first-time traveller

I am a student in the U.S. and I've been thinking about taking a trip
through Europe for some time now. Being an inexperienced traveller, I
would like some recommendations from someone who has done some
traveling. Would it be better to backpack everywhere or ride the rails?
Where are the best places to visit? I only speak English--is that a
problem? How much does a month-long trip cost? Would it be better to go
with a group of people or keep it small--say, me and one traveling
buddy? Any advice would be appreciated.

On 17 Sep 2006 13:25:30 -0700, "Liz" <greenlizardus.RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I am a student in the U.S. and I've been thinking about taking a trip
>through Europe for some time now. Being an inexperienced traveller, I
>would like some recommendations from someone who has done some
>traveling. Would it be better to backpack everywhere or ride the rails?

It's best to travel whatever is the most convenient, cheapest, and
interesting option between 2 places, of course exactly what that is
will depend on lots of factors, you certainly can't maximise them all.

Europe is very easy to travel through, and there are very cheap
flights, cheap buses, lifts aren't impossible, but there's no one
logical route through the place, so flexibility helps a lot for when
you hear about some interesting place, or meet a young
gentleman/lady/antelope and wish to tag along travelling with them for
a bit.

My view is very much be flexible, a rail pass might be right for you,
but it wouldn't be for me.

>Where are the best places to visit?

Depends on what you enjoy doing seeing etc. - and how much money
you've got to spend.

> I only speak English--is that a problem?

Nope, but it does help to pick up at least "please" "thank you" and
"you have beautiful eyes, would you like to come back to the hotel and
see my etchings" in the local language.

>How much does a month-long trip cost?

Who knows, it really depends on what you do, where you stay etc.
let's just say it will cost what you're willing to spend, and probably
a bit more.

>Would it be better to go
>with a group of people or keep it small--say, me and one traveling
>buddy?

You on your own, you with a friend, you with 40 other friends in a
double decker bus, there's no one best way, if it's with friends
though - even one other - I recommend the flexibility to have some
time alone and travel seperately for a bit if necessary.

Cheers,

Jim.