Ideas for Winter Holidays

Southern Spain certainly would be great for a winter visit. Other places that are tremendously hot in summer (Rome and Sicily come to mind) would be less hot in winter, and shorter hours of daylight and times that sights are open would be offset by smaller crowds.

There is nothing wrong with capitalizing on off season rates if that is what you hve to do to expand your horizons. But I tend to be of the mindset that there are some places that are so good during certain times of the year that you are cheating yourself of an opportunity if you go anytime else. At least for the first trip. Too often that first trip is all you get. Paris in winter for example. I love Paris and I would love it in the winter but if you know you will only get there once you are doing yourself a huge disservice not to go when you can sit outside at a café or stroll the left bank. And the idea of going to a place that is famous for its beaches in January baffles me.
On the other hand there are locations that have hard brutal weather in the winter that have out of necessity had to build a culture around it. Yup, they are more pleasurable in some ways when the weather is warm but they have so much depth of culture in the cold months that they are equally fascinating.

I like the list because it bears out a lot of my reasoning. Finland in the winter? I bet it’s amazing! Rome in February? Naaa, maybe for the second or third trip but not for the trip that will burn that first impression into your heart and mind.

BUT, this is all very subjective and no one is wrong. What ever works for you is great.

Totally agree, James. I have been to Paris multiple times and its my favorite city in the world. I look forward to going in the offseason sometime but for a first trip I think it's worth it to go in the warmer months. I would recommend May because it's a little bit before the really big crowds.

Winter in Venice is our favorite time there, although we have not been to Carnevale because we like to avoid the crowds. It is especially lovely starting Dec. 8, when the Christmas lights are lighted. We have been twice in Dec., once each in Apr, Sept and Oct. September and April were awful with crowds, October a nice balance, but December rules! Going back next month!