I’m 3 Months into my trip so far and have been to Germany and Switzerland. Tips I’ve learned so far and might be of use to others when packing and planning:

1. Don’t bring a sleeping bag. I brought mine and haven’t used it once. I just sent it home and I don’t think I#ll regret it.
2. when you’re packing leave room for stuff that you will have with you while you travel, like food and water!
3. If you’re a couple consider staying in small pensions or cheap one and two star hotels instead of hostels. They’re more private, you don’t have to worry so much about theft and the cost is mariginally more than a double in a hostel. Plus hostels are often far away from the main sites and attractions.
4. Bring a small pocket calendar. This will be immensely helpful in planning for the rest of your trip, especially if you’re itinerary is flexible.
5. In Bavaria try and travel on a Bayern Ticket (valid Monday to THursday on the slower trains between 9am and 3pm) or a Schones Wochenede Ticket (Valid Saturday or Sunday on the slower trains). Both these tickets cost 40DM for up to 5 individuals travelling together and are a great cheap way to travel in this German province.

Hope that helps and Iäll send more tips as I travel