Savings...

[biokim_ms]

So... I'm trying to work up a ballpark figure of how much to save for the trip. I'm coming up with everything from $4000 to $12000. I don't want to be completely roughing it, but then again I don't want to be relying on sis's sketches to pay our way through the end of the trip. Been reading some online guides, but I may break down and buy one of

Comments

[cai]

Are you staying at hostels or hotels? That will make a difference. Are you camping and backpacking at all, or doing touristy traveling? Make sure you buy Eurorail passes and so forth for all your European travel. Travel in off season places. Stay outside of major cities and then travel in for the days if you have time and a vehicle or a ride. There are some travel groups out there too. I would join one of them and read their bboards and get ideas for various countries. With enough planning you can probably manage some really cheap places in really nice settings.

[kerodge1]

I stayed in hostels around England (if you know the companies, they're good... YHA is one of the best). EuroRail pass is a must. Makes life much easier. You could always check out the travel guides from the library before you actually get one. I know Sydney at least has a mini guide for people as they enter the country- don't know if other places do that.

[kadmariposa]

Save up as much as you possibly can, in case you need to splurge on something.

I do like Rick Steve's European travel guides on-line. they are so interesting, and there's even great tips on how to pack and do some things for cheap!

[seikainolamhirh]

Hmm, the finances is a good question. Seeing as how it takes about $1000 for a one-week stay in a typical city just inside the US, it's not immediately clear how one might be able to travel around the world for 4+ months all in one go. Will you have a way to generate income while you're on the road?

[asjachyld]

Lots of good tips above.

In my opinion, the greatest concern will be the exchange rate. The rate is highly fluid (and currently not in the dollars favor) so a train pass may cost you more than you thought. Lots of little "that's more than i had planned" expenses due to the value of the Euro could easily cut your trip short.

My .02. :)