Last winter I decided not to go to Europe because I wanted to escape to a warm climate. This year I think I may brace the cold. Any suggestions for places that are either great winter escapes (Dec., Jan. or Feb.) or that aren't too cold? Also, because of the cold, would certain places be cheaper during the colder months?

HI
Could you narrow it down a little?
Do you want cities, or skiing?
Do you like museums and sightseeing?
How much time will you have?

The advantages of most of Europe during the winter is that it attractions are less crowded, hotel and air fare are cheaper. Disadvantage is that of course you will need to pack warmer and weatherproof clothes and outwear, and you will need an umbrella, and the hours of daylight are less. No gardens either, except the indoor kind.

I've been to Paris and London in winter, and am planning Paris for this December. Last winter when I was in London it was cold and damp, as expected, but I had dry footwear and plenty of layers and I was fine. When I've been in Paris in winter I've found pretty much the same,with snow somewhat more likely than London. But every winter is different.

We went to Austria and Italy this past February-March. While Austria was freezing and rainy, Italy was actually quite pleasant. The weather in Florence and Rome was about 60 degrees but got a little chilly in the evenings and during rain. Long sleeves and a jacket would probably work fine. I'm not sure what the weather normally is there during that time of year, but these were our experiences.

As far as price, we definitely found cheaper rates on hotels because we were traveling during "off peak" times.

Good luck!
Tracy

Couple of years back we went to Rome and Athens in December. Rome was great - the cooler temparatures make all the walking mroe comfy. Athens was cold(unseasonably we were told). But nothing too horrendous.

Rome was crowded, since it was around Christmas time, however Athens was great very few tourists.

Have also spent a whole month in Arona in January by Lago Maggiorre - great weather.

Elaine: my interests are varied and i am up for anything. i don't ski, but wouldn't mind taking it up. coming from ny i am used to the cold so it may be good to specifically look for cold-weather activities rather than trying to find a warm spot.

Indie: I had thought of Athens, but won't most of the islands bee too cold that time of year?

You could do the whole Christmas kitsch thing and go to one of the big German cities in December; I defy any cynic not to become entranced by the Christmas Markets

You never know about the weather. I was in Austria and Poland in December, 2000, and it was 50 degrees--really kind of disappointing for Zakopane but it was easy to get around, less expensive and no crowds. I was in Germany, Czech Republic and Hungary in November, 1997, and it got below freezing just once with no snow. I think October-December are great times to visit and agree with libuse about the Christmas markets in German-speaking nations.

I plan to go someday on a Go-today package. The winter deals are incredible and all the feedback has been fabulous by posters on this site and others.

christmas in paris is fun but chilly and windy. we went to strasbourg the following week was just as fun but a bit warmer. rome at christmas is very fun and very fun. the weather is warmer. at ostia antica i think that it was about 70 deg. f.

We have been to Italy during February for the last three years, and have been lucky enough to have remarkably good weather, with the possible exception of Rome this year, when it snowed1

In 2002, we were in Rome for the whole trip, with a daytrip to Orvieto. Sunshine every day, and warm enough that we didn't need our coats during the day.

In 2003, we went to Venice, Lucca, and Florence, and again, no rain. Venice was, of course, cooler than Florence and Lucca, but we were comfortable in coats and hats--we even took a moonlight gondola ride under a full moon, and don't remember being cold at all.

This year, we went to Sorrento, Positano, and Rome. Light jackets or sweaters during the day were just right on the Amalfi coast, except at the top of Vesuvius--Brrr!

The wet snow in Rome came and went, but certainly didn't slow us down It really wann't cold, just damp.

Weather is, of course, so unpredictable, so everyone has to make his own trade-offs.

Byrd

We have spent many winter months in Spain at the Costa Del Sol area with Grand Circle Travel, Jan, Feb, March and April and usually quite nice weather, certainly springlike. And used to be just as cheap if not cheaper than Florida. Just a matter of taste, however we loved it. Halfpint.

Went to Prague last November thru Go Today and had a wonderful trip. Prague was quite cold but.... The price, accomodations, everything was great and quite inexpensive. I would go again. This year we will go to Germany & Austria for 3 weeks in November and December. Can't wait. We spent Christmas in Germany 3 years ago and it was soooo cold but it was December and it surely put us in the Christmas spirit with all of the markets and such. Have a great trip and I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you choose to do.

beth23,
I thought Lisbon in mid-December was one of my best vacations, weatherwise and otherwise. Weather ranged from cloudy/rainy and cool to windy and crisp. Nights were definitely cold, though no snow of course. There did not seem to be many tourists at that season. Christmas festivities were in full swing, with many seasonal treats in the bakeries, and vendors selling roast chestnuts on street corners (I especially remember how they would have an old edition of the Lisbon phone book with them, and rip out a page to wrap your chestnuts in!).