hi Rick and Seth - I'd like to offer an enthusiastic and alternative view of the classic Arthur Frommer Europe on $5 a day. We followed it from Italy to France in the late 70s (on Eurail passes), and the journey was pure spontaneity and surprise. Why? Imagine the pensiones, tiny inns and offbeat dwellings (like the nunnery) where we stayed. And the hosts - longtime locals, all - were full of ideas for points of interest, both well-known and off-the-beaten track.
Of course the book offered a great way to plan in the pre-internet days and helped us find accommodations within walking distance of the train stations. Amazingly we did keep to the $5/day limit, except for Florence and Paris. It was a fabulous trip!
Thanks for the great show! -- Virginia G.