Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Time of year for European trip

Search

Time of year for European trip

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 3rd, 2006, 03:51 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Time of year for European trip

It has been twenty years since I wandered about Italy, Paris and London with no reservations, spending less than 20 bucks a night for lodging. Had been planning to go back this coming fall, when a "must-go" wedding on the East coast came up occuring in August...I live on the Wesr coast...logistically, it would seem practical to combine the two trips. Question: just how different would a trip to London, perhaps Paris and Italy (Rome and Florence) in August as opposed to, say, October...speaking in terms of weather, crowds, costs, or any other areas you can think of...my wife and I are 71 and a trip like this may not come up again...Thank you for sharing your collective wisdom and experience,
Dupher
dupher is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2006, 04:03 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 19,881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
"perhaps Paris and Italy (Rome and Florence) in August"

Hot, sticky, oppressive weather and crowded. In August stick to places around the Atlantic coast

If you want to go Rome & Paris with decent weather try early June or late September
alanRow is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2006, 04:07 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,585
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Quite honestly, I'd put off your European trip until October.
In August, it will be hot, horribly crowded, the locals will be irritable.
It will also probably cost more, especially in London.
MissPrism is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2006, 05:16 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
By all means go in October - a MUCH more pleasant time of year to be in Europe.

There is a big price drop in air fares starting Oct 1, so ideally I would plan on early October when the weather is a little warmer.

London, Paris, Rome and Florence sounds like a one-month trip. This is plenty of time to absorb the extra five hours getting from west coast US to the east cost.

There are also some non-stops from the West Coast to Europe though obviosly not as many as from the East Coast.

BTW, right now is not too early to get October plane tickets to Europe.
bardo1 is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2006, 05:37 AM
  #5  
rex
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
<< There is a big price drop in air fares starting Oct 1 ... >>

Maybe, and maybe not. I have seen those price drops move later and later to the second half of October over the past few years.

I think that the second half of September is well worth its additional cost, compared to the second half of October, especially if you are headed to Paris.

Best wishes,

Rex
rex is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2006, 05:51 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,757
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
for all the reasons mentioned above - 100% better in October. <u>Everyone</u> in Europe (or so it seems) is on holiday in August. It is very hot. Few places have a/c. EVERYTHING will be crowded.

Go to the wedding - and then go to Europe in the Fall.
janisj is online now  
Old May 3rd, 2006, 09:58 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think the kye things - esp in Florence and Rome - are the heat and the lack of AC. It is totally enervating unless you adore hot (95+) and humid weather - keeping in mind manystores and restaurants - and even hotels - don;t have AC - and what they do have is rarely to US standards (cools down 5 or 10 degrees - but there;s no way to get it to 75).
nytraveler is offline  
Old May 4th, 2006, 05:45 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you all for your time...you have pretty much confirmed what I thought was the case...on to the planning, where I almost certainly will be soliciting your input again...you are an unselfish bunch...
Dupher
dupher is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Taltul
Europe
15
Aug 4th, 2017 07:11 AM
TinaNY
Europe
9
Jun 15th, 2015 04:08 AM
propita
Europe
19
Mar 17th, 2015 09:51 PM
dwdvagamundo
Europe
7
Mar 8th, 2014 08:02 AM
zizz
Europe
8
Aug 26th, 2007 10:42 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -