I am studying abroad currently in Spain, and after my finals are finished in May I have 2 weeks to travel before I head back to the US. PROBLEM: I only have $1000US to spend for lodging, transport, food, and fun for the 2 weeks.

I would have to start and end in Madrid, Spain, but from there it's open. I haven't yet made it to Amsterdam or Germany so those are both on the top of my list right now.

Suggestions for a budget? For destinations? For transport (Eurail or not)? For lodging?

I'm all ears!

Cheers!
Lauren

That is a tight budget. I would recommend couchsurfing your entire two weeks. That will save you about 30 dollars a day. Otherwise, it is pretty tough. $1,000 USD is only 770 Euro. Most hostels are about 20 Euro per night so you are looking at 480 EURO just on hostels alone. Leaving with you about 25 euros a day for everything else. If you dont want to have any fun and travel slowly, it is doable but did you travel just to be a miser? probably not.

Cook all your meals or at least 99% of them and couchsurf and you can probably do this. Stick to cheap countries. I'd avoid western Europe. If you must be in W.E. then Spain and Germany are better options since they are cheaper compared to countries like Holland, France, Italy, and England.

Try the Caribbean! The people are wonderful! St. Lucia, (the south end), St. Thomas, St. John...all good and very laid back. Check out on-line for budget hotels because some of them are quite expensive! I believe St. John even has camp grounds. If you have a long enough trip, check into renting a small house or room from a local.