Reddit reviews Lonely Planet Europe on a shoestring (Travel Guide)

I did 5 weeks on $500 in 1998. It's easy to pinch pennies. I also had no plan. I got off the plane in Paris and the only thing i knew was I had to be back at the same airport in 5 weeks. i picked a direction and started walking.

bring a tent - campgrounds are very inexpensive. the tent also provides emergency shelter in a field or on a beach if you get stuck. those were some of my best nights.

hostels are cheap and amazing.

always carry food with you. you can find bread, cured meat, peanut butter, nutella, cheese & grapes everywhere, and inexpensively.

buy and carry a bottle of wine with you instead of going out. I loved sharing wine at the campgrounds.

like /jimhodgson mentioned, travel through small towns. they're full of friendly people who are likely eager to share drinks, food and laughs with you.

I think I had this book: http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Europe-shoestring-Travel/dp/1742204171

every town I got to, the very first thing i would do would be to consult the book. it would tell me where campgrounds and all the quality inexpensive experiences were at. of course my trip was before the smartphone. there might be a lighter alternative now. =) then i would head for the campground and set up camp. then head out

good luck and be safe!

favorite places: Dijon France, Lyon France (check out the huge park and rose garden), Nice France.