Here at Generator we know the journey is at least as half the fun as getting there, so we have put together some tips for the newbie passenger who are looking to travel around Europe this summer. Don’t forget to pick up your free t-shirt and Generator passport as you hostel hop to each destination.

1. Obvious stuff

It’s got to be said probably the most important thing about travelling by train is to make sure you are on the right platform with the right ticket at the right time. If you’re used to English trains don’t get caught out by the punctuality of trains on the continent! Equally, don’t be surprised if your over-ground train is a little late in London.

2. When you are bored of looking out the window

Some of the most interesting people you will meet on your travels will be sitting right next to you on the train; a smart business man who is going home to his family for the weekend or a group of teenagers heading to the next town for a concert. This is a great way to brush up on the local lingo. It is probably a good idea to have a book, a pack of cards or a music player just in case there is no one to talk to.

3. Am I valid?

In many European countries you will need to validate your ticket when you get on; this is usually just a date/time stamp, otherwise you may find yourself let off at the next stop. Also note that some long trains in Europe split half way through the journey so make sure you are in the right half to get to your destination.

4. A little light refreshment

Food on trains is often expensive so stock up in the local supermarket beforehand. Sharing can be a great way to meet new people as well; however, beware of stinky food as nothing makes you unpopular with a car full of passengers than a tin of pickled herrings, even on the Copenhagen metro.

5. Particular country quirks

It is pretty obvious that each country will have a slightly different attitude to train travel. For example it is worth making a reservation on Italian trains as they are often purposely overbooked. In some countries you will often have to manually open the doors so make sure you know where the button is so you can get off before the train departs for its next station.

6. I have a problem

It is arguably the most common cause of strife on trains – “You are in my seat!” It is always helpful to be polite and not raise your voice. If you don’t have any luck by yourself then get a conductor involved. Generally, rail staff are no nonsense people who have seen it all and they don’t want any trouble either.

So if you’re not feeling the love this 14 February, Generator has created its very own ‘Love to Hate Valentine’s Day’ package.

Don’t fancy playing gooseberry this year to your coupled up house-mates? No problem. Got your heart set on a more appealing venue than your local bar to hang out with your friends? Sorted. Simply flee the country and head to one of Generator’s boutique hostels in Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, and Hamburg where your adoring hosts will be laying on a mush-free international speed-dating evening.

Whether you’re travelling alone or grabbing a couple of your closest soul-mates along the way, the ‘Love to Hate Valentine’s Day’ package starts from just £10.50pp (for 4-bed and female-only dorms) and £16.50pp for twin rooms, including B&B accommodation and the chance of a foreign affair to remember.

So if you feel like sticking two fingers up to Cupid this year simply choose which city you’d most love to visit, decide whether to pack a couple of cherished companions or go it alone and head off into the speed dating sunset.

Welcome to Generator’s Heartbreak Hostel. We can’t promise a love story but a good time’s definitely guaranteed.

3 simple steps to booking your ‘Love to Hate Valentine’s Day’ package:

• Decide your European dating style: will you lose your heart in Hamburg or go crazy in Copenhagen?
• Contact the hostels directly by email or telephone to book your anti-Valentine’s escape in one of Europe’s most lively cities.
• Prices include bed, breakfast and an evening speed dating in the property.
• Have yourself a jolly bon voyage.

BERLIN EAST

Dorms from £19.50pp/ twin room £27pp

berlin@generatorhostels.com

Tel: +49 (0)30 417 2400

COPENHAGEN

Dorms from £10.50pp/ twin room £16.50pp

copenhagen@generatorhostels.com

Tel: +45 7877 5400

DUBLIN

Dorms from £11/ twin room £18.50pp

dublin@generatorhostels.com

Tel: +353 1 9010222

HAMBURG

Dorms from £14pp/ twin room £19.50pp

Hamburg@generatorhostels.com

Tel: +49 (0)40 226 358 460

Bag Basics

First of all you need a light bag; a fabric backpack is the best option. Many airlines only let you carry on less than 10kg for hand luggage and a hard case can be 3kg of that. It is easier to figure out what’s important when you have a bag that only gives you a limited amount of space!

A quick note on security: always have a lock with you – usually a light coil lock is best. You’re not trying to make the bag impossible to open; you’re just hoping to put off the opportunist criminal. Generator offers secure bag areas – but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Staying In Season

The season can change how you pack. Winter is tricky because of the tendency to layer up: but this can be solved with one larger warm coat. Summer has the advantage of light clothing with nothing too heavy going in your bag.

Take a limited amount of shirts and trousers to mix and match along the way; everything in your bag should match everything else. Equally, dark outfits are your best friend as this means less cleaning!

One pair of comfortable, stylish, shoes is more than enough for city walking but make sure they pass as “smart” shoes, to avoid getting turned away at the club door!

Divide (the Bill) and Conquer

Backpacking is much more fun when with friends, and cheaper! You can buy hygiene supplies locally and share. You can also save money by splitting your food costs with friends – make sure you check out the Generator website to avoid tourist traps.

You Can’t Take It All With You

Souvenirs are a big part of travelling but they can be a problem – as it was hard enough to pack in the first place! Instead, focus on taking pictures and videos – they’re a great way to keep memories alive. Store you pictures securely online to avoid carrying a mountain of SD cards.

Don’t bring all your gadgets, one is more than enough! Keeping in touch and surfing is easily done with a smartphone. Generator offers free Wi-Fi so staying connected is hassle-free.

The Lightest Thing You’ll Pack

Research online before heading out; Generator’s website can be an amazing place to get inspired. As you look for the “to do list” of each city destination, also look for the list that says what not to do: avoid getting caught up in an awkward situations because of cultural differences or wandering into the wrong side of town!

The backpacking world is an unforgettable experience, and it gives you a taste of a city that can’t be gained from a book. Remember, your life can’t always fit in a suitcase: so don’t bring it all with you!