Backpacking Europe 101 Part II

Part II - Insurance, Discount Cards, and More

So in the former article we addressed how to pack, how to travel, how to plan, and how not to pee yourself (all very important). In this article we will focus more on actual tips for travel.

Tip #1: Travel Insurance

This is something that a lot of people forget, and it's very important that you take it out for your entire trip. The best thing to do here is research travel insurance online. STA travel offers standard travel insurance starting at around US$48 and I recommend it. For more information on what it covers go here http://ww2.statravel.com/travel_insurance/International.pdf

Tip #2: Discount Cards

While we're talking about STA let me tell you also about the STA student travel card. At first I thought it would never get used, but honestly this card saves you a pretty good amount of cash. It gives you discounts at a ton of places including museums, hotels/hostels, and even a discounted membership to 24 hour fitness so you can get your muscle on to attract all the hot foreign girls or guys. All for only US$22

Another discount card is the Hostelling international Card. This comes in really handy for hostels that are part of hostel international, and can save you a pretty good amount of money when you think about the fact that you will be traveling for a good amount of time. It also acts like the STA card and offers discounts on entertainment while you're out traveling. The site for this card is http://www.hihostels.com/web/membership.en.htm

Tip #3: How to get around once you're in the city

Hate to say this, but be ready to get your walk on. One of the main ways to burn through your cash fast is transportation, so try to book your hostel close to things that you want to see. Of course there are always buses, and in some places there is also the subway for not too much money, especially if you buy a day or week pass. The front desk of your Hostel should be more than helpful in suggesting the cheapest and best way to get from your sleeping quarters to where you want to visit during the day.

Tip #4: Hostels - What to expect.