Travelling Europe. Advice.

This is not related to skiing but I am sure you will help me anyway. I am certain you will have a lot more travel experience than me.

Basically, I am 18 and I am wanting to travel Europe wth a friend for a few weeks in summer. I looked into getting a European train ticket that will allow us to go into 3 countries for 5 days, the price was £600. We are happy to stay in youth hostels in the cities we visit, but it's the train ticket prices that will kill us. Any tips on travelling country to country in terms of on a budget. Are we best to just see where the wind takes us once we get to mainland Europe or do we book the tickets on-line before we set off?


Thanks in advance

Longy

Cheaper travel can be had by using coaches. Try here for ideas...

http://www.eurolines.co.uk/coach/index.aspx

I dont know about France but the trains in Italy are generally on time and cheap. Accommodation on the coast in the summer can be very expensive, It is possible to eat reasonably cheap if you look around, 5/6 euros for a basic pizza. If you want any other info or suggestions give me a brief outline of what u like doing and time for trip. just send an e-mail and i will try to help

A good source of assistance is STA. There are two branches in Leeds.
http://www.statravel.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/uk_division_web_live/hs.xsl/leeds-branches.htm?WT.srch=1&gcid=S14242x103&keyword=sta+leeds&rw.cm=Google,PPC,sta+leeds
They are generally very helpful. I would visit in person, and get to know the people. They are still helpful, even when you are on your trip.