I will be visiting my daughter east of the Bordeaux region for the holiday and we were thinking of taking the train to Venice and then down to the Italian Riviera into the French Riviera. I need advice about travel at this time of year, suggestions, pros and cons, warnings etc. We are NOT rich, so any budget advice will be appreciated. Thanks!
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Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
Well, Kathy, we spent Christmas 2007 in Italy, New Year's 2008-09 in Spain, and we plan to spend New Year's 2009-10 in Ireland, so we like this kind of travel. My only advice would be these four points to keep in mind:
- The weather is more variable, with shorter daylight hours; pack for temps in the mid-30s to 40s, and plan to push on through some drizzle and clouds
- Some sights are closed entirely or maintain shorter hours; takes more detailed, advanced planning to see what you want to see in the winter
- Airline tickets, despite the conventional wisdom on this, are not any cheaper over the winter; it's considered holiday travel (because it IS holiday travel)
- That being said, there are also MANY benefits to winter travel, including no crowds/fewer tourists (less waiting time, easier to get reservations), cheaper rates for lodging, beautiful, festive decorations and lights everywhere, locals not frustrated with tourist crowds but in the mood of the season, and some public, free events (such as markets, NYE countdowns, concerts, etc.).
You can find specific details of our trips on my travel blog (go to old posts, and select the itinerary of your choice): http://www.moltogentileitalia.blogspot.com. Good luck!