Backpacking Through Europe

Young itinerant backpackers, whose battle cry is "get hammered every night and see the sights," may want to visit the Greek island of Ios in June-July, because that's when the golden-haired Swedish party animals swoop down on this Mediterranean haven, according to filmmaker Bryan Roe. A dynamite down and dirty guide for the young and restless who want to see Europe on a shoestring (think Spring Break Meets Rick Steves), Backpacking Through Europe--written, narrated and directed by Roe--combines interview clips with twentysomething travelers and natives worldwide, together with tips on packing light, the best youth hostels (the Pink Palace in Corfu, Greece serves a good "slightly greasy, anti-hangover breakfast"), best party cities (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, Berlin), the top summer festivals (running with the bulls at Pamplona, hoisting steins at Oktoberfest), and more. Roe also includes a sample 8-week, 24-city itinerary that hits key European destinations and a fair number of off-the-beaten-watering-hole stops. Sure to be appreciated by the newly legal aged, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (R. Pitman)