I'm going backpacking next month in Europe what do I need?

Are you looking to camp or stay in hostels? If you're looking to stay in hostels, it'd be good to join Hostelling International and get a card which would get you reductions in a lot of places. If you're looking to camp, you should research where it's suitable to camp and if you're able to get to the places. And how are you going to travel around? If you're thinking of going by train, you should get an InterRail pass. It's rather pricey, but if you're definitely going to use it, you'll reap its benefits. I wouldn't recommend hitching (I haven't actually done it) but in a lot of places it's not really the "done thing" and you'd have a huge wait on your hands. When I did the same with my friends last summer, we started in Belgium (took the Eurostar to Brussels) and as you're also from the UK, it would probably be a good bet to start somewhere that's quick and easy to get to (such as France). It's also a very good idea to have a rough journey plan in your head so you know where you're going and how long to stay there for (especially if you've booked tickets for a certain day or you have a pass that runs-out after a certain amount of time). It also depends on where you want to go and what you want to see/do, so plan your journey around your own interests. I know this isn't a complete "must do" either, but as it's your first time travelling, it might be best to stick to larger places for easier transport links. Hope that helps and good luck with your planning! :)

Congrats Michael. You are going to have a fantastic time. For starters, you'll want a good map of the places you'll be visiting. A planning map of Europe would help (and then you'd find out that you're already in Europe, of which the UK is a part!). You qualify for an Interrail pass, as you will certainly want to travel by train. If you are a student, you also qualify for the International Student Identity Card, which pays for itself in just a couple days of use. It gives you free or discounted admission to museums, climbing cathedral towers, sightseeing tours, etc. It also comes with a modest insurance, which should be sufficient coverage. I'm not sure how insurance works in the UK, but here in the States a student can be covered under his parents' insurance. If it is similar over there, you might be covered. Get the ISIC through STA Travel or your local student travel agency. If you plan to stay in hostels, you will need a membership in Hosteling International (www.hihostels.com), which you can also buy from a local hostel. You can also join at the first hostel you plan to stay in. You will certainly want to do your homework so you're not wasting time during your trip blundering around wondering what to see. Get a good guidebook, such as "Let's Go: Europe," the Lonely Planet guides, or Rick Steves' "Europe Through the Back Door." Use a calendar, planning maps and your guidebook to plan a rough itinerary. Also use train timetables to plan your travel. I use German Rail's Web site, www.bahn.de, which has a very user-friendly trip planner that lists almost all the trains in Europe. Consider taking overnight trains if you plan to go a long distance so you don't waste a travel day sitting on a train. As for equipment: backpack (make it a conversion or "convertible" pack with shoulder straps that tuck away behind a panel when you're not carrying it); daypack; two good pairs of shoes for lots of hiking. If they're new, break them in before you leave so you don't get blisters; enough clothes for a week to ten days (you'll do washing along the way. Some hostels have laundry facilities); camera with SD cards; plug adapter for your camera battery charger (some continental outlets have different configurations than in the UK); soap/shampoo/any medications you need/ toothbrush/toothpaste/ deodorant; razor or shaver. Have a great trip!

Lots of supplies and money.

You could try get a letter of responsibility from an older person who lives in the places you are going to stating that they will look after you financially during your stay, but it is quite hard these days to travel without travel insurance. Also pick your places very carefully. Start in Portugal You won't want to leave

You need a backpack for sure! Also bring soem food water a tent and a sleeping bag! Also some spare clothing! A photo camera, and a video camera to record your joury! Also a pocket knife, and some cash!