Info on Europe, visa , borders, ect

I just double checked ... I gave you wrong informations. It seems like US Citizens don't need to apply for a Visa.

https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/schengen-visa-insurance/us-citizens-traveling-schengen-countries.php

Well, you have received a lot of input already. I wouldn't want to repeat too much. However, I'd still like to recommend that you head south on some Eurovelo-path which you will find easily on the internet. Going through Paris and further South through amazing landscape and quaint villages to Southern France, maybe your guiding light will become the Rhone river with old Roman settlements left and right still visible as the foundation of modern towns. And then on to Spain (along the beautiful Mediterranean coast) through the district Provence which might slow you down because of all the beauty you will see there. In Spain along the coast you will find many tourist places with un-beautiful architecture. But you will hit Barcelona pretty soon up north in the district Catalunia. A city you must not miss and must see and stay at for a few days. Mindblowing. Great tourist infos in town. Free guided walks every morning (like in so many cities nowadays!)

Before it gets too cold it might get windy and rainy during late fall and winter along the Med-coast. That will wear you out rather than snow and cold, which might not start until January/February. As you maybe live close to the coast, you might want to explore the iinterior of our small European countries. By all means do that. You will not regret it, never ever. Even if it gets hilly. Fromwhat you mentioned in your post/profile up and down is not a big deal for you.

Since you don't need a visa but still might feel a clock inside your guts. Somewhere down in Spain, Portugal or Gibraltar you will think of really slowinig down to hibernate somewhere along the Algarve coastline (Southern tip of Spain/Portugal). Listening to the regional music in some pub in some far off village, talking to the locals, eating their food and so on. Or you will ferry over to Norhern Africa (Tunesia or Marocco) which is so close you maybe can't resist.

Transportation: Keep in mind that trains are great in Europe, they run on a very dense railsystem for the masses. You as an US citizen have no idea - no hurt feelings please. Then there are buses like Greyhound but much cheaper. Travelling with a bicycle however causes a bit of a hazzle as you have to find those trains with special coaches. There are many trains running at all times, but you are - at the moment - not familiar with the cryptic logos that show them in the time tables. But "by then" you will be so relaxed and will have no problem asking somebody. And after a while you know the game.

As soon as you decide on staying longer, maybe a year and into spring an summer 2018, you will go further north to Swiss, Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia .... There you will be in heaven as a cyclist. Need I say more ... No, I don't.

Anyways, google "Bed and Bike" and "Youth hostels" (for accomodation at like 20 USD per night), find the homepages of the many Eurpean rail companies - at least one in each country, just to be prepared. And don't forget the apps of cycling-related information and a list of nike shops (interactive world map, google-based, internet). Keep in mind that you need a set electric adapters for European countries so you can stay connected. Ask for Wifi-code in each café (I shouldn't mention that, I know). It is en passent a nice opportunity to start a conversation. Keep in mind, that we learn British English, so be patient with us Europeans and pimp your humor ( which you from the West Coast have plenty of, I am sure). Please, cut out urban English and slang, that doesn't mean much hereabout. "Dude" is practically unknown, "awsome", "gotcha", "absolutly" used in each or every second utterance is not convincing to "us" Europeans.

Whatever happens will happen. You will enjoy Europe and become a new individual, even though it will stress you out at times.

Here some more ideas for your remember-list or to-do-list: when out in the countryside/ittle villages ask farmers if you could sleep in their barn, if the weather gets too bad for your taste or when there is no Warmshower host available or in general, instead of wild camping. I don't recommend wild camping, because you "should" get in touch with people as often as possible for obvious reasons (may I use "should"?) Ask as long as there is daylight if possible. Another idea: Even if a campground appears closed for the winter, the owner or his worker might do maintenance work, then ask them if they let you stay there anyway.

Btw: in mainland (Western) Europe, trespassing is not the same dangerous issue as in the States. Loitering is not a judicial term or offence here, e.g. sitting on stairs in front of a church, sitting on a bench in the streett or in a park and eating/drinking something ... Health insurance: your are not forced to have one, but you will get a bill. However, medical services cost half or less in Europe compared to the US even when you pay yourself. My bet: you will not be charged. The major problems are big health problems of course, like hospitaliztion or when you for your own reasons feel like you would rather be at home in your familiar environment with that specific issue. Then you need a separaze vacation-insurance for foreign countries. Your health plan, if you have any, I presume doesn't cover travelling.I guess you have been running around researching the insurance-topic. Google "travel insurance Europe 1 year" and you will find out that you can buy one rather cheap and easy e.g. in Belgium at the airport or downtown in Bruxelles or online, tailored to your plans. Lonely Planet offers this info: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0JiW9qKR1gIVBCrTCh2cbQJuEAAYASAAEgIl1_D_BwE and there is lots more awsome stuff to learn through your Google-research,

I hope I didn't anoy or bore you to death. Good luck to you and may the tailwinds be with you! Cheers, Matt