Hello, My husband and I are hoping to use a couple of buddy passes to fly to Eurpoe in December. We are currently thinking around the 13th - the 21st and are willing to make adjustments as necessary. We would love to fly into Paris or Frankfurt and stay for potentially half of the trip in either place then take a train some place else. My question is...what places do you reccomend in Eurpoe that are affordable and great duing the winter time. We dont mind the cold but would like to avoid places where the weather could keep us from enjoyng the country. Also places that tend to be less popular fortourist in the winter would be awesome as we would love to make it onto a flight. Thanks in Advance!
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2443 posts
Only suggestion is that you fly earlier in the month. December 21 is weekend before Christmas and as you will be flyng stand-by, you might have a problem getting on any flight. We fly this way all the time and have learned to be very flexible. Every airline probably has their own policy, but you need to be aware that buddy pass does not assure you a seat on any flight, for example,an employee with higher seniority can bump you off flight even at last minute. That said, we did go to Ireland, Scotland, Spain, etc. in late November and December and weather was cold, rainy at times but had a great time.
Posted by
OP
Auburn
6 posts
Thanks, we definitely intend to be very flexible and will try flying back to the states before the 21st but figure if it takes a few flights at least we will be ahead of ourselves planning to get home. Lucky we don't have to be any place particular at any specific time.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10605 posts
Less popular for tourists in winter would be anywhere north not famous for skiing such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Scandinavian cities or Ireland. I agree with Gail that you should go at least a week earlier to avoid being bumped by Christmas traffic, especially if your time is flexible.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
"Also places that tend to be less popular fortourist in the winter would be awesome as we would love to make it onto a flight." I don't think the flight on the 13th should prove too difficult, because there's usually a big lull in tourist traffic before the holiday season. As the others mentioned, the flight home will be the more difficult matter.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Give some consideration to visiting Portugal.
Posted by
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
503 posts
If you haven't looked at flights yet - I'd start there. Depending on the carrier, award availability in December is generally tight and by now is completely gone for December on a number of carriers. I tried booking flights in December using mine back in June and found very little available.
Posted by
OP
Auburn
6 posts
We have a lot of insight on available flights and currently see a lot of open availability. As time draws nearer we will have a better idea as flying stand by means what's happening today could very well be irrelevent when its time to go.
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
Slovenia and Hungary are often overlooked as good winter destinations, but they are actually quite lovely and fit your request for less popular while still manageable in winter. Paris and Frankfurt are prime tourist areas, no matter the time of year.