Schedule Europe Trip for
Best Seasons, Values
A journey to Europe is the
holiday of a lifetime.
Limitless sites and
attractions are waiting
throughout the continent. The
prices and the weather are the
major elements in deciding the
prime travel periods.
A good compromise is to
choose the period before and
after the busy summer season,
because the weather is mostly
good and prices are lower.
Southern Europe also offers a
nice experience in the winter,
with reasonably mild weather.
If nice weather is
important to you, the winter
is one of the worst times to
see northern Europe. Gray, wet
and cold weather is common
December through February. And
daylight is in short supply,
so evenings will be spent
primarily indoors.
However, winter travel
offers the best prices. Italy
or Greece would be good
choices if you are limited to
a winter vacation.
There are some other
benefits to winter travel.
Winter festivals and New
Year's are exciting times in
Europe. Cities such as Paris
are beautiful when decorated
for the Christmas holidays.
New Year's eve in Paris is
exciting, with parties,
festivals and night life.
Several other countries have
holiday events and festivals
as well.
The biggest benefit of
winter travel is that you will
see fewer other tourists. Your
experience will be more
authentic, seeing European
life without the crush of
people.
Early spring finds most of
Europe still chilly and wet,
especially in the north, so
streets are uncrowded. Though
not great for swimming, the
weather is fine for outdoor
tours and sightseeing.
Budget-minded travelers will
like the cheaper prices for
airfare and hotels.
May and June are among the
best months to visit most
European countries. The
weather is warm on most of the
continent and it's still
uncrowded. There are a variety
of festivals and cultural
events throughout Europe in
May and June. Because the
tourist season hasn't started
into full swing yet, you can
get good deals on
accommodations and plane fare.
An added benefit is few lines
at most tourist attractions
and plenty of room on tours
and in restaurants.
Once schools let out,
Europe quickly becomes
crowded. The summer months are
very busy and hotels get
booked quickly. Because of the
demand, everything is more
expensive in the summer.
Tourist destinations are very
crowded and you will wait in
lines at many attractions.
Northern Europe, with its
good weather and smaller
crowds, would be a good option
for summer travel. Whatever
season you choose, there are
more than enough attractions
to provide a great European
holiday.
About The Author
Glynnis Farrow writes for
the Europe site, YO Europe.
Register for the Europe ezine
at http://yoeurope.com.
