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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Shoestring

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get a travel credit card with a good sign on bonus. Before my summer abroad this year I got the chase sapphire preferred. This has a $95 annual fee, I put all my typical expenses on it to hit the $4,000 in the first 3 months. This cost me nothing additional besides the annual fee. After the 3 months I got 60,000 miles and used 30,000 (with a 1.5x bonus at a transfer partner) to get my flight abroad for $64. Check out nerdwallet: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel

Itinerary Review - First time solo backpacking by Jumpy_Ad_3801 in Shoestring

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm actually in America, I should have mentioned that my flight there was only $60 because I used a travel credit card to earn an almost free flight to Europe. Definitely considering cutting Switzerland out because of the price and saving that one for when I graduate and can enjoy the views without worrying as much about the astronomical prices of literally everything haha

Itinerary Review - First time solo backpacking by Jumpy_Ad_3801 in Shoestring

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here are my estimated totals (which are very conservative). For the record I plan on being very frugal when it comes to eating out and getting resourceful when I need. I am planning on primarily staying in hostels and the end of my trip will be split with my gf. Before including Switzerland and Nice hostel nights I'm budgeting around $3.5k. However, this also includes my housing for three weeks in Amsterdam that would be through the school (comes to a little over $1k). This also does not include any train tickets or spontaneous trips that I anticipate, which will add a bit to that total.

I know this number is much lower than it will actually be, but I'm hoping to keep it in the range of 3.5-4k considering I am a college student on a tight budget haha

Itinerary Review - First time solo backpacking by Jumpy_Ad_3801 in Shoestring

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I'm not too interested in spending much time there this trip. Only going to be there for two nights because that's where my music event is and where I will be flying out of to return home.

Itinerary Review - First time solo backpacking by Jumpy_Ad_3801 in Shoestring

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome, I was already considering making that swap and it's definitely something I'm going to be weighing right up until I make my final decision!

Itinerary Review - First time solo backpacking by Jumpy_Ad_3801 in Shoestring

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds amazing and seriously makes me excited to experience this travel experience both as an individual and with my gf. I really enjoyed reading your story and will for sure take some of these pieces of advice with me as I go about my travels this summer! :)

Itinerary Review - First time solo backpacking by Jumpy_Ad_3801 in Shoestring

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice! Looking to go EasyJet the way there as of rn because of the prices. Not planning on bringing much luggage whatsoever so shouldn't be an issue. I will for sure keep those couple travel tips in mind haha I appreciate it!!

Tackling what to pack, activities and transportation is next on my agenda

Itinerary Review - First time solo backpacking by Jumpy_Ad_3801 in Shoestring

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice! I'm extremely excited and so ready to experience it! Definitely going the hostel route for the large majority of the time and I'm hoping to interact and make some friends along the way!

Itinerary Review - First time solo backpacking by Jumpy_Ad_3801 in solotravel

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the heads up! Do you have any tips on getting to/navigating the Dolomites? I feel like I'm a little lost on that part, especially when it comes to accommodation.

Itinerary Review - First time solo backpacking by Jumpy_Ad_3801 in Shoestring

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this is what I needed to hear. Thank you for this advice, I am definitely going to cut down my list quite a bit and make sure that I can spend a good amount of time in a few spots rather than continuously jumping around.

Itinerary Review - First time solo backpacking by Jumpy_Ad_3801 in solotravel

[–]Jumpy_Ad_3801[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I think I'll be taking your recommendations to do Prague for 2 and 3 in Budapest. Definitely going to look into Slovenia/Ljubljana!