40 day backpacking trip

Joey, Even with a time frame of 40-days, visiting 8- countries could be a bit "challenging". It's important to allow adequate travel time between countries, and some of the places you listed are considerably "distant". Although you specified Paris, you didn't list how many cities you're planning to visit in each country? You indicated that you have "both traveled in diff. Countries", but have you travelled on your own in Europe before? If not, I'd highly recommend pre-reading Europe Through The Back Door to begin with. Regarding your question on "what to do/see in certain places", it would help to have information on what type of things interest you? You may not enjoy the same type of sightseeing as I do, so some further information would help. Two suggestions - first, have a look at Guidebooks for each of the countries you want to visit. They have information on the most popular sightseeing locations in each city (I always use the RS Guidebooks in planning my trips). Secondly, check your local PBS TV stations to see if they'll be airing Travels in Europe. After seeing some of the cities, it may provide you with ideas on places you want to visit. I prefer trains for getting around Europe. You may find it interesting to have a look at This short Video covering rail travel. In addition to Hostels and B&B's, you might also consider budget Hotels. Many budget Hotels in Europe provide breakfast, so they're somewhat the same as B&B's. If you're planning to use Hostels a lot, you may want to get an HI Hostels membership. Some Hostels are co-ed and some are separated by gender. Some offer twin private rooms, but those tend to book up quickly. Often the cost for those isn't much different than a budget Hotel. Good luck with your planning!

Joey, One further comment on transportation..... For some legs, budget airlines will be the most efficient and quickest travel method. There are a few important details to keep in mind: > in order to get the cheapest fares with budget airlines, you'll have to book LONG in advance. Often the fares increase as the flight fills. > Fares are often non-refundable and non-changeable once booked. > European airlines usually have fairly "restrictive" baggage policies, both regarding size and weight. Note also that usually only ONE carry-on item is allowed (that DOESN'T mean a carry-on and a personal items, it means ONE item ONLY, of the approved size and weight!). > Prior to booking, BE SURE to read the Terms & Conditions carefully! > Be sure to check which airport is being used. Some of the carriers use somewhat "out of the way" airports, and therefore you'll have to allow both time and money for transport to and from the airports (one example is Paris Beauvais, which is a considerable distance outside Paris). Cheers!

Your best source of information for your age and budget would be the Let's Go series of travel books, which are written specifically for young people with limited funds. Most of the regular posters on this website are Rick Steves disciples, but I have found his books more suited for Grand Tour travelers with a higher budget than backpackers can usually afford. Hostels will usually be your cheapest option for lodging. The term "Bed and Breakfast" isn't commonly used on the continent, but depending on the language, the equivalent term could be "pension", "guesthouse", "auberge", and even many small hotels. Ibis is the major budget travelers hotel in Europe.

You've received many good ideas already but I would add to look at the bootsnall.com website as it deals more directly with backpacking travel. I'm sure you'll get specific recommendations for hostels in the cities you're going to.

More years ago than I care to admit, a buddy and I backpacked around Europe one summer with no plans, no reservations and a copy of Let's Go Europe which told us everything we needed to know. We made it up as we went along, e.g. while in Marseilles we heard the running of the bulls was on in Pamplona. That sounded fun, so we hopped on a train and went. It was the freest I've ever felt in travel and a great trip. My advice is not to plan too much and be open to changing the itinerary to suit your whims and interests. I'm sorry to see that Let's Go Europe is getting some poor reviews these days. But Lonely Planet looks good for budget traveling, so check out the Western Europe guidebook and the website where I think you'll find current answers to your questions including recommendations on hostels, things to do and good cheap places to eat. I'm sure you know to pack lightly. This summer in France I noticed some big backpacks being carried around that were twice as large as what I used. If you wash underwear, socks, T-shirts etc. every night, you only need a couple of changes of clothes plus something dressier for special evenings. Be prepared for hot weather in the South, cool temps in Switzerland and possibility of rain in the North. You're going to have a great trip!

Helpful Hints: Above all, notify your bank of your departure date and return date AND the countries you intend to visit (even airport layovers as you may see something your want). Do this about 3 weeks prior to departure then about 1 week prior to departure call back and verify they have the information. MONEY BELTS or neck money belt. Keep your passport, ATM Card, credit cards and big money in them. Have your travel partner watch your back as you pull money from ATM. Then immediately go into a bathroom and put all but your day money in your money belt. Better safe than sorry. Keep only what you can afford to lose outside of your money belt. Hostel Reviews and Info: http://www.hostelz.com/ http://www.bug.co.uk/reviews/hostels/index.htm I would suggest the following: Rick Steves' xlarge travel towell plus 1 small one to cut up for wash cloths. The are fast drying. Rick Steves' silk sleep sheet. 2-travel clothes lines. Some clothes pins. Travel bath soap as hostels do not provide them. All sizes of zip lock bags. Great for food and other storage. You can buy food from grocery stores in order to save money. Small combination luggage locks and a cable lock to secure your back packs in hostels or trains. Combination lock for locker in hostels. Pen and tiny notebook. Small LED flashlight. Small umbrella and poncho. Rain cover for your backpack. Check REI for them. Roll of toilet tissue or facial tissue as some bathrooms do not provide it or is out. Trust me it comes in handy. Print copies of the hostel's homepage with contact info. Last but not least. ENJOY !