Europe by Busabout...?

OK...OK...Thanks everyone for their advice...back to the drawing board I s'pose

I had the misfortune of staying in a hostel last yr with busabout people and they were the most vile people I've ever met in my life. Fortunately they only stay for a few days then they are gone. All Australian (and yes I am very friendly and sociable generally get on very well with Aussies!) and they only mixed with themselves, put it this way if I'd have a bit younger they'd have put me off for life! Ok yes I know they're not all like that. Thank god! I'd stick to interrailing, then you aren't stuck with the same people all doing the same loop if they all suck!

Hi Mancunia,

I did Busabout a few years ago and I think it's the best way to meet people when you're travelling by yourself. The problem you face on trains is that you don't necessarily meet people who are going to the same place as you, or who speak English, and many of them might be travelling in groups which makes it a little harder to make friends. On Busabout, at least you know that people are going to the same destination and you inevitably end up chatting with everyone, either on the bus or at the hostel. And if you don't like them, you don't have to hang out with them, but at least you have the option. I was only by myself for a day or two on Busabout (and that was because I wanted some time on my own).

There are many Aussies/Kiwis on the trip but I definitely met loads of British people as well (I'm Canadian, and I met lots of other Canadians too).

I don't think your itinerary sounds too rushed at all. If you want to see a whole bunch of places, a few days in each is usually sufficient to give you a general idea of what the city is like. You can always return another time to the places you really liked. San Sebastian was one of my favourite stops, it's such a beautiful city (with the best food ever!)

I realize you posted a couple of weeks ago, but if you're still deciding on what to do, I hope this helps!