How I did it: I saved for about a year and sold my car. My friend and I did a lot of planning. We had all our hostals reserved before we went. I budgeted my money and made a plan as to how much I would spend every day.

Lessons & tips: Don't worry about booking and having everything planned before you leave.

Girls: If you are going in the summer take skirts and dresses that reach the knee. I only took shorts and europeans do not wear shorts. You really don't need pants. I took 2 pairs and I only wear one pair twice.

Do some research about the areas and monuments you will be visiting. You will appropriate the experience a lot more.

Invest in a good backpack. Try to get one with a hard back. It will keep the shape of your backpack, making it easier to walk and pack.

It you are only going into cities you don't really need to spend a lot of money on walking shoes. I would say invest in a good pair of sandals. I used my rainbows 99% of the time and my feet never hurt.

Depending on how long your trip is, try to get a private hostal room at least once. That way you can have a really good nights sleep and rejuvenate. Try not to get too many private rooms. Rooming with other people is a great experience.

Only stay in hostals. The people you meet in them are half the experience.
 

Resources: Rick Steves Euro book, eurail website

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Feb 07, 2009, 03:39AM PST | 1 comment | 5 cheers