Open Thread: Which backpack to use?

It's the age old question. What backpack do you travel to Europe on? Post any thoughts in the comments section. Hopefully we can help other travelers! I spent months planning for my trip and deciding what the perfect size was for me. You can read about some of my initial thoughts on what to pack as well. I ended up going with a North Face Terra 30. I was on the fence and actually purchased a 60L backpack only to determine it was going to be too big. I looked at 40L and then found my sweet spot in a 30L. I was backpacking for just over two weeks and that size worked perfectly for my trip. What size do you plan on taking?

It is time to head to Europe!

Well, many many many months of planning, feeling like a nerd watching Rick Steves European travel videos (twice), lots of planning online and I can now say that I'm ready to head over to Europe with nothing but the stuff I have on my back. I guess that one can never really be fully ready, but it is certainly time!

I've seen a 23% increase in web traffic over the last week. For those that are just arriving, I've never been out of the United States and am going solo. I got the kick to do this last summer and this was one of the things that I would not be denied of in 2009. I planned on going with people initially but things came up and I thought about it and why should I not go solo? Some people thought I would back out then. I'm certainly not shy and I don't mind meeting new people. I just have to be a bit more cautious. Honestly, I think I actually enjoy being out of my shell just a bit. We always seem to say "next year" or "maybe later" but then life hits you and you can't.

I fly out tomorrow evening. One of my co-workers is taking me to the airport after I get out of work. I've been packing for what feels like an eternity and everything fits in a 30L backpack. For those that care, a 30L backpack is enough space for about two days worth of backwoods camping. Since I won't be needing a sleeping bag, I can fit about 4-5 days worth of stuff back there. All of the pack dimensions are legitimate carry on size.

For those that have visited since I started this blog, thanks for helping the cause. I've now disabled the advertising I had up. You all got me just enough to purchase all of my overnight reservations and airfare from Brussels to Prague. $312.76 USD. :)

It's on!

What I am taking:
8" netbook, iPod/iPhone (international plan w/Skype subscription also), in ear headphones (I had to give in...I wish I could take my Sennheisers), lightweight jacket shell, north face khaki pants/detach shorts, 6 moisture wicking shirts, 5 pair underwear, 4 pair socks, 1 pair flip flop sandals, 1 pair jeans, 1 cargo shorts, passport, eurail pass and reservations, digital camera, high def camcorder and all the needed power conversion tools. The netbook power adapter is nice because the charger has a built in transformer for 110-240V. (Everything can suck the juice out of the netbook via USB if I get in a bind.) I'm wearing the north face pants, shoes, a shirt and the shell over on the plane.

My Hostel: Paris, France

Paris is my last stop before I head home. I will be staying in the Vintage Hostel.


I'll have one full day and a night in Paris. I literally get off the train from Barcelona and either hit the hostel to check in or drop my backpack off at a locker at the train station and start checking Paris out. Because I had to take an extra day to catch the night train out of Switzerland to Barcelona, I had to remove a day from Paris. I sure did not want to give up a day in Switzerland, and Barcelona was just too far of a trek to not spend two days in.

I have to catch the Sunday morning Eurostar train through the chunnel (under the English Channel) to London the next morning so I don't really plan to stay out really late.

I think if I hit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, I'll get my share of Paris.

My Hostel: Barcelona, Spain

I will be staying at the Sant Jordi Alberg in Barcelona. Barcelona is a city that I have to travel by night to get to and from. I'll be arriving from Interlaken, Switzerland. Technically it is Bern, Switzerland. I am going to travel up to Bern during the morning and check it out and then board the night train. The night trains from Bern to Barcelona are available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only.


I plan to visit La Rambla, hit up the beach and also check out the Barcelona nightlife. Sant Jordi Alberg does regular club/bar crawls.

Barcelona is quite the trek. I sure hope it's worth it!

My Hostels: Prague, Czech Republic

I have booked a room at the Czech Inn. I'll be there June 10th and 11th. I'll arrive in Prague on the 10th at 10:30pm. I decided to fly to Prague from Brussels. The train ride would be so long otherwise. Once I arrive, I'll have to find the Prague bus stop at the airport. It runs until 12:10am so I'll be able to take public transit to get to this hostel. I plan to head out that evening and do some exploring as well.

From the Czech Inn website:

Czech Inn is the only design hostel in Prague. The stylish cafe and bar is a nice place meet fellow travelers over a local Czech beer. Located close to the town center, and on two of the best tram routes, Czech Inn Hostel is an ideal base to explore ancient Prague.

My Hostels: Interlaken, Switzerland

I will be staying the most consecutive nights in Switzerland. I've decided to try two different hostels as well. I'll spend two nights at Balmers Herberge and then move to Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof the last night. I've been told Backpackers Villa will allow you to substitute your free tea/coffee passes for laundry service. I plan to take advantage of that! I'll spend my birthday in Switzerland and I am looking forward to it!

Balmers:

Backpackers Villa:

Interlaken City Guide

My Hostel: Brussels, Belgium

Brussels will be my third city I visit. It is a short train ride from Amsterdam. Trains run frequently between the two cities. I will be staying at 2G04. It is located near the city center.

One of my must hits for Belgium is the the Déleirum Café. They have over 2,000 available beers to choose from. Belgian waffles are a must and I've been told that the best waffles are available from street vendors.

There are many comic art displays throughout the city as well. I am hoping the 2G04 has walking tours available. (I didn't see one.)

Brussels City Guide

My Hostel: London

I searched high and low for a hostel that was centrally located, clean and had good reviews. I've chosen to stay at the YHA Central London (pictured above). Hopefully I have chosen the right one! My time, like in every other city I plan to visit is limited so being close to everything is an absolute must. I checked out some other places near Hyde Park but I'd really like to avoid hopping on the tube to get back to the city center. I am hoping to be able to beat the jet lag when I arrive. I'm sure the excitement and adrenaline will be pumping the minute I get dropped off at the airport. However, I HAVE to find a way to sleep on the plane.

In addition to the regular London sightseeing hotspots, I'd like to visit the Tate Modern art gallery (pictured below) while in London. I recently saw a video about it and it looks like something I would be interested in.



London City Guide

Europe Travel: Intial Thoughts

I've done a bit of homework over the last few days on how I will be able to fit in all this travel in a two week time frame. At least one city will have to be cut out of my original plans and right now, I am leaning towards removing Rome. As you can see below, it has already gotten the axe. I am going to be in Italy, but only for a short time and that will be in Milan. One of the issues I am running into is there is no quick way into or out of Interlaken, Switzerland and there is no way I am removing this destination from my list. What I will probably do is use Milan as a hub. I can board a 3 hour train from Interlaken in the morning and head south to Milan and then later that day take a RyanAir flight from Milan to Barcelona. It adds an additional cost for the flight but it will be worth it because I would burn 12 hours on a train from Interlaken to Barcelona otherwise.

Depending on my situation, Berlin might be kicked off as well. I've decided that at least two overnight trains will be needed and at least one additional RyanAir flight.


London, England <-> Amsterdam, Netherlands (Overnight Ferry)
Amsterdam, Netherlands <-> Brussels, Belgium (2Hr 45min DIRECT)

Option 1 - Visit Berlin
Brussels, Belgium <-> Berlin, Germany (6Hr 20min w/Connecting Train)
Berlin, Germany <-> Prague, Czech Republic (4Hr 50min DIRECT)

Option 2 - Skip Berlin
Brussels, Belgium <-> Prague, Czech Republic (OVERNIGHT 12Hr 58min w/Connecting Train)

Prague, Czech Republic <-> Munich, Germany (6Hr 4min DIRECT) (Speed Rail looks to be available at 3Hr 16min)
Munich, Germany <-> Interlaken, Switzerland (6Hr 50min w/Connecting Train)

Milan will be used as a jumper to Barcelona.
Interlaken, Switzerland <-> Milan, Italy (2Hr 50min w/Connecting Train)

Milan, Italy <-> Barcelona, Spain (RyanAir Flight)

Barcelona, Spain <-> Paris, France (OVERNIGHT 11Hr 55min)
Paris, France <-> London, England (2Hr 27min)

P.S. I used Rail Europe to get the times listed above.

http://blog.ryanbirk.com

iPhone Tips for International Roamers

When using your iPhone outside the U.S., Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands (for either voice or data), international roaming rates apply. Your iPhone provides access to email, visual voicemail, web browsing and other applications that can use a significant amount of data, so remember-international data roaming can get expensive quickly.

How iPhone Users Can Minimize International Data Charges:

* Turn Data Roaming "OFF": Be sure to download and install the latest version of iPhone software from iTunes. By default, this setting for international data roaming will be in the "OFF" position. To turn data roaming "ON/OFF" tap on Settings>General>Network>Data Roaming

* Utilize Wi-Fi Instead of 3G/GPRS/EDGE: Wi-Fi is available in many international airports, hotels and restaurants to browse the web or check email.

* Turn Fetch New Data "OFF": Check email and sync contacts and calendars manually instead of having the data pushed to your iPhone automatically. This way you can control the flow of data coming to your iPhone. To turn off the Auto-Check functionality tap on Settings>Fetch New Data, change Push to “OFF” and Select to Fetch Manually.

