Don't think too much about everything. Just do.
I know it sounds like random cliche'd mysticism, but seriously man, the only way to get into and learn about a new experience is to go out and EXPERIENCE IT! You're putting too much thought into it. Do your research, and I'd seriously say try hitch hiking short distances first so you can get the feel of the travelling lifestyle (much different than the trainbum dream I bet you're thinking of) and go from there.
It's a huge difference between riding a train for 30 seconds in the yard and riding a train 8+ hours in the rain, up steep mountainous ranges, in long suffocating tunnels and on loud, bumping metal barges. Be prepared for the good and bad times, it's not always easy.
Just get out and give it a try man, honestly I hopped out my first time just me and my dog and was able to do just fine, I didn't get thrown off or have any trouble until I rode with others. Just giv'er with good intentions man, use yer noggin and enjoy yourself!
And you don't need to be a punk to travel man! You'll meet all kinds on the road, so I recommend just abandoning those preconcieved notions of social cliques because everyone is an individual, and to typecaste into such silly, broad labels based on first impressions simply isn't fair to the person. Most of those people you'd call a "punk" or "hippy" or "whino" or whatever, would probably disagree anyways, you can't sum a person up with one word.
