How I did it: I got 3.5 weeks off of work (as a nanny) when my charges went away to sleep-away camp. So I bought my plane and train tickets, planned (and re-planned... and re-re-planned) the route, bought a pack, and set out. I knew I wanted to start in Paris and get to Budapest half-way through; the rest was kinda up for grabs. I went alone, so I had the freedom to pick and choose destinations and travel times.

Lessons & tips: Plan on spending more money than you estimate! I didn't, and had to call my sister for a little help towards the end. If you're doing it all on the cheap, be prepared to be able to infuse a little humor into situations that are a little less than kosher (sleeping arrangements, eating, and transport, to name a few). Be friendly and meet people wherever you go; for me, that was way more important than seeing this church or that building.

Resources: couchsufing.org, lonelyplanet.com, and facebook :)

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Aug 19, 2010, 10:38AM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers