Epiphany: Always request to see the room before plunking down your hard saved cash. If there are shared facilities, try to insure that the WC/shower is on the same floor. It's still a good idea to carry at least one roll of toilet tissue in case of an emergency. I have found that some guests think of a roll of toilet paper as a welcoming gift. And it's frustrating when you have to trek back to your room to dig out your stash of tissue.
Epiphany: A Eurailpass or airpass purchased before your trip may be invaluable if you decide to do a lot of criss-crossing, taking day tours or several day jaunts and then returning to your lodgings at a central point. Railpasses will even include busses and ferries, for destinations where rail service doesn't cover.
I feel they're good investments, but DO NOT BUY one, of course, if you intend to stay in a large city for your entire trip. If you want to experience the soul and heart of a country, get out of metropolitan areas and wander about in small towns and villages. That's where you'll find the lifeblood of any country.
Also, it is usually easier to find accommodations with a family, who may wish to rent you a room for your short stay. A good idea is to present the family a small token of your sincere appreciation. From advice my father gave me, I carried a bunch of JFK coins, which I would present to people who were deeply impressed with him, as they strongly admired the "wunderkind" of the world. (Especially so, after his "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech. Camelot died when he was assasinated.)
Epiphany: Travel in your dress clothes, carry only two changes of clothes (washable), three sets of underwear and socks, one pair walking shoes, one pair boots, toiletry kit, one hand towel, and two rolls of toilet paper. Carry only your passport, wallet and camera (and a tour guide, if you feel you must).
Don't do as I did, and bring carry your apartment and car keys halfway round the world. What in the hell was I thinking? On my trip I discovered that this was Germany of the 60s, not the 40s. Tremendous stores sell clothes, shaving gear, film and batteries; other stores sold better boots than the one set I had.
If you find you need replacements, buy them. Either give or throw the old stuff away. At that time, my old 501s were better than gold, even used and dirty. After two weeks I went through all of my gear, and packed up most of my clothes and sent them to my folks to wash and fold. I did buy a dress shirt, tie, and trench coat (which doubled as a bathrobe). That covered most of my attire, so I looked presentable when I went to my first opera.
Epiphany: Carry only one credit card with you. Not Amex, as many places charge you more because of the charges Amex bills the store or vendor, and some will not accept them. Make certain your card is not maxed out either.
There will be times when you simply run out of money, but nowadays you can access ATMs in almost any country (except the very small towns or villages) so you can refill your pockets.
Epiphany: If you buy souvenirs of any size or cost, ship them home, insured of course. Most shops will accommodate you so you usually save the hated European VAT (value added tax).
Keep your receipts, and apply for a VAT refund when you get back, if you haven't signed a statement affirming that the particular item was shipped out-of-country (most department stores, retail shops, etc., will take care of the shipping for you). Why lug that stuff around with you from hell and gone? Also you won't have to declare those purchases when you re-enter the U.S., when you have just enough carfare to get you back home. The duty has already been paid at your purchase site, see?