* Consider Purchasing an International Data Package: Purchasing an international data package can significantly reduce the cost of using data abroad. AT&T now offers four discount international data packages. The 20 MB package is $24.99 per month, the 50 MB package is $59.99 per month, 100 MB package is $119.99 per month, and the 200 MB package is $199.99 per month. See att.com/worldpackages for details and international roaming rates.

* Reset the Usage Tracker to Zero: When you arrive overseas access the usage tracker in the general settings menu & select reset statistics. This will enable you to track your estimated data usage. To reset Usage Tracker to Zero tap on Settings>General>Usage>Reset

Embedding Trip Pictures and Data to a Blog

I have always been interested in the different ways you can embed outside data to your blog or website through various APIs. I've decided that I will use a mixture of three different providers offerings to track my trip.

They are:

Google Latitude
Google Latitude allows you to see where your friends are and what they are up to, quickly contact them with SMS, IM, or a phone call and control what your location is and who gets to see it. My interest is in the location tracking. As I move from city to city, I'd like to track where I am going, train's I am taking and most of all cities and landmarks I am visiting.

Twitter
I know there are a lot of twitter haters out there, but for a trip like this, I think their offering works best. I can easily link my twitter account to my other social networking sites and save the hassle of replicating everything out.

SmugMug
I am opting to purchase an account through SmugMug for a few reasons. First, they have upload through email. Most places have this, but SmugMug also has customizable galleries, an application for iPhones with GeoTag uploading, high definition video uploads and from what I have been told, good customer service because of the relatively small company size.


Blogger also allows remote posting through email in case you find yourself in a bind.

The data that I post to these sites, will in turn be replicated to my facebook page and other social networking sites via RSS, as they are now. Right now, it is simply a matter of pressing the activate button and embedding the widgets.

Passport has arrived!

My passport is here! Time to start getting things in order. I've also noticed that airfare is dropping the longer you hold off. As much as I hate waiting, I will probably purchase airfare 2.5-3 weeks out.

Initial thoughts on what to pack.

Well, I have finally put some thought into what to pack. Two weeks in Europe has to be done on one backpack in order to be manageable. I initially thought a 60 liter backpack was the way to go but after checking several forums and talking with other backpackers, I am confident that the 40 liter is the way to go. Anybody I have talked to that gives me advice says over packing was their biggest problem on their first trip.

I have decided to go with the North Face Terra 60 as my backpack. I tried on several different backpacks at Gander Mountain and Dicks Sporting Goods. I found that the shoulder straps are the weak point in many packs. The suspension on the Terra 60 is incredible, and the waist belt is made of a really soft almost gel like material. It can expand as needed and has lots of adjustments so you can get that perfect fit on your back.

So enough about the backpack. Here is my initial list of what I am packing. Any advice?

* One pair of khaki north face pants/zipoff to shorts
* One pair cargo shorts
* 3-4 north face/under armor moisture wicking shirts
* 3-4 boxers
* 3-4 pairs of socks
* Sandals
* Light shell, one long sleeve shirt
* Sneakers (will purchase new and wear in one week prior)
* Small thin towel
* Camera and iphone, small headphones, ipod. (possibly netbook/high def camcorder)
* Lightweight daypack, padlock.
* Toiletries, toothbrush and paste, chapstick, tanning lotion, deodorant, shampoo, soap, asprin, antacid, ear plugs. (I plan to pack very light on all of this and pick them up over there. That way I can discard them before I board the plane to come home.)
* Sunglasses, money belt
* One credit card, one atm, some cash, two id's, passport, plane tickets.
* Guidebook and .pdf cheat sheet (which I am currently writing, will post later)

Ryan

Passport should be here shortly.

Well, my passport is now en route. It should be here in about two weeks. I went to the local US post office to order one. For those of you who are interested in international travel, you better plan at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

Here is what you'll need for a first time applicant:

* A completed DS-11 application form.
* One of the following: Previously issued and undamaged U.S. Passport, Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth Naturalization Certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship.
* If you apply in person, you will also need 2 photos, a drivers license, military or government ID.
* You will also have to pay a fee, which is about $100.00.

Things to do: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tour Heineken Brewery

One of the must see places for beer lovers. The original Heineken brewery in Amsterdam dates back to 1930. Between 1930-1988 tasty beer was made right at this spot. Now the building is the Heineken Experience beer museum.

For an admission price of 10 EUR you can discover the secret of making one of the best beers in the world. From the big malt silos to the steering wagons, and of course to the bar where you'll be given a Heineken beer to "taste".

In my opinion, Heineken is a good beer, but gives me nowhere near the level of drinking satisfaction of a Goose Island 312, Bells Oberon Ale or Red Stripe. (I sound like an alcoholic don't I? I'm just a beer snob, trust me.) Nonetheless, I think this would be interesting. Has anyone been there?

