This page is dedicated to all the questions, answers, and stories that people
might have.
I've noticed that a lot of people have the same questions about
traveling to new countries or states so this is where
you can post a question,
or a story that might help others.
1. Question ONE: - I'm NEW, where do I start??
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Hostel Bulletin Board:
Any and all questions not here can definitely be answered in the:
Hostel Bulletin Board
If you have any new questions that you might have, Please email them to me
(the email buttons are at the bottom of the page) and I'll put them up.
I might not always know the answer, but someone else might, and email it to me.
I've never gone before, but I'm going.. where do I start??
ans:
Well, Here's a good 'ole checklist to lead you on: 1. Check your Finances and see where you can go, and for how long you can stay. There's a question on this page on how much you can spend and for how long. (Question THREE) 2. There are links here to: YOUTH HOSTELS, FLIGHT PRICES, and EURORAIL prices.. go to ALL of them and get all the info you need of where you are going. These will answer a lot of questions. 3. Think about what all countries and/or states that you want to see. DEFINITELY- check out in each area what's cool too see, so you don't miss anything. Go to Yahoo Countries or some other place and visit on the web, to look to see what's good. 4. Make an ITINERARY. You'll need to know where you are flying into, what countries you want to see, and where you're flying out of for the plane tickets and train tickets. Decide what countries you need to see. If you are a FIRST TIME traveler, try looking up the countrie's entering and exiting customs. You might have to declare certain things. 5. Make sure that if you're going with people, you all decide on what countries and places to see, so there is no argument. 6. Check out the What to take page, for a list of things to pack 7. Finally, look at my INFORMATION page, that has links to all information and reservation sites for flying, etc.Question TWO:
What type of backpack should I take?
ans:
I have traveled internationally many times and recommend a small internal frame backpack over any type of "carry bag". Backpacks are more durable and easier to carry if a short walk turns out to be a long trek. ans: Mike Brazell
Me: I've used a sportsbag, due to their size being often larger internally. However, most people don't like to use these, because it's uncomfortable on their back, and weightedly. If you do decide to go with a backpack, and yes, they are more comfortable.
SIZE : If you're a smaller person, (female), weigh less than 160lbs, and less than 5'8" or so, go for a 2500-3200 cubic inch. Larger people go for the 3000-4000 cubic inch size. They will be more expensive, buy that is the payoff for a larger size.
NOTE: Watch it when you order them on the web, some have an 'attachment' type bag for the front of you, that are 'included' in the size.
Shop around. Check for cheapest prices.. got to local stores to actually try them on. However, the web is usually cheaper..
Here are some links:
PlanetOutdoors.Com
**On the left side there's a search, you can search for backpacks, hiking boots, etc.
Question THREE:
How much will it cost me to travel?
ans:
Ok, here's the scoop. I figure that it'll cost about $650-$950 USD for every TWO WEEKS that you travel in Europe. ( Not including plane ticket to get there)
The longer you stay, the cheaper it becomes, because a 10 day Eurorail pass is not twice what a 5 day Eurorail pass is. Plus you get more and more experienced as you go along.
Please read the 'how to save money' on the previous page. I am including the cost of: 1. Eurorail. 2. Housing. 3. Food. 4. Going out at night money. -Partying!! 5. Postcards, Film Development, etc. Thus, if you are traveling for a MONTH, the plane ticket will cost you from $500-$1000 for round trip (depending on where you are coming from..) and about $650-$900 for the rest.. (listed above.) If you are experienced, you can do better, if you are new, don't worry - it'll get easier as you go.
For a little tips on how to save money, see the MONEY SECTION on the previous page.
