Craig
@niagarathistle.bsky.social
Hi, I’m Craig! Budget traveler with a passion for European adventures. I’ve spent 25+ years uncovering the best ways to travel affordably and confidently. Sharing stories, tips, and lessons to inspire your own unforgettable trips.
I nearly skipped the trip that changed my life.
In 1999, I worked two jobs, saved $3,500, and backpacked Europe solo.
Everyone told me not to go.
25 years later, I’m still learning the same lesson:
Action > Permission.
In 1999, I worked two jobs, saved $3,500, and backpacked Europe solo.
Everyone told me not to go.
25 years later, I’m still learning the same lesson:
Action > Permission.
October 26, 2025 at 6:07 PM
I nearly skipped the trip that changed my life.
In 1999, I worked two jobs, saved $3,500, and backpacked Europe solo.
Everyone told me not to go.
25 years later, I’m still learning the same lesson:
Action > Permission.
In 1999, I worked two jobs, saved $3,500, and backpacked Europe solo.
Everyone told me not to go.
25 years later, I’m still learning the same lesson:
Action > Permission.
In 1999, a $12 library book destroyed everything I thought I knew about travel.
One moment I was a broke college kid dreaming of Rome.
The next, I was mapping a three-month Eurotrip that everyone said was impossible.
Turns out, the secret to travel wasn’t money.
It was mindset.
One moment I was a broke college kid dreaming of Rome.
The next, I was mapping a three-month Eurotrip that everyone said was impossible.
Turns out, the secret to travel wasn’t money.
It was mindset.
October 20, 2025 at 7:39 PM
In 1999, a $12 library book destroyed everything I thought I knew about travel.
One moment I was a broke college kid dreaming of Rome.
The next, I was mapping a three-month Eurotrip that everyone said was impossible.
Turns out, the secret to travel wasn’t money.
It was mindset.
One moment I was a broke college kid dreaming of Rome.
The next, I was mapping a three-month Eurotrip that everyone said was impossible.
Turns out, the secret to travel wasn’t money.
It was mindset.
In 1999 I worked two jobs, saved $3,500 & backpacked Europe for 3 months.
No phone. No plan.
It taught me this: how you travel matters more than how much you spend.
Start before you feel ready. You’ll never regret learning through adventure.
No phone. No plan.
It taught me this: how you travel matters more than how much you spend.
Start before you feel ready. You’ll never regret learning through adventure.
October 19, 2025 at 9:49 PM
In 1999 I worked two jobs, saved $3,500 & backpacked Europe for 3 months.
No phone. No plan.
It taught me this: how you travel matters more than how much you spend.
Start before you feel ready. You’ll never regret learning through adventure.
No phone. No plan.
It taught me this: how you travel matters more than how much you spend.
Start before you feel ready. You’ll never regret learning through adventure.
Who's traveling to Europe this summer?
Where are you going? Are you already there?
Where are you going? Are you already there?
June 25, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Who's traveling to Europe this summer?
Where are you going? Are you already there?
Where are you going? Are you already there?
Packing for a trip to Europe this Summer?
10 Days or 3 Months -> 1 Carry-on Bag Only
I just published a video sharing my 25 years of packing experience.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLga...
10 Days or 3 Months -> 1 Carry-on Bag Only
I just published a video sharing my 25 years of packing experience.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLga...
Pack for Europe for 10 days or 3 months - Carry-On Only
YouTube video by Craig Campbell
www.youtube.com
May 12, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Packing for a trip to Europe this Summer?
10 Days or 3 Months -> 1 Carry-on Bag Only
I just published a video sharing my 25 years of packing experience.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLga...
10 Days or 3 Months -> 1 Carry-on Bag Only
I just published a video sharing my 25 years of packing experience.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLga...
Traveling to #Europe on a #budget?
Forget fancy hotels.
A $45 Bavarian guesthouse blew them all away.
🍳 Homemade breakfast
🤗 Cozy vibes
🏔️ Mountain views
Authentic is better than expensive.
#travel #travelAddicts #wanderlust #Eurotrip
Forget fancy hotels.
A $45 Bavarian guesthouse blew them all away.
🍳 Homemade breakfast
🤗 Cozy vibes
🏔️ Mountain views
Authentic is better than expensive.
#travel #travelAddicts #wanderlust #Eurotrip
March 5, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Traveling to #Europe on a #budget?
Forget fancy hotels.
A $45 Bavarian guesthouse blew them all away.
🍳 Homemade breakfast
🤗 Cozy vibes
🏔️ Mountain views
Authentic is better than expensive.
#travel #travelAddicts #wanderlust #Eurotrip
Forget fancy hotels.
A $45 Bavarian guesthouse blew them all away.
