Driving from Budapest to Prague, by way of Slovakia or Austria?

It would be logistically better to go via Austria. You can do little detour and see Halstatt and then on your way to Prague visit Cesky Krumlov (and of course many less known picturesque villages). On the way back to Budapest you can do some detour through Slovakia. Be aware that car is a big hassle in Budapest, Vienna, Prague.

I think the route you are looking for is Budapest to the two Slovakian Banska Towns to the Grand Kempinsky High Tatras to Brno to Cesky Krumlov to Prague. If that fits your idea maybe I can help with the stops and sights along the way. Very Excellent and beautiful tour. As for people, the Hungarians, including those in Budapest, are among the most kind and generous I have ever met.

Very interesting James. Sounds like a plan I'd like. The whole middle of our 3 week trip is open. We usually have it nailed down better than this. Have revised our thinking. First thought Vienna and Hallstatt were a must, but now not so much. Must spend some time in Germany because my son-in-law has a friend who will be there for a week, but he hasn't booked his flight yet. I probably forgot to say that we will be in Europe from May 29 thru June 18.

Sherry, this route through Slovakia is one of my favorites. We head that way from Budapest to go fishing every few years. I can be some help from Budapest to just west of Poprad. Then pick up again with Cesky Krumlov and some of the castles between Cesky and Prague. The actual link between western Slovakia and Brno I haven't done.

I will send you some notes in the next few days.

For your research:
Great places in Slovakia along your way
Two great old mining towns: banska stiavnica and banska bystrica and (guess what banska means)
Three amazing castles: Spiš Castle, Orava Castle, Bojnice Castle
One fantastic Hotel in the Tatra Mountains: Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras
And interesting city with a fortress on a hill: Bratislava

Great places in Czech Republic along your way
Brno, the next great European tourist discovery
Cesky Krumlov
Karlštejn Castle

Sounds totally appealing! Am scoping out hotels a little less pricey than the Grand Kempinski. Area looks wonderful.. And my son-in-law loves to fish. I mean loves to fish. Do you need a license? Is the fishing good in June? You helpful seasoned travelers are a delight!

I am actually in northern CA fishing this weekend, but when I get home I will post the fishing details. On the opposite side of the lake from the Kempinski is a very nice, but somewhat cheaper, hotel. Remember, by being there in June the rooms are heavily discounted as this is a ski resort.

"Seasoned"? You mean heavily salted?

There have been known to be some rather well-salted responses here...

I love you guys.