First Europe trip- planning HELP

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Hi,
im currently finishing off my last year of high school and planning to travel around europe, leaving on the 2nd of December and staying for around a month.

just wondering if i should do a group tour or find my way around myself (im going with my mum so it wouldn't be completely solo)?
i have to admit, i would prefer to find my own way around europe but im currently studying for exams at the same time and find having to plan a trip distracting (not in a bad way!)
however, if i left the planning til after hsc (after 2nd november), would i still have enough time? would i miss out on any discounts/deals? since i've already passed the 6months in advance discounts anyway...

also, im planning to spend most of my time in and around france and was wondering if anyone has suggestions of where to go/places to visit/places to stay at?

im also hoping to visit barcelona, vienna, amsterdam, berlin and perhaps italy/switzerland if i have enough time. are the hostels in these cities safe? can you recommend me any that you have stayed at and found safe/quiet/in a good location?

sorry for so many question! any advice/tips would be appreciated 😊
thanks!!!

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