Eurail pass, best bargain in travel. Consider getting sleeper trains, saves on hotel costs and gets you where you're going without wasting travel time.

Join the Youth Hostel Association, some of the hostels are incredible, old castles etc. Cheap and you'll meet way more people staying in them than if you stay in hotels/motels. Same goes for camping, but you'll have to lug a heavier pack with you.

A lightweight sleeping bag is vital, even on the trains, some can be cold.

If you're heading for Amsterdam for the obvious reasons, get off the train at Central Station, walk out the front, go past the trams, keep walking straight ahead and turn left across the first bridge. On the corner is the Grasshopper, top floor's a restaurant, first floor's a bar, basement's a 'coffee shop'. Stop for refreshments and the city is yours to explore. Try the childrens museum which is full of hands on stuff and great when you're 'herbally amused'.

Have a great trip, you're going to love it.

J.