with your amazing interior designing skills.