Since I was little my only dream was to explore the world and experience it's many wonders!!!
Now i am finally old enough to make my own grown-up choices, and as a student I have all the time in the world to go out and do my own thing. In conclusion, i have decided i'm going to travel around Europe later this year and i'm going to need some help.

Planning a long trip can be a daunting task. Where to start? Where to next? Is this really going to work out? I can just imagine how overwhelming it can be in the beginning, especially when i haven't done anything like this before!!!
This is how I am going to go about planning my long trip to Europe :

1) Where in Europe do i want to go?

Obviously i want to go everywhere and see everything, but apparently, one needs money to do so. Therefore, i will mainly stick with the popular western side of Europe. To summarize, i will leave SA and fly directly (or do the 2 stops thing, seeing it is cheaper this way) to Amsterdam, then make my way through Europe by train (using the Eurail global pass) ; meanwhile i'll visit Rotterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Venice, Florence, Rome, Vatican City, Cinque Terre, Nice, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Paris and London, before i head back to sunny Joburg.

2) How long will I be going for?

My Varsity examinations ends the 20th of June and only starts the 16th of July; therefore, i am definitely not going to waste any time; for this reason, i'll be traveling for 28 days ;) Almost an entire month gone from home, just imagine all the things i could do in that time !

3)My costs for the trip (Rand's)

Return flights (Joburg to Amsterdam, and back) - R 6350.00

Eurail Global Pass - R 8000.00

Accommodation - R 10000.00

Activities - R 5000.00

Documents (Visa's and stuff) - R 2500.00

Other expenses (food/drinks/spending money etc...) - R 5000.00

This is all just speculation and a rough summary, you go and thoroughly work out your own price quote, or let a professional travel adviser help you with this step. I will get exact prices and things worked out before i leave, also any hints and advise regarding this feel free to leave a comment below !!!

4) Save up enough money to finance your trip

You don't want to end up cutting your trip short, just because you haven't saved up enough money to finance this trip. My advise here is to not be to quick to pack your bags and explore the world with a very limited supply of money !!! Make sure you save up more than enough to get the full experience out of your trip. I am working extra shifts at restaurants, i asked my mom for an advance in my salary and i'm also planning on crushing it on Steemit ! So that i can go full-out when i'm there and enjoy every moment of the experience. Lastly, i would recommend building your trip around the things you enjoy, if you don't want to walk around in museums all day, don't do the Contiki thing, go out there and plan your own trip.

5) Get a travel credit card

(Image: GreedyRates)

While you are working to save money , I've been told to get myself a travel credit card. In this case, you can to earn sign-up bonuses to redeem miles and points for free flights and hostel stays.

6) Always stay focused and inspired

I believe if you are focused and inspired enough, only good things could happen and you can then accomplish anything !!! When you are inspired to travel you will work hard and stay motivated in the work environment for example and enjoy the trip a lot more, knowing you worked for it and deserve the most out of the experience.

7) Final arrangements done: Have fun !!!

After I have booked all my tickets, confirmed all accommodation, saved enough spending money and all documentation is ready, i'm set to head of to see the Big Ben in London, walk all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower, drink a beer or two in Munich, learn to ski in Zurich, ride a gondola through Venice and gamble a little in Monte Carlo .

Thanks for reading my post up until here !!! Please feel free to leave a comment below on your plans and experiences !!!
I'll do another post with my literary, what i'm packing and final preparations before heading over !!!