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    I've Backpacked Europe Twice In The Fall — Here's My Advice For Anyone Looking To Do The Same

    These destinations are a must.

    Karlton Jahmal
    by Karlton Jahmal

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Traveling is addicting. Once you finally step out of North America, it's like a whole piece of your brain just unlocks — and I experienced this first-hand after I backpacked Europe. (Twice!)

    New-age backpacking has steadily increased in popularity over the years. Of course, the pandemic put a hold on most traveling these days. However, as things begin to move further away from the madness of 2020, travel is slowly but surely becoming a reality again.

    An excited backpacker.
    Valentinrussanov / Getty Images

    And when it comes to backpacking specifically, it may look a little different these days. Backpacking once meant that you stay at hostels and travel by train or hitchhike. However, that has evolved. Backpacking today can simply mean to travel with a single backpack. I'm sure you've seen those large travel backpacks... that's what I'm talking about! 

    So it doesn't matter if you choose to stay at hostels or AirBnBs, or if you travel between cities by train, bike, or plane. As long as you have your trusted backpack, that's all you need!

    As mentioned, I have backpacked Europe on two separate occasions.

    Both times I traveled to Europe, it was in the fall. Tickets are cheap and the tourist season seems to die down a bit in many major cities.

    Personally, I enjoy staying at AirBnBs tucked away in the city or town. That way, you can stay close to locals who can help guide and teach you. Tourist centers are cool and all (not really), but think about New York City. Times Square probably isn't the most exciting place to visit, but that's where all the tourists go. However, if you met a local, they would lead you to some of the more off-the-beaten-path spots. That's what it was like backpacking for me — meeting locals and diving into the culture. 

    However, I do understand that there are MAJOR events and structures that everyone would love to attend or visit while traveling.

    Just because I loved partying with the locals doesn't mean I avoided ALL the tourist attractions. In fact, I probably visited just as many famous attractions as I did low-key ones. For those who are looking to backpack Europe in the fall or winter, these are the 10 activities I would highly recommend!  

    1. Spend Halloween in Ibiza.

    A beach in Ibiza
    Benjamin De Jonge / Getty Images/EyeEm

    By the end of October, tourist season is pretty dead in Ibiza. And because of the religious history and culture of the island, Halloween was never a HUGE celebration in the past. However, the commercialization of the holiday reached Ibiza a few years ago. The younger locals I met were really excited to celebrate the holiday like they've seen it in American films. Since most of the tourists are gone, it's a great time to party with the locals at horror-themed events. And the locals SURE do know how to throw a party.

    2. Drink like royalty at Oktoberfest in Germany.

    3. Take a trip through history at the Prague Castle.

    Prague Castle.
    Jaap2 / Getty Images

    What's the point of leaving the USA if you're not going to go check out some castles? Prague Castle is magical, and the food and drink in the Czech Republic are ridiculously cheap (and delicious!). The history of the nation is fascinating and enlightening, plus I'm a sucker for architecture that makes me feel like I'm in Assasin's Creed. 

    4. Head over to some NFL Games in London

    5. See the Northern Lights in Norway.

    The Northern Lights.
    Serge Roata / Getty Images/500px

    There are few things more majestic than watching a rainbow of light dance across the night sky. Head up to the popular cities of Oslo or Bergen, or drive even further north for a more spectacular view. I was lucky enough to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, but missed them in Norway. I'll be back for sure. 


    6. Drink, drink, drink at The Temple Bar in Dublin.

    The Temple Bar
    Nurphoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images

    The Temple Bar is super popular so when you step in, be ready to meet travelers from all over the world. There are over 400 types of whiskey available... needless to say, I came away with a monster hangover. 

    7. Dance all night at the Amsterdam Dance Event in the Netherlands.

    People dance at a club.
    Evert Elzinga / ANP/AFP via Getty Images

    ADE is the perfect event for the traveler that is looking to party like they do in the cliche movies. Actually, you'll probably party even harder than that. 

    8. Watch a fleet of sailboats race at the Barcolana Regatta in Italy

    Over 2,500 ships race.
    Luca Severi / Getty Images/EyeEm

    One of the most famous sailboat events in the world is the Barcolana Regatta. There are over 2,500 boats and 15,000 sailors racing at once! I didn't attend the event, but it was all the locals talked about when I visited Italy. 

    9. Enjoy a walk along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

    10. Indulge in the chocolate at Perugia’s Eurochocolate Festival.

    Chocolate at the festival.
    Ucg / UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Yes, it's another Italian destination! Do you love chocolate? You've never even tasted chocolate, my friend. Head on over to the biggest chocolate festival in Europe and discover true decadence. While I haven't been myself, I've eaten the chocolate via a friend while I was in Italy. Magnificent! 

    Do you have any fall/winter travel suggestions for those backpacking Europe? Let me know in the comments below!