My Mother and I are planning a trip to Europe for the first week in August. We are planning to go to London or Vienna. Someone said that August is a holiday month and a bad time to experience Europe. Any advice?

Not having been to either London or Vienna, I can't tell for sure, but having spent most of the summer months in different European countries I can tell you this. June and July are considered high season for tourists, and probably also the first half of August, before schools start up again mid-August. Many places such as amusement parks close for the season in mid-August, so you would miss out on visiting some places, but also you'd miss the big crowds. The weather should still be nice then, sometimes even better than in the June-July months.<BR><BR>Good luck!<BR>Benita

Barbara, London and Vienna are my two favorite cities in the world! <BR><BR>They are both warm/hot in August, and more crowded than the shoulder season, but neither shuts down in August the way Paris or Rome do. You should have a wonderful time in either. <BR><BR>If you chose Vienna, do stay within the Ring -- it's well worth it to be able to stroll so many places. You're welcome to email me with questions.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

August is THE tourist season all over Europe (schools don't start up again until beginning of September). Every place that's worth visiting is crowded, some beyond belief. That said, I don't think London or Vienna would be unbearable in August - very busy, yes, but not horrible. I'd sure stay away from the Riviera, though.

We spent 3 weeks in England last year, late July to mid-August and thought it was a fine time to visit. The English kids go back to school in early September. I have also been in Paris in early August, and yes much was closed down while owners were on holiday, but London wasn't like that.