Good luck on the trip! Traveling to Europe is a real eye opening experience. Being an American as well, spending time in Europe was one of the best things I have ever done. It also makes you really appreciate the struggles people go through to come to this country not knowing the language, the culture and sometimes carrying virtually nothing. One word of advice is to not dress American; don't wear the branded "Abercrombie & Fitch" style clothes, you'll stick out like a sore thumb. In my time in Italy, by the third day people could tell I was a tourist sure but they didn't know I was American because I wasn't wearing the clothes that they envision we do. It kind of gives you more respect in some peoples eyes, they treat you better I found.
Enjoy Steemfest! I would love to go to one if they have one in the US in the future, preferably East Coast.