Sadly, the most offensive travelers I encountered during my month-long sojourn in mainland Europe were Americans. Loud, obnoxious, drunken hooligans. One drunk bastard even found himself with a broken jaw after he slumbered into the wrong bed -- my bed -- and wouldn't leave.

Canadians were a distant second. But I will never forget one Canadian about my age whom I befriended on a train ride to Spain from France. Easily the coolest, kindest gentleman I have had the opportunity to call a friend.

Yes, do yourself a favor and get your butt on that backpacking in Europe. The end result will almost always be positive.

By the way, what do people think about a late 20s/early 30s person backpacking? Kinda over the hill by then?