Hi Fodorites,
I need advice. We didn't have an opportunity to plan our summer vacation due to various reasons - one being that I had to prolong my passport, and, with my native country's consulate, you never know how long it would take Now that we have our documents in order and all the important business and personal plans are laid out, the only month we can go is July. Which is considered the worst for European travel. We were thinking about Portugal, Spain, Greece, France (mostly Bretagne) or Great Britain (this last one is my less favorite, since it's quite expensive). Are all of these destinations as intolerable in July as the common wisdom has it? Is there any other nice European place that we've overlooked? We like mixing cities and country roads, cultural vibe and relaxing atmosphere.
Thank you very much. I appreciate any advice from this forum!

With a certain degree of exaggeration, I would assume that only 90 percent of all Europeans go on vacation in July. I would not know why it should be the "worst" for European travel? It is warmer than in April, agreed - but that's what we call summer, and there are many options to mix the sea breeze with city/ culture trips.

Many of the the countries you mentioned are typical summer destinations: Bretagne, Spain (Northern coast and Pyrenees, instead of Andalucia and Madrid), Portugal (Atlantic Coast, Lisbon), France (Bretagne, Provence (for lavender bloom, July is THE month to go. The higher elevations of Provence get less heat than the Rhone valley with Avignon etc.)).

It is a great time for the Scandinavian countries, too, but they are expensive. A cheaper alternative could be Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia.

You still have many, many options.

The Netherlands? Weather is better and costs are less than UK. Get out of Amsterdam and see the other beautiful parts especially along the coast.

have a look at croatia- after vacationing in the rest of europe it was a pleasant surprise dollar wise
beautiful people beautiful countryside

Actually I think August is the month that everyone says not to go. Thats when more Europeans are on vacation so a few things in cities might be closed, and beach areas more crowded. I have been to Europe every July for the past eight years and love it. I've been all over - Last year I was in Madrid and central Spain, I've also been to Portugal, Italy and south of France and I don't think it's too hot. I did save the Seville area for when I could go in march due to the heat, but all those other destinations were quite fine. And any of Northern Europe is ideal for summer. You have long daylight hours, everything is open, more liklihood of sunny weather, flowers, etc.

So I would go anywhere you want to go at any other time of year. There is nothing especially bad about July anywhere, and a lot of good things. Have fun.

Two cities spring to mind, Amsterdam in the Netherlands is completely unique in terms of holiday experiences. There's loads to do and some great museums, walks, bars, food drink and a great deal more in the red light district ;-)

Also for a completely different choice, what about the capital of Latvia, Riga. Riga is an up and coming holiday destination with some wonderful scenery and a great nightlife.

http://www.travelsavvy-amsterdam.com

http://www.travelsavvy-riga.com

Hi M

Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland.

Scotland
Czech Republic (spend lots of time outside of Prague)
Romania
Hungary

Every region which is north of the Alps.

I would add Germany to the list.

Well - in July I would proably go to Scandinavia - since I can;t stand the heat and if I want a summer beach vacation I can have a great one at home for next to nothing.

I would never consider Spain or southern Itlay - but only youknow how tolerant you are of heat - and many places not having AC.

I wouldn't consider July the worst, either, but August. In fact, I've never heard anyone say that July is the worst month to travel in Europe. I've been there in July a lot and always enjoy myself. Sure, I wouldn't go to Greece or southern Spain, in July, but there are plenty of other places.

I haven't been to Portugal, but France is a very large country, so why not go there in July. I'm not clear on why you think July is the worst, but last July I spent part of it in Switzerland, and that was very nice. If it's the weather (don't think that is your complaint, not sure--it must be with Greece and Spain), Switzerland isn't usually that hot. There are lots of other places in Europe than where you named. I was in Poland in July a couple years ago and enjoyed that a lot.

Thank you everyone for your response! I was thinking that the heat can be unbearable in most of the destinations I've listed, but maybe I was wrong. I love the Netherlands recommendation, we are going to look further into it.

