Looking for suggestions for a "reasonable" Europe trip

It's going to be a huge consideration how cheap your airfare is, unless you somehow have free airfare.
With Southern Spain, take a look at yk's recent trip report and her list of expenses. You could eat cheaper, and get a triple room at a hostal (not a hostel), and thus save from her expenses for food and lodging, and then you could be in the 80 Euro per day range, which is what you need to be.
If you choose only one destination, or possibly two, you will save on transport.

Be sure not to choose a location where you need a car.

If you are willing to be a budget traveler, and go on 80 Euros per day, which is certainly possible, then you could do this.

WillTravel gave you very good advice. I also agree on checking plane ticket prices first - that may be your deciding factor on where to go!

Also, if you're vacation time is flexible, hotel rates for November in general is cheaper than October.

$1000 for 1 week is not a lot, considering how expensive the Euro is. It comes out to €95/day - that will include lodging, food, transportation, sightseeing.

I am not sure which part of Italy you're thinking of when you mention "southern Italy." If you're thinking of the Amalfi coast, weather can be a bit iffy in Nov. My parents/brother went to Sicily in December and they had decent weather. Also, Sicily is a bit cheaper than mainland Italy. However, it'll be difficult to tour Sicily without a car, and getting there from the US (which I assume that's where you live) can be a bit tricky.

I was in Spain last month. It was more expensive than I had predicted (food, entrance fees).

Yes, limit your destination to one or two places. Try staying in an apartment where you can eat simple meals or just breakfast if you prefer.

I think Sicily or Lisbon might interest you.

Stay in Rome a week in an apartment. Many things there are free-just the walking around and viewing is so interesting. If you enjoy artwork as I do the churches are full of it.
Roma is such a walkable city that you do not have to spend that much on Transpo.
As others will mention you can make food as cheap as you like.
My daughter and I did this 1 week in Jan. 2 years ago. I realize the euro has definitely made things higher.

Thanks for the great responses, everyone! There's no substitute for getting advice from folks who have firsthand experience!

The friend with the tightest budget constraints will be looking into using FF miles which should help her out a great deal. I did check current airfares to various European cities earlier today and they are definitely quite high (Madrid was possibly do-able, but Rome and Lisbon were both up around 1000$ RT from Florida where I live), so that may put the nail in the coffin but we're going to stay optimistic for the time being!

You guys have provided several very good suggestions for us to consider provided we can make the airfare work.

Spending the week in Rome is something to consider, and we already were looking into Lisbon or various locales in Spain a bit.

One of my friends is particularly interested in Sicily, so its nice to see that pop up as an idea. We were wondering how big a pain it would be to get there. Anyone have any additional insight into that? Do you usually fly into Rome and then take a completely separate flight (or are there usually various connection options)? YK is correct in assuming that we would be traveling from the U.S.

I did read part of YK's excellent Spain trip report last night and really appreciated the inclusion of accomodation/food prices. It definitely helps to get some sort of realistic baseline for planning purposes.

Looks like we need to establish some airfare spending limits and go from there.

Any additional suggestions or info is welcome. Thanks again for chiming in!

My suggestion is to fly into Florence, spend 4 nights. Use one of those days to take a day trip via bus (cheap) to Siena. Take the train to Rome and spend 4 nights. Fly out of Rome.
There are lots of 2star hotels that have character and charm. Also apartments can be economical See Rick Steves' books as well as www.venere.it. and www.vrbo.com Once you are in Florence and Rome - you can decide what to splurge on and what to cut back on. There is so much to do in these locations that cost nothing.

I'd do Lisbon. Your airfare will be about the same as it would be to any other destination in Europe, and once you get there your expenses will be lower than elsewhere in Europe: lodging, food, and transportation are all more reasonable there than elsewhere. Very friendly people.

Rent an apartment---it will cost less than a hotel, and you can eat some meals at home, saving more money for fun stuff (like going out). Great nightlife in Lisbon. Beautiful countryside. Mild weather.

Given your criteria my first choice would be Lisbon which I found to be very inexpensive. You could rent an apartment there and do day trips (Sintra, Obidos). The other possibility would be Madrid where you could also rent an apartment and do day trips (Toledo, Segovia, Avila) - buses especially (but trains too) were very inexpensive in Spain. Andalucia was wonderful but flying there would probably be more than Madrid, and taking the train down definitly adds a bit. But at that time of year it would be much warmer than Madrid. But I think the Madrid area would be cheaper because of transportation. Once you got there I think the expenses were about the same. If you don't want to do an apartment there are definitly hotels that have triple rooms, you just have to look harder.

