Same here! Spain, or in second place, Portugal. The dollar is quite strong now against the peseta; in fact, it's at an all time high, so a great time to take advantage of very low prices for lodging and meals. There are so many wonderful little B&Bs in the Spanish countryside now that are part of the "agroturismo" program, and they're amazingly inexpensive. Also, don't be afraid of the south in May! Temps don't soar to 40 C in Seville until the summer (then watch out!). The average temp in Seville in May is a most pleasant 70 F. While I don't know that NWA flys to Madrid, they must have an affiliate or code-share with another airline that does.

<BR>Portugal and Spain, especially for budget minded travelers. You won't regret going, especially Portgal. Normally, I'd recommend Italy too, but 2000 will be very hectic over there for the Jubilee (even tho we're going!)

Amsterdam in tulip season is hard to beat.

I lived in Europe for almost 7 years and have been to most of the places that have been discused. I'm also your kind of traveler. I've always chosen to stay at private homes when possible. I just came back from Hungary and the Check Republic (2 weeks). I loved Italy when I was there but the comment re 2000 was a good one. I loved my trip to central Europe especially Hungary. The two most beautiful cities that I've seen in Europe where Salzburg Austria and Budapest Hungary.

Hi again, <BR>I was looking over the posts and re-read your original message. For a really unusual shopping (and photography) opportunity, I'd mention Amsterdam again...on April 29 next year is the Vrijmarkt, a sort of national flea market/garage sale/street festival day combined with the Queen's birthday. Everything is orange, the bakers' and sweet shops amazing with orange confections..it's a hoot.

John, <BR>Does this take place every year? <BR>

As far as I know, yes.

...and the count, so far, is: <BR> <BR>Spain- 8 <BR>Italy- 7 <BR>UK/Scotland- 2 <BR>Czech Rep- 2 <BR>Amsterdam- 2 <BR>Spain/Portugal- 1 <BR>Tie Spain/Italy- 1 <BR> <BR>So, what do you think, Turnip?

What do I think? I think I'm more confused now than ever before!!! <BR> <BR>First I need to do some research on Spain it would seem. For some reason it doesn't pop into my head when I think of "Europe" vacation. Perhaps it gets written off as being to much like Mexico. I'll do some homework to see what can be found. <BR> <BR>Second, I need to find out if the whole "Italy Jubilee overcrowding" thing is for real or just hype. Italy seems to be somewhat expensive which in reality would be perfect for this trip because we'll save big on airfare. However the idea of going everywhere sandwiched between thousands of other tourists isn't very attractive. *SIGH* <BR> <BR>What about just hitting the sights quickly in the big cities and allowing for even more time in the out of the way spots? Hmmmm.... <BR> <BR>Anyway I'm delighted with the number of responses I've received. Please, please, please don't stop weighing in with your fabulous insights and suggestions. I appreciated them all. <BR> <BR>Thanks again!

If it were me, I'd probably go to the Loire Valley for 3 - 4 days, and spend a few days in Paris soon, or maybe go to Venice for Carnivale, and spend a few days in Tuscany/Florence, in Feb. There should not be big crowds then. Venice will be crowded for Carnevale, but it is something to see, Florence should not be crowded at all.

Spain is not at all like Mexico. Not at all. Much more like Italy or Greece than Mexico!

Hi, <BR> <BR>Have you considered Norway? Norway in the springtime is beautiful. Norway celebrate the national day the 17th of May, so that would be a good time to visit. I don't think you will ever experience anything like that celebration in any other country. Check out these webpages about Norway: <BR>http://www.tourist.no/ <BR>www.norway.org <BR>http://www.gonorway.no/index3.html <BR>http://www.norwegian-scenery.com/ <BR>http://www.touristguide.no/index_en.shtml <BR>By the way, NWA flies to Oslo, Norway. <BR> <BR>Kaja <BR>

If anyone out there thinks Spain is alot like Mexico they need to think again. Trust me on this, I've been to Mexico many times and have also traveled in Spain, there is no way the two are alike .. even the Spanish spoken is different.

My vote goes to Tuscany in Italy--absolutely beautiful and the people are great. Visit the little towns. I'd definitely make a day out of places like Florence, Siena and Assisi. And Rome, of course! <BR>

Ireland. Beautiful in the Spring. Not crowded. Relaxing, no problems with language. Kindness abounding. Ruins you can actually get into w/o barriers. History flowing. Beautiful pottery. Beautiful people. Believable ghost stories. Green as far as the eye can see. You will come home relaxed and not HURRIED. <BR> <BR>Don't know about NWA getting you there, perhaps there is some codeshare thing you can do.

Italy. Haven't been to Spain, so don't know about that. Yes, check out the jubilee crowd thing, but it seems that Tuscany would be big enough to get a little lost in. sigh...

Italy. Haven't been to Spain, so don't know about that. Yes, check out the jubilee crowd thing, but it seems that Tuscany would be big enough to get a little lost in. sigh...

Netherlands in April! Take a bike trip through the tulip fields (and elsewhere). Very easy cycling; very scenic countryside and towns. And Amsterdam is great! If you like the idea of a giant street party, be there for the Quenn's Birthday at the end of the month. <BR>Add Belgium and its beautiful old towns if you are staying more than a week.

I would go to Spain. I live in Mexico and agree with those fodorites who say that Spain is not like Mexico. Two very different countries with a common past. <BR> <BR>Both regions suggested are great, Andalucia and Catalunya, each with its very special people, landscape and even dialect (or language, not to offend anybody). <BR> <BR>By the way, I hope that you guys are so convinced that Mexico is different from Spain due to your knowledge of your southern neighbour.

My wife and I are going to France and Italy in May. We had no trouble getting hotel or car reservations in Rome. We will have 7 days total in Italy: 4 in Tuscany, 3 in Rome. Yes, Rome will be crowded...but it will also be putting its best foot forward. They've been working for years to get ready for 2000, so I'm willing to put up with a few crowds. I've waited for two hours for a two-minute roller coaster ride, so I figure I can stand in line to see St. Peters, Vatican Museums, etc. The key...I think, would be to devote a good chunk of time to the countryside. Most of the Jubilee pilgrims are interested in one thing--Rome. And, from what I've heard, the Italian countryside is the REAL attraction. So..my vote is for Tuscany/Umbria, with side trips to Florence and Rome. <BR> <BR>Have fun and keep us posted!!