Europe on Low Budget for a month

my friend and I are planning a trip to Europe for a month next Aug 2011. Going to different coutries for a month is not sufficient but would like to hear your feedbacks and opinions.
We could go by contiki or cosmo travel but we'll try with either rail and hostels, depends on day

We want to go to Spain (barceleona, or madrid), France (Paris) switzerland, amsterdam, germany, then to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and possible Russia. We also want to go to Czech Republic and Greece. Do you think all is good for a month? How many hours between countries? I would love to hear your opinions and your travel experiences. Should it be one month and a week?

Thanks
Vani

In my opinion, you should decide to rail it the entire time and to decide while you are there w long you want to stay in each country. Budget for five weeks of travel and stay in as many as you are inclined to stay in during your travels. Listen, the fact of the matter is that if you are motivated to organise your life the way that you want, there will be many more chances to visit missed countries another time. Just enjoy the countries that you do hit this time and make it something that will create positive memories to last a lifetime. That being said, I have many tips for you. By the way, I am a Canadian living in Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean. My name is Robert. Anyway, in whatever country/city you enter, find an information office where someone speaks English. Ask NOT about hostels, but about rooms that are rented out per night over restaurants. Often these are unpublished and are kept by restaurants for customers who stay too long and can not make it back home safely. They are almost always clean and spacious with a bathroom. I could tell you why this is the case if you are interested and write me back asking about it. Otherwise, just trust me. Tip 2: You are probably young and, so, you have the stamina to walk a fair distance in order to enjoy the sights. USE THIS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!! Stay outside of the town cedntres, save a bunch of money and walk into the towns. The walk will build up your appetite and you will enjoy the local food that must more. Again, believe me.

As usual, I must insist that you eat where the locals eat. The food is better and the atmosphere is the best, no matter what country you are in. The prices are usually more resaonable and the dishes are more generous. Just review the bill when they give it to you. Check the numbers and the total. Know if you are expected to tip. etc....

Travelling between countries is so easy now. Take a train to nearby countries. Study the schedule so that you will have enough time to find a place to stay in your new city. Don't ask strangers for advice!!!!Ask people in employment at the train station and in hotels, restaurants, etc...They are more likely to be honest.

It is very important to remeber that each trip that you take is an adventure. By saving on this trip by being smart, you are already saving for the next one. I have a cousin nearly 50 years old who continues to travel frequently. It never has to end. She started by travelling for one year through dozens of countries with a friend. She and I have travelled extensively and have learnt many valuable lessons. Follow my advice and send me more questions as well, Robert.

Plan your itinerary wisely, plan where you want to go. Choose a select destination, so you'll spend less. You can save a lot when you travel during off-peak season. Transportation costs take up the largest part of your budget. Learn to walk and explore the area, it's a good exercise. You can appreciate the view while saving money. You can book your hotel ahead of time, sometimes, they offer discounts. Or you can find the most affordable lodging when you get there. Ask friendly locals for help.

Eastern Europe is definitely the place to head for great value, but camping in the West is also a good option (depending on the season). It is certainly easy to do things on the cheap if you are willing to cut corners on accommodation etc, but for me the best part about visiting Europe is the food (and I have a waistline to prove it!) so making sandwiches for the entire trip just isn't an option. But you can find fantastic cheap restaurants in Spain and Italy that will not break the bank, while Turkey is extremely underrated for its food and Greece is a gourmand's paradise. Have fun!