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Winter vacations in Europe Questions
Posted on 11/8/17 at 11:02 am
Posted on 11/8/17 at 11:02 am
I wanted to start a separate thread so as not to derail the others.
For those who have been to Europe in the Winter, late fall, and early spring how do the much shorter days and weather affect your travels compared to the other half of the year? I've only been mid spring to early October.
I'm mostly talking in regards to culture, food, sites, history, etc.? I know many things have shorter open hours, and many warm outdoor activities like the beach or biking may not be possible.
Winter time has become a better time for me to travel, but I'm concerned with the shorter days of not being able to do and enjoy nearly as much?
For those who have been to Europe in the Winter, late fall, and early spring how do the much shorter days and weather affect your travels compared to the other half of the year? I've only been mid spring to early October.
I'm mostly talking in regards to culture, food, sites, history, etc.? I know many things have shorter open hours, and many warm outdoor activities like the beach or biking may not be possible.
Winter time has become a better time for me to travel, but I'm concerned with the shorter days of not being able to do and enjoy nearly as much?
4
Posted on 11/8/17 at 11:59 am to baldona
I'm guessing the answer depends considerably on what you like to do when traveling and whether you like cool weather in general. For example, I love cold weather. I don't particularly mind rainy weather, and in winter, I don't find it particularly bad if it is overcast and rainy/snowing so long as I'm not doing something dependent on sunshine (going to see outdoor scenery, for example).
I think it's arguably easier to immerse yourself in the culture of another place in the winter. It's less crowded and you can do "tourist" things without feeling as much like a tourist.
Last winter I spent a particularly cold and rainy day walking around the Jordaan in Amsterdam, and it's something I frequently think about. It wasn't pleasant at all out, but we had the streets largely to ourselves and it was a very memorable day for us. I'm not saying that is better than a beautiful spring/summer day in the same neighborhood, but it's a different experience there than the majority of tourists will have.
Yes, I've encountered closures, and the shorter days require planning. Weather can be unpleasant, and you're not going to get some of the amazing photo opportunities you get in Europe in spring/summer. But there is also something really appealing about taking respite from the cold in a local bar or pub. From a practical perspective, it's far easier to get into some sites/attractions, and it's nice to be able to walk miles and miles without feeling disgusting.
I think it's arguably easier to immerse yourself in the culture of another place in the winter. It's less crowded and you can do "tourist" things without feeling as much like a tourist.
Last winter I spent a particularly cold and rainy day walking around the Jordaan in Amsterdam, and it's something I frequently think about. It wasn't pleasant at all out, but we had the streets largely to ourselves and it was a very memorable day for us. I'm not saying that is better than a beautiful spring/summer day in the same neighborhood, but it's a different experience there than the majority of tourists will have.
Yes, I've encountered closures, and the shorter days require planning. Weather can be unpleasant, and you're not going to get some of the amazing photo opportunities you get in Europe in spring/summer. But there is also something really appealing about taking respite from the cold in a local bar or pub. From a practical perspective, it's far easier to get into some sites/attractions, and it's nice to be able to walk miles and miles without feeling disgusting.
This post was edited on 11/8/17 at 12:00 pm
Posted on 11/8/17 at 12:26 pm to baldona
Less people, shorter lines are worth it. The bars are still open in the evening. 
Posted on 11/8/17 at 12:46 pm to Pettifogger
Staying in Vienna now for seven weeks, visiting Budapest, Prague, Battislava and Salzburg
It is cold but just dress in layers, no long lines, not at all crowded like in the summer.
The only easy day was. Yesterday
Go Navy
:usa: :usa:
It is cold but just dress in layers, no long lines, not at all crowded like in the summer.
The only easy day was. Yesterday
Go Navy
:usa: :usa:
Posted on 11/8/17 at 12:55 pm to baldona
My European travel is almost always in the cooler months. Cheaper airfare, cheaper lodging, fewer tourists, plus we get long Thanksgiving, winter break, and Mardi Gras holidays, so scheduling is easier. Shorter days don't bother me much; it's easy enough to schedule "outdoorsy" activities during daylight hours, and to fit museums/concerts/dining/bars and other indoor pursuits into the late afternoon-early evening when it's dark. Sure, some attractions have shorter hours or close all together...but I've never run out of things to do on a winter Euro trip. Usually, it's just rural attractions or minor sites that close; major attractions are generally open year round.
The only drawback, to me, is packing: outwear is bulky, shoes/boots take up space, and you need to plan your wardrobe a bit more carefully than a warm-weather trip to allow for layering & various weather conditions.
