Spain vs Central Europe
 

Hi everyone!

I am going to be studying abroad in Madrid for a month this summer. Afterward, I will be going on a trip with family or friends in Europe for around 10 days. Would y'all recommend a trip through the rest of Spain (Barcelona, Granada, etc), or instead going to Central Europe--we are thinking Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Last year, I went to London, Paris, Florence, Venice, and Rome, and loved all of it. I have wanted to go to Switzerland since I was a little girl, but since I am already going to be in Madrid, I feel it may be more convenient for us to tour Spain. What are your thoughts?

We will probably be going in late July/early August. Whether or not I'm going to be traveling with my friends or family is TBD. We are a family of 4, ages 16, 19, and parents in early 40s. Family's thoughts on this are open.

We spent two weeks in Prague (5 nights), Vienna (3 nights), and Budapest (5 nights and absolutely loved it...especially Prague and Budapest. Each is approximately 3 hours apart by train. We talked about returning to Budapest (best kept travel secret there might be), but opted this year to go to Spain and Portugal.

It will be VERY hot in southern Spain in the middle of summer, I would go elsewhere. Of course, it may be hot in central Europe too, but with luck not as hot. However, I would urge you to visit Granada for the Alhambra while you are in Madrid - an easy weekend trip.

Yes, Spain will be hot as hell - except for the Atlantic coast, which is where Spaniards who can go in the summer. Switz would be lovely that time of year but will be MUCH more expensive than either Spain or the US.

How does budget affect your choice here?

Since Switzerland is your childhood dream and - as the others mentioned - the weather in Spain might not be the most comfortable, I'd go for it.

Try having a look at temperature averages for that time of the year and see what you think before you make a decision.

Happy travels! :)

You will find two European cultures with more different temperament and cultures than Spain and Switzerland.