Money for a hooker but not food or shelter...certainly got ya priorities in order -.-

Second.

no good food or alcohol? 

I finish my final 6 month training program with the US Navy next year, followed by 30 days leave, at which point I've been thinking about a European excursion as well.  I just don't know how to go about it.  I'm inclined to just wing it.  I hear all about the great European rail system.  Can you get a short-term train pass and be on your merry way as a tourist in Europe?  How does the hostel system work and what does it cost?  I want to take a minimalist off-the-beaten path approach to any place I visit.  I really need some first-hand insight on this, as I'm sure Beasley does.  Maybe all these questions defeat the purpose of "just winging it."  I may just show up with some bare essentials and my return flight ticket and see what happens.

I haven't really done it that much, but staying in a hostel is a pretty good way to meet people, especially if you're travelling alone. It usually costs around 10-20 euros per night for a dormitory bed (more for private rooms etc), so basically you're sleeping in the same room with strangers (mostly backpackers) and sharing the same bathroom. Often they have lockers for your stuff, depends. Sometimes you'll have to pay extra if you don't have your own linen. It's also possible to stay for free via hospitality exchange sites if you make the effort and aren't travelling with too many people (max 2 imo). It's not so much a free hostel, it's more like just staying over at your friends place, but that way it's more fun anyways. And you could do volunteer work like WWOOF where you work for food/accomodation in organic farms if you're into that hippie backpacker stuff.

I guess interrail pass is good if you're going to be moving constantly, otherwise it might be a waste of money. I think a month pass is like 500 euros or something? For expenses basically just work out how much are you going to spend daily? 20 euros for a place to stay, 10-20 euros for food etc is around 1000 euros per month. Plus whatever you need for travelling. Buses are pretty cheap. Or you could be a real hippie backpacker again and hitchhike. Or do like this canadian guy I met who travelled all around europe with a bicycle

For next summer I'm thinking about going to eastern europe. Yay