Well, since the Eurail is apparently expensive, is it a good idea to just wing it and just buy train or bus tickets as needed? I don't want to plan ahead too much, and I know that Eurail is fairly flexible. I figured it would be cheap, but I guess not. If anyone has more suggestions, thanks!!

good

That last one didn't make any sense.

Thanks for all the great advice. Keep it coming, as I still have a lot of time to plan this trip (at least until next summer, probably the summer after). One more question: Is it a good idea to carry around a smaller daypack while you're in the city, and only take the big backpack between destinations? Thanks again.

A smaller backpack/daypack is a good idea for exploring during the day. Just take care to keep an eye on it at all times, it could be an easy target for thieves.

I think you should be able to get everything you need into a smallish backpack and a fanny pack. I think the funniest sight I saw in Europe was girls getting onto a subway with a pack big enough to walk the Appalacian Trail. <BR> <BR>Check some of the postings about packing. Regarding the railway passes . . . If you are going to be going all over Europe from big city to big city, then it might be a good idea. I always felt that the mere fact of having a pass tended to encourage another day on the train rather than off exploring. In one of Rick Steves books, he gives some itineraries that you might want to use as a start

I'm just moving this one back to the top to get some more advice. Thanks.

in answers to your questions . . . <BR> <BR>although the temptation to cram as many countries in as possible is great -- fight it! you'll be exhausted and unable to tell one cathedral from the next. pick a couple countries that you want to explore well. <BR> <BR>next, get a eurail pass. <BR> <BR>last, check out convertible travel packs. these are packs that have suspension systems (straps) but can also be carried like a suitcase. the majority of these come with small daypacks attached to the front of the bag. stow the big bag in your hostel and then tool around town in your daypack. make sure to use travel locks, though! and if you ever set your bag down to read while waiting for a train, wrap one of the straps around your leg to deter theft. <BR> <BR>have a blast. i'm incredibly jealous!!!

Well, if I shouldn't see too many countries, which ones should I see? I guess it would be good to keep my costs down, but I also want to be able to see a lot of stuff.

Come on, Parikh, use some common sense. You've had 28 responses to your questions, and now you're asking complete strangers to decide for you which countries to visit. <BR>I suggest you do some reading of various guidebooks available FREE from your local library. <BR>You are in college, you should know by now how to do basic research, and it has never been easier with the Internet. And, people have even listed several websites and guide books for you. <BR>ONLY YOU CAN DECIDE WHAT MOST INTERESTS YOU.

Yeah, I read some of the posts more thoroughly, and I think they answer just about all of my questions. Thanks for everyone's help.