This site has been a great step by step breakdown of what to expect and/or plan for if you are a rookie backpacker such as I:
SoYouWanna.com
Just click on the travel link and go to back packing....Also there is a ton of other helpful "SoYouWanna" topics such as work visas and camping.
I am off for the adventure of my lifetime in June, can't wait.....When contimplating wheather I should actually go through with this trip (lack of funds) or buy a new car (call me crash) an older gentleman re-motivated me as a bartended not to long ago....He said "Craig, either this is going to be the experience of a lifetime, or a life changing experience...." The desicion was cemented with those words. Close your eyes and dream.