The Red Light District

Ok, I have to make a confession. This is one of the places I am not leaving without seeing. To me Amsterdam is everything I am not used to and I think that is part of the attraction. This trip is about getting outside of the norm. Walking down these very streets will ensure that this is not a usual "Disneyland" type trip. For those who do not know, the Red Light District is known for its legalized prostitution and legalized Marijuana.

After some googling, I stumbled into some organized tours of the Red Light District. The tour seems to be the best idea when you want the inside scoop. There are some good reviews of that particular tour. From the research I've done, this costs 13 EUR. Some of the reviewers said that the tour guide even takes you out to a bar and buys everyone a round at the completion of the tour. It looks pretty sweet and I think would be worth looking into.

To my readers, I know you are out there. I've seen some rapid blog growth as of late. Got any tips or Red Light District stories?

Go Clubin' - Amsterdam Style

Little known fact: Amsterdam has over 1200 pubs. Each very unique in its own way.

For pre-partying, head to Lux (Marnixstraat 403), Bitterzoet (Spuistraat 2), or Seymour Likely (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250) for live DJs.

Join the dance crowd at Club More Amor (Rozengracht 133), and Paradiso (Weteringschans 6-8). For a laid-back vibe and chillout atmosphere check out Café Alto (Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115) for local jazz acts. According to iamsterdam.com, Café Alto is a great first date place so I guess if I meet the woman of my dreams in Amsterdam, I'll take her there.

This list is also a great resource for those of you who might be staying in Amsterdam for a longer period of time. It was created by Thomer M. Gil, who once was a resident of Amsterdam. The site was updated this past January so it has information that is relevant and not dated.

I cannot wait to hit the clubs here. You have no idea. I'm a drummer and Amsterdam is DJ Tiesto country. I've got to be honest though, Oakenfold and Tiesto are about the only electronic artists I get into. I'm not really sure why this type of music only exists in niche clubs over in America because musically its more in depth than a lot of garbage they play on the radio these days over here in the states.



This post will be updated....

Last Two:
Justin Timberlake - What Goes Around
The Crystal Method - London

Things to do: London, England

National Gallery

The National Gallery, London houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. These pictures belong to the public and entrance to see them is free. The National Gallery's permanent collection spans the period from about 1250 to 1900 and consists of Western European paintings.

Tower of London

One of London's most famous landmarks, the historic Tower houses the Crown Jewels, the prison cell of Sir Walter Raleigh, known as the Bloody Tower, and the Chapel of St. John and the Royal Armories.

Borough Market

Borough Market is London’s oldest food market. It was established on the south bank of the Thames when the Romans built the first London Bridge. It has occupied its present site for 250 years. Borough has a long and distinguished history as a wholesale fruit and vegetable market - wholesale trade takes place every night except Saturday from 2am – 8am.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. It evolved from a town house that was owned from the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham. Today it is The Queen's official residence, with 775 rooms.

Eat at Hard Rock Cafe

Standing on Old Park Lane since June 14th 1971. It still houses the first ever piece of memorabilia donated to the Hard Rock Cafe, Eric Clapton's Lead II Fender, originally donated to reserve a space at the busy bar, the London Cafe is as charming and authentic now as it was 35 years ago.

Europe 2009: The Map

Here is the start of a Google map. I'm still researching georss and how I can embed that data into this map.

Note: This map is a work in progress. It will be updated as we determine which places are a must. Green pins mean the destination is a go, yellow means the destination still needs to be ironed out. We'll eventually turn them green or red based on our decisions.



View Larger Map

Europe 2009: The Calendar

Backpacking Europe: Facebook groups

Just out of curiosity today, I hopped on facebook and looked to see if there were any groups dedicated to backpacking. I was sure some would pop up and I ran into these.

• Generic Backpack Europe Group
• Backpack Europe in May 2009 (This is the exact time we are planning to go)
• Backpack Europe in Summer 2009

If anything, ideas could be pulled from these groups.

Last two:
Coldplay - Things I Don't Understand
Terror Squad - Lean Back

Trip tracking with Google Maps

I have been a huge fan of Google stuff since I stopped using altavista back in middle school. I think one of the coolest features that Google has is the ability to track your trip. They have a few ways you can do this.

• Static route. Point A to point B.
• Dynamic route. Point A to point B, with various stops in between.

However, what happens when you decide to veer off course? What if you want to build a hybrid map? Answer: Use the API they released.

One thing I want to do on this trip is to build an initial map. All of our stops could be pinpointed. For instance like this guys city to city map, except I want to take this idea a step further. We will be traveling with GPS enabled phones so I am going to research a way to geotag photos as they are taken and uploaded.

So, we will have an intitial route planned and as we go another line will pop up on the map in case we decide to split off.

All of this thanks to the power of the Google Maps API.