Sorry-that should read Couchsurfing tends to skew younger....

Also I meant to add these alternatives might be good breaks from hostels and give you different view of some of the places you are visiting.

Many discretionary expenses can be really expensive - even things like postcards can cost a few bucks each including postage - or a coffee at a cafe - 3-4 bucks often - several a day and it adds up.

So how much you spend is kind of up to discretionary things you do - and as things generally in Europe are significantly more expensive IME than here bring whatever toiletries, etc you can with you - especially things like ibuprofen and over the counter pills which can cost a ton more there than here.