Planning first solo Europe backpacking trip!

Hello people =) I know I'm like, half a year late from all your replies, but I just want y'all to know it's been quite helpful to me.

I've been frantic thinking how much about my trip I should plan.. 'cuz I would really just prefer to go with the flow. I didn't know that hostel prices don't differ much between early booking and on the spot check in! Thanks for that info =)

Quick question: If I plan to just "wing it", should I still plan for transport (ie: getting in between countries, buying Rail Passes and such)?

A little about me: I am 26 y/o female planning to fly to Paris mid April 2014 until early May 2014 (3 weeks). My return tickets are in and out of Paris. I would really2 like to see Italy, Spain, and perhaps Netherlands.

I only boo the first night on continent. Then another.

B4 I move-on I may check bookings.com for availability.

I ty to avoid fiestas and stuff. Prices jacked the.
I'd rather experience (not just see) places as normal.

I may glom on to a piece of history and follow it.

If I stay in a pensión or mom and pop hostAl, very rare, I may stay another night, to enjoy the family.

Any excuse to stay an extra day, and learn more. Enjoy the pace of the town. Talk with locals.
Watch traditional behavior.
Anthropologize.

Working aboard my Swedish freighters was a godsend.

#40

On the transport..it really depends where you want to go exactly.

The only way to know what is the cheaper option is to add up the individual ticket prices,and compare to the price of a pass.

As for more flexible..the most flexible of all is buy as you go.But that could also be very expensive,if you want to go fast or long distances,or travel every day.....

With train passes we are too axcious to
move-on too fast.

We worry about getting our money's worth.

Yes,I agree with you gawk.

You need self-discipline if you want to travel with a pass.Otherwise you can end up tearing around from place to place,to 'save money'..and spending more time sitting (or sleeping) on trains than actually doing anything interesting......