Eurolines Vs. the train

Buses are usually slower from A to B. That may or may not be a problem.

As far as I know, if you will be in popular tourist areas, then it is 99% likely that the driver will speak english, most people in the travel industry do. However if you are in the countryside, or out of the way places, it will be less likely, though the younger europeans are the more likely they will speak English.

Suggestions: 1) carry a phrase book for the languages you expect to encounter. 2) carry a notepad and write times and places to show ticket-sellers, etc to make communications and requests clear; the question mark seems to be universal. You want to be sure to get on the right bus; the notepad showing your destination can be used for getting it right (I've gotten on the "wrong" bus or train a few times in my travels, so I know that even in English mistakes happen. 3) do make an effort to learn and use a few words of the local language (hello, please, thank you, etc). Your phrase book should have all of these.
I admire your determination to travel on a budget. My first trip to Europe was in 1969 and I followed Frommer's "Europe on Five Dollars a Day" book. I use buses sometimes. You might find that short train trips, especially in Italy, are very inexpensive.

Swan's suggestions are dead on. If the driver doesn't speak English and you're not sure when to be back at the bus, just get the driver's attention, say in the local language that you don't speak the language point to your watch, and hold out your pen and paper. He'll either think you want the current time or the time to be back at the bus. That minor confusion willl be cleared up quickly.

Travel depends on where you are traveling...I just got back from a month in Central Europe (Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary) and the buses were WAY faster and only 5 minutes later if at all. Write down where you want to get off, sit by the driver and he'll let you know when to get off. Also, other passengers generally are more than happy to help out if you ask.

Just wanted to say Michele is right on.

I did it by bus a few years back and it's not impossible. Someone asked me if it was comparable to Greyhound in the US and I say 'mostly'.

I definitely do NOT have a talent for languages but travelling by bus was pretty easy. The key is what Rick Steve's always encourages - engage the people around you. On a trip you benefit so much from being more extroverted. Ask questions or strike up a conversation, unless you are in the complete sticks someone will offer to translate or explain what's going on.

The toughest thing about bus travel is fitting it to your itinerary. Some times the bus is only going limited days. Read everything on the website and understand that schedule!!

If I had to do it again for a month, I would probably use a pass but buy cheap airfare in advance for the long haul trips. oh, and bring motion sickness bands.