Winter 09-10

[DReicht]

Hi everyone!

I'm a college student who has a serious interest in traveling. Following my coming fall semester, which ends in the middle of December, I'm interested in traveling abroad (mostly for food). Unfortunately, my travel experience is limited solely to the U.S. and I've only been out of the country once, to Rome. I'm looking for some guidance from you guys. I would love to travel to SE Asia, but airfare is far too much.

BTW What is up with obscenely low tickets to Europe for the coming winter season? Around $500 round trip to London or Paris? I realize the global economy is down, but I still see tickets for around $1-3k, and then really low priced oddballs.

My other interests are Eastern Europe, France, England/Scotland/Ireland or maybe even Spain. What I'm really interested in is food. What is a good place to spend about a month in, that is traveler friendly (read: hostels), has cheap food available (street food?) and will not break my bank?

I will be traveling with another person most likely, a female.
Budget of about $2000 including travel fair.

Thanks a ton!