Don’t worry about booking in advance. I usually travel in late winter and I have never had a problem finding accomodations. I only book ahead for the first night in my arrival city.

If you have a preference for a hostel, I would just check in advance that they are open over winter

You’ll meet a lot of people in hostels that can travel with you or viceversa for a couple of days. It’s not unrealistic at all.

No need to book ahead! I went last winter for four months and only had a problem on a holiday. Valentines in Italy. For the most part you will be fine and if not? well, it only leads you to more of an adventure. You don’t need to see if the hostel is open b/c it sounds like your wanting to meet people and all the popular hostels are open year round unless it is a campsite and then it wont be open. Like someone said above, I book the first couple nights in the city I arrive in. Tired after a long flight and looking for a hostel in what could be horrible weather. No Thanks. Also I was really suprised at how moderate Europe’s winter is. Compared to the East coast US. Not as bad at all (at least last year and the year before) I packed layers and not heavy stuff. This is great if your going South to Spain, Italy and then north/East UK, Germany and Czech. HAve fun and let me know if you need anything else.

quote:
I’m embarking on my first solo journey around Europe this winter. I will be traveling after Christmas to mid January- would you suggest that I book hostels ahead of time?

Seeing as I am travelling alone, I was really hoping that I could just try and meet people on the road and go wherever the wind takes me. If this is unrealistic, I should probably know now…

i am also going to europe during this winter…leaving on Jan4 to jan23. cities going through: madrid, barcelon, paris, amsterdam, london….i’m beginning to get nervous about everything….does anyone have any advice on budget, places to stay, just anything…if there’s anyone with a lot of information i would appreciate you keeping in contact with me through my email address…wutown023@mac.com…thanks