First Time Visit to Europe in August - 10 days total....Where do we go ??

It would be cooler in the area of the U.K. and Ireland for sure.

Does it have to be in August? Much of Europe vacations in August. Some restaurants close completely for several weeks. So not only will you be dealing with local tourists, but tourists from all over the world as well. If you can go a little later (Sept/Oct) you will have a totally different experience.

If you have no other choice, I would recommend higher elevation - maybe the Austrian Alps. Salzburg and the surrounding area would give you gorgeous scenery, lakes to cool off in, castles to explore. Definitely stay at places with a/c. Read descriptions carefully especially if renting apartments. Make sure the a/c is in the bedroom.

I like the suggestion of Ireland. It won't be hot, Dublin has several interesting museums (the archaeology museum is a wow), there are beautiful natural vistas, thousands of years of history, and much more. It's also one of the shortest flights from NYC. You could easily spend 10 days there alone. Or you could fly from there to London or Amsterdam. Both can be hot in August, but not likely to be as hot as southern destinations. If you choose 2 places, then spend all your Irish time in Dublin. There are day trips to see natural beauty, like the Cliffs of Moher.

I nixed Scotland because you'll hit the Edinburgh Festival which attracts huge crowds.

When i see this type of question my first thought is what is it that has drawn you to visit Europe, because that is where you will find your answer.

It used to be hot in August only in southern Europe. Now because of climate change it is hot also in central Europe and parts of western Europe. When I say hot I mean unbearably hot like 40 degrees Celsius or 100 Fahrenheit plus. So if you are not a masochist I would go to Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, northern Russia, maybe Baltic republics.

Croatia in August will be miserable with heat and people. For a first trip to Europe, an English speaking country in a safe bet.

Aside from the northern destinations mentioned above, I have used the following areas to escape from the new-normal of summer heat in parts of Europe where I used to worry about being too cold:

• Normandy and Brittany in France (though exceptional conditions once produced a 90+F day)
• Northern Spain (Galicia to the Basque Country)
• The Dolomites in northern Italy (must be at altitude, not down in Bolzano/Bressanone/etc.)

Unless the travelers are theatre junkies, I'd agree with avoiding Edinburgh in August on a first trip to Europe, but it would be incredibly easy to spend 10 days in Scotland without going to Edinburgh. I was there for 26 days this year (albeit without a car, which would have made life easier), and about 19 of those days were not in Edinburgh. Glasgow and Dundee offer quality museums even if you skip the capital.

I spent a weekend in Berlin in mid-August in 2018 and was pleasantly surprised by how few crowds there were (perhaps the city’s size helps with absorbing tourist crowds?) and the moderate temperatures. I’m not terribly familiar with the day trip options from Berlin so not sure if it could fill an entire 10 days.

Perhaps a controversial opinion, but Dublin wouldn’t be my pick for a first trip to Europe - while I’ve had lovely times there, I don’t think it’s got quite as much to offer in the way of history (museums, etc) and architecture as other major European cities. If Ireland as a whole is your choice then it makes sense to spend a couple days there, but I wouldn’t go to Ireland just for Dublin and then fly somewhere else as someone above suggested.

People have suggested the UK and I agree weather-wise it’s a good option. London while crowded at that time of year (or any time, really) is still very enjoyable as long as you do your research on what sights to book ahead, how to avoid massive queues, etc. And the rest of the UK will be lovely. Just make sure to book far enough in advance if you’re looking to visit popular holiday spots like the Cotswolds or Cornwall as accommodations book up early.

If you’d like to lean into warm weather, there are plenty of coastal areas and islands in Europe that don’t see the same crazy overcrowding as the French Riviera, the Cinque Terre, or the Amalfi Coast, but often those off-the-beaten-track destinations lack much in the way of museums. Since it’s your first visit to Europe and you note an interest in museums, that’s probably not ideal. Maybe something like a couple days in Athens to see the historical sights (yes it’ll be hot, but maybe worth it for just a couple days?) and then onto one of the lesser-known (and thus less crowded, unlike Mykonos and Santorini) Greek islands for some relaxing time on the beach, hiking, etc? The heat won’t be bothersome with the ocean right there to dive into!

Forgot to add, I second acraven’s suggestion on Normandy. A few years back I went to Normandy and the Loire Valley at the end of August and the crowds and weather were reasonable (except for one really hot day in the Loire). Lots of history in both places as well as gorgeous nature/countryside. I’d think the châteaux of the Loire might be fun for a first visit to Europe as there’s nothing similar in the US. We visited one chateau per day and got there at opening time and didn’t have to deal with big crowds, and then we spent the afternoons exploring villages or visiting wineries.

