I am traveling to Europe the first week of November for 10 days. I'm going alone to experiment to see how inexpensive I can do this for so that I can see if I can take my wife and two kids next spring on somewhat of a budget for 3 weeks.

I just bought my airfare with 1800FlyEurope.com/AutoEurope.com from Greensboro to Amsterdam for $590 taxes included and I am getting a rental car through the same place for $330 for 7 days. I know nothing about this company, so I will let you know what I think of everything after I complete the trip. I have stayed at the Hotel Schiphol A4 this past summer for 75€ per night (abt. $90) and it was very nice, so I will be there my first night. I'm going to take a try at some hostels. My goal is to visit Brussels, Colmar (France), Zurich, Innsbruck, Mittenwald (Germany) and if time permits, Prague too. I know that this sounds like a whirlwind trip, but I'm testing the waters and just enjoying driving through some European scenery. I will share the remainder of my expenses here once I get back.

Does anyone have any suggestions of places to stay and places to eat. I was in Luxembourg this past summer and stopped to get gas and they had a little deli in the Esso station and I got a sandwich for 2.20€ (abt. $2.40) that was great. I'm looking for things like this and cheap, but clean places to sleep. I want to keep my hotel and food under $100 per day.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions.

To answer THIS post, others would likely want to read your earlier post:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34692173

I actually think you are going about this all wrong. This "scouting" trip will eat up all the money that would make the difference between your family's traveling in rather extreme "do-without" and "comfortably budget".

Given that you have been able to find airfare for four people at $350 each (from the Carolinas) to Amsterdam, you haven't found a very good fare at $590 for November for the same route. November ought to be cheaper than April with diligent bargain hunting.

And your expense of car rental for four is reasonable, but for yourself it's rather wasteful, financially.

<i>Ideas</i> can only go so far in getting more for your money; your <i>actions</i> are robbing from your spring trip to pay for this &quot;learning experience&quot;.

Research is the key to laying out a plan for economical lodging and meals. I'm all <i>for</i> driving around the countryside for whatever horizon expanding it can do for you. But it has little to do with budgetary planning for a trip with your family just six months away.

Best wishes,

Rex

&quot;I am traveling to Europe the first week of November for 10 days. I'm going alone to experiment to see how inexpensive I can do this for so that I can see if I can take my wife and two kids next spring on somewhat of a budget for 3 weeks.&quot;

I am a woman, a wife, a mother. You are going alone on a fun bachelor trip leaving your family behind. Do you think you have a chance to find you family where you left off?

I left something out. I'm going to Luxembourg on business. I get $1500 of travel expenses by my company.

Okay, Merlix, that makes a big difference and may get you off the hook with outraged wives/mothers everywhere (though if you were my hubby you would still have some &quot;splaining&quot; to do as I think Rex's comments are spot on).

Having said all that I think you have a good idea there with the roadside eatery thing. The UK is the exception (most of their roadside food is pretty dreadful) but most of Europe has done some really neat stuff with their gas station eateries. In Italy and in Portugal, I was really impressed with the cost/quality ratio for roadside food. Much better than in most North American fast-food/gas/service complexes.

If you really want to plan ahead and scout but not actually STAY in the places you will later take your wife/kids, check out two low price alternatives: hostels and religious-affiliated institutions. Plain and simple and in November, relatively student-free therefore not too noisy (the hostels, that is, the monasteries are not known for their rowdiness!).

Interesting idea,this reconnoitering; maybe you are crazy-like-a-fox...

I'm still having trouble with the concept that one person taking an extra 10 day trip driving solo around Europe would somehow magically turn up amazing ways to save on the next trip with the family, but whatever...

If you want to keep your expenses low stay at hostels and eat from the grocery store. Read up on how backpackers and students do it at Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Let's Go, etc.

Personally I just don't get it. You are going, you finally say, on a business trip. Then you are going to spend the rest of the time travelling around to see how you can save money when you take your family to Europe in spring.

Merlix, you must have a very easy going wife. It wouldn't go over well with me, nor any other woman I know.

And from a financial viewpoint your idea does not make sense IMO.