Hi all, I will have 1.5 to 2 weeks off in Europe (as part of my vacation). My days off are Dec 20th to Jan 1. So not counting travel days , that's 10 full days if I arrive the 21st, and leave the 1st. I am a solo traveler in my 20s. I love Europe during Christmas time (went to Berlin and Prague/Vienna during Christmas). I actually also wanted to do a 2 day stopover in Iceland, so that's 8 full days aside from Iceland.
I definitely wouldn't mind revisiting a place (in particular, I'd want to see more parts of Germany, France), and I also heard Budapest is AMAZING. One idea I had was to do Budapest and revisit Prague or Vienna. I'd probably only have time for 2 out of the 3 in 8 full days. Another option was Munich for Neuschwanstein castle, Salzburg or Innsbruck for the Christmas markets, or Colmar/Alsace region in general.
Any advice for making a decision? Budget isn't a concern for me and does not factor into my decision making.
Here are my considerations:
- Budapest (which I haven't been to before) + 1 of Prague/Vienna as a repeat trip. I heard Budapest is an amazing place to be in your 20s, but might be dead during Christmas? Want to experience Ruin pubs
- Salzburg, Innsbruck (to explore more of Austria and heard Xmas markets are great, not sure what else there is to do)
- Alsace region of France/Germany (I did go to Strasbourg in Autumn before and felt bored after a day, but maybe I could explore other parts like Riquewihr)
- Munich, like I mentioned because of the castle and xmas markets
- Random Switzerland train trip (been to Switzerland in the summer, not winter), maybe Bernina express?
I am currently leaning Budapest + Vienna or Prague, but would like to hear opinions or other recommendations.