Where shall we go?

What time of year? Who are "we" (including ages of children if any)? What are your interests? If you've traveled to Europe previously, where have you been?

I'd give bonus points to potential destinations that have comparatively high airfares from your home airport. No sense in spending this wildcard ticket on a cheap destination--which varies by origin but usually includes Dublin, London, and Paris.

Have you been to Europe before? If so, where? What are your interests? Cities, museums, beaches, food, countryside, mountains? Famous places or off the beaten path? There are so many options, it would be helpful to know about your interests.

I've traveled more extensively than my wife. We are planning on travelling in late Sept to early October and have been to London and southern coast of Britain, Paris, Madrid, Athens, Beijin, Sydney, Auckland (us), Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice(me). Grown children will not accompany us..

We had 10 days this year rather than the longer time we generally have. We chose Prague and Budapest. In planning, the timing is perfect! And its somewhere you've never been. We're flying into Prague, staying 3 nights, travelling to Cesky Krumlov for one night, then 6 nights in Budapest.

We went to Spain last year during that time - perfect weather and a beautiful & interesting country. There's lots of possible itineraries. Here's just an idea: You could fly into Madrid & immediately take the train (2 1/2 hours) to Sevilla for several days with some nice day trips. Then take the train back to Madrid for your final days and do a day trip to Toledo, etc.

We found Spain to be less expensive than other European countries.

Prague and/or Budapest would be my first suggestion.

A few ideas:

Portugal - probably the least expensive country in Western Europe, excellent food and wine, interesting cities (Lisbon and Porto), beaches (Algarve), Roman ruins, natural sights, castles, etc.

Provence - fly into Marseille or Nice. Should be great weather, not too hot, pre-Mistral. Amazing food and wine. Smaller cities with museums and sites (Avignon, Arles, Aix, etc.), outdoors things to do, small market towns, Roman ruins.

I'd join with some of the others and suggest a combination of Prague, Vienna, and/or Budapest. I wouldn't try to do all three without at least nine nights in Europe (which is what we did, and I wish we had more time for each). But if you had 7 or 8 nights, you could definitely do two out of the three. Just note that Vienna is geographically in between the others. Inter-city trains are fast and cheap. Would be a great trip.

First, start by being honest with yourself about critical things...

How many days will you really have? Count the actual, full, usable days - after you arrive in Europe, not including the days you arrive or depart (no matter what time your flights are)? Most people who haven't traveled much (or much recently) begin their planning with a huge mistake: "I've got two weeks off, so 14 days in Europe, wheeee!!" No, they don't. They ignore the realities of travel time, recovery time, etc. Usually that "two week trip" gives them about 10 or 11 usable days in Europe, depending on circumstances. So count carefully.

With your "7-9 day trip" (which could turn out to actually be 5-7 full, usable days), I'd pick no more that 2-3 locations, maximum.

Looks like you have been to some of Italy, but your wife never has been. There's the dilemma: would you mind suffering through a repeat of Italy and let your wife enjoy it for the first time? There are worse things in this world to suffer...

With no more than a week...at that time of year, I'd certainly consider Italy. Maybe fly in to Rome, do Rome, Florence, Venice, fly home from there. Late September/early October is a nice time for anywhere around the Mediterranean...

If I had the free airfare, Sicily would certainly be on my short list.