For a number of year I have been keeping in touch with my former student exchange friend from Munich, Germany, and finally we decided to travel Europe by rail in the summer of 2009. It is an adventure to remember. When my two companions and I sat down in one of Munich's beer halls shortly after my arrival to plan an exact itinerary, it seemed like it was still impossible to see that much. We whipped out the Lonely Planet Guide to Western Europe, looked at the distances and minimized travel times between cities, and had the the trip planned within hours. Munich, Amersterdam, Paris, San Sebastian, Lisbon, Barcelona, Port Le Nouvelle, Nice, and back to Munich.
Here's a short break down of the costs.
Budget (remember, this is 2009) - $4000
Plane tickets (round trip) - $800
EU Rail Pass (21 countries unlimited travel for 22 days) - $600
Hostels (25 Euros per night for 22 days of travel) - $700
Personal expenses (50 euros per day for 22 days) - $1300
It is possible to see a lot on a small budget. I was a student when I traveled this route and had a 20 hr/week job as a teller. Didn't make much. Still don't, actually. But planning and budgeting and research helped me get the most out of this trip!
If someone wants help planning a trip or some advice on traveling - ask me. Shoestring travel is my specialty!
-Poorman
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