Trip to Visit Daughter Studying in Salzburg

Hi, have you been to other parts of Europe? There’s cheap Easy Jet type flights if you would like her to meet you at another European country to explore a new area together for your week. Of course, this opens up your options considerably, but it might be a nice chance for her to have a break from the Austria countryside & architecture with something different. Possibly Spain, Rome & area, or Greece for the best Spring weather.

What is she studying? Would she develop some interests before you get there, like the art at Melk Abbey? Personally, I would start farther away from places she might get to on her own during the study. Would some of you want to hike in the Black Forest? Have you been to other parts of Germany? (I don't care for Munich that much.)

You don't describe your means of travel for the week. If you're on a train anyway, you might as well go somewhere special. I have my doubts about "smaller Austrian towns." If there are any left (I mean, not redeveloped with postwar masonry townhouse sprawl ... ), I'd rather see two substantial places in one day, and not change hotels every night if it can be avoided. I like Czech Republic, and I'm sorry I didn't go to Prague earlier in my life. But travel there is time-consuming, and you need a more efficient destination, which description does apply to all of Germany.

As your daughter is studying in Salzburg she probably will have learned about the city much more than the average tourist. So I would take her advice what to visit in Salzburg off the beaten track.

Seven days are pretty short, given the long flights including jet lag etc. Traveling between multiple destinations is time consuming, no matter whether you go by car or public transport. I would reduce your visit to a second destination, and that is Vienna.

Personally, since everyone has been to Austria and Salzburg, I'd go for a cheap fligh to Italy. Your daughter has probably seen a lot of Austria already so if Italy is out then I'd go to Prague.

I would suggest that you fly to Budapestthe day you arrive for 3 nights, train to Vienna for 4 nights and return home from Vienna. You can do a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna if you like. The lengths of stays are not ideal but you'll get the flavor of both cities.

Thanks everyone for the feedback - sorry for the late reply - was traveling for holidays. To answer some questions, We have already been to France, Switzerland, Black Forest and Italy, - I think we are very strongly leaning towards Salzburg, Vienna and Prague. I know it may be a lot of stuff in a short time but really want to see Prague and don't want to miss Vienna. Right now thinking we will fly into Salzburg to meet daughter and explore there, then go to Vienna , then Prague and fly home from there (she would go back to Salzburg). If you have specific itinerary, lodging or food things for any of those places that would be great. not sure yet if we are renting a car or doing the train. Any advice on that would be great too. Possibly hoping we can see Hallstadt but think a car may be necessary for that? For the suggestion on Budapest - some of my initial research recommended Prague over Budapest since Prague is smaller and has more fairly tale charm - but if you have some insight into Budapest that would be great. Also - I definitely want to go to Salzburg again to experience it with her so that most likely is a required stop.
Thanks - I love these forums for all the helpful advice!

So it seems a lot of my family is suggesting that instead of doing Prague we should concentrate solely on Austria - they think the trip to Prague is too much in our 7 days. Any other suggestions for towns, attractions between Salzburg and Vienna? Most likely would start in Salzburg and fly out of Vienna in this plan. It would be the week before Easter - last day being Easter. And in this scenario we are ok if we need to get a car to travel to hidden gems. Thanks.