Originally Posted by bob.

Where in California?

Originally Posted by Frownland

x2

Originally Posted by Goofle

Come to my house. I'll Hoover just for you.

Originally Posted by DwnWthVwls

Damn Exo, I'm jealous. I wish I was in a position to backpack, being able to travel is one of the things that made me want to do environmental research. I look forward to the pictures.

Originally Posted by Psy-Fi

The last time I did something similar, it was 1996. I stayed at B&B's instead of hostels or campgrounds. My expenses were for lodging, rail/subway/bus tickets, food & drink, museums/attractions and entertainment. I got by on $50 to $60 dollars (US) a day (not including airfare) which would be the equivalent of $75 to $90 in 2015 dollars. Hostels & campgrounds would've saved me some money but I prefer a private room with (usually) a private shower/bath & toilet. You should be fine with 10 grand over 3 months (including airfare.)

ATM's are your best bet for convenience and to automatically get the best exchange rates for whatever amount you need to withdraw wherever you are. I'd recommend having a credit card or some other form of debit card as an emergency backup in case your primary card is lost or stolen. I once had my card eaten by a bank machine (on a Friday afternoon, no less) and had to use Western Union to have some money transferred to me because the card was irretrievable. I had some traveler's checks with me also, but their $ amount wasn't enough to cover the rest of my trip before returning home the following week and it would've taken 2 weeks at the time, to get a replacement card sent to me.

Make sure you bring some quality footwear. Improper/substandard footwear can make you miserable very quickly and slow you down or possibly keep you off your feet for a while and put a dent in your itinerary.

I saved a lot on meals by getting my food at supermarkets and outdoor farmer's markets most of the time.

Probably some more I can add here later, when I think of it and have time.

Originally Posted by Mr. Charlie

My advice is to have fun. Sounds obvious, but it's surprising how many people get stressed travelling.

Rememeber that trains and flights get delayed, and buses are missed, and so you probably won't visit all the places you want to. With that in mind, enjoy the travelling as much as the destinations. Be prepared to change your plans because circumstance will change them whether you like it or not. Have fun.