To both you guys, Nick and Gibby, or anyone who is feeling this way, I guess I want to put in my two cents. :P
First, don't worry about being prepared, planning it perfectly, etc. Every trip, even to the same place twice, has a life of its own (you think its your trip, but you realise you are just a passenger in everyone elses trip sometimes lol), and there is no way to entirely prepare for everything that will happen, most of which is going to be so magical and wonderful, you will have to re-write your world view, view of yourself, and view of your fellow man. The trip itself will have a thriving matrix of sights, sounds, smells, people, tastes, feelings, and memories that will completely override any worries about the right kind of socks, travel-or-full size shampoo, hostel choice, etc. Anything that needs to be done (or not done) before you go will be quickly forgotten once you get underway. I skipped a chem final and cleaned out my money market fund to go on my first trip. That class and that money, which seemed super important before I left, never mattered later. Honestly, my life was changed, and I never looked back. Not my life, my mind and heart, was changed. And I used that to change my life for the better. I could have forgotten about the whole thing and gone back to my life as is (school, work, self-view) but I didn't, I was a new me, in a new world, and let go of an *incredible* amount of fear and anxiety. I actually ended up getting rid of a lot of my personal belongings, realizing it was junk that I held onto out of 'future fears'. I only kept what I loved or needed. I had just taken control of my life, and there was no going back. I am sure it will be the same for you. Even if you think you've got it all worked out, this trip will at least enhance your life on every level. Icing on the cake.
As for pre-trip further inspiration, try to find some movies or books about the place you are going to, or ones filmed there. Also, try to find some local food from that country, and try a bit. It won't be as good as the real thing, but it will be a fun taste. There must be a ton of European movies to watch and food to eat.
And lastly, Europe is set up, SET UP, for travellers, ie not having a car and not speaking the language. My first big trip was Europe, I was super clueless, alone, had a school-sized backpack, very little money, and I speak no foreign languages. It was easy. And if not, I politely asked for help and was always set to rights. No problems there. I also met people at every hostel I went to, and even the sights I was at. I got over my shyness and just started convos with people, that was easy too. Just hang out in the bar/cafe of the hostel in the evenings and you will always meet at least one fellow traveler to hang out with, and may end up with more invites than you can possibly fulfill. Traveling in the US (or Canada maybe too!!) is much scarier than traveling in Europe. They have full on, virtually gapless public transportation, non-verbal signage everywhere, tourist everything, friendly locals, lots of other travellers, and you can rarely swing a cat without hitting an English speaker. Also, if you are from a big place like me (Texas) the distance between places is almost laughable. I remember thinking a drive across Belgium was going to be a major trek, only to laugh out loud when I realized it would be like driving just from Austin to Houston!! Things have a way of working themselves out there.
Trust yourself to be able to 'wing it', because in Europe, anyone can 'wing it'. You will probably look back and laugh at how worried you were. And if you speak a little french, smile, and are polite, the French will likely treat you like royalty (short of being a pretty girl, which gets the best treatment of course!!).
Bon chance, and laissez les bon temps roulez!
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