Merrin:

Go, Go, Go! It is one of life's defining moments to be far from home and stony broke. I can recall standing outside a book store in Amsterdam, smelling the aroma coming from a nearby bakery, and debating if I should spend my last Guilders on a book or a meal. Being in a position to make those choices is a PRIVILAGE that will stay with you for the rest of your life, and help you to make the intelligently shape what you do with the rest of your time here on earth.

Another time I ran completely out of funds while sailing in Mexico and had to hitchhike back to the border. I left my boat in La Paz and used my last pesos to go steerage on a ferry to Topolobampo. I then put my seabag on my shulder and stuck out my thumb. Mexicans, all poorer than I, gave me a series of lifts and the occasional meal over the next week all the way to the U.S.

I wouldn't trade that week for all of the well funded trips I have taken since then.

I say, "GO" while you can still make that kind of choice. I think you will never regret it.

Have a great trip!

:-)

If it's truly your money and you are self-supporting then I agree GO!!! If you are living off your parents in any way (they pay your tuition or you live at home without paying rent) then it's a bit less clear IMO.

Also if it means going into large credit card debt to pull this off I'd reconsider, still take the trip but fine-tune the plan down so it meets the money you have saved.

Possibly shorten your trip by a week and/or go to one other less expensive destinations as mentioned (Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris are all great and slightly more budget friendly). I wouldn't hop around too much though, because that starts burning money in transporation, and you won't get the weekly rates sometimes offered where you stay.

Just want to get my 2eu in here. Go now while you are of sound mind and body. You'll have a lifetime of memories to enjoy. It's only money and if you are resourceful you can replace it in no time.

We just got back from a week in Paris with my 91 year old father. As nice as it was, none of us were free to persue our tastes completely. Our first concern was his safety in the apartment and transporting him in a wheelchair.

By the last day, he was frustrated because he was holding us back and couldn't go off on his own for even an hour.

It's wonderful how someone with a handicap can now travel easier than before-but go now, do now, see now, experience now while you can. Time goes faster as you age. I think of travel as a living classroom-you always learn something new and that makes for a more interesting life.

Bon Voyage!!!