First time traveler here, and can’t decide on western Europe or Australia? I’m 25, from the States, and planning on a 9 week travel/backpacking trip (late October-Early January)

I’ve always wanted to go to both destinations, but with which would be better for this time of year?

How do you feel about cold? Where are you from and what type of winter temps are you used to? Or do you prefer really hot (it will be spring to early summer in Australia)?

Western europe is typically fairly mild in the winter (versus mountains or central europe) - sort of like Washington DC rather than NY or Boston.

If you mean camping rather than hostels - you definitely don't want to be in europe in Nov/Dec.

Thanks. I grew up in Kansas with windy/cold winters…So I much prefer warmer climates, but can withstand a mild winter.

I'm planning on staying in hostels, I know in Europe they not near as busy this time of year, but meeting a lot of people in the hostels would be fun. I'm sure with summer beginning in Australia the hostels will be packed. So thats also appealing.

January is school holiday time in Australia, and as such is peak holiday time. Many businesses close in January (but not so that shops aren't open). Also if the weather pattern is El Nino (and we are starting an El Nino trend again this year), expect dry weather and hotter than normal temperatures between November and February (with Jan-Feb the hottest months). I personally don't like the heat but if you are a sun seeker you might like Australia at this time.

Lavandula

I've lived in both places (Australia for 3 years; western Europe for 5 years). If you like museums and indoor activities then choose western Europe as the weather during most of those months will not be conducive to outdoor activities. If you enjoy being active and doing things outdoors, Australia would be the better place.

Another thing to consider is the fact that you have a big chunk of time to devote to this trip now. If you go to Australia, you should really be able to see a lot of the country in 9 weeks. In the future, you will be lucky to have 2 weeks vacation for travel. You could more easily visit one or more European countries in 2 weeks, but 2 weeks in Australia barely scratches the surface.

If you love the natural environment, choose Australia. But it's towns (with some exceptions) are often not that appealing.

If you love architecture and beautiful towns, choose Europe.

And yes, the weather makes a huge difference.

I live in Australia and you will need to book ahead for the school holiday period to be sure of accommodation. Also, accommodation costs are higher here than Europe, mainly because there is a wider spread of options in Europe.

I've been to Australia in both Oct-Nov and Feb-Mar, and would highly recommend it. You could start your trip in Far North Queensland, which is primarily a winter destination, but weather still good in late October. Then work your way south as summer approaches. Yes, it is school holidays in January, but you may enjoy spending Christmas on the beach. What better way to escape a northern hemisphere winter than a trip south of the equator?

The only drawback with Australia, IMO, is the current strength of the AUD. In my first trip to Australia an Aussie dollar was worth 60 cents US, but now it is more than a US dollar. That said, it's a wonderful country with friendly people, lots to see, and great beaches.

Dreamon and I cross-posted. Yes, accommodation costs are high, especially in places like the GBR, Whitsundays, Uluru, etc. But there are also lots of backpacker hostels — not my thing at my age, but maybe just fine for a 25 y.o. It would also be a good chance to meet other young singles and have a great time.

Thank you for all the advice, it's a very tough decision.

Excellent point though about only having 2 weeks travel vacation in the future.

And I've also wondered about the hostel situation. I'm sure they're always busy in both Europe and Australia, but for meeting people, it would seem summer in Australia would beat winter in Europe. Just a thought.

If you come to Australia I would actually do the reverse of Heimdall. The weather in the south is much more variable. In October/November, the south of Australia will still be green and the temperatures mild. January can be very hot and dry (but always unpredictable). In Queensland there is much less variation in temperature and it will be humid anyway at that time of year.

Also be aware that you can't swim in the sea close to the coast in northern Australia at that time of year due the stingers (except where there are nets). Still plenty of pools and I believe you can swim from the islands although I've never done it myself at that time of year.

Oct-Jan is a great time to visit otherwise and 9 weeks is a good time. Remember that distances are long compared with Europe and public transport is not even in the same league.

Have fun!

I did swim in the sea in October, although you are correct about the stingers. And it's not just box jellyfish, but irukandji jellyfish as well, which are small enough to get through stinger nets. The solution is to wear stinger suits, which look a bit silly, but do the job. When I snorkelled on the outer reefs of the GBR and in the Whitsundays everyone was wearing them, including me.

Most of the bigger resorts in northern Queensland have stinger nets during the summer. This may be of interest: http://www.qldbeaches.com/stingers.html

I still maintain it is best for an Oct-Jan trip to start in the north before the beginning of the rainy season, then work your way south. In tropical Queensland it is more accurate to call the seasons "wet" and "dry" rather than summer and winter, as it is warm year-round. I would rather save Sydney, Melbourne, etc for January, as I enjoy beaches.

If you are thinking of visiting Uluru (Ayers Rock) or Alice Springs, do it in October rather than January, the hottest month of the year. I was in Uluru in February, and it was blazing hot. I don't mind high temperatures, but it does limit your activities.