abcd_xyz

Hi. My husband and I have 2 weeks off in november 04 and we'd like to travel to Europe. Already been to France, Uk, Switzerland and parts of Italy. Can anyone recommend places which will be lively that time of the year (we're hoping to see some snow if we can). Thanks.

cmt

I thought Sicily ws very pleasant in November. It's olive harvest time. You can see snow on Etna.

mclaurie

The Christmas markets in Germany start the last week of Nov. Austria (Vienna) would also be nice.

ira

>we're hoping to see some snow if we can<

Norway.

ira

Well, great minds do think alike.

I just saw your Norway post.

abcd_xyz

Thanks people. Will research more on Italy. Hi Ira-my first option was Norway but the feedback I got from here was v poor. Im confused.

HappyTraveling

Hi,
Sorry for not being of much help regarding Norway. Even though I'm currently living in Norway, I do not know too much about the weather conditions in the northern parts.

Just a suggestion.....
November is a great time to visit Japan for the fall foliage. My husband and I are leaving for Japan on Nov 18-30 to see the autumn colors in Kyoto. However, I doubt there is snow in Kyoto then, unless you travel to the northern parts.

just an idea.....

In my opinion, europe is best during spring and early fall.....IMHO at least : )

abcd_xyz

Hi Happy Traveling. Ok now im really really confused

We've been wanting to go to Japan but always kept postponing for some reason or the other. I will pop by the asia thread and read up on Japan (this is getting interesting!) Thanks again.

JudyC

To happy Traveling: Kyoto in Autumn is most delightful,I spent 10 days in that area last November too. For beautiful scenery and interesting modern architecture, perhaps you would like to visit MiHo Museum, about 1 hour train/bus ride of the city.

To ABCD, northern Spain-San Sebastian,Bilbao, Burgos and Leon,is always lively and interesting for visiting. For snow, perhaps you will have some luck in highter points of Picos De Europa (not far from Leon). At least,there was quite a bit last January.

HappyTraveling

Let me know if you have any specific questions about accommodation, attractions etc. I've done the research and I'm almost ready to go : )

Fall foliage is expected from mid-Nov to end Nov in Kyoto, according to our Japanese contact. (of course, this could vary from year to year)

We had postponed Japan for a long time, and finally, we just made up our minds and went for it. I booked and paid for the tickets and it was no turning back : ) No regrets tho.....

Bjorn

Madrid!!!!

Bjorn, Oslo

abcd_xyz

Thanks Judyc, Bjorn.

Happy Traveling: Got some positive feedback from friends regarding Japan. Heard nov is a good time to go (weatherwise etc) so i think Japan it is! wow that was a fast switch!

Anyway, we're planning on being there from the 13th until the 25th of nov. Will start planning the itinerary now and researching accommodations.

HappyTraveling

Hi ABCD,

Do book your hotel for Kyoto immediately. I've just managed to find hotel for Nov 22-26 in Kyoto, and unfortunately, it was not hotel of my choice. It is supposedly to be THE PEAK season. So best my advice....do hurry!


I managed to find availability at this hotel (see link below) My nr. #1 choice i.e. Kyoto Royal Hotel is fully booked. bummer.....

Check this out if there is no other hotels available. I see that there are still available rooms for 15-19Nov, http://www.miyakohotels.ne.jp/newmiy...ish/index.html

In Tokyo, I have made reservations at
www.shigetsu.com.

Check out the Asia forum. I have started a thread for good sites re: Japan. Several other great sites have also been added.

Good luck.......

abcd_xyz

Checking out the hotel site as I type this. Many thanks.

abcd_xyz

Hi Happy Traveling. My husband is not too keen on Japan it turns out. So we're back in Europe thinking about going to the Czech Republic and Iceland. well at least for now...

Hope you have a wonderful trip to Japan! And thanks for your help again.

Peteralan

Does it have to be Europe? How about Thailand and /or Hong Kong...both interesting places and great at that time of year. Cheers!

abcd_xyz

Hi Peteralan. Im in Thailand once a month for work. And been to HK several times (I live in Indoneia by the way). But appreciate your inputs. Thanks.