coqui1024

Two-part question, is that allowed?

I am planning a trip to London-Paris-Madrid from approximately June 30-July 9. I hear and read what people say about crowds, prices, and I just want to ask: Is it totally ridiculous to go to Europe in July? I will be teaching this year, so can't travel in fall, and am dying, just dying to go to Europe for my first time ever. But are the crowds, etc. really awful? Would it really be better to wait?

I have been eyeing these airfare-hotel package trips on sites like Go-today.com and solardestinations.com. They seem like you end up saving a bit. Is it stupid to book through one of these sites? Are they ripoffs? Are we better off doing it ourselves, booking air and accommodation separately? We are not fancy, would love hostels, etc., it's just that I have a phobia about planning and rather like having someone do some of it for me...

Thanks much in advance, other recent posts I've seen have already been so helpful for a novice like me...

uhoh_busted

If you are only going for a week, I'd pick one of those good deals if you see one...they go fast in the summer. You'll get the most out of staying the whole time in one place and you will be back in summers to come to visit another city...and maybe for longer. Sure it's crowded but so what? It's Paris (or Rome or Barcelona or London)! It's going to be crowded in Ocean City MD in July too. Guess where I'd rather be?!!!!!!

janis

No, it isn't crazy to go to Europe in the summer. But it is on the crazy side to try to fit in London/Paris/Madrid in such a short trip. Your 10 days really only leaves you 8 days of "city time". Then subtract the 1/2 to full day you lose each time you move to a new city you will be down to about 6+ days for touring these places. Waaaaaay too little time to see 3 major cities in 3 different countries.

I would choose ONE of those cities and forget the rest. OR you could squeeze in 4 days in London and 4 days in Paris.

So sit down w/ a couple of good guide books and bite the bullet, flip a coin, or do what ever you do to help make a decision - and be happy that this will be your first trip to Europe - but not your last one so you will be able to see the other places sometime . . . .

Nikki

I have gone on two trips booked through gotoday.com. Certainly not ripoffs. It is possible, though not certain, that you could do a little better by booking your own flights and accommodations. Since you like to have someone do the planning for you, this is a great way to do that without overpaying.

Tulips

First of all; it's not ridiculous to go to Europe in July. The main holiday month for France is August, but most people start going on holiday from July 14. So if early July is when you can go, then go!

Secondly; take Janis' advice!

isabel

Europe in July is definitly NOT crazy. I've been every July for the past few years. Some places are actually less crowded than they are in May/June.

I agree with the others that 3 cities IS crazy in that amount of time. Madrid just doesn't fit. Do London and Paris. If Madrid was your number one destination then just go to Spain.

If you are talking about going THIS June 30 - that's less than a month away. Airfare is getting expensive. I just checked the flight I booked for Italy (July 9th-29th) and it's almost twice as expensive now as it was when I booked it in March. If you can still get a go-today deal I'd grab it fast. I've done go-today (to London) and it was fine. I don't think you can book it yourself at this late date and get very good deals.

Intrepid1

Crazy?? Not at all IMO (we're leaving for three weeks on 15 July) and even though everyone else is saying that the three cities you have picked is foolish, I think if this is the ONLY time you can go and you don't plan on seeing any of the three in too much depth (and given the fact that there are cheap flights between the three on EasyJet[if you did it on your own] then why not?

It will be fast-moving but if that doesn't bother you then go for it and leave the rest of the slowtravs in the dust, Buddy...have a great trip.

ira

Hi co,

As noted, late June is OK. It will be crowded, but not awful.

Have you looked for airfare at
http://airtravelcenter.com/onetrav.htm
for comparison with your packages.

Have you checked the prices of hotels?

You might find that, this late, you can do better with a package.

I, also, think that your visit would be more enjoyable if you did one city, or London and Paris, at most.

coqui1024

Thanks everyone, your comments have been helpful. My rookie fears about going in July have been assuaged. I have looked into some of the sites mentioned for other deals and have found some possibilities...
thanks again!