Europe and UK in January/February
Nov 19th, 2022, 11:38 PM
#21
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Nov 20th, 2022, 02:17 AM
#22
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If the OP is Antipodean (as I suspect), then it is not a bad idea to warn about the shortness of days. Even in winter, when it gets dark here about 5-6pm, it is not as shocking as the early darkness at about 3:30-4pm that I experienced in Helsinki on my first trip to Europe. It is just not an issue here. It does put a dampener on activities. Also as a female, I personally don't like going out at night on my own when travelling - that is a consideration for some women travellers.
Nov 20th, 2022, 02:23 AM
#23
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Its a pity that you don't like going out at night on vacation. I can see that that restriction would put a big dampener on your activities. Sunset does not mean immediate darkness though, twilight in parts of the UK is anything from 30-50 minutes after sunset. Its the same in Scandinavia. It starts to get dark early but complete darkness does not arrive until a good 30mins after sunset (depending where you are obviously.) Evening activities are plentiful in the winter, the ballet, the theatre, concerts etc, cities are illuminated and some things are better or can only be seen after dark. Such a pity to miss out. I'm lucky I guess, I don't stop going out because it is dark whether it is Helsinki, St Petersburg, NY, Cape Town, Rio or London etc. London is particularly busy right now, at night it is always busy anyway. I can't imagine being confined to a hotel after dark and not feeling comfortable going out for dinner or a walk and having to time activities so you'd be back before dark then sit in your hotel all night. So yes, good to warn the OP in case they are also concerned with going around Europe in the dark.
Do you have any other recommendations in specific cities?
Nov 20th, 2022, 05:15 AM
#25
trouble is the Highlands are not central London.
I liveinthe countryside of Yorkshire and I can promise you that when we have cloud cover (80% of the time) it gets dark before way before sunset. If the stars are out it can be magical. Especially by the sea.
I liveinthe countryside of Yorkshire and I can promise you that when we have cloud cover (80% of the time) it gets dark before way before sunset. If the stars are out it can be magical. Especially by the sea.
Nov 20th, 2022, 05:41 AM
#26
Use some of your extra days to stay in another location in The Netherlands, in addition to Amsterdam. Look at Leiden, Delft and The Hague as possible locations.
Last edited by HappyTrvlr; Nov 20th, 2022 at 05:50 AM.
Nov 20th, 2022, 07:22 AM
#27
Seat61 is great! I have been on it all day, what a usefull resource.
I have been to Munich before and enjoyed it, my mum hasnt been to any of these places so she will be happy with anywhere. But her must see is Scotland. I am wondering if its worth spending longer in Scotland and spend half the time in the Highlands and half the time based in Edinburgh or Glasgow. The only thing that makes me second guess that is the weather and daylight hours.
I have been to Munich before and enjoyed it, my mum hasnt been to any of these places so she will be happy with anywhere. But her must see is Scotland. I am wondering if its worth spending longer in Scotland and spend half the time in the Highlands and half the time based in Edinburgh or Glasgow. The only thing that makes me second guess that is the weather and daylight hours.
Save the rest of Scotland for a trip during a better time of year.
Nov 20th, 2022, 08:06 AM
#28
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I just came back from three full days in Scotland (November 15-17th, one month from the solstice); one day overcast, occasional sprinkle, but the fields were misty/enchanting and the towns were grey but inviting; 2nd day lots of sunshine and it was perfectly gorgeous with the low-lying sun casting warm, diffracted light on everything - - such beauty; 3rd day far more rainy and no fun at all. Here's piccies:
Nov 20th, 2022, 08:31 AM
#29
I very much enjoyed Edinburgh and I was there in January. Never worried a moment about it getting dark early. European cities have electricity now.
A wee bit of Edinburgh (by kerouac2) | Any Port in a Storm (proboards.com)
A wee bit of Edinburgh (by kerouac2) | Any Port in a Storm (proboards.com)
Nov 20th, 2022, 10:11 AM
#31
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There is a night train from Amsterdam to Vienna.
https://www.nightjet.com/en/#/home
It may already be fully booked though, it is very popular. You would need to check your dates.
https://www.nightjet.com/en/#/home
It may already be fully booked though, it is very popular. You would need to check your dates.
Nov 20th, 2022, 03:32 PM
#32
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I think I have decided on Munich, and will have 4 full days there to explore. Any recommendations of your favourite things to see/do or places to eat? I am reading blogs and others suggested itinerary's, but since you suggested it, I assume you enjoyed your time there?
Nov 20th, 2022, 06:41 PM
#33
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The Deutsches Museum is a must, and the Viktualienmarkt is good too. They used to sell horse sausages there, if that is the sort of thing you'd try; nowadays it's a harder sell, I think. Germany is turning vegan now, it's everywhere. I also had fun buying traditional costume from a shop that is no longer there (so sorry, can't recommend it). I still have it - a beautiful long black skirt in wool and a red short-sleeved linen blouse.
