Family Traveler

We have been planning a family trip to Europe for this June. We're a family of two adults, plus four kids. We'd be flying Chicago-Germany/Switzerland area (or Paris, if that's where the deals were). It looks like the airlines are now offering fabulous deals to many of the prime European vacation cities for around the $300 mark for March/April travel. So far, it looks like we'd be paying $700+ for June travel on the same routes. Would the savings be worth moving the trip up? (We do have a budget to consider.) How reliable is the weather in Germany/Switzerland/Austria in March or April? Would we be able to get to the Lucerne area, or the Berner Oberland area? OR, can we expect summer airfares to be "on sale" if we wait another month or two? What typically happens with airfares?
Lots of questions, I know. But, we're smart enough to realize that when traveling with kids we have to be plenty prepared! We've been researching accomodations (vacation apartment rentals) and our route, for nearly a year now, so we'd be ready to make a move quickly if that were the best thing to do.
Thanks for your help.

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Rex

Move now.

Only you can decide how much is the $2400 airafe savings worth to you. Do NOT count on finding airfares as good as the current spring sale fares available in June - - not ever! It could happen - - but it could snow in June too!

The weather is always a variable - - so are strikes, and who knows what else. The odds are 99% in your favor that you will be able to get around, whatever the weather. The weather will almost surely be better in June (unless you hate hot), the crowds will be worse, and of course, there is a 100% guarantee that the days (time the sun is shining) will be longer.

How old are the kids?

For my money, I would go in spring (will it be a shorter - - and thus cheaper trip, because of school constraints?) - - and then go again next year or in the not too distant future!

Best wishes,

Rex

Family Traveler

Thank you...this is the kind of thing we need to know. The kids are 13.5, 12, 4.5, and 4.5 (twins). They're all used to plane travel within the US/Canada, and car travel, and up to the adventure. We were concerned that even highway travel in Switzerland might be difficult in March/April, but maybe not unless you're up in the mountain roads. Yes, the shorter trip would be due to school constraints~as well as budget. And, yes, we also thought that maybe it would be worth jumping on these fares, and making another trip in a year or two to cover some other areas. With fares like this, and staying in holiday rentals rather than hotels, we could possibly do an 8-10 day trip for around $5K. That's awfully good for a family of six!

Christine

roads will be no problem in Switzerland in April or March. Certainly better then Chicago. We have been having a mild winter here so far. Never get much snow in the valleys. I live near Luzern. I actually think the weather is better in April then June,the early summer weather tends to be unsettled.

kk

Dear FT, go in the spring! Reap the benefit of cheaper travel plus fewer crowded places. You will love it. I've not been to Europe in the summer for 15 years. Sure, sometimes I miss the flowers but then I quickly remind myself of what I am also missing.....crowds, crowds, crowds everywhere destroying the ambience plus heat. You'll love springtime in Europe.

wendy

Absolutely!
Get going now!
Beat the crowds!

Shanna

USAir is having a sale! Some decent prices after the huge jump I saw over the last couple of weeks. Maybe the rest of the airlines will step in here and we can get a little battle going. Also Continental has a good price today via their partner, Air France, from newark. Check them all everyday, but be ready to book!

Judy

Family Traveler: American is having a great sale according to our paper, but you have to use their web site, Also I am INCAPABLE of waiting tooo long!
;-) Judy

Thyra

I have to jump in here and say GO GO GO! Spring is our absolute favorite time for visiting Europe! Hotels are less expensive, plus the airfare as you mentioned, yep you'll most likely see some rain, bring layers of clothing, but it's worth it for the lack on lines and uncrowded restaurants. Just an FYI,make sure you get a little input from the kids themselves to help with the itinerary. Have a great trip!

Beth

Hi, let me add my two cents. Obviously, go now. Check out Amercian air carriers right now have r/t fares for under $400.00, restrictions apply of course, but this price will double in about...
March. Go to www.aa.com and look for "Netsavers" From ORD AA had flts. to FRA, ZRH, CDG. Although most airline carriers run newspaper flight offers in the summer, they are rarely a bargain.

Order special "kids" meals. You'll be served at least two meals.
I've been to Europe in April the weather is mild and the crowds non-existent.
Hope this helps! B