There are a number of places that need to be visited in August. My best recommendation would be Scandinavia. The high summer months offer the most reliable weather and best time for visiting. If you go to cities like Copenhagen, August is also the low season for business travel so hotels can be a relative bargain.

I love Copenhagen best of all the Scandinavian cities. There is more to see and do in and around Copenhagen than any other Scandinavian city. The Copenhagen card is great for both transportation and sights all around northern Zealand.

Stockholm is IMO the prettiest city in the area and can be easily combined with ferry trips to Helsinki and/or Tallinn (which allows you to see the archipelago).

One or the other (or a combination of the two) would fill ten days fairly well.

Lots of good ideas here

May I add a split between Iceland and (a major city like London, Paris, or Amsterdam- pick one only!). Iceland hits your nature interest out of the park, and you can do a good tour of the highlights in 4 days. Leaving 5 for a big city - hitting your history/museum interests. There are good flights between Reykjavik and most of the big cities in Northern Europe.

I would take a different approach if I were you. Where have each of you always wanted to visit or have read about or however caught your eye? Go to those two places. Only you know what has intrigued you throughout your life. This is your first trip so certainly there must be somewhere you always wanted to see or hike, etc. A favorite book? Your heritages? And so forth.

As far as I'm concerned, I don't travel in the summer, but if I had to do so I would go to Sweden. It is a beautiful outdoorsy country...even in Stockholm...and cooler than other parts of Europe. But you two need to pick your spot, read travel guides/internet, and then return for our input, which should be more specifically helpful at that time. You don't know us or our interests so you are your best travel guide. IMO What an exciting time for you!

The British Isles have the benefit of having no (well, hardly any) language barrier, and somewhat less of a cultural barrier, so they're a less challenging destination than much of the rest of Europe. (Not that it's that challenging to travel in a country where you don't speak the native language, but it's just not the same as being able to walk up to anyone and converse fluently.) Unless you have language skills that you're specifically eager to try out, that may tip the balance for a first trip.

Be sure to get out of the big cities and into the smaller towns and countryside. London has plenty of history and museums for you, but there's so much more to the UK that American tourists rarely see, and there's really no reason why you can't.

I would like to add that if a hot place is what draws you most...you can do it unless you medically can’t be in hot weather. I’ve been to southern Italy and Greece in August and it’s not as bad as people make it out to be. Air conditioning is easy to find in hotels and sights (not all hotels, you do have to check) and things are sometimes set up for the heat (fans, shade hangings over the street, people enjoying being out in the later evening when it’s cool, narrow whitewashed streets stay cooler, gelato, beaches...). Not that going to Greece in August is ideal, but if it’s your dream and this is your chance then it’s worth considering.

I’d find a heat wave in Northern Europe worse - A/C is more rare and cities just aren’t set up for it since until recently it just didn’t get that hot.

For your first trip to Europe, you could visit the UK, which is essentially the USA's mother country. The people are friendly, speak English, helpful and polite.

Also, there is lots of great history everywhere you go in the British Isles. Lots to do in London, but the countryside is very scenic and again loaded with history. Cities like York, Stratford Upon Avon, Cambridge, Oxford, Winchester, Bath, Canterbury then up to Scotland for Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow. Also, scenic places all over, like the Cotswolds, Lake District, Wales, Scottish Highlands, Cornwall.

I vote for the UK and Scotland. Edinburgh hosts The Fringe Festival most of August, which is the largest performing arts festival in the world. I'be been there a few times and plan on returning- it's just so much fun! But as another OP said, it's best if you're a fan of live performances - in any genre. The hotels are more expensive, but the experience is incredible. There's also great hiking in the area. Remember that some of Scotland is as far north as parts of lower Alaska, so dress for cool and rain, even in August. [Craziest place in the world to have invented golf- forever a mystery to me!]
Safe travels!

Wow! Thanks for the advice! I am taking it all in :) I’m a teacher so that limits me and I’m basing it off my parents agreeing to watch my kids, hence August! I think we will stick to England and travel to the countryside etc. Keep it simple for our first trip! Taking note of the suggestions for future trips!!
Cheers All

10 days in Europe - your first time! Wonderful!

Here's what I suggest:

Choose 2 countries and invest 5 days in each,
such as England & France - or Germany & Ireland - etc

Your easiest options will be to fly to major cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam.

I suggest flying to one city, then returning home from another.

