I would agree with 'generalizations' are not great, but would say, 1st time out of the box using passes is not the best time to try Europe.. You need a very strong constitution.

I think I could the one that the Mrs. referred to about buying tickets back~ I did, to be sure to get back, but would have gotten back if I stuck with it out of BRU. I travel every year in July (including 3 Tour De France trips), but I am an Uber planner. I even travel in the summer with my sister who is a buddy, but I swear she has a horseshoe glued to her, so is not a great example.

Getting to Europe is never the problem, getting out is always a surprise and a nail biter/stressful. Saying it's impossible, if planned well, is not the case. 10 summers and counting have proven otherwise, I don't regret any of the trips.

Advice wise, I wouldn't feel comfortable not knowing someone on how they would react to the challenge, or would welcome the added stress.