Let's see - we started planning nearly a year ago and saving money too. We didn't want to be (1) looking for a place to sleep every night and (2) spending time driving everywhere. So, we arranged lodging at several places along the way where we'll stay for a few to several days.

First stop - Friesland, Holland, then Aerdenhout, Holland and on to Fenffe, Belgium. Then Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland for a week of enjoying the Alps. Then Burgau, Germany and finally on to Budapest, Hungary.

A few days after Budapest are just hanging open - time to get back to the airport in Cologne, Germany by whatever route we choose. We'll be REAL European travelers by that time - nearly 30 days!

That's quite an itinerary but we think we're prepared. After all, how difficult can traveling with two boys (10 and 12 years) be?