Looking for a destination in Europe for summer 2004. Have been to Italy and France already. Would like something that is not so expensive. Thanks.

Hi,

How about Albania?

Albania is still struggling to emerge from its totalitarian past. Not a good destination even if it is cheap. However the previous poster was not far off the mark. The former communist states are cominng into vogue. My vote would go to Croatia: sophisticated people, bags od history, magnificant scenery, great weather and very inexpensive cost of living. Great hotels at very reasonable prices. Go on give it a go.

Some suggestions:

Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia....

Is Spain different enough from Italy and France???i

We really enjoyed Amsterdam.
Also hope to go to Portugal, SPain or Scotland soon.

Spain is much different than France and Italy. It is a very large country with much diverisity. The Pueblos Blancos area in Andalusia is beautiful and reasonably inexpensive. You will find that the larger cities are more expensive than the small towns.

You may want to consider Austria. Around Salzburg there are many private zimmers that you can stay in for 13-20 Euro a night per person. If you have a car you can just drive around the neighboring hills until you find a charming house with a zimmer sign in front and rent a room. This gives you a wonderful feel of how the Austrians live and the people are extremely friendly. Hallstatt, Asutria is one of the most beautiful places in Austria and it has many private zimmers right on the lake. Reutta, Austria was also fantastic! We stayed in a very nice hotel right outside the town for $50 euro a night.
I am leaving soon for Hungary and in my research I have found that it is inexpensive and interesting.
I will be going to Turkey in May of next year and it is also very inexpensive compared to many destinations in Europe.

Happy trails!

Ira: What does your troll-detector radar say?

I loved Spain and its nothing like France or Italy. But, after going to Turkey, that would be my first suggestion. Its beautiful, exotic, cheap, great food and great shopping. The tourist sites are incredible and the people are the nicest we've met anywhere. This summer we went to Poland and I have to tell you it was wonderful. Very inexpensive and some incredible sites.