Hi all! First time posting in this sub so hoping for some positive feedback!

I am looking at taking a business trip (I sell prints etc as a photographer) and I am 50/50 torn on where to travel to.

My business partner and I do a trips very often but wanted to go off the beaten path (for us) some. We have always dreamed of going to Iceland but also want to go to Switzerland and Italy too.

Neither of us are really well travelled with the exception of the US.

Costs are certainly a factor. We’re hoping to keep it under $5000 for a 10 day trip somewhere. We like to get off the beaten path but don’t mind a unique city either. We will definitely be driving quite a bit and have came down to these two locations.

I’ve priced some stuff out and they both seem like we could have a good experience and get our jobs done for about $5000 (flights, food, rental car, fuel). I believe this is about what it would cost to get to all the places we want to go. Seems like rental cars and fuel would be our biggest driving cost.

Given the 2 looking for some feedback as to where you think this sort of budget would best be spent. We’ve also considered some other places too but 80% of the places are outside of the US.

We do landscape photography so having dramatic landscapes is key to our trip.

My concerns with Iceland - I sort of don’t like the cold, IRS also has limitations for per diem expenses in this country that is approx $350 per day USD. I like the idea of the isolation and the landscapes are certainly no let down. I worry going in November 1-10th (our travel dates) would mean we have about 6 hours of light a day. I worry if it’s rainy (which it can be often) that we may just get skunked. We want to see the Northern lights etc. I would hate to be cooped up for 10 days in the rain/elements.

My concerns with Europe - costs, I read that Switzerland is the most expensive place In the world to travel to. Fuel prices are very high amongst basically anywhere else. I’m not sure how easy it is to get around, rent a car (usually a manual transmission but on the opposite side, I can drive stick but reverse sides NOT SURE). We want to cover a lot of ground so fuel costs I’m sure will add up. We would likely venture to places where public transport doesn’t go so I do feel a car for some period of time is necessary. We wanted to make our way to Italy too. Looking for tips on how to have a great time on a budget here too.

Any feedback or travel tips to these places is recommended. I’d love to hear what you would do in my shoes.