How long will your trip be?

Yes, it would be helpful to know how long you have. You mentioned about having been to Spain-what areas/cities have you visited before? Going to Spain and Ireland would be a terrific trip as there are plenty of enough budget air carriers between the two countries, but only if you have adequate amount of time to devote to both countries. I adored Ireland but if I had to choose only one country, I'd probably say Spain, my personal favorite.

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I'd be wary of Spain. The country has 20% unemployment and is thisclose to an economic implosion. I'd avoid all the PIIGS of the Eurozone (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Spain). Last check, the South of France has beaches and a relatively stable economy.

Croatia is allegedly awesome. I wanna go, but you need to check other posts on this board about that.

You don't give a clue as to why Poland is on this list. Unless you're going in the summer and plan to chill out in Sopot, your beach ideal will not be realized there.

If you want to go to Ireland, go to Scotland. Why? Edinburgh is way better than Dublin, the castles are more impressive and the whisky is superior. Oh yeah, the economy is more stable too -- something to do with those da*ned English and their refusal to join the Euro. Of course, Ireland and Scotland are not known for their attractiveness to sunbathers.

Croatia is beautiful, would definitely be something different, will probably be fairly warm, has nice beaches, and would give you a pretty good bang for your buck.

BigRuss: I am interested in your comments about the economics of Spain. In what ways would this impact a tourist visiting there? Thanks.

"I'd be wary of Spain. The country has 20% unemployment and is thisclose to an economic implosion. I'd avoid all the PIIGS of the Eurozone (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Spain). Last check, the South of France has beaches and a relatively stable economy."

Oh Lord...
Let's not forget: terrorist attacks in UK and, Sweden, 9/11, mudslides in Brazil, crime in Mexico, floods in Australia, unrest in Greece, bin Laden's threats to France and Canada
etc
It seems, it is best to stay in one's own house, or even better - build a bunker in the backyard.

I was in Croatia last week in May about 2 years ago. The weather was wonderful, hot, swimming in the clear blue Adriatic a delight, food excellent and so much to see and do. Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Split, Trogar, Mostar, if you like sightseeing you will be spoilt for choice.

Thanks to all for your insights. I appreciate them all.

We've only got two weeks, so we're thinking of doing the west of Ireland and the south of Spain. What budget carriers can you recommend out of Shannon?

danon-HAHA how true
We found a darling town South of Barcelona-took the train down. Sitges I said if I ever go back to Spain I wanted to stay there-narow streets-on the beach. It was October & cold

I highly recommend Berlin. It is definitely one of my favorite places and an awesome city in which to spend a few days or even a week. It's full of lively, vibrant people and there is plenty to keep you occupied and well entertained.

As for where to stay, it doesn't really matter. I usually stay in the Kufurstendamm area near the Zoo station, but you can be anywhere in no time. Also, if you haven't been to Munich, it's worth a visit, as well.

I'm not real high on Spain. Been there 3 or 4 times, most recently Barcelona/Malaga/Marbella. Barcelona is not the cleanest of European cities. My favorite Spanish city is probably Cadiz- Good night life, nice beaches and friendly people. Also a little of the typical tourist track.

Berlin in the spring is great. If there is not enough to do in Berlin there are many easily reached nearby sights (Pottsdam, Sansouci etc.)
Even more exciting is that it is SPARGELZEIT when white asparagus is in season. It tastes nothing like our green asparagus.
DON'T MISS IT !!

Croatia is wonderful, try Zadar, flights from Vienna are quite cheap. Any little town south of there will have immaculately clean rooms to rent for E50/nt or so if you bargain a little, (this is for one with a nice view of the Adriatic, and a 5 or max 9 minute walk to the beach) which is expected, esp for more than a 3 night stay. Also of course private bath and fridge and kitchenette with dishes, pots and silverware. Sukosan is like LaJolla Calif 1951, right on the coast, simple, unpretentious and many little cute bakeries and coffee shops in walking distance, nice restaurants and the swimming is great, clean and warm. Be sure to take a boat tour to the outer islands, they are eco-paradise, untouched by industry or anything!! If you are fit, take a cab from Zadar, you won't need a car in Sukosan.

Another vote for Croatia Was there last week in May as well and had really wonderful weather. The water is as gorgeous as it looks in photos [though a bit cold in May].

" We like to sightsee, hang out in cafes, people watch, spend time at the beach, good dinners, good drinks, etc. "
Spain has it all.. plus beautiful cities like Barcelona, Seville, San Sebastian ,
great food and wine, beaches, history, architecture.

Croatian coast is lovely but the towns are too small for my taste.

If I had something I would advise is to recommendthat Croatia instead of Spain. But I wonder why your DH decided that Krakow and Berlin will not be interesting. This beautiful city, have many things to see and certainly no time to surprise you. What finally you decided? Share your impressions

<I highly recommend Berlin. It is definitely one of my favorite places and an awesome city in which to spend a few days or even a week. It's full of lively, vibrant people and there is plenty to keep you occupied and well entertained.>

I agree. Of the many places we have been in Europe, Berlin is at the top of the list. And it would be easy to combine a week there with a visit to the Alps or countryside.

The OP was asking about where to go 2 months ago so I think it's rather late to advise.

Let me add my voice in response to the extremely bizarre comments of BigRuss reagrding Spain:

Run, run, the unemployed are coming!!

"I'd be wary of Spain. The country has 20% unemployment and is this close to an economic implosion. I'd avoid all the PIIGS of the Eurozone (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Spain). Last check, the South of France has beaches and a relatively stable economy...the economy is more stable too -- something to do with those da*ned English and their refusal to join the Euro"

....Woah, if you came to Ireland in the morning as a tourist not knowing the country has had (and still have)economic difficulties, you wouldn't notice anything different!!! If anything, things are cheaper for tourists.