Should I buy a rail pass?

Usually, no. Unless you are taking high-speed trains every other day, individual point-to-point tickets bought in advance are almost always cheaper.

How much cash should I carry?

Carry 100-200 euros in cash for small cafes and markets. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for everything else.

How to plan your first trip to Europe

Focus on three cities maximum to avoid spending your entire trip on trains or planes. Prioritize a single region, like Central Europe or the Mediterranean, to minimize travel time and maximize your experience.

Set a firm budget. Expect to spend at least $200 per person, per day, for a mid-range trip including accommodation, food, and inter-city travel. Do not guess; list your total savings and subtract 15% for 'buffer' money.
Select your route. For a first trip, choose a loop that starts and ends in a major hub (like London, Paris, or Rome). Limit yourself to 3 cities over 10 to 14 days.
Book your transatlantic flights first. Use Google Flights to track prices 3-6 months in advance. Aim to arrive in one city and depart from another (open-jaw ticket) to save a full day of backtracking.
Book internal travel. For distances under 5 hours, book trains via the national rail operator (e.g., SNCF for France, DB for Germany). For longer distances, book budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet, but watch out for strict luggage weight limits.
Secure your accommodation. Book hotels or guesthouses within a 10-minute walk of a major metro station. Use booking aggregators to read reviews, then book directly with the property if possible to get better cancellation terms.

Should I buy a rail pass?: Usually, no. Unless you are taking high-speed trains every other day, individual point-to-point tickets bought in advance are almost always cheaper.
How much cash should I carry?: Carry 100-200 euros in cash for small cafes and markets. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for everything else.