dreamon

All of the above good advice. I've never seen a tour cheaper than I could do it myself but it can be a good introduction when you're in unfamiliar territory and can provide company (although you'd find that along the way anyway, even travelling independantly).

Transport costs can be significant so take local, slower trains/buses and book well in advance if you can for the longer legs.

Passes, such as for museums, city transport, etc, can be worthwhile.

I second, third and fourth (!) taking the minimum luggage you can possibly get away with. A lot of heavy luggage is just a millstone around your neck. And think of the fun of shopping when you need to!

And lastly and most importantly, check your visa situation because many Aussies and Kiwis still think that we can travel indefinitely - those days are sadly over, although you may qualify for a youth visa.

Digbydog

"there's so many people on the tour that the price can be reduced."

Yuck! Think about moving around with all those people. When we have been to Europe and have seen giant tour groups following a leader holding an umbrella aloft, all we can say is thank goodness we aren't on a tour! I made my first visit to Europe with a friend in my early 20's. At first, we were clueless about how to get around, use the phone, etc., but we caught on quickly. We were able to travel all over, see what we wanted to see at our own pace with no more than a good guide book. Believe me, if I could do it, you can!

The best way to figure out which countries you want to go to is by reading about them and checking out pictures--not by visiting on a tour and then going back to the ones you liked. That would be very costly.