All along we have thought about making our trip to Europe mid-October. However, on second thought, what would be the advantages or disadvantages to going in December (over the Christmas holidays)? Schedule-wise, this would be a bit more convenient for us, and chilly weather is not a big issue for us (we lived in Iowa for 5 years). <BR>I would greatly appreciate everyone's thoughts on this. Are more of the attractions closed down? The countries we will be visiting are England, France, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. <BR> <BR>Thanks for all input. <BR> <BR>Debbi in the mountains of North Carolina <BR>&gt;^..^&lt; <BR> <BR>

&lt;&lt;England, France, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland&gt;&gt; <BR> <BR>I'd say start in mid-October, and you might wrap up shortly after the Christmas holidays. <BR> <BR>All poking fun aside, I would say that winter time travel does not "work" as well in winter, in Europe, just as is true in the United States. Flights get more delayed, things close down or operate with reduced staffs. Just ask yourself: when would you plan a trip to Chicago and Milwaukee, Toronto and Niagara Falls, Philadelphia and the Amish country of Pennsylvania, Boston and the rest of New England, New York, Washington and Williamsburg, the Smoky Mountains, Opryland and Nashville? <BR> <BR>How many trips would this be? and would you go in October (1-31?) or Christmas (til Valentine's Day?) <BR>

It's a mixed bag! <BR>Early September offers the best weather, and the summer crowds are starting to taper off. Good time for easy sightseeing. <BR>Christmas, however, offers its own unique pleasures. Christmas markets abound in many towns (at least in Germany - try Munich and Nuremburg for a couple of the largers ones). You might also stumble upon some of the local Christmas festivals. And walking at night in a decorated town during a snowfall is not to be missed. And if you're a skier - no contest!

Well, if you go to Germany over Christmas, make sure to go to a tourist destination, e.g. ski resort, otherwise be prepared that everything is completely closed at least from Dec. 24 through 26: restaurants, museums, movies, stores, etc. Most people take off from Dec. 24 until Jan 2. On the other hand, New Year's Eve is one big party with fireworks.

Debbi: <BR> <BR>It's a trade-off. Obviously the weather is much better in mid-October than it'll be in December. AND also, don't forget that your daylight hours will be shorter. <BR> <BR>BUT, I think the tourist crowd lightens up in December. Well, if you're talking Christmas, there may be a slight increase in traffic at that particular time --- certainly airfares increase, after the lower prices of November & early December. I'd think it'd be alot of fun to experience the Xmas holidays in Europe; and perhaps a pleasant getaway from the oppressive crush of commercialism that overwhelms us in the states.

Mid-October is good for weather. November is nice as well and toward the end of November and into December, the Germans, Austrians, Poles have Christmas markets which are great fun! The downside to being there near Christmas is that the planes are full of people living in Europe coming home (don't get too close to blackout dates).