[BungSafferson]

They only time I can posibly go to Europe is for five weeks from July 22 to August 28. Everything I read tells me that all major sites will be packed. This is my first trip so I plan mainly hitting the major sites. Do I realy have to make revervations to get a place to stay? I have a basic idea where I am going on my trip, but I don't want to have a set itinerary.

[musicdisciple]

You don't have to make the reservations now but do make them before you get to each city. Just call 2 or 3 days ahead. That'll give you time to try a few hostels in each city and change your plans if you really can't get anything. Check if there are any national holidays, festivals or sporting events that would take up all the rooms too. I had a heck of a time getting a bed in Edinburgh once even trying to book weeks ahead. When I got there I reallized there was a major rugby game in town that weekend.

[skate1968]

I hit Valencia in Spain during the "fallas" festival. Great time, but I wound up sleeping on a park bench.

Happy Trails

[Acerace]

But hey, isnt it times like skates, that make a trip more memorable?! I think so.
We'll all have to do it at some point, be it a park bench, airport lounges, and train station platforms!!

Acerace (who once spent his first day in Europe on a rain sodden, rotten bench in northern france in October with a drunk tramp as my only warmth!!!)

[BlackKnight]

Just remember that this year Greece has the olympics, so expect a lot more travellers around that time or year...