Letter To The Editor: should i plan and whats the weather like

Hi Chris,

Firstly,  I love your site. I think you’re doing an amazing job and your writing is some of the most helpful and practical I’ve found

I have questions in regards to hostels which I was hoping you could help me with.

Firstly, I’m from Brisbane via Cairns, Australia, where its always hot. Hence I have a very low tolerance for cold (anything under 20c makes me reach for a jumper). I’m travelling to Europe in May (when the temperatures are as cold as our winter), and I’m wondering if most hostels are heated during this time of year, and what is the average temp? Will I have to sleep in my thermals and bring extra blankets?

Also, during this time of year how necessary is booking ahead? I’m a bit of a planner by nature, and instinctively want to book every leg of our trip before we go, but I realize this will cut out opportunity for spontaneity. I see it as avoiding wasted time looking for and booking a hostel on the road.We may be using Busabout to get around, so this will already keep us on a set path. Should I give in to my inner nanna and book everything is advance, or is this a decision I just might regret?

Thanks Chris,

Kind Regards,

A.

Hi  A.

I’m very happy the site has been helpful.  With the addition of the search engine and easier to navigate pages I hope it just gets better.
Last May I bought myself a rail pass, talked a friend of mine into joining me and set off for 40 days around Europe.  Starting in London and heading clockwise down and around I pretty much hit every variation in weather.   The first few weeks I was absolutely freezing and wet, then as soon as I bought a heavier Jacket…viola, hot!   I’m talking literally it was pouring outside in Berlin; I bought a Jacket; the rain stopped and didn’t start again.
My point is that I would pack for cold and warm weather.  Layering is probably the most economical rather than lugging around a big thick coat.  Still, that being said I really don’t think you will have problems in-doors.  European hostels and hotels are almost always cozy.  They have really mastered the radiator and when you come in from outside you can count on having it on to dry your rain soaked clothes on (or near).  Trust me I’ve stayed at some really budget places and all have been just fine.  The employees who generally staff these places either work or live there 24 hours a day and they are not about to be uncomfortable.   Carrying around extra  blankets would just be a waste of luggage space when you can just pack an extra sweater of thermal to throw on if you get chilly.  More often than not I have seen extra blankets in the closets of budget hotels and in hostels, the comforter is usually enough.
One thing you can consider is making yourself a sleep sack.  Basically grab an old bed sheet from the closet, fold it in half long ways and sew up three sides like a sleeping bag.  This will not only take up little space in your bag when rolled up but provides that little bit extra to snuggle into.  Works great for all night train or ferry rides.
Booking ahead….hmmmm.  I struggle with this sometimes.  On the one hand you are right that it does eat up a lot of time searching for hotels/hostels on the road but on the other hand you really cut our flexibility when you plan it all out.  First thing, think about how much flexibility you actually have.  If you are only going to be in Europe for 10 days then a planned out trip might be the best approach; letting you maximize your time.  If you are going to be there for 40 days you have a bit more room to play around and make getting lost finding Internet cafes and hotels part of the fun.
In May you will be coming in on the beginning of the tourist  season so places will fill up quicker but even with that said, you will find some place to stay.  Depending on your budget this will be easy or hard…ie: the cheaper you have to do it; the harder it will be. You might consider at least booking the touristy places ahead of time.  Places like Venice are a huge pain when you arrive without any reservations and you will end up paying an arm and a leg for it.  Just booking some places allows you to be flexible at the stops in between and keeps you moving forward. You will want to at least stay ahead of yourself with bookings by at least two days.   So…
1. Do you have time to spend 3 hours of your day looking for  your next hotel?
Nope- book ahead –

Nope- go with the flow
4.  Are you the type of person who enjoys the thrill of the hunt and stress of the unknown?
Nope- book ahead

Want to share this Post?