Hi Jeroen, I'm planning my first trip world trip as well and found out a couple small tidbits of info that made good sense!
Most countries have a policy regarding wild camping so you will what to research which countries you are going to. Norway you can camp pretty much anywhere as long as you don't leave a mess. Other places it is illegal to camp outside of approved sites. In a lot of places around Europe I hear that camp fires are a illegal in a big way! One thing you will want to consider is how far the camp site is from the city you are visiting and how will you get back and forth. Bigger cities it might be better to book a hostel to avoid being stuck way out of town!
As far as working goes, some people have mentioned to not say you are looking for work and just apply for a tourist visa. In some countries they are worried you will plan on over staying and will deny your visa just because you said you wanted to work during your stay. You could probably find somebody to pay cash for a few days of work to top up here and there. farms and vinyards usually hire migrant workers during summer months. Thats what I've heard anyways, Like Mel says though you should try and have your money saved before you go.
As far as personal safety is concerned, the Canadian government has a website that maintains up to date information for Canadians abroad but you could browse to country specific reports for the coutries you want to visit. Here is a link http://www.voyage.gc.ca/consular_home-en.asp. I have heard that its a good idea to request a second story room in hotels where possible. If you are on a ground floor, its easier to get robbed. Even if you are on a second floor, you should carry a small rubber stopper to put in front of the door just in case.
I've heard a bunch of different methods of getting around. One thing I found out is in some countries, hire a driver if you plan to go by car. In some countries, you are considered guilty until proven innocent so a car accident can cause all kinds of headaches even if its small. If you are considering a train pass like the euro globe star I thinks its called. Write down all the places you want to go, if there aren't that many places, it might be cheaper to buy as you go. In my case I'm going all over so I am going with the pass! Most people find the bus is the cheapest way to go but in some countries, I hear it can get pretty crazy on the bus.
With regards to your question about supplies, don't pack to much! Though its my first time outside of north america I do a lot of backpacking around home and offer the following tips. Spend the money on a good pack and good boots. Do not try and go super cheap on these items as you will regret it later. Make sure the pack sits on your pack properly and if the boots aren't comfortable right when you try them on, don't buy them. Hiking boots are one of those things where I don't want to "break them in." If they don't feel right from the start, then they probably never will! Cotton socks are a no no as well, try and get good hiking socks that will help reduce blistering! If you are backpacking, don't ask yourself what you want to take, ask yourself how much it weighs. Down sleeping bags are great because they squeeze down really small when you are packing and don't weigh all that much! For staying warm, I always pack a fine spun wool sweater. I don't like fleece plus if you get wet, wool will still keep you warm. The merrino wool is really good I find!
The biggest thing for me that I can't figure out is what to do with my pack for the day if I am staying in a campsite. I know that a lot of hostels offer lockers but I get mixed reports about the campsites. I don't want to lug around a huge pack all day so someplace to leave it would be good! Have you read anything about this anywhere? Anyways, Hope these little crumbs help. Cheers!
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