Eurail Select Pass - 4 countries - 5 days = 490.00 not including reservations. I supposed these are 1st class as well.

I'm still leaning on going 2nd Class. Maybe buy an optional 1st class from Amsterdam to Berlin and/or the train back to Munich.

Paris to Amsterdam - 69 euros - Thalys>

And a pass would charge about 35 euros supplement including using a day on a pass - I failed to not you were going straight Paris to Amsterdam where Thalys is only practical way - it's the only train in Europe TMK with such an exorbitant extra fee for rail passes so more for against any pass.

I'm still leaning on going 2nd Class. Maybe buy an optional 1st class from Amsterdam to Berlin and/or the train back to Munich.>

Buses are more direct and cheaper and faster than trains on that route - check www.bahn.de/en for info and booking.hhhh

2nd class is perfectly okay. 1st is just slightly more spacious. Book asap as cheap Tickets sell out quickly

Another thing:

I'm really considering traveler's insurance ESPECIALLY for my first backpacking trip to these many sites.

Should I go "all-out" and get max coverage? What do you all normally use?

Also: If any of you all can recommend some "street food" and local breweries, that would be GREATLY appreciated!

1st class is significantly more relaxed IME than 2nd class - fewer people in same-size train car- about 25% - more room in luggage racks and only in first class can you get the to me priceless aisle and window seat both in one seat as there are rows of just one solo seat (two can face each other with a table in between for couples) but no bothering or being bothered by others to get in and out- lots of leg room.

Also IME there are more empty seats in first class - I usually put my bags on one adjoining me.

I got 1st class for my trains from Amsterdam to Berlin, Berlin to Prague and Prague to Munich.

I'm not too concerned with Thaly's train to Amsterdam because they are so spacious and I'll most likely be nursing a hangover in the cafe car anyways! lol

Bought them ahead of time and cheap; about 8 Euros more at certain times so it was a decent deal.

I agree that first class is more relaxing, and well worth it. Have a great trip!

I'm the only one preferring sceond class to first in most trains. And certainly on Thalys, which are full of businessmen yelling in their cellphones.

On ICE I love first class, on TGV's I don't really see the difference either, but silence is well enforced on those trains.

Eurostar I hardly ever take.

I'm the only one preferring sceond class to first in most trains. And certainly on Thalys, which are full of businessmen yelling in their cellphones.>

Don't they have Silent Cars on trains you take-they are mainly in first class I think and no phones can be used vocally or any noise made. Sssssshhhhhhhh!

The trip was nice, strange, eye-opening, terrible, awesome, challenging, blissful, life-changing and serene.

It was beautiful!

I'm the only one preferring second class to first in most trains.>

Well yes -I heard many say there is very little difference between classes but not that 2nd kl is even better- I rather enjoy listening to the often in English business types conversations but I get your point too.

Usually it is kids and crying bases in 2nd class and quiet in first class IME.

1st class was great. Nice and quiet.

The train ride from Berlin to Prague was amazing.