I am planning a backpacking trip of Europe the coming summer with a couple of friends. The other option is Australia or New Zealand... Anyone game enough to share a few tips and experiences??? Which one would be the best trip

There's some good tips in the blog on best food and worst foods.

As much as I always like to prject OZ as the land to see... not sure about backpacking here or may b anywhere, unless you have a goon of your own in the group.
Honestly, a few weeks back saw the documentary on Ivan Millat and..........hunh!!!! a bit scary

Thanks a lot for the thumbs up!!!
Feeling a lot more enthusiastic about the trip now....
note to self....
buy a new backpack
arrange a group goon...haha