It's been a long while since I was in Munich, though - there will be many people here who will have visited more recently to give better tips, hopefully also some restaurants for you.
Lavandula
It's been a long while since I was in Munich, though - there will be many people here who will have visited more recently to give better tips, hopefully also some restaurants for you.
Lavandula
Dec 26th, 2022, 02:44 PM
#34
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Hi travellers!
Let me start by saying that unfortunately I can not change the travel time. Ideally I would love to go on this trip in better weather but January and February is the only time I have before starting a new job.
Flying in to Paris on the 29th of December and flying out of London on the 21st of February. I will be travelling with my mum. Neither of us are into drinking, active night life and we also wont be having an active trip, such as hikes as my mum wouldnt be able to do that.
Hoping to use train travel as much as possible.
I have made a rough itinerary but will remain flexible with daily activities due to the unknown weather day to day. I love natural scenary and good food!
Scotland is a must for my mum so I cant cut that out, but can be flexible with how long we spend there. London is also a must as we fly out of there and its high on my mums list. And of course Paris is a must because of flying into there. Everything else can be altered or cut out and replaced with other locations, particularly if there are amazing places for foodies.
There are many other places I would love to go such as Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary but obviously not enough time for everything. So if any of those places are highly recommended above others I have chosen, your personal opinion/experience is welcomed.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Tips from good locations, day trips, mode of travel, most loved places are all very welcomed and appreciated. Thanks in advanced.
France 29/12 – 5/1 (7 nights)
Paris (7 nights)
Italy 5/1 – 14/1 (9 nights)
Rome (3 nights)
Florence (3 nights)
Venice (2 nights)
Germany 14/1 – 23/1 (9 nights)
Munich (3 nights)
Berlin (3 nights)
Cologne (3 nights)
Netherlands 23/1 - 29/1 (6 nights)
Amsterdam (3 nights)
Rotterdam (3 nights)
Belgium 29/1 – 1/2 (3 nights)
Brussels (3 nights)
Ireland 1/2 – 8/2 (7 nights)
Belfast (2 nights)
Dublin (3 nights)
Galway (3 nights)
Scotland 8/2 – 14/2 (6 nights)
Edinburgh (5 nights)
London 14/2 – 21/2 (7 nights)
Let me start by saying that unfortunately I can not change the travel time. Ideally I would love to go on this trip in better weather but January and February is the only time I have before starting a new job.
Flying in to Paris on the 29th of December and flying out of London on the 21st of February. I will be travelling with my mum. Neither of us are into drinking, active night life and we also wont be having an active trip, such as hikes as my mum wouldnt be able to do that.
Hoping to use train travel as much as possible.
I have made a rough itinerary but will remain flexible with daily activities due to the unknown weather day to day. I love natural scenary and good food!
Scotland is a must for my mum so I cant cut that out, but can be flexible with how long we spend there. London is also a must as we fly out of there and its high on my mums list. And of course Paris is a must because of flying into there. Everything else can be altered or cut out and replaced with other locations, particularly if there are amazing places for foodies.
There are many other places I would love to go such as Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary but obviously not enough time for everything. So if any of those places are highly recommended above others I have chosen, your personal opinion/experience is welcomed.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Tips from good locations, day trips, mode of travel, most loved places are all very welcomed and appreciated. Thanks in advanced.
France 29/12 – 5/1 (7 nights)
Paris (7 nights)
Italy 5/1 – 14/1 (9 nights)
Rome (3 nights)
Florence (3 nights)
Venice (2 nights)
Germany 14/1 – 23/1 (9 nights)
Munich (3 nights)
Berlin (3 nights)
Cologne (3 nights)
Netherlands 23/1 - 29/1 (6 nights)
Amsterdam (3 nights)
Rotterdam (3 nights)
Belgium 29/1 – 1/2 (3 nights)
Brussels (3 nights)
Ireland 1/2 – 8/2 (7 nights)
Belfast (2 nights)
Dublin (3 nights)
Galway (3 nights)
Scotland 8/2 – 14/2 (6 nights)
Edinburgh (5 nights)
London 14/2 – 21/2 (7 nights)
Dec 26th, 2022, 04:32 PM
#35
Scotland is really cold in winter and v windy and london and scotland both are wet and rainy. I live in the UK and will never plan for any holidays during those months. But of course its your vacations. London can be seen in 3 days. Edinburgh in 2 days. Glasgow may be in 2 days and if you wanna go to Loch Lomond then add another day. For Ireland, Galway can be a day trip.
Since the OP is leaving for Europe in two days, likely his plans are firmed up . . .
Dec 28th, 2022, 01:27 AM
#36
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I wouldn’t go to Scotland at that time of year as it will be cold, grey, wet, and very bleak. I’d stick to big cities where there are lots of museums, galleries and restaurants. I’d save up Scotland for its best month, May, where you may get to see its beauty in some sun.
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