Kathy Raines

Hi! I read these forums every day, and they have helped me in planning out first trip to <BR>Europe in June, 99. However, I have an extra week that I am still playing with. After we <BR>tour Florence and Venice, I can't decide whether to go into Switzerland, or to travel <BR>to Austria and go to Salzburg. would love to <BR>get some different views from other travelers <BR>and perhaps this will help me. I am also having some trouble with travel agents booking this trip, as we do not want to go with a tour group, but want to travel independently. The TA wants us to look at some independent tours, as she says we can <BR>save some money. Any input from anyone? All <BR>help is appreciated, and I truly enjoy this <BR>forum. Thanks

Richard Vicek

Good afternoon., Kathy <BR>I would strongly suggest that you pick Switzerland over Austria, because there is a lot more to see in a smaller space, that is you can take a town, for example. Luzern and use that for "base of operations" not only see the city but day trips to Mts. Rigi, Pilatus and <BR>Titlis along with the towns along the lake on ships which ply Lake Lucerne, <BR>You can drop three days here with no problem and not on the move each day. <BR>The BernerOberland again is another area <BR>where in staying in Interlaken, Grindelwald, Wengen or Murren you have access to the entire area and the two lakes of Thun and Brienz, here you could loose 4 or 5 days without a problem and <BR>accomodations are in all ranges. Zermatt is good for two days should you wish to visit there, Swiss rail also will check baggage thru to your destination if you so want and you can not beat its rail service. etc. etc. <BR>Just a thought. I could go on and on. <BR>E-mail me for any questions you may have, <BR>I have nothing but time... <BR>Richard of Hickory Hills, Il...... <BR> <BR>

Cheryl Z.

<BR>I'd choose Switzerland over Austria too - more to see and so easy to get around. We found Salzburg more expensive also. You don't need to sign up in advance for tours altho SOMETIMES you can save money. Absolutely visit the Interlaken area, Zermatt, visit the cute little village of Gruyere too. Switzerland is probably my favorite country, you'll enjoy it.

wes fowler

Kathy, <BR>I agree with the two respondents above as well. Switzerland offers far more in less space than does Austria. Centrally locate for a few days and take day trips radiating from your central point. Planning as far ahead as you are, you have ample time to check Swiss tourist office websites and similar Swiss oriented travel sites as well as the Swiss National Tourist Office for information about inexpensive accommodations. The Swiss are reputed to be a nation of "hotel keepers"; you'd really have to struggle to find unacceptable accommodations in the country. Check out Karen Browne's book "Switzerland, Charming Inns and Itineraries". Her selections are exemplary and within all budget ranges. Email me if you have any questions.

Brenda

Kathy, <BR>I would diffently go to Switzerland. Once you have been there you will want to go back. I was there last fall after traveling to Italy - Northern Italy is nice. The train ride from Italy to Lucern was awesome. The view was breathtaking. Lucern is a wonderful place and the people are very nice. I plan to go back next fall and tour other parts of Switzerland. The Swiss Alps are so beautiful, it's like a part of heaven.

Viviane

I would vote for Switzerland too. My advice to you, buy a Swiss Card and or a Swiss Flexipass. Your TA should be able to arrange for Pre-paid flexible hotel vouchers and there are a lot of tour operators that offers self-drive itineraries, with hotel add-ons (by the night). Keep in mind that gasoline in Europe is expensive and so is the cost of collision damage waivers and theft insurance. You might save some money but buying it all pre-packaged. If by any chance you might still be in Switzerland in July, check-out the Wine Festival in Geneva (I think). I happens every 20 years and I here it's worth it!