I'm traveling to Europe in November and I'm starting my adventures in Barcelona, Spain then heading east to France, Germany, England etc. (Just to name a few) I've heard so many great things about Europe, but I wanted to hear some tips from experienced travelers. Anything about where to stay, restaurants, and which main attractions are worth seeing, all while being on a tight budget. Also, any tips on where to head to next!

At the risk of sounding grumpy, which I'm really not, here's my top tip for such a general question:

Read all the other threads with more specific questions and titles that imply that they're relevant to you.

Bjørn
http://bjornfree.com/

You mentioned only three countries, where you could spend 1 week to 6 months each. There are about 45 countries more in Europe.
Could you say, at least, what's your timeframe and your interests? Only to make it possible to give you some useful info.

I'll be traveling for about 4 months and I don't want to do all the normal touristy things. I want to be able to live like a local. Any small tips would help!

Well it seems like your trip is very open right now.

I came across these very general travel tips about a week ago. You should have a read through, you may find some very helpful to you

10 Travel Safety Tips You Should Know!
http://blog.istopover.com/2009/09/10-travel-safety-tips.html

Goodluck and Good Travels!

Thanks for the tips! Thats exactly what I was looking for. Looked through http://www.istopover.com and it seems to have a lot of cheap places to stay with a local feel. Just what I wanted!

Always happy to answer questions - not sure what type of trip you're aiming for but I put together http://www.ultimatepackinglist.com to help beginner travelers unsure what to pack/expect in Europe, but who felt overloaded by typical travel resources/guides.

If there's a specific area in Europe you're considering - I've blogged about all of my travels on http://www.virtualwayfarer.com and have stories about many of the popular destinations. As well as photos and videos. Just shoot me a message if there's a question you're having issues getting answered =)

Great resources!! Loved the piece on how to pack. Thanks for the tips

I just want to say that the odds of you living like a local is pretty slim, since they have one place in one city and have a network of lifelong friends and a lifetime of local knowledge, not to mention a command of the native language of the country.

However, it is possible to live like an expat with a little work and a lot of probing, most of it when you arrive at a place and stay for more than two weeks.

I and my wife had a 20-day trip to Europe and all things were great . There are lots of beauty spots, as well as great restaurants. However, ever since September 11th, many countries in Europe have stepped up security at airports and on flights. If you are planning to travel in Europe , you may want to take note of these dos and don'. And searching information on websites before coming there.

You bet Mary! Glad they were helpful. Definitely let me know if you have any more specific questions.

I am going to suggest Slovenia , recent years it hasn't been very well known .. but it is really starting to get some big notice.
To be honest to trully live like a local .. you would be best spending those 4 months and staying in one place .. as you wont live like a local in a week or two ... at best split it in too two three ... just the more time you spend in a country the better you will live like a local.


for information on Slovenia visit www.inyourpocket.si

Travel tips.. mmmm

Plenty of socks ... there allways getting lost
learn how to live cheaply .. be humble, and find that surival instinct inside you. for example learn to wash your clothes in a bath tub ... or eating seasonally .. things like that allways save you a bob or two.
travelling on a budget inst glamours but ... i think that is part of the experince in my book

Be freindly and say yes to things..

diffcult one in the sense i your travelling alone you are your own protector .. so its up to you to look after yourself... but also try to get a balance right by taking a few risks .. say hello to people .. if someone invites you to do it give it a go .. ( just allways have a plan of getting out of there if shit hits the fan... i.e dont do drugs or drink loads your then vunerable )

dont bring loads of stuff

clothes , a tooth brush, mobile phone , credit card , passport .. you dont need books or a razor,or even soap .. get it on the way when you need it.


most usefull bit of kit .. a note book

with this you can write down your ideas, inspirations , draw things you see, draw pictures to communicate to locals , make notes on budgets and so on , keeping emergency numbers and contact details of family member in case of emergency . have a page of phrases for each country to say .. nothing amazing just the basic pleasentary will go a long way .. i.e good morning .. hello ... thankyou , parden , maybe something really random as well .. there going to laugh at you anyway .. but they will find it adorable if you give it a go .. and respect people and there cultures

yes big one respect people and cultures.

Where ever your from states england wherever .. go to learn .. admit your country doesnt do everything the best way or whatever .. but that each country has something uniquie to teach you. and learn.

Enjoy the journey

for more again on Slovenia visit www.inyourpocket.si