🍳 Homemade breakfast
🤗 Cozy vibes
🏔️ Mountain views
Authentic is better than expensive.
#travel #travelAddicts #wanderlust #Eurotrip
Planning an epic #Eurotrip?
🚙 Car rentals
🚞 Train bunks
🚶♀️ Crazy-long walks.
I’ve done it all in 25 years of Euro #travel.
Want to level up your own #trip?
Hit me with questions.
#wanderlust #Eurotrip #travelAddicts
🚙 Car rentals
🚞 Train bunks
🚶♀️ Crazy-long walks.
I’ve done it all in 25 years of Euro #travel.
Want to level up your own #trip?
Hit me with questions.
#wanderlust #Eurotrip #travelAddicts
March 5, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Planning an epic #Eurotrip?
🚙 Car rentals
🚞 Train bunks
🚶♀️ Crazy-long walks.
I’ve done it all in 25 years of Euro #travel.
Want to level up your own #trip?
Hit me with questions.
#wanderlust #Eurotrip #travelAddicts
🚙 Car rentals
🚞 Train bunks
🚶♀️ Crazy-long walks.
I’ve done it all in 25 years of Euro #travel.
Want to level up your own #trip?
Hit me with questions.
#wanderlust #Eurotrip #travelAddicts
Traveling to #Europe?
Solo or group #travel?
It’s a different game each time.
I’ve done it all.
🎒 #Backpacking solo
👶 Wrangling toddlers in #Scotland
👵🏻 Guiding parents through #Germany
Tip #1: Tailor your #itinerary to your crew’s needs.
Tip #2: Don't be afraid to take breaks from each other.
Solo or group #travel?
It’s a different game each time.
I’ve done it all.
🎒 #Backpacking solo
👶 Wrangling toddlers in #Scotland
👵🏻 Guiding parents through #Germany
Tip #1: Tailor your #itinerary to your crew’s needs.
Tip #2: Don't be afraid to take breaks from each other.
March 5, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Traveling to #Europe?
Solo or group #travel?
It’s a different game each time.
I’ve done it all.
🎒 #Backpacking solo
👶 Wrangling toddlers in #Scotland
👵🏻 Guiding parents through #Germany
Tip #1: Tailor your #itinerary to your crew’s needs.
Tip #2: Don't be afraid to take breaks from each other.
Solo or group #travel?
It’s a different game each time.
I’ve done it all.
🎒 #Backpacking solo
👶 Wrangling toddlers in #Scotland
👵🏻 Guiding parents through #Germany
Tip #1: Tailor your #itinerary to your crew’s needs.
Tip #2: Don't be afraid to take breaks from each other.
✈️ Planning Your Europe Route: Bringing It All Together 🗺️
Over the past few days, we’ve broken down how to turn your dream wishlist into a smart, strategic itinerary.
Missed the earlier threads? No worries. This one ties it all together. Let’s map out a trip that flows seamlessly.🧵👇
Over the past few days, we’ve broken down how to turn your dream wishlist into a smart, strategic itinerary.
Missed the earlier threads? No worries. This one ties it all together. Let’s map out a trip that flows seamlessly.🧵👇
March 5, 2025 at 2:04 PM
✈️ Planning Your Europe Route: Bringing It All Together 🗺️
Over the past few days, we’ve broken down how to turn your dream wishlist into a smart, strategic itinerary.
Missed the earlier threads? No worries. This one ties it all together. Let’s map out a trip that flows seamlessly.🧵👇
Over the past few days, we’ve broken down how to turn your dream wishlist into a smart, strategic itinerary.
Missed the earlier threads? No worries. This one ties it all together. Let’s map out a trip that flows seamlessly.🧵👇
You CAN travel #Europe with young kids!
No excuses.
I drove around the UK for 17 days with two little ones and made it work with smart planning and frequent pit stops.
Don’t wait until they’re older. Make amazing memories now.
#travelWithKids #wanderlust #travelAddicts
No excuses.
I drove around the UK for 17 days with two little ones and made it work with smart planning and frequent pit stops.
Don’t wait until they’re older. Make amazing memories now.
#travelWithKids #wanderlust #travelAddicts
March 5, 2025 at 12:04 PM
You CAN travel #Europe with young kids!
No excuses.
I drove around the UK for 17 days with two little ones and made it work with smart planning and frequent pit stops.
Don’t wait until they’re older. Make amazing memories now.
#travelWithKids #wanderlust #travelAddicts
No excuses.
I drove around the UK for 17 days with two little ones and made it work with smart planning and frequent pit stops.
Don’t wait until they’re older. Make amazing memories now.
#travelWithKids #wanderlust #travelAddicts
Traveling to #Europe in 2025?
I’ve done it all.