If you make sure your hotel (if you don't rent an apartment) has a mini fridge, then you can save a bundle by buying groceries and eating in at least some of the meals. I lived on fresh bread, ham, and fruit (and desserts) when I was in Spain last summer. But I also got some very decent meals in restaurants for €10-12.

I think Rome would be more expensive unless you got a good deal on an apartment which would make it worth while. But in general I found Lisbon and Spain to be less expensive than Italy.

Last year our family of 3 rented an apartment in Rome from realrome.com . This agency has a very good reputation and nice although not luxurious apartments. Ours was a 2 BR for 115 euros/night for 3.
We spent about $1000 per person for a total of 8 nights in Rome but the dollar was stronger then. We could definitely have saved money on food by preparing more meals at the apartment. We used public transportation (local train from the airport and buses around the city) and did not take any guided tours. There is a lot to see for free in Rome but you would have to factor in admission fees to major sights like the Forum/Colosseum/Palatine and the Vatican museums

I suggest Montreal! With the euro at a all time high nothing is cheap in Europe. Paris is also a nice place to consider if you want to rent an apartment and share.

www.parisbestlodge.com

Sign up with Orbitz to notify you when the air price goes down. You can do it for more then 1 route (I think 3) and no obligations to buy anything from them.

More excellent recommendations and suggestions. Thanks guys!

Italy has always been very high on my wish list, but I am fairly intruiged by thoughts of Portugal as well. I seriously doubt we could go wrong with either option, but the cheaper cost associated with Portugal does give one pause...

I'll have the girls read through these posts as well and hopefully we can move towards making a decision. I think we have to move somewhat quickly for the friend who needs to use FF miles to make sure she can secure airfare for whichever destination we decide on.

richardab's suggestions of Montreal or Paris are terrific as well, but one of my traveling companions is visiting France this summer, and she and I have visited Montreal together (which we loved!). We're sort of yearning to explore uncharted territory for this trip!

I welcome any and all additional input. I'm sure I'll have some more specific follow-up questions shortly as we home in on a game plan.

One thing I meant to add about the idea of Sicily: I really think you would want a car there. My husband and I traveled by train when we went (had an Italian train pass) and it was not very convenient.

Might look at a week in Arles/Avignon/Nimes area and then a second week around Barcelona. Hotels stay in 2 star but local hotels not international will keep down prices. So Barcelona try Hotel Windsor.

Lots to do by train in both areas

My husband and I do quite a bit of travelling in Europe and have never spent more than your budget - we live in Scotland, so airfare is less of an issue, but there are definitely ways to travel cheaply almost anywhere.

As airfare will be the largest cost and your friend is trying to use FF miles, it might make sense to figure out where you can fly cheapest and go from there. As long as you aren't opposed to having a triple or an apartment you can keep your costs low in any city. As airfare tends to be the largest expense for us, we usually just see where we can fly affordably and go from there. It keeps things interesting!

Grocery shopping in another country is one of my favourite things anyway so I always enjoy the challenge. I have also heard Lisbon is very affordable, although we haven't made it there yet.

Good luck!
PittPurple

I spent 9 days in Prague in late October 2006 and not only was the weather mild, but it was very affordable. We rented a 2 bedroom apt. just a few blocks from everything for 8 nights for about 900 Euros and walked everywhere. Trains to other towns are also affordable and there are excellent day trips offered by groups in town. While it's not southern Europe, Prague is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited, and its history and culture are fascinating.

Something to consider!

Hi Merrell,We use WWW.go-today.com theyhave wonderful package to choose from. November is a great time for spain also. We use them the last three trips to Europe,you can pick and choose package. They all come with breakfast. Check them out.

If you book your airline tickets for travel beginning November 1 or later, you will find the price will have dropped quite a bit from October. Also, look into renting an apartment - you will save a lot over hotel rates (check out VRBO website once you have decided upon your destination) and you can save a lot on food as well. Avoid the British Isles as the exchange rate is about double that of our currency. The euro is about $1.35 -$1.40 to the dollar. For only one week, you might look into Amsterdam; a fascinating city with lots to see and plenty of good restaurants. You might also check out renting a canal boat to stay in. Lots of great websites - just google Amsterdam apartments/canal boat rentals. Rome is another favorite destination of mine, again some really good reasonable restaurants and lots of apartments for rent.

