Backpacking Europe in October-November

[krypto_d]

Being newly unemployed, I'm considering taking advantage of the time off and so I'm looking into details of backpacking around Europe for 6-8 weeks beginning the third week of October.

I'm thinking about starting in Amsterdam and working around in a clockwise circle and ending up in Barecelona, Spain.

I'm hoping to pursue this without a solid itinerary, I thought it would be more fun to a serendipitous adventure that doesn't restrict my movements according to a schedule. It would be interesting to meet new people and see what happens and where I end up.

Can anyone offer some insight into the concerns I might need to consider? (For one, I am somewhat worried about the availability of hostels late in the season.)

[scotlandforvisitors]

In terms of Youth Hostels being open I would try the International Youth hostel site http://www.iyhf.org/home_gb.html. or http://www.europeanhostels.com/fall/default.asp (think this might be a commercial site-not sure haven't used it before) I can only speak for the Scottish Hostels but most are open with some restrictions but some are closed completely (check out the website). In terms of travelling from country to country I would almost certainly use a eurail pass which you will see plenty of adverts for (top right hand corner of my homepage on a variety of webpages.

At that time of year you may also find a real variety of weather conditions ranging from snow to sunshine, so packing might be a bit of a problem. The other consideration might be that as it is the end of the season (summer and not quite winter) you might find some of the attractions either closed or restricted opening.

Whatever you decide I hope you have a great time.
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[dmfreedom]

that hostels are going to be fine, especially in the big cities. Check out the prices of smaller hotels in this season as you can get pensions and the like for a few pounds more than a bunk in a dorm room. In some countries (like Italy) a Hostel card is mandatory but you can book them online now (See site above)

The 'europeanhostels.com' site is a marketing alliance between some of the most popular 'party' hostels in Europe. Another site to check out that lets you book online is www.hostelworld.com

As an alternative to a rail pass you might want to consider a BUSABOUT ticket. These on/off busses are a great way to travel if you are going solo and they work out stuff like hostels for you. I am not sure of the seasons on this one..
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[gypsy]

Wonderful idea! The idea of completing your trip in a circle is great, but I tried the solid itinerary route once, and ended up meeting so many people that in the end it was more of a zizag, but worth every minute! Basically be flexible with your itinerary as you will probably meet interesting people along the way and opt for adventures you may not even have thought of.
As far as availability of hostels, I wouldn't worry too much as the summer is high-season. I am traveling around Europe right now and, and have not had any problem with availability as of yet, and September is considered to be high-season still. I like to use www.hostelsofeurope.com for private hostels. Most of them have websites, and allow you to see the rooms before booking.
Have any questions, just let me know....

Ciao!
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Celeste Grimaldi
Eurail Expert
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