We were given the opportunity of a lifetime to travel across Europe, doing everything we’ve ever wanted and going everywhere we possibly could.
Our plans for a European backpack trip honestly came out of the blue. John and I had just relocated to Denver from our hometowns in Dallas. We were focusing on adjusting to our new life when one day we received a call. It was an insurance company informing us that we were past due for a sizable payment from something that had happened before we met. I hung up the phone, unsure whether to believe it was true, and told John immediately.
The first words from his mouth: “Let’s go to Europe!”
Within minutes we were rapidly clicking away for any flights deals, not caring when we might leave or where we might go. We found two tickets on WOW Airlines from Boston to Dublin for only $166 each!! With taxes and luggage for two, the total came to $560 for both of us! We decided in that moment that we would make this happen. Even if the check was a mistake, it was going to happen! We bought the tickets that day, picked up double shifts for the following months, and started working overtime to gather as much money as possible.
We were halfway through a 6-month lease so we decided to make the best of our funds. Instead of worrying about rent and utilities while we were gone, it seemed more practical to pack it all up for storage. We began selling what we didn’t need, boxing what we wanted, and buying what we needed. We have 2.5 months before we were leaving and there was a ton to do. We researched travel tips, packing tips, and everything possible about the countries we wanted to visit.
Eventually the check arrived in the mail. We bought high-quality backpacks and essential travel accessories while making sure we were prepared for Europe in the winter. We looked up return flight deals until we found tickets from Berlin to Boston for $190 each ($650 total with taxes, etc. on WOW) and began booking other flights. We had roughly 6 weeks to get from Ireland to Germany and only Christmas and New Years to really think about. The continent of Europe was our oyster; we wanted to see as much as possible.
We planned to not have a plan!
Aside from the tickets from Dallas to Boston, we needed flights from the island to Europe as well as train tickets from Dublin to Cork. We choose to keep our travel itinerary relatively open, buying only the reservations needed in Ireland and a quick flight from Dublin to Amsterdam. Once we got to mainland Europe, we had nothing but an open-ended train ticket to guide our plans.
Once we settled on arriving in Ireland and leaving from Berlin, we made a list of locations. Based on the limitations of our Eurail train pass, we chose to land closest to Ireland in Amsterdam. Amsterdam was at the top of our list plus the city hub for international travel. We chose to book flights with Aer Lingus for €33 tickets and sexually suggestive name (€209 for 2 with fees and baggage). Honestly were probably better deals but we really liked the comfortable features and, again, the name.
We were able to get the best flight deals primarily because of the dates we chose and awesome airline deals from WOW, which is unfortunately no longer in business as of March 2018. Aside from cheaper travel prices in the winter, our flights left on Thanksgiving Day. Experienced travelers often recommend planning trips during non-peak seasons for better budgeting and smaller crowds.
After months of saving, we were on our way!
Two months passed quickly as we continued working constant double shifts. When the time came, we packed everything away and drove from Denver to Dallas to visit our families for the holidays. We were missing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years so we had to make sure we saw everyone. Just 13 days before we left, one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in European history happened in Paris. Our parents were terrified. Although we weren’t deterred in the slightest, we weighted the importance of registering with the embassy in each country. If you’re American, you can register with the State Department to receive safety alerts, plus they can contact you and your family during local emergencies.
John’s fantastic mother agreed to drive us to the airport early Thanksgiving morning. She has always been our #1 supporter and this trip was no different! Despite the holiday, the flights and airports were surprisingly empty; we had our own row for the domestic flight to Boston. Jet Blue is one of the best airlines we’ve ever used. The seats are comfortable and super spacious with tons of leg room. Each seat has its own screen with an excellent selection of television, movies, and radio stations to choose from. They hand out complimentary water bottles and high-quality snacks and the staff is incredibly nice! With space to stretch out, we put in our headphones and took a quick nap watching our own favorite shows.
The flight went quickly and before we knew it, we were in Boston. Apparently, when you travel domestic to international using different airlines, you are required to get your baggage and go through the entire ticketing process again. We gathered our enormous backpacks, re-checked them, received our tickets, and passed through security. The entire process took about an hour but we planned for a 2-hour so there was plenty of time.
Admittedly, WOW Air was the Spirit Airlines of Europe. Their flights were extremely affordable due to the complete lack of amenities or basic comforts. Most of the regular seats were small, stiff, and offered no options for entertainment. There are no complimentary drinks or snacks and sadly we did not properly prepare. We landed in Reykjavik (ray-kye-vik) at roughly 4 am to see a dark, snowy, icy land. It looked like it required skill to land here but the pilot made it smooth and seamless.
We had another 2-hour delay between flights and customs was our first stop. The customs process was a little chaotic, lines are indiscriminate but the staff moves quickly and the process is very streamlined. We quickly answered their questions but they were particularly interested in John. They pulled us aside and took him into private room where they questioned him more extensively. They wanted to know more about his travel plans and his return date; after only 10-15 minutes we were both free to grab a snack before returning to our gate.
Keflavik Airport is relatively small with plenty of amenities. The entire building offers free wifi and plenty of areas to charge your devices (remember your plug converter!) They even have a Love Sac lounge for sleeping! The food area offers lots of options, including an area that offers juice, coffee, beers, cold sandwiches, pastries, and the Icelandic staple, cold fresh fish. The airport also has a number of stylish tax-free shops featuring clothing, gourmet food, books, pottery, electronics, and skincare.
Unfortunately for us, it was 4 am. Most of the shops were either closed or barely opening, we had a limited selection of juices, drinks, and cold sandwiches. I grabbed two delicious Icelandic Gull Beers and “the worst sandwich ever”, according to John. After quick bite and much needed beer, we boarded the short 2.5 hour flight to Dublin. We had to prepare to run as fast as we could to our train to Cork because we were going straight to Midleton for a tour of the Jameson Distillery the next day!
Do you prefer to plan every detail or keep things flexible? Tell about how you prefer to travel!
Amsterdam canals 
Munich Germany 
Layover at Reykjavik Airport 
Hall of Statues at the Statue of David in Florence Italy 
The Colosseum in Rome Italy 
Astronomical Clock in Old Town Prague
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