Originally Posted by
Thunderroad
2. Combining Krakow (rather than Vienna) with Budapest and Prague could be a bit logistically difficult, given the lengthier train travel in that triangle as opposed to Budapest-Vienna-Prague. Also, for better and fewer flight connections on the way back to the U.S. we'd probably be better off flying from Prague than Krakow even though Budapest-Krakow-Prague makes for an even longer triangle by train. Does getting around the three by plane offer easy, relatively cheap options?
Plenty of options. Smartwings, Skyeurope, WizzAir, all have routes in the region, or you can try and find one of the sale fares on OK or MA.
If you haven't bought your ticket from the US yet (and you can get to NYC), I'd fly Czech Airlines NYC-PRG-BUD- (open jaw) KRK/VIE-PRG (stopover)-NYC, and bridge it with a cheapo one-way on Wizz or Skyeurope.
Stopovers should be free on most fares, and you get what probably is the best service in Europe in both classes (though the longhaul business class seat is way outdated).
Originally Posted by
Thunderroad
6. Am I correct in assuming that Krakow would be a lot cheaper than Vienna?
I think the touristy things will cost you about the same, but you can avoid them if you go a little outside of the normal tourist locations/activities (e.g. you may be able to save a lot of money by staying in a hotel a couple of km outside the historical centre).