Planing a trip to Europe

Hey all im currently in the process of geting my passport sorted then im off to backpack around europe for a while only problem is im doing it by my self and im scared shitless about it lol. Has anybody got any good tips for traveling alone, how to meet people in a country where you dont know one person? Its all very overwhelming at the moment but it is something i have to do in my life. Has anybody here ever traveled alone? What was it like? I'd imagine the first few weeks would be fairly hard. My first stop will be Amsterdam i plan to stay there for a while then go across to Spain and then probably Scandinavia & the UK. So if anybody has some tips and advice that would be much appreciated

Cheers!

check out www.couchsurfing.com That should help you meet some folks in Europe to hang out with and learn from. There is also a backpackers website I ran across a while back. Good stuff. Lists many hostels throughout Europe too, nice and cheap!

Have a blast! I wish I would have done something like that when I had the chance.

Amsterdam is the whip - you won't want to leave.

traveling alone isn't really that scary. You'll be able to enjoy and explore more places when you're alone since you don't have to wait for others to go. And if they've been there already, chances are they are not going to visit that place again. then too bad for you.

cool as thanks for the advice people!! im jumping out of my skin thinking about getin out of Melbourne! One more question anybody know what the chances of working in Amsterdam at somewhere like a bar would be if i have experience and a hot aussie accent? :P

One more question anybody know what the chances of working in Amsterdam at somewhere like a bar would be if i have experience and a hot aussie accent? :P

less than zero, not just in Amsterdam but most of the EU.

Amsterdam is a great place and don't worry about travelling alone, you'll see hundreds of single travellers there all doing the same thing. Once you arrive at the city it can be a bit intimidating to a first timer, what with all the marijuana coffeeshops, sex shops and prostitutes standing in the windows in their lingerie, lol. Amsterdam has it's fair share of beggars, usually run-aways who do nothing but pester tourists selling hard drugs (just keep walking, don't even utter a word and they will leave you alone) Everyone speaks English but as for working, it's not going to be easy as you have to register and open up a bank account there and have a local permanent address and many forms to fill out, it's not impossible to find some work but if I were honest I would say you won't find anything unless your qualified or have a skill in something. Beware of the trams and millions of bicycles, believe me you'll be amazed at how many people use bikes. Keep out of the pavements painted red (for bikes) and if you smoke weed, be careful as it can knock you side ways if you buy certain strong strains. I would also advise getting a Euro rail card which you can buy according to how many European borders you will cross and what countries you'll visit (it's not cheap, btw)

Getting work in the UK will be easier for you, we Brits like you Aussies and welcome you all. Spain is a lovely place, the woman are gorgeous and it's lovely and laid back, I would say Barcelona would be the place to visit in Spain.

Have a good one

http://www.postwar.nl/pw_2007/subject/amsterdam/

This will explain a lot for you about Amsterdam.

hey dude, I live in the UK and am looking for a travelling buddy or a travelling group, if you're interested in doing something get in touch or whatever! At the very least I have a place for you to stay while you're in the UK lol

To be honest there seem to be a lot of us budding travellers on here, maybe we can get something together if you're keen on the idea