The value of the dollar is making all of us who travel challenged from a budget perspective. There are good suggestions here and you need to think about what is you top criteria. Sun, Europe, sightseeing, a different culture??? If u=you give up sun, Prague is an option, If you give up "Europe" than consider Montreal. Or really go for it and spin the whirl - how about Kansas City - The Plaza feels like Spain. If you are are in Florida, how about an island with a European flair. I know this may not help...I just want to suggest broad thinking...what about a last minute cruise???

Rather than Montreal, try Quebec City for a Euro-vibe without the Euro-prix choc.

I agree with the above but they are both fun cities. You could do 3+3 days.

I don't think anywhere is Europe is a value, I also think that Lisbon is a cop-out. Its all high priced but there are always reasonable options. You can shop in markets, eat sandwiches, stay in apartments and see alot for nothing. Hell, a bottle of wine and a hunk of cheese is a nice option. In Italy there are always Tavola Caldo which serve fun warm buffet food and pizza by the slice like you never ate before. Baguettes in France and FEBO croquettes in Amsterdam.

I am not saying Lisbon isn't fun but I don't think it's the best first choice. I really don't think $1000 will go very far. In 1992 i traveled to London on a students budget and it was $1200.

Thanks for all the great variety of suggestions. You have all given me a lot to ponder! The girls and I will discuss amongst ourselves and come back with some specific questions.

Thanks again for the terrific input!

I second Sicily esp at that time of year. history,scenery ect..rent a car. can easily do it on your budget at that time of year.

What about exchanging timeshare? The are usually a lot of options in Spain.

If you stick to an all inclusive package a week at south coast your budget would allow you to have the holiday you wish. Maybe 2 day excursion can be included to the historical sites.

Happy travelling,
Murat

Cmerell,
Italy is a great choice to consider because you can eat and drink for really cheap.... lots of incredible pizza by the slice, shopping at grocery stores for cheese, bread and really tasty wine for cheap. Also, lots of sightseeing for free.

Munich and the surrounding areas of Baveria are another great choice. Transportation is really cheap. They offer day pass on all subway, bus, trams for 8 euro for up to 5 adults. You can also travel about 2 hours away to Fussen to tour Mad Kind Ludwigs castle (beautiful) and the romantic road- the 27 euro rate will also cover a round trip for up to 5 adults.

My family of 4 visits Europe several times a year and spends very little. Our kids are pre teens so they get in most sightseeing venues for free which helps on the budget.

Enjoy your trip... You all will enjoy Europe in which ever trip you choose!!!

We have always found Germany to be less expensive than many countries in Europe. Munich is a great city, and the scenery around the Bavarian Alps is spectacular. You could visit Salzburg as well, as they are both close to one another. If you rent an apartment you can save a great deal of money. We have an apartment rented near Berchtesgaden for next month...it's two bedrooms and price is 70 euro per night. If you get an apartment with a kitchen you can save some money by eating there as opposed to always eating out.

Good luck and best wishes,
Tracy

Review airfarewatchdog.com, has some good fares.
Definetely consider renting an apartment: shop in markets, supermarkets, gives you a feel of the country and people (purchased some good Reserve wine at El Corte Ingles in Barcelona, market on Ramblas is super). Lunch menus will help with any budget, as they are more reasonable; have some meals at the apartment; bread,cheese, wine make always a good picnic. Whatever you decide, have fun!

There are a number of excellent suggestions here: Lodging prices go down in many places in November as does airfare compared to high season.

Choosing one city as a base and renting an apartment rather than staying at a low priced hotel will save a bundle, especially since you can use the cooking facilities for breakfast at least. Apartments renting for $150/night are easy to come by. Split 3 ways it leaves a comfortable amount for food. Use local markets.

Choose a place that has lots to see for free or close to it.

Choose a place with good public transportation.


Sicily is wonderful and generally costs less than mainland Italy, but you do need a car. Rental, insurance and gas quickly adds up.

Prague meets all of your criteria except weather. We were there in early November a few years ago and the weather was very pleasant during the day but cold at night but not uncomfortably so - but that was then and maybe we were just lucky. It is a stunning city and very walkable.

Rome can have nice weather in November (or not)and there is so much to see and do for free or nearly so that it is no problem to fill up a week keeping costs low. In Rome, other than apartments, there are convents and similar places that have low prices for simple lodging.

Using an apartment, Paris does not have to be expensive either.

The suggestions for Lisbon and Madrid are good too for the reasons stated.

