First time European Travelers

First of all, relax, Europe is generally safer then what many would consider most large American cities.
You are right, travel VERY light, you do not need much for a short trip, remember you can wash certain things out in hotel or hostel sinks. Jeans are a bugger though, they are heavy, and take days to dry, try to pack some of those lightweight pants or skirts.
Wear a money belt to keep your CC and passport in. Only carry a couple days of cash on you, use ATM to withdraw as you go, , that way even if you lose you money you won't be broke, plus of course you ATM card will be safe in your moneybelt.
Your trip , does it include your travel or arrival and departure days in the 17 days?
If not, and you have a full 17 days, then you will be able to see Amsterdam, Paris and perhaps somewhere in the Alps or Germany. You will not be travelling often on overnight trains, as your distances will not warrant it perhaps only the one time. It is only about 2 hours from Amsterdam to Paris.

Regarding safety:

Compared to New Orleans, Europe is like attending a church summer camp. You can have problems with petty theft. If you have any trouble beyond that, it's probably related to some really bad choices on your part.

The main thing is to keep track of your stuff. Either have it on you, in eyesight or locked in a locker and you will likely never have any trouble. Leaving stuff laying around in a hostel or train station is practically an open invitation to pilfering, especially in summer when the crowds get thick.

The most important things are your passport, plane/train tickets and credit/debit cards. If you keep track of them (hopefully in a money belt), you'll be fine even if you lose some money or an ipod.

Regarding Packing:

You will be so much happier keeping it light. Pack light clothes made of quick drying fabric (essentially no cotton) you can wash socks and undergarments in the sink or shower each evening and hang dry overnight. My wife took some microfiber capris and a light weight poly/cotton blend calf-length peasant skirt, three shirts, a light button-up sweater, a polar fleece, a lightweight packable rain/windproof parka, underwear, socks, trail running shoes and a pair of sandals that could get wet and looked okay for nicer wear with the skirt.

Try handwashing your clothes and hang drying before you pack for the trip to make sure they dry quickly and keep their shape.

She bought a few extra items on our trip to round out her wardrobe and take home as souvenirs.

She took a regular wheeled carry-on and was happy with it. I prefer a convertable carry-on with no wheels.

Regarding hostels:

In Amsterdam, Vondelpark Hostel isn't bad.

Along the Rhine River (I think above St. Goar) there is a castle hostel that is really nice. Sorry I can't remember the name. It's full a lot so it's one place to plan on reservations.

In Salzburg, the Institute San Sebastian is nice.

Regarding carrying your stuff:

Almost every train station has lockers. When you get somewhere, note the train you need to catch before you leave the station and stow your bags. Bring a light daypack to carry some water, snacks and maybe a sweater. One daypack should be enough for two and you can take turns carrying it.

The new digital cameras are great. They take up no room and you can take hundreds of pictures without worrying about film or developing.

Meredith, my first thought is that you have too many destinations on the list for a trip of only 17 days (keeping in mind you'll lose the first day in flight). I also strongly agree with Kent in that you should be looking at "open jaw" flights, rather than flying to/from a single city.

I would also highly recommend reading Rick's Europe Through The Back Door before you get too far in your planning. This provides lots of tips on things like Rail Skills and lodgings (you might find budget Hotels to be a good option).

Regarding Hostel stays, these usually aren't a big problem, but if you can't get a private room you'll have to settle for a Dorm room and "communal living". Note that some Hostels in Bavaria (Germany) have an age limit. You don't need to carry your luggage everywhere - just take a Daypack with items you'll need for touring. Leave the rest in the Hostel (most Hostels provide Lockers, but you'll have to supply the Lock - use a good quality Lock!).

Happy plannning!

Regarding Eating:

I have one rule that always works well when I use it and I'm always sorry when I don't, Ask A Local.

Whether I have been in Italy, England, Germany, Japan, Autralia or American Samoa. I have never gone wrong when I asked a local for a good place to get "good, not fancy" food. When I've been starving and stop at the first place I see, I'm always sorry.

You should do a lot of picnics. Go to a grocery store. Most have a deli in them. Get rolls, meat, cheese (about 100 grams of each is perfect), some chocolate and something to drink, then go to a nearby park.

I would suggest at looking into light weigh clothing for your trip. I pruchaes exioffico brand pants and they are great and easy to wash and quick to dry. They only weigh 3 oz each! Don't sweat it. Its safe to travel in Europe. If you are worried about your belongings also look into www.pacsafe.com products. If you are going to do stuff around the same city you can see if your hotel/hostle will hold your bags for you. You can also look at the train stations and get a locker. I'd also recommend a very small collapsable lunch type cooler. Get meats and cheeses at delis on side streets. Side streets are almost always cheaper than in main squares or tourist areas. I budgeted for 120 euros a day for food transportation, shopping ect (didn't include hotel). I ended up only spending about 40-60 euros a day. You might also look into staying in a convent to cut down costs as well. The only problem is being quiet, and a possible curfue. Busses are easy to figure out.

Meredith - I could have written the same questions six years ago. However, due to our sometimes location near Rick Steves' Headquarters in Edmonds, WA, we were able to pick their brains for help. 'But, overall, reading the two books of his mentioned by another poster, we were confident when we left the US. However, our first month in Europe in 2001 included a 21 day RS tour. We have since gone on another 4 of his tours which have been included in our monthly stay. After your first trip there, I am sure you will feel more confident in that it is not has hard a trip as it first appears. Happy travels and good luck. charlie

Hello Meredith. You will be in Europe during days of very good weather, and you can have an enjoyable and wonderful trip, if you plan it carefully, getting much information before you go. Flying to and from Amsterdam is okay, but I think you would not have time to travel to Italy or Austria. A pleasant traveling direction, that I recommend, is Amsterdam ->Bacharach in Germany (Rhine River): train ride from Amsterdam to Koblenz in Germany can be 3 hours and 30 minutes. Short train ride from Koblenz to Bacharach. The hostel in a castle is at Bacharach.
In bavaria I think the age limit at hostels is 27, but there might be an exception to that, somewhere.
In Switzerland go to Gimmelwald or Lauterbrunnen. You know about that, if you read the book "Rick Steves' BEST OF EUROPE".
And of course, go from Switzerland to France, and north to Amsterdam.

Thank you all for the replies.
We do have some research to do and I will check out the two RS Books recommended.
Great tips. Thanks!
I'd love to provide some great tips on traveling to New Orleans.