Choices and Cost: UK, Switzerland, or Austria

George: You're probably not going for the weather, right? Austria/Germany/Switzerland in February/March will be a bit cold. Let's see what other people say about the cost of London vs Switzerland vs Austria. I'm under the impression that your dollar would go farther in Germany, then Austria--although the way the dollar has fallen against the euro in the last 4 years, any western Europe travel has gotten way more expensive for those of paid in dollars than it was just a few years ago.

Austria isn't necessarily a budget option, but Switzerland is, by far, the most expensive country in Europe. I've hear Vienna is pretty expensive, but the Tyrol is marginally cheaper than the Bavarian Alps, and orders of magnitude less than the Swiss Alps.

I'd vote for Austria!

I'm not sure there are any budget options right now, but Switzerland is extremely expensive. Given the choices, I'd say Austria would give you the best value. And the Alps at Innsbruck are every bit as gorgeous as those in Switzerland. Salzburg isn't far from the German-Austrian border and gives you the option of a day trip to Bavaria.

If you desire to go to the UK, I suggest go to the UK. London is an expensive city, generally, but there are some decent hotels in London that are not very expensive, and the prices may be lower in the winter. Read about London hotels in the book "Rick Steves' Great Britain". Austria is the least expensive of those countries, but Vienna is very expensive. In any of those countries, in late February or March 8, the sky could be covered with dark clouds, and there could be rain or snow, and London is likely to have a gray fog and cold wet air. But London has plenty of things to see inside buildings where the air is warm and dry. And humorous English people could help you and your family members to be in a good mood. And, flying to London during the winter can be less expensive than flying to London in other seasons.

I would suggest a few days in Munich and the on to Salzburg. We did this trip in February and the snow and the scenery was magnificent. Zurich has as much charm as a dirty ashtray.

Hi,
Another "vote" for Austria. Austria can be quite reasonable if you choose to stay outside of major cities. I also think Bavaria is reasonable. Look into staying in the Berchtesgaden area instead of Salzburg, Hall in Tirol instead of Innsbruck, etc., Mittenwald in Bavaria is a favorite of ours also. If you'd like any recommendations on inexpensive Pensions, etc. in these area's, feel free to ask.

Paul

Generally speaking the former Eastern part of Europe is cheaper than the West. Prague and Budapest spring to mind. However, interestingly Berlin is one of the most "affordable" metropolis' in all of Europe. A few weeks ago I bought business partners dinner at a very good Italian restaurant there. 3-course meal for all the 5 of us, beers, a few bottles of wine and even coffe afterwards. The total bill was just over €100, which converts to $145 or so. A moderate lunch is around €8-15, regular dinner €15-20. A pint of beer is €2.50 on average. Middle class hotel rooms in good locations are around €60 per room per night.

Have you considered Slovenia - just southeast of Austria? It's definitely off season (other than skiing). Even though Slovenia is EU and on the Euro, the prices are quite reasonable. Also, Sorrento, Italy, in November, was very nice - definitely cool, but enjoyable - Pompeii and Amalfi Coast without the crowds. That time of year isn't particularly expensive - even with exchange. Also, outside of London would be less expensive.

Austria! It has always been less expensive and still is. This past summer, we found lovely "zimmer frei" and pensions for 17 euros each. As previously said, stay on the outskirts of the cities. Lermoos is on the German/Austrian border with lots of accommodations. There are great views of the Zugspitze and it's close to Garmisch and Fussen. Switzerland is very expensive--even outside of the cities. Have fun!

Just back from Germany and Austria, both of which are less expensive than England and Switzerland. My favorite is England, but given the exchange rate now, I'd vote for Austria too.