Most Bang for the Buck
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to Europe this
summer and have not decided which country or countries to visit. We expect to travel 12-15 days
and would like to split the time between a major
city and the countryside. Can anyone tell me in which countries does the American dollar buy you the
most ?
I would especially like to know how (in)expensive
Germany, Austria, Switzerland are.

Mindy I don't think the dollar goes that far over there. All countries I have been to are pretty close. I am in Europe 4 times a year visiting my family. Germany and Austria are great choices. I just loved Austria Vienna and Salzburg are fantastic. So I say just go and have a great time.

The American dollar is about 20 per cent stronger against the currencies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland than it was one year ago. But this is not saying much because all are overvalued against the dollar. The least overvalued ( about 5 per cent) is the Deutschmark. If I were you, I would head for Germany with its great variety of scenery, its interesting cities, its economical small towns, its superb transport facilities, and its friendly attitudes toward Americans who behave themselves. Even the Germans no longer go on holiday in Switzerland because it is too expensive.

If you're looking for bang for your buck, you need to either travel off season in the countries you mentioned or be a little more adventuresome. My recommendations for great value are Turkey and Portugal. I went to Portugal last year and Turkey several years ago (after hitting all the more traditional European venues in years past). Both were remarkably inexpensive, partucularly if spend a little time researching the trip (which is half the fun). Granted, I was a little hesitant to travel to Turkey, like many Americans. But my hesitation was unfounded and it was the best trip I have ever taken. I plan on returning next year. Portugal was also very enjoyable. It was nice to travel in comfort (and sometimes luxury)on a modest budget.

Mindy, head for Central Europe, Budapest and Prague while they are quickly catching up with the rest of Europe they are still great cities for great value and still have an old world charm .You can base your self in Vienna and float down the Danube to Budapest, take the train to Prague and back to Vienna.

We love Germany and go there frequently. Fly to Frankfurt, get a car and head to Rothenburg. Drive down the Romantic road and end up in Bavaria. Visit Garmisch, Bertchesgaden, Salzburg and the small towns in between. Can eve slip into Austria. If you want good hotels, etc., Email me and I will send some good Band B choices. Use a car though. Easier to make the small towns and fun stops.