Hello!

I am a mature, independent, go-with-the-flow 18 year-old girl from Chicago and I will be taking a gap year before college next year. I plan on staying abroad for about 10 months and I would like to go to the UK, Germany, Spain, India, Nepal, and Thailand for starters. After deducting airfare and insurance, I have budgeted myself for about $3500. I will be doing a archaeological program in Spain for 20 days, and I have family and friends in Germany, London, Spain, India, and Nepal that I can stay with for at least a couple of days. Staying in hostels and any other cheap accommodation is also completely okay with me. I also plan on volunteering through HelpX and wwoof as much as I can to help keep costs down (and I would really like to see the country from a different side). I have travelled before to Guatemala, Mexico, Italy, England, and Greece, but never by myself.

I have a few general questions and any advice or feedback is greatly appreciated!

1. I want to keep the trip as spontaneous as possible (while having a general itinerary), but everything is cheaper if it’s booked way in advance. Does anyone have any tips as to how to stay flexible on a budget?
2. Travel: Rtw ticket or major flights (Chicago to Europe, Europe to Asia, Asia to Chicago) and rails/buses?
3. Is it better to connect with people on HelpX/wwoof while abroad and as I go (keeping spontaneity in mind)?
4. Any places I should detract or add to my list? Safety is definitely a priority (for my parents and I). I love history, going off the beaten track, experiencing new cultures, so I am open to any place suggested!

I appreciate answers to one or all questions. Thanks in advance!

$3500? Including your flights?

This thread has some comments about a European girl who's budget is close to yours . . . but she is only planning three months.

http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...r-3-months.cfm

You are only talking about $350 per month. Even in the cheapest parts of Asia you'll need close to that. Plus you have to get there somehow.

You will get many more responses, and from people doing the same thing, on Lonely Planet's
Gap Year forum. Most posters here are older and have less time and more money.