To see how much 650-950 US is in your currency, please see:
Yahoo! Finance: Exchange Rates
Question FOUR: -
ans:
Depends on where you go. I have only had experience in the United States and Europe, and a few outline areas. Other countries, I don't know, but if you are very careful, in general, then I think that you should be safe. Just look into the countries that you are visiting. Some are more prone to violence than others. Examples: Mexico, Venezuela, Columbia, some of the Middle East, and Northern Africa (Sudan, etc) countries. Even some cities in the US are unsafe, depending on where you are. Here are two cases: I have a friend that traveled in Europe for two months alone. She was 22 year old female, and was able to travel the whole time without incident. I also know of an Australian who travled alone to Cuba and then came back over to the United States, where he traveled OK for a while. However, he was in a city here and got mugged. He had followed a girl out of a bar alone, into a dark alley and it happened. This was a very unfortunate case, and I neglet to say which city, since it is not always like that. This is not to scare anyone, but just to tell you to always be careful, especially who you trust. If you take the right measures, you'll be ok, and meet lot's of people. -> if you are not the type that likes to take chances, and likes the very safe life, you could take a guided tour. They are completely safe, and you won't be alone ever. However, I DO NOT always recommend these because they don't allow you freedom at all, you are stuck with them the whole trip.
Question FIVE: -
ans:
Very many people ask me where there are hostels. I usually don't know the best ones, but here's a GREAT link to where you can find out. Just click on the country you need: - Hosteling International: Places to Hostel
Another page would be: Hostels.Com: Places
You should be able to find all the info that you need. The best thing to do, is to get a membership, and buy either the Asian, European, or American books on hostels, they have maps, places and a STAR rating.
You can also go to the Homepage by clicking here: 
Question SIX: -
How important is learning the language?
- (Question posted to me by Jake)
ans:
Obviously, If you go traveling to other countries around the world, unless you are a genius, it's impossible to master each language for every country that you visit. However, I feel that the more you know about the language, the people, and the country you're visiting, the better off you are. So.....Pick up a small $5 book that briefly goes over languages of the countries you are going to visit, and read up on them a little.
I'd like to comment on something here..
I have heard may people say, "Yeah, I didn't like France (or some other country), because the people are rude." ....I find this very offensive. I have lived over there in Belgium, and visited France many, many times, and never found this the case. People all over the world are going to act similar in their own home countries. Sure, some people are more sympathetic than others, but in general, if you make an EFFORT TO ADAPT TO OTHER CULTURES, you won't have a problem. If you act like a pompous idiot, you are going to get treated as one. Come to New York sometime, and everyone treats everyone badly, but it's just the way they are.. (that's an exaggeration, I loved New York)
If you act like the king of the world, while in another country, you'll be treated poorly. When people complain to me about how other countries in general were rude, that usually tells me there's something wrong with them.
Question SEVEN:
What are the legal drinking ages for other countries?
ans:
This is a good question. Most countries that I have seen have a drinking age of 18 years old. There are a few out there that are 20, but I'll have to do some research on what those are. Obviously, the United States has a drinking age of 21 throughout (Louisiana just turned 21).
Now, I am NOT encouraging drinking, but you could probably get away with it even if you're younger, but I do not encourage backpacking to other countries until you are 18 anyway.
Please remember, if you are going to drink, do it with someone you know, and please, be responsible. People from foreign countries (especially the police) do not take it kindly to those who come to their country, get drunk and rowdy. Use you're best judgment.
Question EIGHT:
Packing your BACKPACK... how can I pack, and get the most in my pack, but keep it weighty?
ans:
I would say try to put most of the heavy stuff on the bottom, but not
all.. My suggestion would be to put 60-70% of the heavy stuff on the
bottom, and then distribute the rest. You want a fairly 'even' pack, with a
little more on the bottom. Does this make sense? Sorry if it doesn't.
The best thing you can do is pack it up.. put it on your back, and walk
around.. walk up and down stairs,, see if it feels good.
As far as the clothes.. put the "don't want to wrinkle" stuff on the top..
the stuff on the bottom (against your back) I usually put socks, underwear,
etc...Try 'rolling' shirts, pants, etc.. you'll be surprised how much space you can
save by 'rolling' clothes up into little log-shaped... believe it or not, if
you roll them well, they don't get as wrinkled, because they don't slide around.
Question NINE:
So you want to go backpacking, but you would like to stay a long time. What about Working and or Studying in foreign countries?
ans:
Well, this is entirely possible, so here you go. The following are sites related to working/ studying abroad.
