Just came back from Italy (Lake Garda, Dolomites and Venice) and the US $ is so weak, and the prices in Venice were so high, that I'm adjusting my thinking for our next trip.

Any recommendations about where to go in Europe to get the best value? Thinking countries that don't use the Euro.

We spent 16 days in Croatia and Slovenia in late April and early May. Although Slovenia is on the euro their prices were no where near what my daughter encountered in Italy.
Dubrovnik is stunning! Rovinj, in Istria Croatia is also a real treat - worth a 3 night stay. Pletvice National Park with its 100's of waterfalls was also a highlight. Then drove thru the Slovenia Alps to Lake Bled. Very picturesque setting. The trip was much less expensive than "Main" europe. We were a little off season but had grand weather.
Used Rick Steves Slovenia/Croatia guide book for the routing.
A wonderful trip - especially since we have seen most all the other countries in Europe.

Eastern Europe: Romania, Bulgaria, the Balkans.

BTW, the dollar is no weaker than last year when it reached $1.60 to the euro if I remember correctly.

Michael - Yow! I don't remember that $1.60 price. But I was in Scotland and that was bad enough (money-wise).

I'm sure there are places in Europe that are on the Euro that are not like what I encountered in Italy. Can't think of any myself, though.

As nannibray mentioned - Croatia? But the expense of the air tickets. I believe that's pretty high.

Thinking of maybe going back to Hungary.

Venice is probably THE most expensive city (other than Oslo) in western (for all you purists who aren't busy packing for yet another repeat journey) Europe...Greece has been mentioned and I would second that possibility.

of course, kenav we have no idea exactly what you spent ypour money on, what level of hotel you stayed in, how much food you ate, etc., etc.

We have just spent a week right on a fabulous beach on the Cote d'Azur. They have rental tents and cabins, starting at €24 per night for 1 or 2 persons.

You are right on the water and directly at the railway station.

It was one of our most rewarding vacation experiences. Would recommend it to everyone.

http://www.campeole.co.uk/camping-ca...amont-10-0.htm

Best bang for your buck in Europe? I would have to say Argentina.

Seriously, I think the best "value" is the UK. It isn't the cheapest destination right now, but it is relatively cheaper than most of the rest of Europe. So, if you have a list of European destinations that includes the UK, I would say go there now while the pound is relatively weak.

If you really just want to go someplace more affordable, then I just wouldn't bother with Europe right now. There is a whole world to see and it would make a lot of sense to substitute some of the relatively cheaper destinations now and come back to Europe at some point in the future.

We went to Turkey in February and found it to be quite inexpensive compared to most of Europe, especially during the off-peak time that we were there. Hotels were a bargain and food was excellent and relatively cheap.

We also find that Germany seems to be cheaper than many other Western European countries. We always stay in a ferienwohnung (vacation apartment) for under $50 USD per night.

We were in Croatia and Slovenia several years ago. Slovenia at the time was quite cheaper than most other western European countries, but it has since switched to the Euro so I doubt that is still the case. We didn't find Croatia that much cheaper, in all honesty. I mean it was cheaper than Italy, but not as cheap as I was hoping for.


Tracy

Ditto to Turkey.

Andalucia wasn't bad. Most I spent was 86 Euro a night in Sevilla for a 2 bedroom apt. which was brand new.

Plenty of meals could be found for 10 Euro or less.

Strange thing is airfares. I could fly AF through Paris to Italy or Spain (or some other Euro. destination) but to go only to Paris (CDG) costs more on AF.

Also noticed fares to Prague were high. Fares to Spain for next March/April are good as are fares to Switzerland. Of course, whatever you save on fares, everything costs more in Switzerland.

Not Europe, but have you thought about visiting Buenos Aires???

Thin

I would like not just to go to a city, but also to the countryside/villages, etc. Have thought about S>A. but more in line with Patagonia! (Talk about airfare!!)

The French provinces outside the big cities are more affordable than most people realize. Click on my name to find my trip report for my travels this summer in Normandy and Brittany. BTW, the rate was already hovering around $1.40 to the euro.

Michael - Can't find your Normandy and Brittany trip. Jut see one to Stockholm.

IMO, Paris offers quite a good bang for the buck, if you rent a small modestly priced apartment (stay out of the 1st-8th arrondissements) off season, shop at the outdoor food markets for meals, and go to the non-touristy cafes. Walking (best way to see Paris) is free. The street scene is free.

We were in Greece last Nov and found it quite reasonable (even though it is on the Euro). It was much less expensive than the 2 trips we took within the last 3 yrs to Italy, Germany, Austria and Czech Republic.

Iceland, Uk, Croatia, Montenegro, Czech rep, Hungary, Romania. Also look at Morocco (not europe but nor is Turkey) and Morocco sits a bit more easily in Europe for many reasons than does Turkey

We found good values in Greece and Portugal.

Our cheapest European trip so far has been Rome/Florence - we went in the off season (November) and got amazing airfare and hotel deals. In Rome we spent $139/night and in Florence we spent $125/night - with a view of the Duomo!

We've just finalized our trip to Ireland next month and I was astounded by how reasonable all the hotels have cost. We're staying in 5-star hotels & castles for less than what you'd spend in the U.S. on a Hyatt or Hilton.