Poland! Two choices: Mazurian Lakes; You can fly into Berlin or Gdañsk. Visit Gdyna, Sopot and Gdañk. Next go on to the Lakes. Zakopane; fly into Kraków. Drive to Zakopane. Explore the area and hike the trails. Visit the National Parks. Stay out of cities...

I must give my advice as well - everyone seems to have missed out on Belgium - particularly the Ghent, Bruges cities (lovely beaches on the coast a few miles away from Bruges and so many fantastic historic buildings) or the Ardennes for forests, beauty and food.

France- Spain - if you haven't booked hotels they are probably full except places like Paris. If you like the idea of Brittany then you will love Belgium.

Greece (Athens) don't waste your time - it is only good for a couple of days - the greek islands are idylic but they will also be booked out.

Let's see if this tourist link page may whet your appetite for Belgium. I try to get therew every month to walk the beach, chill out, take photos, drink great beers, eat pate and cheese etc

http://www.oldchocolatehouse.com/Links.html

Great Britain is expensive but the Euro is getting quite strong as well - but I still find Belgium good value compared to living here in the UK

How about Switzerland? We've been there twice with www.untours.com. Both times it was in the Spring. However, the beauty of Switzerland is that if it gets hot in the valley, you hop on a train for a higher (cooler) elevation. The views and hikes are tremendous.

I do not think July is a bad month in Spain if you go from Madrid to the North. I suggest you to flight to Madrid and then hire a car to go to Salamanca and drive to the North stopping in Zamora, Leon until Galicia and Asturias which are the regions on the north west of Spain with beautiful countryside and full of cathedrals, museums and very good food. And the most important, there are not a lot of tourists. Also these areas are quite cheap.
For Madrid and Salamanca accommodation I suggest you www.homesfortravellers.com

Regarding Scandinavia, July is among the best months weather-wise, but if you are concerned about GB being expensive, then it isn't the right choice.

Also, at least in Denmark, July is the big vacation month, not August. I didn't notice a lot of things closed, but some of the Danish countryside spots (Skagen, for instance) will be seeing their high season in terms of crowds and pricing.

Please let me suggest a trip to Italy, specifically central Italy. Last spring I spent 2 weeks in various cities, towns, beaches and the countryside of Lazio and Tuscany. The itinerary included travel by train, bus, and rental car, and of course plenty of walking! The scenery was picture-perfect; the transportation was comfortable; the accommodations and cuisine fantastic; and the people more than friendly. I visited numerous historic sites, gardens, parks, churches and enjoyed every single one. The accommodations were Hotel Lancelot, Rome; Residenza d'Arte, Torrita di Siena; Hotel Albion, Firenze; and lastly the Hilton Rome Airport Hotel.

The two beaches at which I spent some time, Nettuno and Anzio, were only an hour by train from Rome. The Tyrrhenian Sea was crystal clear and warm, and the towns are filled with turn-of-the-century architecture, great shops and cafes, and some significant historic sites such as the ruins of Nero's seaside clifftop estate and the Sicily-American Cemetery, filled with statues, memorials, gardens, etc. As far as the beaches: July would be perfect!

In Tuscany it was a pleasure to drive throughout the region, as it is full of wheat fields, olive groves, grape orchards, castles, ancient towns, Etruscan tombs, and of course the great city of Florence (Firenze).

Please feel free to contact me should you want any more information and/or details that I can provide. I wish you a very happy vacation wherever you may go!

Sincerely, Laura

Southern France - Aix-en Provence, Cassis, Nice, Northern Italy- travel by train!

Hi Marusja1 I think Amsterdam would be great to start or end You can also that day trip from there.Then a flight to Spain which is only two hours away, Any who stay My husband & I stay a week in Amsterdam And A week in spain. We have been doing that for the past 3 years. If you choose Amsterdam look into the PARK HOTEL gREAT LOCATION and take a day trip to Beautiful towm Call Haarlem only a hour ride each. Thjeyhave a wonderful market on Mondays and Saturday check it out. We normally do this trip in November. This summer we R doing Venice & Greek Isles (2).Enjoy your Vacation.