When Was Backpacking Around Western Europe?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking around Western Europe is a popular activity amongst travelers looking to immerse themselves in the culture and scenery of some of the world’s most beautiful countries. Although the exact date when backpacking around Europe began is unknown, it has become a popular form of travel since the 1960s.

During the 1960s, budget airlines began to emerge, making flights to different European countries much more affordable for travelers. This allowed people to explore multiple countries within a short period of time without breaking the bank. It also opened up opportunities for people who wouldn’t have been able to afford international travel previously, such as students and young adults who wanted to explore the world on a budget.

In addition, during this time there was an increase in backpacking hostels that offered inexpensive accommodation for travelers. This allowed people to stay in a variety of locations while still traveling on a restricted budget. Many hostels offered communal areas where travelers could interact with other backpackers and share stories and advice about their trips, further encouraging people to travel around Europe independently.

The 1970s saw another surge in backpacking travel due to the emergence of Eurail passes, which were first introduced in 1972. These passes allowed travelers to purchase tickets valid for multiple countries, meaning they could easily hop on a train and explore several different destinations within one trip.

Today, backpacking around Europe remains a popular activity amongst travelers from all over the world thanks to its affordability and convenience. With an abundance of low-cost airlines and hostel options available across Europe, it’s easier than ever for travelers to experience everything this continent has to offer without breaking their budget.

Conclusion: When it comes down to it, backpacking around Western Europe has been popular since the 1960s thanks to budget airlines, hostels offering cheap accommodation options, and Eurail passes which made it possible for people from all over the world to experience multiple destinations within one trip. Nowadays, thanks to even cheaper airfare prices and more abundant hostel options available across Europe than ever before, backpackers can explore this continent on any budget they choose!