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About This Quiz
So you've always wanted to travel to Europe with nothing but a backpack, the wind in your hair and the chugging of a train to take you from country to country. You know that within a couple of hours, sometimes even minutes, you could be traversing an entirely different place, culture and language group. There's something awe-inspiring about that. You're eager! You want to go and see it all for yourself!
Cities like Paris and Prague; islands like Santorini and Mykonos; mountains in Transylvania; villages in remote Eastern European countries. There is so much to see and discover. You want to tread those much-treasured cobblestones.
However, before you set forth on your European backpacking adventure, you should have an essential checklist in mind. Do you know just what to bring, how much of it and what to leave behind? There's only so much you can fit into a backpack, and only so much you can carry without it carrying you and holding you back. Do you have your documents, credit cards and emergency numbers in place? Do you know who to contact in case something happens while you're abroad?
We've devised this quiz with your best interests in mind, to ensure that your journey will be as seamless as possible. Are you ready for it? Let's find out!ÂÂ
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What transportation would you take to hop from place to place?
A train, bus, ship or plane
I'd say a train.
Trains are the only way to go, right?
I'll figure it out when I get there.
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What should your backpack be like?
Water resistant, with many compartments
Big and cool
Very stylish
Second-hand or real cheap
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If your American passport gets lost or stolen, what should you do?
Fill out a police report, contact the State Department website, fill out the form and take it to the embassy to get an emergency passport.
Call the embassy!
Start flailing your arms about for the police!
Yell "Help!"
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What kind of insurance are you taking with you?
Travel and health
Health
No insurance
Why would I need insurance?
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Are you bringing a towel?
Of course
Why? Should I?
Of course not. Every hostel has towels.
I'll just buy one when I'm there.
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What do you do about navigating different customs?
I do my basic research before arriving in each country.
I bring a guidebook that I may or may not glance at.
I'll learn them (or not) once I get there.
Who cares about customs?
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What's one ticket you should have in Europe to travel from country to country?
A Eurail Pass or something similar
A train ticket
The ticket I buy
What's this about tickets?
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What should you invest in if you want to keep your items safe in a hostel?
A padlock for my locker
I can use a locker.
Nothing. I'll carry everything with me at all times.
Hmm. Is that a trick question?
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What kind of power adapter will ensure that your electronics get charged properly?
Universal adapter, because not all European countries have the same outlets
A European power adapter
I'll find out when I get there and buy it.
Power adapter? Say what?
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If you're bringing books, how many should you carry with you?
As many as I want in my Kindle Reader, or one or two in paperback if I must
Around five
I'll just stuff whatever comes to mind into my backpack.
Ten, maybe
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How do you get from Italy to Greece?
By boat or plane
By plane
Somehow
I'd swim, hahaha.
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What kind of sunglasses are you bringing?
Something solid, with good UV protection
Something cheap that can be tossed or lost
I don't wear sunglasses.
I'll get something at the airport.
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If you're going to the mountains, what should you pack for sure?
Water-resistant gloves, down jacket, trekking trainers, good socks
A windbreaker
Mountain wear, the same as I wear at home
Snacks and sunglasses
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What can you bring to hide your money, passport and credit cards at all times?
Hidden travel security belt
Fanny pack
Underwear
That's a funny question.
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If you're planning on going camping, what item can you bring with you to cook with?
A portable stove
A stovetop
A can opener
Again with the trick questions!
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What kind of blanket would be super versatile and welcome?
A picnic blanket
A wool blanket
A towel that doubles as a blanket
My childhood blankie for emotional comfort
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What's a carabiner for?
Attaching items to my backpack and fixing something
Extra weight
For carrying my backpack
Something I'll not be bothered with
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What kind of bottle is a must to carry?
A water bottle!
A plastic bottle
A wine bottle
Message in a bottle, hehehe
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What three items are essential in your toiletry bag? (The rest can be bought locally.)
Toothbrush, toothpaste and soap
Sunscreen and cotton balls
Shower gel and razors
Everything can be bought locally
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Taking a first-aid kit with you?
Of course, with all the essentials
I'm taking some band-aids.
That will weigh too much.
If anything happens to me, I'll head to the hospital!
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How long should your passport still be valid for before you travel?
At least six months
At least three months
The length of my return ticket, obviously
I need a passport to go to Europe?
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How long are you allowed to stay in the Schengen Area during a six-month period?
Three months
One month
Six months
Is the Schengen Area in Germany?
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Should you take cash with you?
Yes, It's a good idea to have some and exchange it whenever needed, in addition to carrying credit and debit cards.
No. Just credit and debit cards
I'm bringing my debit card and that's it.
Cash only, I say.
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Does every European country use Euros?
Not at all
Hmm, of course
Euros for Europe!
They don't use dollars?
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Do you need to have your passport with you every time you go to a new country?
Yes, you do, in case you get asked.
No, you just need it once to enter and once to leave the Schengen Area.
I need to check that. Hold on a sec.
Now you're confusing me.
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What do you need to drive in Europe?
My driver's license and an International Driving Permit for some countries
Duh, my driver's license
A car
A moped
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If you're a student, should you take your student ID with you?
Indeed, I can get some discounts that way.
No. It's only valid in the United States.
No idea, but I'll carry it just in case.
I have a fake student ID. Does that count?
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Do you need the address of where you'll be staying?
Yes, even if it's a hostel
No, it's a hostel.
I don't think so.
I already have that whatchamacallit, passport. That should be enough.
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What do you need to make international calls without paying a fortune?
An international SIM card, as well as Facetime or WhatsAPP
An international SIM card
That's a good question.
A phone booth
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Are you planning on learning the basics of the local languages?
Yes, I'll look up the greetings and basic courtesies of each country, such as how to say "thank you" and "please."
Maybe. I know some Spanish.
Oh, c'mon, everyone speaks English in Europe.
Oh, jeez, you're stressing me out!
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You Got: