Travel 26th February 2025 by Ava Grace

3 Shorter, European Backpacking Routes To Take This Summer

*books flights immediately*

via Pexels

If you’re someone who has caught the travel bug and wants to make the most out of your annual leave, keep on reading.

We have come up with three incredible backpacking routes that you can complete in 12 days (or whatever suits you)!

These routes are a combination of city breaks and coastal beauties. They’re an amazing way to explore Europe while not committing too much time away from work and sticking to a reasonable budget.

Here’s some routes we’re only dying to take.

South of France & Amalfi Coast

Starting with the priciest backpacking route on our list, seeing the South of France and the Amalfi coast are a must at some point in your life.

If you dream of turquoise blue seas and great food then this route is the one for you! Finishing off the route in Rome allows for a nice city break vibe at the end of the trip, and then you can get your flight home from here.

Flix buses are your best bet when travelling on this route. They are affordable, reliable and very comfortable – and they even have a handy app for you can book on.

What we recommend

Fly into Nice

  • Nice – 3 days
  • Cinque Terre – 2 days
  • Sorrento – 3 days
  • Positano – 2 days
  • Rome – 2 days

Fly out of Rome

Baltic Region (and more)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hello_worldpics (@hello_w0rldpics)

For a more economical trip, check out the Baltic region in the east of Europe. The Baltic region consists of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia however you could also add Finland or Sweden to your route.

Here you are sure to discover some very interesting history and unique culture. The Lux Express Bus is a great service that travels between the Baltic countries, if you’re looking to travel cheaply.

Here you are sure to find super affordable accommodation in hostels. You will most likely meet other travellers here so it’s a great way to keep costs down, and to meet new people.

What we recommend

Fly into Helsinki

  • Helsinki – 3 days
  • Ferry to Tallinn
  • Tallinn – 3 days
  • Riga – 3 days
  • Vilnius – 3 days

Fly out of Vilnius

West of Europeย 

The west of Europe can offer people a great route in terms of backpacking. On this trip, you are sure to meet many like-minded travellers, and is a good route if you are interested in exploring major European cities and partying at night.

Free walking tours are an excellent way to start exploring these cities, so make sure to avail of those as much as you can.

Flix buses or trains will get you from A to B. Make sure to reserve your seats on trains as well, to ensure you are not left standing for the whole journey.

What we recommend

Fly into Berlin

  • Berlin – 2 days
  • Amsterdam – 3 days
  • Brussels – 2 days
  • Bruges/Gent – 2 days
  • Paris – 3 days

Fly out of Paris

Happy travelling!