** Some of this information was gotten from backpackeurope.com
Studyabroad.com
Comprehensive online directory of study abroad and international
education. Includes college undergraduate semester, year-long and summer
programs, intensive language and experiential programs plus high school
and graduate study abroad.
Semester at Sea A Voyage of
Discovery
If your country is a member of the European Union, no visa is required to work in another European Union country.
Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, South Africans and any other country that is part of the U.K. Common Wealth are all eligible for two year working holiday visas in the U.K. So if you are lucky enough to be a native of one of those countries, finding a (legal) job shouldn't be too difficult.
Americans can obtain visas to work in Europe, but only through BUNAC (you must be a student to participate in their program).
If you are not from any
of the countries listed above, a student, or don't wish to pay for a visa,
don't despair their are plenty of "under the table" jobs to be found in
Europe. These jobs, while not legal, will provide you with enough
money to continue your budget conscious travel.
Where to look for an
"under the table job":
Hostels, Hotels, and some Bed and Breakfasts
Restaurants, Pubs, Bars, night clubs..
Any other company associated with the tourism industry
BUNAC It's easy enough to visit most of the globe as a tourist but, and it's a big but, it's not always easy to work and spend extended time abroad so that you get to know another country in a way a tourist never does. BUNAC programs make it possible for young people, all over the world, to do just that.
InterExchange International Exchange Program specializing in Au Pair and
childcare service, Work Abroad, Internships, and summer camp
programs.
KENDA If you are interested in working overseas, let KENDA help you
make the move.
Live-in Jobs for Backpackers in the
UK! - There is a very easy and
free way to organize a live-in job waiting, bar, house, reception and
chefing - all over Scotland, England and Wales
Volunteering
Abroad
Many organizations have
programs seeking people who would like to volunteer abroad in Eastern
Europe and in countries all over the world. Activities volunteers
perform vary depending upon which organization you join.
PeaceCorps - Peace Corps Volunteers travel overseas and make real
differences in the lives of real people.
Project Trust Spend twelve months working in counties outside Europe, with
Project Trust.
Quaker Information Center
Volunteer & Service Opportunities, Workcamps,
Internships,
Volunteer for Peace International Voluntary Service - 1500 short-term intercultural
adventures in 70 countries
If you have have any advice of what has happened to you, and want to share it with other travelers/backpackers, please email it to me, and I'll put it up in this area.
CHEAP FLYING??
My name is Don. I live in Tampa, Florida. I thought I would let you know a cheap way to get a good deal on airfare. Try getting a courier flight . You can get flights to Europe for a lot less than the regular price. The only catch is that you don't get any checked luggage. Since you seem to spend most of your time backpacking, this is no big deal since you can carry on your pack.
You can check out the website at: Courier Flights
You can also find other courier companies in Yahoo under the travel section.
-Don Ward.
EURORAIL ACROSS COUNTRIES
When we got our Eurorail pass, we had to include a certain # of countries that we were going to pass through, on the ticket. We did not include Austria , since we didn't think we'd have time to go there (unfortunately) and it was $20 more dollars to include another country. When we traveled from Southern Germany to Switzerland, we had to pass through the corner (2 minutes) of Austria, and had to pay a $20 fine for being there since it was not on our ticket. Make sure that you use the right trains that pass through the right areas.
MONEY BELT?
On the subject of carrying money, a money belt is the "obvious" choice.
Spreading your money throughout the bag just makes the thief have to
search further when he/she has stolen your whole bag. Also leave copies
of your travelers check #'s at home. This way when you get ripped off you
still have a record of your checks for reimbursement
-Mike Brazell
APPALACHIAN TRAIL - East Coast -
From: Paul Podbeilski
The AT is much like the Pacific Crest trail.... you must know about it. It is quite famous. It is cared for and maintained largely by the Appalachian Mountain Club (the "AMC"). My favorite section of the AT... and reputedly the most difficult, is the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The world record surface wind speed was recorded on Mount Washington (in the Whites) at 6288ft. The speed was 231mph (no kidding). Since you like links... I figured that you would enjoy these.
the AMC can be found at: AMC
stuff about the White mountains can be found at GORP here.
The Appalachian Trail page is HERE
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