🛌 Cheap #hostels
🏡 Quaint #B&Bs
🚙 Epic road trips
Europe’s a playground.
Ready for your own trip hack? DM me your burning #travel questions.
Let’s turn your dream #itinerary into reality.
#Eurotrip #wanderlust #backpacking
I’ve done it all.
🛌 Cheap #hostels
🏡 Quaint #B&Bs
🚙 Epic road trips
Europe’s a playground.
Ready for your own trip hack? DM me your burning #travel questions.
Let’s turn your dream #itinerary into reality.
#Eurotrip #wanderlust #backpacking
March 5, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Traveling to #Europe in 2025?
I’ve done it all.
🛌 Cheap #hostels
🏡 Quaint #B&Bs
🚙 Epic road trips
Europe’s a playground.
Ready for your own trip hack? DM me your burning #travel questions.
Let’s turn your dream #itinerary into reality.
#Eurotrip #wanderlust #backpacking
I’ve done it all.
🛌 Cheap #hostels
🏡 Quaint #B&Bs
🚙 Epic road trips
Europe’s a playground.
Ready for your own trip hack? DM me your burning #travel questions.
Let’s turn your dream #itinerary into reality.
#Eurotrip #wanderlust #backpacking
Stretch your #Europe #travel #budget like I did.
I got by on my first trip $3,500 for 3 months.
Backpackers do it now for $6k.
🥖 Cheap eats
✈️ Off-peak flights
🚞 Discounted rail passes.
Your dream trip doesn’t need to break the bank.
#wanderlust #backpacking #travelAddicts
I got by on my first trip $3,500 for 3 months.
Backpackers do it now for $6k.
🥖 Cheap eats
✈️ Off-peak flights
🚞 Discounted rail passes.
Your dream trip doesn’t need to break the bank.
#wanderlust #backpacking #travelAddicts
March 5, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Stretch your #Europe #travel #budget like I did.
I got by on my first trip $3,500 for 3 months.
Backpackers do it now for $6k.
🥖 Cheap eats
✈️ Off-peak flights
🚞 Discounted rail passes.
Your dream trip doesn’t need to break the bank.
#wanderlust #backpacking #travelAddicts
I got by on my first trip $3,500 for 3 months.
Backpackers do it now for $6k.
🥖 Cheap eats
✈️ Off-peak flights
🚞 Discounted rail passes.
Your dream trip doesn’t need to break the bank.
#wanderlust #backpacking #travelAddicts
Traveling to #Europe for the summer?
90% of Europe can be experienced with just a credit or debit card.
But some places in Europe still prefer cash.
Carry cash. Stay ready.
#travel #Eurotrip #travelAddicts
90% of Europe can be experienced with just a credit or debit card.
But some places in Europe still prefer cash.
Carry cash. Stay ready.
#travel #Eurotrip #travelAddicts
March 4, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Traveling to #Europe for the summer?
90% of Europe can be experienced with just a credit or debit card.
But some places in Europe still prefer cash.
Carry cash. Stay ready.
#travel #Eurotrip #travelAddicts
90% of Europe can be experienced with just a credit or debit card.
But some places in Europe still prefer cash.
Carry cash. Stay ready.
#travel #Eurotrip #travelAddicts
Going to Europe this summer?
Airport taxis are expensive.
Take the bus or train.
Save cash.
#Eurotrip #travel #travelAddicts
Airport taxis are expensive.
Take the bus or train.
Save cash.
#Eurotrip #travel #travelAddicts
March 4, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Going to Europe this summer?
Airport taxis are expensive.
Take the bus or train.
Save cash.
#Eurotrip #travel #travelAddicts
Airport taxis are expensive.
Take the bus or train.
Save cash.
#Eurotrip #travel #travelAddicts
Planning Your #Europe Route: Festivals, Crowds & Costs
You've picked your dream destinations. But before locking in your route, consider major festivals & events—they can make (or break) your experience. 🎭🎡
A smart itinerary = efficiency + affordability + unforgettable moments. Let’s dive in! 🧵👇
You've picked your dream destinations. But before locking in your route, consider major festivals & events—they can make (or break) your experience. 🎭🎡
A smart itinerary = efficiency + affordability + unforgettable moments. Let’s dive in! 🧵👇
February 24, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Planning Your #Europe Route: Festivals, Crowds & Costs
You've picked your dream destinations. But before locking in your route, consider major festivals & events—they can make (or break) your experience. 🎭🎡
A smart itinerary = efficiency + affordability + unforgettable moments. Let’s dive in! 🧵👇
You've picked your dream destinations. But before locking in your route, consider major festivals & events—they can make (or break) your experience. 🎭🎡
A smart itinerary = efficiency + affordability + unforgettable moments. Let’s dive in! 🧵👇
Traveling to Europe in 2025?
