[thescourged1]

If you've got the urge to visit Europe, visit our new friends there; i.e. Poland, Hungary, the Baltics, Romania, etc. More bang for your buck and the people like Americans.
True, there's no Louvre or Dutch dope cafes, but what the heck?

[baggadonuts]

I'm with you. I have spent a great deal of time in Eastern Europe and have enjoyed every country I have visited. Like you said, travelling to Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary to name a few spots are incredibly economical options. You will be welcomed with open arms. As far as the sights go, Warsaw, Prague, Krakow and Budapest boast some of the mostincredible churches, museums and historical sights in all of Europe. If you want to go skiing but want to forget about the Alps, try the Tatra Mountains. For example http://www.tanap.sk/skiing/hrebienok.jpg - Great slopes for half the price. Zakopane in Poland or Resort Hrebienok in Slovakia are great choices.