How do I prepare for my first backpack Euro trip from India?

What you are attempting is a blitzkrieg through Europe. Don't! Backpacking does not mean you travel with just a backpack. It means slow travel with a backpack. :) Here is what you have to do: Identify broadly the region you want to go to - Which in your case is Europe. Figure out the time of the year you want to travel to. This will decide where you need to go and where you need not Now figure out a few cities/ countries, not to far from each other, you want to go to. Do not attempt building an itinerary starting at Edinburgh and ending at Prague. Go to the places that are suited for that time of the year. Search especially for festivals. There will be lots of them during the summer. Or you can visit the Christmas markets in the winter. Also, preferably choose a place that is as far away as possible from family and friends ;) Stock up on money. Work out roughly how much money you may need on a per day basis. I have not backpacked Europe, so I am not sure. I guess it could be around $80  per day for an average person Do a preliminary research on how you can get to all those places. Do not bother too much about precise timings Pick the largest city in that area. Book a dorm for the first night only Book a flight ticket to the city Land in the city, go to the room.. and then go figure everything out This plan seems scary but trust me, it will all work out well. Travel, you will realize is not about going to a place. It is about the journey and the people you end up meeting. Good luck! :) Thanks, Sunil

Find some friends to go with you - it will be more fun that way! Determine the best time to visit - summer is the best time, but, it will be crowded and expensive - early spring or late autumn would be a good time to avoid crowds and also get good deals Decide itinerary - you can do 5 days in Switzerland, Benelux, France or Italy to 3-4 months in Europe depending on your budget. Arrange funds - Budget 100 Euros/person/day as the minimum + flights Apply for visas - Schengen (apply to the consulate of the country that you will be entering first on your trip) and UK (if going there) Book flight tickets in and out of Europe - fly to one location and return from another or do a circuit so that you start and end your trip from the same location. In any case, do not travel the same route twice! Book accommodation at major destinations - smaller destinations should be okay and can be arranged on arrival - try to find backpacker hostels - http://www.hostelworld.com/hostels/europe Get information on transporation between destinations - bus, ferry, train, flights etc. http://www.eurail.com/ http://easyjet.com/ http://ryanair.com/ Prepare checklist of items to carry - http://www.onebag.com/checklist.html Get travel insurance - very important! DO NOT SKIMP! Pack your bags Go! All the best!   You might find this link useful - all attractions listed are FREE http://www.hostelworld.com/travel-features/81/50-things-to-do-for-free-in-europe   Additional information Try to focus on destinations around that location. Minimize long distance travel within Europe (Spain - Germany, Southern France to Germany, Southern Italy to Germany etc.) as much as possible. So, combinations could be: North Western Germany, Netherlands, Belgium Paris, Southern Germany, Switzerland Southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria Southern Germany, Austria, Czech Republic Tips for best airfare The major part of your budget is the return airfare from India. So, first find out which of the European destinations would be the cheapest to fly to. Delhi - Paris can be between 36K to 45K INR. Fly from Mumbai or Delhi, if possible. Fly to destinations that are relatively less crowded/not frequented by business travelers/not transit destinations - try Geneva, Milan instead of London, Paris or Frankfurt. Use Google Flights to find the destination in Europe to which you can get the best airfare Avoid peak seasons - Christmas, New Year and school holidays and dates around major sporting or cultural events. Winter is generally considered low season. Book air tickets three to four months before your trip - not too early and not too late Good luck and happy travels!