How to Plan a Working Backpacking Trip Around Europe: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Backpacking through Europe is an iconic adventure, offering the opportunity to see historic landmarks, experience diverse cultures, and meet people from around the world. For young travelers, a working backpacking trip provides the perfect balance of exploration and financial sustainability. Instead of relying on family support or savings, you can work your way through Europe, earning money as you go and having the freedom to explore the continent.
But embarking on this kind of journey requires careful planning. This guide will take you through the essential steps to ensure your working backpacking trip around Europe is smooth, enriching, and unforgettable.
Step 1: Define Your Travel Route and Must-See Sights
Before you pack your bags, decide on the cities and countries you want to visit. Europe offers countless destinations, from the cobbled streets of Prague to the sunny beaches of Spain. Planning your route doesn’t have to be rigid, but having a rough idea will help guide your journey.
Action Steps:
List Key Destinations: Write down the cities or countries that have always been on your bucket list. If you're drawn to art, history, and culture, consider Paris, Rome, or Florence. If you're a nature lover, the Swiss Alps or Croatia’s beaches might call to you.
Create a Map: Plot your destinations on a map to visualize the best route between cities. Be open to flexibility as spontaneous opportunities may arise.
Research Local Events: Check for festivals, special events, or local happenings that coincide with your travel dates. These can add depth to your experience.
Step 2: Research Your Work Options
The beauty of a working backpacking trip is the ability to earn while you travel. Europe has a wealth of part-time and temporary job opportunities that cater to travelers. The key is to be aware of legal requirements and ensure you’re working within the bounds of the law.
Top Job Options for Backpackers:
Farm and Vineyard Work: Southern Europe, especially Italy, Spain, and Greece, offers plenty of farm and vineyard work. These jobs often include free food and accommodation, which makes them a great option for budget travelers.
Au Pair or Babysitting: If you love working with kids, becoming an Au Pair can be a rewarding job. It offers a salary, accommodation, and the chance to immerse yourself in local family life.
Bar Work: Many cities, especially those popular with tourists, offer bar and restaurant jobs. These can be lucrative in places like Dublin, Barcelona, or Prague.
Teaching English: While English teaching opportunities in Europe aren't as widespread as in Asia, there are still many options, especially in non-English speaking countries like Spain, Italy, and Eastern Europe.
Tour Guide: If you're multilingual, guiding tours in places like Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam can be an exciting way to earn money and meet new people.
Pro Tip: Check out online job platforms, such as Workaway, WWOOF, or HelpX, to find verified opportunities that cater to backpackers.
Step 3: How to Get Around Europe Efficiently
Getting from one city to another on a budget is crucial for a successful working backpacking trip. While public transport like buses, trains, and flights can get pricey, there are many affordable ways to travel across Europe.
Affordable Transportation Options:
Trains: The Eurail pass offers unlimited train travel across many European countries. It’s a great option for backpackers who want flexibility and efficiency.
Buses: Budget bus companies like FlixBus and Eurolines offer affordable routes to major cities and beyond. Buses are slower but much cheaper than trains.
Budget Airlines: For longer distances, low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer budget flights throughout Europe.
Carpooling: Apps like BlaBlaCar allow you to share rides with others heading in the same direction, making travel more affordable and social.
Hitchhiking: Though not for everyone, hitchhiking can be an adventurous and cost-free way to get around.
Pro Tip: Use Google Maps and Rome2Rio to find the best and cheapest routes between cities.
Step 4: Accommodation Planning with Flexibility
Accommodation is one of the largest expenses when traveling, so finding creative solutions is key. While it’s tempting to book everything in advance, a working backpacking trip is about flexibility.
Accommodation Options:
Hostels: Great for meeting fellow backpackers and staying in central locations. Websites like Hostelworld and Booking.com can help you find budget-friendly options.
Work Exchange: As mentioned earlier, many farms, vineyards, and hostels offer accommodation in exchange for work.
Airbnb: For short stays, Airbnb offers affordable private rooms or shared apartments.
Pro Tip: Keep your accommodation plans flexible, especially for cities where seasonal work may require you to stay longer or move faster than expected.
Step 5: Be Prepared for the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, backpacking is filled with surprises. It’s part of the adventure! Be mentally prepared for setbacks, delays, or detours, and embrace the experience as it comes.
Tips for Staying Flexible:
Budget Wisely: Keep an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, but aim to stick to a budget while you travel.
Learn Basic Local Phrases: Knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” in the local language will make your journey easier and help you connect with locals.
Be Open to Change: Whether it’s a change in plans or a last-minute work opportunity, staying open-minded is essential to a successful working backpacking trip.
Step 6: Enhance Your Experience by Connecting with Locals
One of the best parts of backpacking is connecting with locals. Whether you're looking for insider tips on where to eat, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or just want someone to show you around, meeting locals can add a whole new layer to your experience.
In each city you visit, consider booking a local activity partner through Hellocity. Hellocity is an experiential travel platform that connects you with local guides who can curate personalized experiences based on your interests. Whether you're looking for a local tour guide, a hiking partner, or just someone to show you around the best hidden gems, Hellocity helps you connect with fun, passionate locals who can make your backpacking trip even more memorable.
Final Thoughts
Planning a working backpacking trip around Europe is an exciting and rewarding experience. With careful preparation and the right mindset, you’ll be able to fund your travels while immersing yourself in the cultures of the places you visit. And remember, it’s not just about the work—you’re traveling to create memories and build connections with the people and places that make Europe so special.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to embark on your European adventure. And when you're in a new city, don’t forget to reach out to a local activity partner through Hellocity to enhance your journey and get the most out of your experience!