How I did it:

• SAVE SAVE SAVE! I saved money for a year knowing my intention was to spend it on a trip of some kind. If you get in the habit of taking $100-300 out of your paycheck, you won't miss it.
• I found a great deal on plane tickets and took advantage of it.
• The internet is your best friend. Everyone asks me what travel agent I used to plan our trip. It was just me, my debit card and my computer.
• Make an itinerary and plan ahead.

Lessons & tips:

• Spontaneity is a plus. We randomly decided to go to Ireland... and it was a spectacular idea.
• Forums, internet, tripadvisor.com!! People in cyber space are a wealth of information. 
• When you get to a city visit the tourist office! They can help you get all kinds of information and tell you what events have free admission or student discounts.
• TAKE ADVANTAGE of student discounts when you can! Especially at historic sites and museums. We figured this out pretty late in our trip and it could have saved us a few euro.
• Don't open a tab. It was a huge hassle.
• Meet some new people and step out of your comfort zone!! You are in effing Europe, no one will remember you (unless you do a topless table dance) or know who you are... so live it up.
• Bring tennis shoes.
• Try to carry-on all your luggage. I could write a whole essay on the greatness of The Packing Book by Judith Gilford.
• Check sites for ticket sales. Usually if the price goes down further they will send you the rest of the money.

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Aug 08, 11:05PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer