John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

If you are looking for 'memories in the head' rather than 'photographic memories' I would go the road less travelled as suggested by Wingpilot. Try local foods and wines etc. and stay in little guesthouses or B&B's. Experience the things Europe has to offer that the U.S. doesn't - like high speed trains (not U.K., unless you are going to the continent).

LXK0930 Loc: Souh Jersey

I am a fairly seasoned traveller who is retired. I am getting too old to lug around a heavy gadget bag.

My basic advice: Take a "good" camera with a moderate wide-to-tele lens for when you really need it (do you really want to capture the Norwegian fjords with a P&S?), and take a small pocketable camera (some will even fit in a shirt pocket) for when you just want to "capture the moment".

Have fun!

seagullmist Loc: Niantic CT

If traveling after May 1st you may need to get a Schengen visa for EU countries. There is a big fight brewing over visa's and you could be denied access on landing or trying to get into the EU. Look up the news feeds about the EU denying Visa's for US tourists.

cthahn

Not worth replying to.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

good advice but which one?

HeyYou Loc: SE Michigan

That's the point !

alby Loc: very eastern pa.

.....GO FOR IT!!!!..... sounds like a great time.....

Patriot66 Loc: Minnesota

I agree with your philosophy about enjoying travel. I find that my favorite experiences are when I do not live by a schedule but rather just "wing it" and see what the day brings. And I also agree, the best shots come from off the beaten trail (the non-tourist places) where the locals hang out - enjoy your travels!

Wenonah Loc: Winona, MN

You just did, we just don't know what you were replying to.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Sounds like a fun 3 months and hope it is enjoyable.
I understand the desire to create the memories and not be burdened with a viewfinder. Sort of like people living their child's school play on the screen of a phone rather that really watching the performance.
As far as equipment from what you had said perhaps a good smaller mirrorless like the Fuji X Pro with a moderate range zoom leaning to a wider length at the short end. Then use it to perhaps take a few key memory jogging photos rather than document every little detail.
Details will be in your memory including the sounds, smells, temperatures etc. that you lived the event rather than observed it through a viewfinder.
My years living in Europe were great and afforded me an opportunity to travel in a way not afforded to many Americans but as earlier stated I took my own advice and took very few photos. (Of course many places were classified). As far as travel I would choose a general direction and then only go on tertiary roads to small villages, eat in local establishments and avoid American tourists like the plague. I also made it a point to avoid all the tour guide places like Paris etc. You will enjoy meeting the locals, try to communicate with them, most know some English, and carry a dictionary or learn some local phrases. You will be amazed at how many incredible villages and people you will meet and see and friends you will make, Exchange e-mails (I did addresses as then the internet did not exist). I still have letters from around the world from friends I made in this way. Also ask what is interesting locally and go there. I found old abandoned castles hidden in the woods off the beaten path that could be wandered in at will. The whole time there never was an agenda to be here or there at any time but just located a place to stat that evening when it was deemed time to wrap the days travel up. There were many times when for the entire day perhaps only 5-10 miles were traversed due to the incredible sights found and explored. Sometimes even no progress was made but well worth the entire day. There are many old Roman roads hidden and the original mile markers in the woods that locals know about and to walk those roads in the quiet of the woods is absolutely incredible to imagine a soldier or pesant following those same roads 2,000 years ago. Again a real memory I have, no photo can create that memory.
Again I have given a piece of my system and hope you have a truly safe and enjoyable trip wherever it may take you.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Don't shoot the standard "post card" subjects. Look for the unusual things that most people ignore. And MOST of all enjoy. Don't forget to order the Sauvignion Blanc when eating shell fish.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

HECK NO!!! (to tricycle)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Wherever you travel, I wish you a safe and wonderful trip.
--Bob

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

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berchman Loc: South Central PA

Maybe this kind?