Hello all! My wife and I are considering a winter (Dec - Jan) trip to Europe, most likely the UK, Germany and Italy. I'd like to get pros and cons on travel during this time of year.
Thanks to all who reply.
Posted by
Paradise
7107 posts
It's generally a much better time to visit Italy than in summer when crowds and heat can ruin the experience - cool temps, but do-able if you go prepared.
In Germany you'll want to stick to the larger cities in winter and be prepare for possible ice and snow. Better to use the train than to mess with driving in winter.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
There's a great music festival in Glasgow, Celtic Connections, that happens every year in January. Hogmany--New Years-- in Edinburgh is a great holiday.
Pam
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Most areas of continental Europe do not experience a bitingly cold winter when compared to Canada and parts of the northern US. The exceptions are Scandinavia, the Baltics, parts of Poland, Ukraine, and of course, Russia! I have found that if you dress sensibly (ie, warm enough, but not so warm that no body heat can escape), winter in most of Europe is quite comfortable. Of course, take these comments in the context of someone who can't tolerate hot weather... So for me, the colder months are my ideal time to travel, because I don't have to worry about soaking my clothes with sweat. The biggest advantages, though, are that with the exceptions of the holidays and winter sport destinations, you rarely encounter crowds. Many of the museums operate at reduced hours, but this doesn't really matter because without the crowds, your sight-seeing moves much more efficiently. Finally, all the major orchestras and opera companies perform primarily in the cooler months. Most go on hiatus during the summer.
Posted by
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX, USA
251 posts
A friend has done practically the same trip both in summer and winter. The only con for her were things/attractions being closed.
Posted by
London, UK
286 posts
Less daylight
Christmas markets!
Wear layers and have a good time. :-)
Posted by
Indianapolis, Indiana, usa
360 posts
Bring a wool scarf. I visited Paris in Feb & just about froze to death until I bought a soft wool scarf. I wore it out of the store - instant warmth. No wonder just about everyone was wearing one.
My favorite time to travel is Fall, but I'd do winter before summer.
Mostly, I'd suggest you consider what type of weather you're most comfortable in. Does the cold make you want to hibernate or does the heat sap your energy?