Kdid49 says:

If you are really serious about an adventure like that then go somewhere you can speak the language if you speak Spanish then by all means go to South America but if English is your language go to New Zealand or Australia they are wonderful places and the people are great. Where ever you go keep in mind many countries have youth hostel’s and are very inexpensive for young people to stay at. If your hoping for the names and address of family you can stay at can’t help you there as my family would be livid if I put them on the Internet. Just some tips about traveling like your talking about. Walking even in a beautiful country can get old so keep in mind a lot of places rent bikes or motor bikes very reasonable. If you go to Europe going from one country to another is fairly easy but anywhere you go take care to put your passport where you can get it easily and where others can not I sagest getting a money belt or other hidden pockets. The success of a walk about in any country depends on your ability to communicate with the locals where ever you travel they are your best travel agents when it comes to the types of information you are seeking so have on hand a dictionary of their language and keep a journal you will be glad you did when the trip is over. Happy trails to you.