Planning your trip ...

Before you go, be sure to read 'Lonely Planet Read This First: Europe (Read This First)' and 'The Rough Guide to First-Time Around the World (Rough Guide Travel Guides)'. A lot of people are using digital cameras to capture memories of their trips. If you're planning on using a digital camera be sure to check out http://www.btinternet.com/~fluffygryphlets/lan/photo.shtml ... it has everything you'll need to know (and more!).

Working Abroad
If you're considering working during your trip, check out 'Summer Jobs Abroad 2003, 34th (Overseas Summer Jobs)' and 'Work Your Way Around the World, 11th (Work Your Way Around the World)'

The trip
Be sure you have a sturdy backpack. I haven't seen any I like on halfvalue.com but look around and find one that suits you. Go to a large bookstore and find a journal that you'll actually write in. Make sure it's durable and has plenty of room for ticket stubs, brochures, and the like. If you want to check out the museums, be sure to read 'Rick Steves' Mona Winks: Self-Guided Tours of Europe's Top Museums (5th Edition)'. If you're planning on doing a LOT of travel by train, I hear that 'Europe by Eurail 2004, 28th: Touring Europe by Train' is good. 'Hostels European Cities: The Only Comprehensive, Unofficial, Opinionated Guide' has great hostel ratings, even tells you how much of a party place (or not) it is. Now on to general Europe guides... 'Let's Go 2003: Europe' is the ultimate in budget travel, it caters to the lowest budget traveler and is written by several different students so the ratings may not be on the same scale. However, if you're on a small budget and looking to have lots of fun, this book's for you! 'Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring (Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring)' Also caters to the low budget traveler, but is written by professionals. Lonely planet also has a great message board called the Thorn Tree where you can talk to other travelers and find answers to almost anything travel related (check out the website: www.lonelyplanet.com). 'Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door 2004: The Travel Skills Handbook' is a great book but is for a slightly higher budget. Not too much higher though, and definitely something to check out for all the extra tips he gives. Be sure to check your local listings for his television shows (he's even had whole shows on how to pack your backpack).

Enjoy the planning, it's half the fun!