My oldest graduates next May and we’ve never been to Europe. Should we plan on our own or use a tour service? I wasn’t sure where to start researching. Need to pick a country first - which European countries are the least expensive & which are the most? Looking for a great trip for a family of 5 - have discussed Spain, Greece & Italy. Thank you !!

Just quick -- very few tours are compatible for both teens and senior citizens. It is really easy to plan things yourselves.

You can fit most any country into a reasonable budget. 'In general' the most expensive countries are Switzerland and Scandinavia but even in those areas there are ways to economize. And 'in general' the cheapest places are Greece, Portugal and some central / eastern European countries but even in those, there are ways you can blow a budget

Since you are wide open -- I'd suggest you get a couple of guidebooks to help you decide which country/s

Hi, I see you posted a similar topic earlier this year: Best countries to visit for first time traveling abroad?

Some of the responses there may guide you further.

But really, you need to start with the "where" before you can go any further.

And keep it simple. The more you move, the more it costs you. So, if you decide a trip that may be a combination of cities (i.e. London and Paris) make sure it is an itinerary that makes sense to combine (London and Paris, makes sense). Something like Rome and Oslo really does not, for instance - and would cost you.

You received more than 30 responses on the thread Travel_Nerd linked - yet never bothered to return to it so I'm not all that hopeful

I would caution you that Spain, Greece and Italy get very hot mid-summer. You may wish to consider locations further north. Once you have some ideas, borrow some of Rick Steves books from your local library (or purchase them.) He has very good advice for first time travelers.