I’m planning on visiting Italy, France, and England….when is the best time to go?

My friend and I want to spend a few weeks backpacking through Europe. Originally, we were going to go to several different countries (England, France, Germany, etc). But now people are telling us we should just focus our time in two or three countries. We’ve never been to Europe, so we’re pretty torn. Suggestions from anyone with personal experience?

I’m currently thinking Spain, but I’m also looking at England, Germany, and France.

And by cheap, I mean both airfare and general cost of living.