Bring a power adapter for European outlets.
No adapter = no phone.
European outlets are different.
Pack the right one.
Bring a power adapter for European outlets.
No adapter = no phone.
European outlets are different.
Pack the right one.
February 18, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Traveling to Europe in 2025?
Bring a power adapter for European outlets.
No adapter = no phone.
European outlets are different.
Pack the right one.
Bring a power adapter for European outlets.
No adapter = no phone.
European outlets are different.
Pack the right one.
Traveling to Europe this year?
Add a buffer day at the end of your trip.
Avoid missed flights and rushing around.
No stress.
Add a buffer day at the end of your trip.
Avoid missed flights and rushing around.
No stress.
February 17, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Traveling to Europe this year?
Add a buffer day at the end of your trip.
Avoid missed flights and rushing around.
No stress.
Add a buffer day at the end of your trip.
Avoid missed flights and rushing around.
No stress.
Going to #Europe this summer?
Attend local festivals.
Festivals = culture.
🔎 Research.
🚶 Show up.
🥳 Enjoy.
#Wanderlust #travel #TravelAddicts #Eurotrip
Attend local festivals.
Festivals = culture.
🔎 Research.
🚶 Show up.
🥳 Enjoy.
#Wanderlust #travel #TravelAddicts #Eurotrip
February 17, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Going to #Europe this summer?
Attend local festivals.
Festivals = culture.
🔎 Research.
🚶 Show up.
🥳 Enjoy.
#Wanderlust #travel #TravelAddicts #Eurotrip
Attend local festivals.
Festivals = culture.
🔎 Research.
🚶 Show up.
🥳 Enjoy.
#Wanderlust #travel #TravelAddicts #Eurotrip
Traveling to #Europe in 2025?
#Travel slow.
Slow travel > fast travel.
#Trains + fewer cities.
More time in a place.
Better experience.
#TravelAddicts #Wanderlust #Eurotrip
#Travel slow.
Slow travel > fast travel.
#Trains + fewer cities.
More time in a place.
Better experience.
#TravelAddicts #Wanderlust #Eurotrip
February 17, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Traveling to #Europe in 2025?
#Travel slow.
Slow travel > fast travel.
#Trains + fewer cities.
More time in a place.
Better experience.
#TravelAddicts #Wanderlust #Eurotrip
#Travel slow.
Slow travel > fast travel.
#Trains + fewer cities.
More time in a place.
Better experience.
#TravelAddicts #Wanderlust #Eurotrip
#Traveling to #Europe for the first time?
It’s exciting, but culture shock can be overwhelming.
Instead of jumping into a totally new world right away, plan your route to ease into things step by step.
Here’s how to do it the smart way! 🧵👇
#Eurotrip #Wanderlust #TravelAddicts
It’s exciting, but culture shock can be overwhelming.
Instead of jumping into a totally new world right away, plan your route to ease into things step by step.
Here’s how to do it the smart way! 🧵👇
#Eurotrip #Wanderlust #TravelAddicts
February 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM
#Traveling to #Europe for the first time?
It’s exciting, but culture shock can be overwhelming.
Instead of jumping into a totally new world right away, plan your route to ease into things step by step.
Here’s how to do it the smart way! 🧵👇
#Eurotrip #Wanderlust #TravelAddicts
It’s exciting, but culture shock can be overwhelming.
Instead of jumping into a totally new world right away, plan your route to ease into things step by step.
Here’s how to do it the smart way! 🧵👇
#Eurotrip #Wanderlust #TravelAddicts
Small win this a.m. on Eurotripr.com:
Reduced my Countries page queries down to 174 from 2074🐌!
Still lots of work to do, but a 92% reduction i think 💪.
Now at least THIS page doesn't bomb out on loading. On to the others...after my 9-5.
#buildinpublic #wanderlust #travelAddicts #eurotrip
Reduced my Countries page queries down to 174 from 2074🐌!
Still lots of work to do, but a 92% reduction i think 💪.
Now at least THIS page doesn't bomb out on loading. On to the others...after my 9-5.
#buildinpublic #wanderlust #travelAddicts #eurotrip
February 14, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Small win this a.m. on Eurotripr.com:
Reduced my Countries page queries down to 174 from 2074🐌!
Still lots of work to do, but a 92% reduction i think 💪.
Now at least THIS page doesn't bomb out on loading. On to the others...after my 9-5.
#buildinpublic #wanderlust #travelAddicts #eurotrip
Reduced my Countries page queries down to 174 from 2074🐌!
Still lots of work to do, but a 92% reduction i think 💪.
Now at least THIS page doesn't bomb out on loading. On to the others...after my 9-5.
#buildinpublic #wanderlust #travelAddicts #eurotrip