Best destinations for winter

You are from MN -- you must be used to cold weather! Actually, you might have some unexpectedly warm days. Things most likely won't be blooming (though I have seen flowers blooming in February in Ireland), but I would say it's still very much worth the trip. Anyway, if she's making a job change it might be awhile before you can go anywhere. I'd say go ahead and go in February.

Why not try to catch one of the great Canivals for Mardi Gras in Italy or Nice. Ok at last minute lodging might be hard to find but the parades and carnivals are worth the hassel.

My thoughts: Paris-always worth it, but it will biting cold, bring and wear a heavy coat. Expect rain, focus on inside activities and eating in cool bistros.

Normandy: Wet and grey, in region that already needs all the aesthetic help it can get. Nothing is in bloom and all the cows look miserable. further south in Brittany there could be some spectacular storms because the coast is on the Atlantic, but Normandy is too far south.

Loire: Wet and cold and not prepared for tourism at the time.

Are you set on those places. Many years ago I lived in France and winter was always my down time, the time I had to travel. I always ended up working with the weather.

Somethings I have done: x-country ski in the French and Italian Alps (they have downhill skiing and snowboarding too) glaciar hiking, ice climbing, agi

Tim, I've been to Paris and Normandy in February and had a really enjoyable time. The weather wasn't a factor. You can go to weather.com and check average temps. They are also listed in the Back of Rick's France guidebook. It says the avg for Paris in Feb is high of 45 and low of 34. I think barring a snow storm you would probably be fine in February.

....continued.

Or just general snow play but with much better wine and do not forget the raclette and fondue. The train rides up and through the alps are fantastic, old fashioned and slow.

Ireland - Ok the weather is horrible but most people were inside anyway, drinking beer and playing some great tunes.

Outside of Paris, and the areas with snow. France isn't really set up for tourism in deep winter, meaning maybe funny hours, or just closed, hotels closed, just an empty feeling about some places. I assume you are going to go back again. Have you considered just sticking to big cities which typically have lots do to. Like Paris, Amersterdam, and Rome or you pick your favorite three.

If it is any consolation, I too am headed to Brittany and Paris in February. But alas, it is for a family reunion so what can I do.

If you are from MN you should have no problem with the weather, everyone says oo it's so cold in the winter, but I am in Normandy (Rouen) as I write this, and while it is cool, I would not call it cold.
Everything here does seem to close at 7pm, but I think thats normal all year round.

I think any of the big cities in Europe would be fine to visit any time of year

Many seem to suggest sticking to the BIG Cities (and the surrounds) Since they are busy all year long, esp. with museums etc in Paris sounds goood. I havent been in winter - but makes sense to me. More locals out and about too.

I enjoyed being in Paris last January, and am going there again soon. I'm looking forward to spending a lot of time in the museums, shopping, and hanging out in cafes -- all great things to do in the winter. Much less people there also. I was there this past September, and it was warm and beautiful, but very hot for walking around, it was overrun with rugby cup fans and teams, and very crowded and expensive. For me, off season is best, and winter may be best of all....

You all have me fully convinced - go anyway. While I am from MN and don't mind the cold where I live, I'll also tell you that going someplace else cold is not my idea of a vacation. But I'm all for missing the crowds and spending less money, especially when most of what I want to do is indoors. Thanks for all the advice!

Tim, Anoka is actually colder than most of western Europe in the winter. I've only been to Europe in the winter, and I always get a cold shock to the system when I get back to MSP when leaving the plane.

My suggestion is to go any place that is known for horrendous crowds and long lines. For example, I saw David in Florence and didn't have to wait in a single line to see anything there. You'll be able to get through the Louvre in Paris in record time!

The great thing about living in MN and preparing for a winter trip to Europe is that you can always test drive your wardrobe. If you're wondering what kind of clothes to pack, just go outside when it's between 25 and 35 and walk around for an hour. If you get too cold then you need more. If you're too hot then leave something behind. Just remember to layer instead of wearing that one heavy winter coat, and you'll be fine. A ski jacket would be too much for southern Italy, but not for Germany.

Cont. ...

The biggest thing to remember is to plan a lot of indoor options. You will get chilled now and again, and you won't have the benefit of hot mulled wine like I did in December. Good news is that you can always step into a cafe for an espresso if you need to warm up. The bad news is that it's a lot harder to have a picnic lunch when it's 35 degrees.

South of the Alps will be the best weather. The prices will be good in Feb.

Winter is my favorite time to travel--fewer tourists, lower costs. I notice that people in Europe get out even on a chilly day and go for walks with their family and friends. I live in a warmer climate so maybe it's more of a novelty for me but I love going into a cafe or coffee shop when it's cold outside and lingering over a cup of hot chocolate and a great pastry. If I were you, I'd plan a trip to the destination that you most want to visit and I wouldn't worry about the weather! Enjoy!