Due to work schedules, our 2-week trip to Europe this year will have to be postponed until after September. Aside from advice to visit weather sites, what is your experience travelling in October, or the first 2 weeks of November?
Our plan is: Bath/Cotswolds 3 days, Paris briefly, possibly Lyon, then 2nd week in Venice/Tuscany/Umbria.
Thanks --
I've traveled several times during that time of year. Bath/Cotswolds and probably Paris will be a lot like Seattle during that time. Bring a raincoat, an umbrella and at least one other pair of shoes; if you're out touring in the rain one day, you'll have a nice dry pair of shoes to put on the next day. Can't speak to Lyon or Venice specifically. However, I spent a week in Florence in October 2006, and it was mostly quite nice. Light sweater weather for most of the day, stow the sweater in the afternoon, and a little cooler at night. One day, it rained like crazy, and I was really wishing I had brought another pair of shoes! The hilltowns we visited from Florence were flippin' COLD! Being from Seattle, you'd think I'd remember that elevation equals drop in temperature, but nooooo.
Anyway, don't be put off by traveling in October or November. The weather won't be fabulous, but you're likely to encounter smaller crowds, fewer tourists and shorter wait times. Have fun!
I like Paris & go often - usually early Nov. It's my favorite time. Cool, but not freezing which for me is much more comfortable walking around. It's busy, but probably less busy than Summer. I generally don't hit much rain. Dressing is easy. I travel light & layer. Do bring a pair of light weight gloves for walking around at night & maybe a shawl that can go over a jacket if it turn cold in the evening.
I'm not sure when you'll hit Venice, but remember that early November brings aqua alta, so expect flooding in Venice and bring an extra pair of shoes in case one pair gets wet. I think late October/early November is a great time to travel! You may end up with some fabulous weather, and the crowds will be so much smaller!
One thing to remember is daylight savings time. My husband and I were in Tuscany area and we lost an hour and had to stop our sightseeing early afternoon to allow us to get back to our B&B and you can't see much of the sights if touring by car after 4 pm or so. October would be better than November. I'd spend more than 3 days in the Cotswolds, check out Broadway - The Crown and Trumpet Pub B&B. So much to see. Skip Paris on this trip since you only have 2 weeks. England is LOVELY and the people were so cordial, friendly, kind and welcoming.
We were in London Nov 10-18 in 2006. The weather was mild, although the locals thought it was cold. We had one evening with a bit of rain and one morning for an hour, otherwise was great. We even ate outside. Best part-no lines anywhere! The stores did decorate for Christmas early, Harrods played Christmas music continually, but we enjoyed it.
Thanks for the great advice and encouragement!
