Hi ... I am going on a late summer vacation in early September. It will probably just be my girlfriend and myself. We are both in our late 20s.

I am hoping to visit a place that has the following:

1. Interesting Culture, but not strange to the point that we will not be safe or spend the trip sick.

2. Impressive Topography. We live in Florida and are pretty bored with flat land and would love to visit a place that really makes you say "wow".

3. Budget Travel. Perhaps a little difficult...but, it would be nice to go to a place where you can live in luxury, but not pay millionaire prices.

4. Not Too Busy: I have heard that much of Europe is really busy this time of year. I dont mind busy urban areas when we are sight seeing, but it would be nice to have an escape to a remote beach, etc..


So far we have considered:

1. Greece
2. England/Scotland
3. Spain
4. Italy
5. Switzerland


I/we are open to just about any place in the world as long as travel is possible with one of the major airliners. Thanks for your suggestions. I really intend to go to one of the places that one of the frequent "Fodor's" users recommends.

--Bryan

Bryan, want to save a buck? Do Croatia. Dalmation Coast. Beaches, mountains, lakes, European culture without European prices. Absolutely beautiful country.

http://www.croatia.hr/English/DidYouKnow/Croatia.aspx

oops and PS there are many Croatian trip reports here. Do a search and read up!

I'm going to say Switzerland because it is not as expensive as people believe, and you never need a car to see the best parts. And it couldn't be more different from Florida or any other beachy destination.

If you use this message board, people here can give you detailed tips about saving money on rail trips and cable cars, lodgings and eats, and you could have the best of the spectacular mountains and lakes.

Do the Swiss have an interesting culture?

No, not really.

I've been to the Mosel many times and still say "wow".

http://www.mosel-reisefuehrer.de/mos...ightsengl.html

Nice weather in September. Doubles run 40-80 Euros typically in the river villages. Lots of wineries, Roman relics, medieval castles. Culture revolves around the wine, life is slower and more traditional in this region than elsewhere in Germany. Plenty of solitude if you want to bike along the river or take a hike to a lookout. Trier and Koblenz are the larger cities, both worth a visit; Cologne and Mainz are nearby.

Hi,

I'd suggest Bavaria and Austria. They fit the interesting culture, Wow! topography, gorgeous villages and some great cities. Just missing the remote beach. It can be done quite reasonable also. We usually spend about 50 to 60 Euro in a pension with nice rooms, buffet breakfasts and spectacular views.

Our recent pic's are at:

www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/index.html

www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/travel11.html

Paul

Thanks for the suggestions for the cities recommended, so far! I am checking out pictures of each place right now.