Toulouse? Bordeaux? Madrid? Berlin?

Or go outside the EU and benefit from the exchange rate- Istanbul?

Hi, Judy. I just checked FLL to Vienna and return from Zurich for $772. It's not what it would have been last year, but it's good and open jaws will permit you to see more for less time. We did two Christmases in snow in that part of the world and loved them. Once we stayed in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the other time we stayed in Salzburg. Day trips were wonderful--Oberaummergau, Ludwig's castles from GAP, and Kitzbuhl and Vienna from Salzburg. You could also fly into Munich and leave from Vienna or vice versa.

Lodging and food can be extremely reasonable in those areas. I have trip reports that I'll try to find and send in a separate post. Any idea yet how much time you'll be spending and which months?

I'd pick the southern coast of Spain. Things to see and do and the weather isn't too bad.

Although the snow in Germany/Austria can be magical at that time of year, another place that we've come to enjoy in winter is Barcelona. We've done two trips there in February and found the weather about perfect for walking around and even sometimes dining outside for lunch under heat lamps. I'll look for those reports as well.

Here's URL for Salzburg trip report:
(hope it works)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34731978

Hi Judyrem: For what it's worth my vote would be Germany also. Don't know exactly when you will be going but in my opinion what's a little rain/snow and cold, you're on holiday. If you have a desire to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber and want to stay in a castle, below is a link to a nice one not far from Rothenburg, we stayed there for 2 nights last year and enjoyed it very much. Our room was tiny but nice, well maintained and super clean, they have a restaurant that is very good and the view is beautiful. Here's the link if you're interested:

http://www.burg-colmberg.de

We leave 12.3.2008 for 2 weeks in Germany. Can't wait to visit the Christmas markets, just magical, the smells or wursts and gluhwine await.

Have a wonderful trip,
Susan

Suspaul, that looks wonderful! Thanks for the link! Julie, dear, how ARE you? I am so glad to hear from you! I loved your Provence dinner you had for us! I still talk about it! You are the best cook and hostess. Can I email you? I think I would like to do 3 days in Vienna, train to Munich, and there day trip to a few places. I do want to do Rothenberg and Salzburg. I do not know why I did not do Germany sooner....it looks WONDERFUL. John wanted to DO other parts of Europe first, and now wants to do Germany/Austria. Lincasnova, that sounds just the thing. And Poconolady, that was a great airfare. Sheila, we have been to Istanbul and liked it very much.

Judy, please feel free to e-mail me. I can supply here if you don't still have my address. We'd love to show you video of whatever places you decide upon--or that you're considering to help you decide. Val has a new Blue Ray super high definition camera that makes everything look fantastic.

Thanks, Julie, I appreciate that!