Pack light - I'm serious. Everyone says this but they are never taken seriously. Really all you need is a weeks worth of shirts and two pair of pants, shampoo and such and a scrunch-able down jacket. One pair of shoes is all that's really needed and if you destroy the first pair there are shoe stores in Europe. All that's left is a beanie and scarf and gloves. You don't even need a towel since most hostels have them for rent and often you get the deposit back.
Give yourself time - you may think a few weeks or a month is enough to experience wherever you're going but it won't be, so add to it or just start out with what seems like a ridiculous amount of time!
Get a street and metro/bus map - no explanation needed there!
Get, or bring, a day pack - purses are cute but after a few cities your shoulder will be begging you to spread out the weight and the weather changes will make a day pack ideal to carry an extra sweater and a scarf or umbrella just in case.
Bring a camera but not a big one - after a few weeks you'll be wishing that camera wasn't so heavy-the less weight the better but don't just rely on your iPhone-some people do and most regret it.
Book hostels in advance, with sites like hostelworld.com or hostelbookers.com and others. Book early especially on the weekends since they tend to fill up with people taking long weekends. But I do it all the time so that I'm not forced to wander all over strange cities with a heavy pack.
Save money by walking or taking the public transit - why take a cab when there is a metro or bus for 1,50 Euro?
Always try to have cash on you when you enter a new city. For one its hard to find atms in a new city and some don't work on the weekends. And for two some hostels or cafes wont except credit or debit cards so always try to have about 50 Euros your first night in a new city just in case you need it.
Buy a universal adapter before you leave - each country has a different type of plug and although you can buy adapters in almost any hostel or corner story they are often only for that country so you could end up with five different adapters by the end of your trip.
And lastly - don't wait to take your trip. Of course you don't have the money right now and of course Europe will be there next year (probably) but you'll never be 100% prepared to go on such a trip so just acknowledge that fact and go!!!
And - have an amazing time!!!!!!!
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