Rome 12/21/11-12/26&#59; Paris 12/27-12/31, London 12/31-1/4/12

Brenna, my wife and I are planning a Christmas trip to Florence now (we spent two weeks in Provence and Spain this Spring) and we consider ourselves seasoned travelers. Having said that, my best recommendation for you is to buy Rick's guide books. A $30 investment on a trip costing far more is a worthwhile investment. We have been travelling to Europe - often several times a year - since the 90's and we always buy Rick's current book.
As to your questions, I recommend the following web sites. www.weatherbase.com At that time of year, we had rain in Rome and Paris, clear and cold in London. Paris to London is about a 2 hour ride and yes, the trains run on 12/26 and 12/31. See www.raileurope.com for schedules and fares. Transportation in London is always readily available. As for packing, less is more. We travel for 3 weeks w/ a roller bag per person. That time of year I would plan for cold/wet and layer my clothing. We pack jeans and sweaters and plan to do laundry mid trip. Unless we are planning to go to a Michelin star restaurant, I will not pack a sport coat. One other philosophy that my wife embraces: if you under pack, just view it as a shopping opportunity.

Q1 What will the weather be like? Q2 What should we pack? We want to pack as light as possible, but we don't want to freeze! Q3 Shoes? Q4 Do trains/buses run on 12/26 and Q5 does the night train run from Rome to Paris on the night of 12/26/11? Q6 Does the train run from Paris to London the morning of 12/31?
Q7 Will transportation be readily available in London on 12/31? Q1 Different from place to place. There is a sticky at the top of the Helpline to help you find weather history. Nobody can predict weather but history can be some indication. Q2 The various RS books give suggestions and packing lists. Q3 I'd definitely bring shoes. Q6 Yes Q7 Yes, but if you need the Underground I would check the lines out of service that day for engineering works at The TfL Planned Works Calendar as the time approaches. Only the next 10 weeks is on it at a time.

There is tons of helpful info in the FAQ section of this site, too. Weather, transportation, packing... you name it. Here is the URL: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/39696/bfaqs-answers-to-frequently-asked-questionsb.html That being said, you'll be in Paris right smack dab in the middle of their wonderful Christmas market - lucky you! The Champs Elysses is lined with millions of lights, and adorable white wooden chalets that sell hot mulled wine, toys, sweaters, holiday ornaments, soup and sandwiches, crepes, gifts - wonderful!

Brenna: We will be in Rome at the same time, in fact staying for over a week. There are very few sites open 12/25 and 12/26, so plan your days carefully. For example, the Presepi Museum at the Church of Santi Quirico e Giulitta is open Christmas Day, and I think this museum http://www.presepi.it/index_eng.html is open, too. You can walk anywhere, of course, weather permitting, and the Ghetto should have some places open so we are planning on taking Rick Steves' Ghetto Walk that day. There are many restaurants as well, but the advice I ahve been given is to be sure to make reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining. Vino Roma does tasting classes even on Christmas, and that may well be our evening activity. http://www.vinoroma.com/. For more Italian Christmas ideas see this site http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/rome-spending-christmas-in-rome.html and this one http://www.revealedrome.com/2010/12/romes-best-holiday-events-christmas-natale-december-january.html. I am packing light: 2 lightweight washable sweaters, one each in merino wool and silk, that I can layer. They hand was and dry easily. They can be layered under my boiled wool jacket (a little dressy but handwashable) and my fleece. Also bringing one wrinkle-free blouse. I am a jeans wearer, so 2 jeans (trouser-style) and one dressier black slacks. Travelsmith microfiber raincoat that packs beautifully, maybe the zip-in liner, plus silk long underwear. Smartwool socks, gortex walking shoes, and a pair of Naot maryjanes. It all fits in my Rick Steves convertible backpack with minimal underwear and toiletries. Don't forget a warm hat, scarf and gloves.