That said, it is infinitely more pleasurable to be properly wrapped up against the cold & strolling through (your favorite city) than doing so in sweaty weather. Dark doesn't really deter the fun; monuments and buildings can be even more beautiful at night, when illuminated. A scattering of snow is a beautiful bonus.
The only drawback, to me, is packing: outwear is bulky, shoes/boots take up space, and you need to plan your wardrobe a bit more carefully than a warm-weather trip to allow for layering & various weather conditions.
That said, it is infinitely more pleasurable to be properly wrapped up against the cold & strolling through (your favorite city) than doing so in sweaty weather. Dark doesn't really deter the fun; monuments and buildings can be even more beautiful at night, when illuminated. A scattering of snow is a beautiful bonus.
Posted on 11/8/17 at 2:54 pm to hungryone
I do about 80% of my European Vacations in the winter.
France - last year the wife and I did Normandy and Paris in January. The only thing closed was the Tapestry in Bayeaux and the museum in St. Mere Eglise. But got to see so much more since there were no lines. For example being almost alone at Mont St Michel was terrific. In Paris nothing is closed, and the Louvre was easy to walk through.
Germany - if you like outdoors, winter is great in its own way. If you go in December you get all the Christmas Markets.
Ireland - weather can be the same as June, so go anytime between Oct and March and save money. Plus you will not be crowded by the tourists in their buses during the summer. Flights and hotels are close to 40-50% off what you pay at other times. The only difference is if you are there for Christmas, you need to make sure you have meals booked as things really do close down for the day.
London - big city that never closes.
Etc etc. Heck I even went to Poland in February and enjoyed the time.
France - last year the wife and I did Normandy and Paris in January. The only thing closed was the Tapestry in Bayeaux and the museum in St. Mere Eglise. But got to see so much more since there were no lines. For example being almost alone at Mont St Michel was terrific. In Paris nothing is closed, and the Louvre was easy to walk through.
Germany - if you like outdoors, winter is great in its own way. If you go in December you get all the Christmas Markets.
Ireland - weather can be the same as June, so go anytime between Oct and March and save money. Plus you will not be crowded by the tourists in their buses during the summer. Flights and hotels are close to 40-50% off what you pay at other times. The only difference is if you are there for Christmas, you need to make sure you have meals booked as things really do close down for the day.
London - big city that never closes.
Etc etc. Heck I even went to Poland in February and enjoyed the time.
Posted on 11/9/17 at 12:09 pm to Pettifogger
quote:
I'm guessing the answer depends considerably on what you like to do when traveling and whether you like cool weather in general.
I don't mind the weather at all. I definitely prefer less people. I agree I'd rather wear layers and a jacket, then sweat. Especially in Europe where many people don't shower and use deodorant.
Many places just really shut down in off seasons. As an extreme example, Jackson Hole here in the states. In May and October, many places don't even open. So you are very very limited in what you can do. Yellowstone for example, closes basically.
I prefer culture, food, history, some museums especially if unique, people watching, etc. So none of that is affected by weather. I don't mind snow, rain, or cold especially for most of Europe that doesn't get overly cold.
I just wasn't sure if most of Europe is just slightly different then summer, or if its an extremely different experience.
This post was edited on 11/9/17 at 12:10 pm
Posted on 11/9/17 at 1:30 pm to baldona
Most things do not shut down, esp in the major tourist areas. There are seasonal-specific things that do: some outdoor recreation in seaside towns, some outdoor markets, some smaller attractions (like some rural chateaux in France, for example).
My suggestion is to look at your preferred destination & check on the hours/times of the things you most want to see. I, for one, cannot imagine going to un-airconditioned Paris or London in peak summer heat. I visited the British Museum this May, during a mini-heat wave (75-80 degree highs), and the second floor was unbearably warm.
My suggestion is to look at your preferred destination & check on the hours/times of the things you most want to see. I, for one, cannot imagine going to un-airconditioned Paris or London in peak summer heat. I visited the British Museum this May, during a mini-heat wave (75-80 degree highs), and the second floor was unbearably warm.
Posted on 11/18/17 at 10:45 pm to baldona
In Southern Europe now. Have previously been three times during the summer and one time during spring. This is hands down the best time of year to be here. We haven't run into any issues with anything being closed or days being too short, the weather is fantastic, crowds are sparse, and you don't feel like you're being "targeted" as much for being a tourist. It's a much more authentic experience.
Did I mention how incredible the weather was?
Did I mention how incredible the weather was?
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