Sheffield students: Here are the things I wish I knew before backpacking Europe in summer

If you’re anything like me, a gap year probably would’ve been a great idea to scratch the travelling itch but chose to go straight to university. As a self-proclaimed backpacking addict, balancing the need for freedom and exploration whilst at uni isn’t always the easiest or most glamorous. Money is tight 100 per cent of the time, you meet some bizarre people (yes weirder than those you meet at a Sheffield Roar night) and end up with some pretty good stories to tell over pres. 

Longer summer holidays and breaks away from uni are the perfect time to weigh yourself down with a backpack that equates to half your bodyweight, instead of exams for once, and get lost in half a dozen countries only to end up exactly where you needed to be in the end.

That is exactly what I set off to do this summer backpacking across Europe, more fancily known as interrailing. Basically I took off to the middle of Europe with a pocket full of hope, potentially dodgy travel plans and a lot of life lessons to learn.  

Bring headphones or noise cancelling earplugs

My first tip and most crucial piece of advice is those earplugs that cost you a couple of quid in Asda are not going to do the job. I never quite realised the vocal intensity some people can possess until I stayed in a hostel. Do yourself a favour and get used to sleeping with “intense sleep music” playlists on and invest in noise cancelling headphones.

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I had just landed in Prague, sweaty, mildly nervous and ready to wrap myself up in bed like I was 80 years old Sunday evening when I discovered the need for headphones. In rolls 4am and I’m awoken by four girls screaming in an octave I didn’t know existed “Are you drunk? I’m so drunk” at each other for well over an hour. Waterboarding would be preferable. Awkward part is after a delirious morning of cursing them out in my mind, turns out in some cruel twist of fate we go to the same university and they are actually rather nice. 

Here lies my first life lesson, try not to judge people on the first go, hostels are a cramped environment at the best of times with people on very different trips and experiences. Yes, there is a thing called travellers etiquette but i’m glad i didn’t close myself off from meeting new people.

Have alternate travel routes planned

My second tip is never, ever, put your trust in buses that claim to take you from one country to another at a certain time unless you want to be slumped against a curb in Slovenia for a bus the customer assistance person assures you definitely turned up much like my experiences with buses here in Sheffield.

Instead, opt for a route you can easily do by train or have a easy back up plan to get to your next destination or else you may too find yourself screaming down the phone, with two german girls laughing at you, for a refund. Only to then be far too stubborn and British to use their services again and opt for a 23 hour train journey.  

As if the horror wouldn’t end at said 23 hour train journey, I then had to flog down a tiny shuttle car, they say bus I say definitely more car, to take me to Venice. If you’re ever in a pinch for transport whilst backpacking have a look into cross country airport shuttles, I mean who knew they even existed. 

This was another life lesson I hold close, regardless of the situation you will be surprised how quickly you can problem solve and how capable you are in high pressure situations. I definitely gained both confidence and tenacity in life, also google translate skills because I do not speak a word of Slovenian. 

Bring appropriate footwear and swimming shoes

Whilst in Slovenia I also visited Lake Bled, this gorgeous wild water lake you can paddleboard in, swim or even take a boat to the island in the centre. Whilst it was definitely the highlight of my trip no one tells you there are tiny fish all around the edges that nip your feet to shreds. 

A local heard my protests to this and assured me they don’t bite, until I pulled my bloodied feet out of my shoes. I suppose we both learnt something that day. 

My best tip is if you intend on going swimming, wild water swimming or any activity that involves being barefoot, get yourself a pair of swimming shoes. Whilst they do decrease your attractiveness and likelihood of a good photo, they do save you from the flesh nibbling inhabitants.

Another hit for me was Vintgar Gorge, located just above Lake Bled. It definitely goes down in history as one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen, if you look past the helmets and hair nets you wear that just ooze sex appeal.

Bring enough skin protection and cover everywhere

Next up on my list was Hvar in Croatia. Here, I did a seven hour boat day trip island hopping which was another highlight for me. Not only do you see all the islands but you eat local food, swim and in my case, fall over in the sea but was worth it to see the blue caves. 

Rather humbling though, I, a slightly ginger British woman and who hasn’t seen the inside of a gym since well never, sat right next to a tall toned Australian olympian. Like an actual gone to the Olympics olympian. Meanwhile I was wrapped in a salt soaked shirt going the colour of a radish. I mean come on. 

So for any other pasty Brits looking to go backpacking, it’s essential to bring a cover up because you will burn despite factor 50 suncream. It’s also a good idea to have one anyway if you’re looking to visit religious countries or buildings out of respect. 

On the topic of suncream, please do your feet. I learnt this the hard way and I am convinced when I die those burn lines will still be there. 

Stay healthy and hydrated on your travels

It’s also a good idea to make sure you eat properly and don’t have Pom Bears as your only form of sustenance like me. Make sure you pre-buy proper lunches and eat well. Travelling is incredible but exhausting and you need to take care of your body to experience it to the full. 

Hydration tablets are also such a good thing to carry, which I learnt after pinching one off of a girl in my hostel, you don’t realise how dehydrated you get just from being on the go. Its  another life lesson I’ll take from backpacking, health is important and allows you to do what you love. Also not all strangers are out to get you. 

Backpacking is absolutely the most rewarding thing I have experienced. In the summers between university take a few weeks out and go see the world. Even in reading weeks if you stay on your game during term times you can take a few days out to visit somewhere to satisfy the itch. 

Oh and for the love of all things, travel with someone that doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out or things will get awkward fast.