Air fare makes a difference. For example www.kayak.com shows the following for R/T Miami to "X" leaving Nov 3 returning Nov 10:

To Prague = $588
To Rome = $697
To Paris = $743
To Lisbon or Madrid = $748
To Florence = $752

The above fares include taxes and fees.

basingstroke2 - nice job summing it up!

Hi cmerrel, I'm not sure what you mean by mild weather, but Ireland is a great alternative to some other higher priced destinations. The airfare alone can save each of you about $500 if you book your seats through Aer Lingus early enough. We've gone to Ireland in April '06 and in late October '07. Both times, we were fortunate to have very nice weather - partly sunny with temps in the 55-64 degree range. Each time we rented a self-catering cottage to save money. Both cottages were beautiful and had unbelievable views. The 1st one in Kenmare (Shamrock Cottages) cost about $350 for a week and it slept 6. The 2nd one in Doolin cost $750 (Fuschia Cottage online) for a week and slept 7. The rental car was about $350. Even with the falling dollar this past October, we were able to have a wonderful time. We really liked Kenmare,Dingle,Kinsale,Ennis, Clonakilty and Doolin. Obviously, the weather won't be as warm as other places, but Ireland's people are warm and friendly. And, the country is so beautiful.

Hello, In may I am going to Italy. I have rented for 8 nights in Praino a little villa

http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/rent/property0335!italy_.htm

In Oct or Nov it will rent for $724. a week. You can cook some meals there, use the bus to get to other areas. It is next to Amalfi on the coast. Sit on patio and look, at sea and sip wine. It will be a great place to budget. There's a bus very reasonible from Rome you could take down. The weather is warmer. Check it out. This company was recomented by several friends to rent from. Good luck.

mimi-your little villa looks wonderful. Bkmk'ing in case our dates in Praiano work out.

cmerrell
Check out Gate1, their prices are very, very reasonable and they have a good reputation for budget travel. We booked with them for Greece and Turkey leaving in April and so far have been pleased with how they conduct business.

I checked out their Italy and Spain sites and you can travel Rome and Barcelona together for $1399.00 pp INCLUDING airfare and hotels.

http://www.gate1travel.com/europe.htm

Last year we had four Months traveling in Europe and one of the very pleasurable and value for money sojourns was when we flew from Frankfurt to Rome and planned a week to just relax before we flew on to Istanbul. We were fortunate enough to be advised to stay at a Pensionato San Paolo. It is run by Giovanni Sansonetti. He is one of a large and talented Italian Family. The Accommodation is right next to St Pauls outside the Wall. The rooms are large spacious old but clean and busy staff are trustworthy and friendly. It is about two blocks from the Underground and there are a many busy
popular bars where locals flock and one may buy a litre of beer another the tiniest cup of coffee and coffee comes in so many flavours or with additives of so many styles or a generous glass of wine. Snack food is varied and attractive. Eateries galore and not at all expensive. Market stalls line the streets near the underground with International items all competitive prices. The Pensionato serves a very substantial breakfast in most pleasant surroundings with the Basilica dominating the view through the windows as buses queue for tourists to visit. Lunch time it is VERY busy, seems many of the University staff that surround the area eat their lunch here. Rooms all with ensuites prices vary ours was a vast room and around 70 Euros a night for the two of us with breakfast and it was only a few stops to get to town by underground and a Bus stopped outside too. Liked the underground and never used the Bus. It was easy to get into the City and catch a tourist bus and jaunt around all the main sites of Rome. Without being aware of it happening - we were robbed on the esculator going down from the Coliseum area - intending to go to St Peters Square. Sadly the police advised that tourists were a gang and targeted my husband.They said he should have NOT carried a wallet. To place money in a small square plastic sealing bag and safety pin it into a pocket and to have several and place only about 40 Euros in each. Neck wallet were better. The owner was most hospitable and they sell snacks coffee postcards and maps and it was on the third floor and equipped with lifts. We were able to utterly enjoy our stay mainly due to the Sansonetti families help.Address is 41 Viale F. Baldelli email pensanpaolo@libero.Do be aware they are all Italian though some of the staff or resident students do help translate. We had no stress with being there just a pleasurable stay and did regret having to move on. Basilica San Paolo was a magnificient building which had us making several visits. Look it up, undergound 150mt 3 autobus service almost at the door and such a delightful complex by the station to explore with all manner of shops and varied eateries. Large open gardens and the Basilica dominate the view it has 50 rooms with telephone Sat. TV and is just a happy place to stay.