Traveling to the British Isles is always fun and easier because we speak a version of their language, however it's also good to visit countries where you don't know their language very well - that's part of the European experience! Europe will be crowded with tourists in August, but that's also part of the experience. Wherever you go, try food you wouldn't normally eat at home. Enjoy the foreign currencies, street signs, gargoyles, meeting locals and travelers from other nations. I also suggest keeping a travel diary.

In a sense, you'll be embarking on a fact-finding tour. Not just the places you visit and the sights you see - but the entire experience of traveling into Europe and all of the people you'll greet along the way. Bon Voyage!

Garrison

It appears that the OP and her husband have decided on England for their trip, but I was really impressed with wurundjeri's detailed and evocative description of his wife's first trip to Europe, focusing on Switzerland, particularly the inclusion of Val Verzasca. While we have visited Switzerland numerous times and enjoyed the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Zermatt, and other areas, I have wanted to hike in the Val Verzasca ever since I first saw pictures f the village of Sonogno with its stone houses. I have been unable to work it into our Swiss or Italy trips for lack of time---but this year we will go. We will fly into MIlan a few days before meeting our hiking guide there, head straight to Locarno for a couple of days, and use the Postbus and our feet to explore Val Verzasca and hopefully swim in that beautiful river.

What a wonderful story.

So you had to wait 30 years from first seeing the photos of Sonogno to finally going. For me it will be about 15 years. We are in our 70’s so cannot delay much longer!

Our backpacking, unplanned travel days and nights in rustic lodging are over, so we will spend two nights in Locarno and have half day and then the following full day to explore the Val Verzasca. On the full day I plan to ride the Postbus to Sonogno and then walk back 10-12 km and catch another bus back to Locarno. On the half day I hope to just go to the beautiful swimming spot in the river (I forget the name of the spot but you will know it.)

For those who are wondering what we are talking about, explore the photos on these websites.

https://www.ticino.ch/en/travel-inspirations/valle-verzasca.html

https://swissfamilyfun.com/valle-verzasca/

My husband is a swimmer and loves to swim in wild places wherever we go—-Alpine lakes, remote rivers in Patagonia. He is not daunted by cold water.

We were in Australia at this time 5 years ago, and we grieve for what is happening to your homeland now.

Albrighton55, now that you've decided on England, I was wondering if your 10 days are on the ground or include travel days. Sometimes it's easier to count how many nights you will be on your trip.

The first night will be the night of the day you arrive. The last night will be the night before you fly home.

In any case, whether you actually have 10 days or less, you will have to be very selective about where you go and how you spend your time.

There are great resources right on this website to help you get started with the planning. I'm putting links to them below. I encourage you to take a look.

Travel Tips. Since this is your first trip to Europe, both of you will benefit from taking the information there to heart. There are forums that cover much of what is discussed in the Travel Tips. You'll want to ask questions on some of them.

Explore Europe: England. This should help you start deciding where to go, what to see and what to experience. It's not all big cities. You'll need to start posting your questions on the England forum to get the best results.

It will be a bit of a steep learning curve as you start your research, but planning your own trip is so much fun.

Looking forward to your questions on other forums.

England is great choice-include York-it has great museums.

Before I retired (I was a teacher, then an assistant principal) we regularly traveled to the UK in late July or August. Plan on a several days in London. There are a large number of day trips you can do from there - in fact, you could stay in London the entire trip and do day trips by train every 2 or 3 days. Here are a few suggestions:
Windsor- our favorite castle and the town is really fun. Do a cruise on the Thames to see some of the countryside and the back views of the castle. You can get the boat at the bridge over to Eaton. Easy to get there. No advance train tickets needed, just buy the day you go. Train leaves from Paddington station and you make one, very easy, change in Slough. Trip takes about 20-25 mins. Trains go about every half hour.

Bath- Lovely city, very walkable. Buy your train tickets ahead of time (about 12 weeks) or they will be VERY costly. Another place to do a nice river cruise. Take an early train and plan on returning late to maximize time.

Stratford-upon-Avon- If you like Shakespeare, this is the place.

York- Again- buy your tickets ahead of time (you might want to spend a night or two here). Great city. Be sure to walk "the Shambles"- the old part of town and see the old buildings- lots of great small shops there, too. The Jorvik Musuem is fun and give the history of the Vikings in York. The Minster is amazing. Walk part of the old walls.

Canterbury- If you are into Chaucer go here- fun, smaller city.

Winchester- Nice cathedral, interesting town.

Brighton- for a bit of the seaside- and change of atmosphere- not as far as you'd think.

Plenty of other choices, too.

wow, thanks for the suggestions and itineraries. I think London is the spot with some short overnights around the country. The advice about booking tickets well in advance was very helpful! Thanks again!!