How I did it: After I graduated college I quit my job and spent three months in Europe. I was in Eastern Europe for a month then biked through Italy for two months.
I've traveled before to India and Peru for a month each but this was the longest I've been away. Now that I'm back I plan on traveling again this summer!

Lessons & tips: Make it a priority. Don't be that person with a list of excuses. Go on a bike trip if you can. It's the best way to really experience a country because you see places other tourists can't get to. It's also cheap because you can camp and cook your own food.

Resources: If you're going on a bike trip, avoid Lonely Planet cycling Italy guide. It's terrible. I'm usually a Lonely Planet fan, but this book was completely useless. Buy a bike mechanic book and a language guide and you'll have far better references.

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Jan 15, 2010, 09:38PM PST | 0 comments | 6 cheers