Austria, Germany

We try to vacation as early in June as we can (USA school holidays). This has worked well for us since the European holiday time is July/Aug (especially August). However, the weather can be an issue depending on where you want to go (water still cold for swimming, snow in the Alps, etc.).

Whether it's crowded or not depends on where you're going. The Carinthian lakes are very popular with the Germans and Austrians and will be packed during school holidays. Other than that, most places are even less crowded than usually. For German holidays schedule in English check http://www.holidays-info.com/.

We prefer to go to Europe in the spring or fall. Crowds are far less and airfare tends to be cheaper. Also, most hotels in Europe (at least northern Europe) don't have air conditioning. So if there's a heat wave, you most likely won't have AC. But every hotel has heat, in case it gets chilly.

Hey beverly,
We've travelled to Bavaria/Austria/northern Italy (Dolomites) in October our past four trips. Weather has been great, less crowds and cheaper airfares.

Paul