Hi, We have airtickets to London in early Feb2005, but still have no clue what to do during our 23days winter holiday. We would like to see Paris, Rome, Belgium, Amsterdam etc. Not sure if we should join a tour like Trafalgar? Would it be difficult to travel around during winter? Or should we use the train? Or Plane? We are from tropical country and not sure if we will be freeze to death on the street... and we can only speak English, will it be difficult to travel on our own? And is it true that most of the tourist spots will be mostly closed during Winter? Also it would be gald if anyone can tell me if it's possible to do skiing in europe without having to take a 7days ski package? Thanks a million!

Hi,

It will be easy to travel between large cities on your own. There really is no reason to take a tour. Look at some of the budget European airlines for cheap flights (Ryan Air, Easy Jet etc). Look at www.raileurope.com for train routes and prices, but be aware that it is often cheaper to buy train tickets once you are in Europe.

It is not difficult to travel in winter. My last three trips to Europe have been in January or February. I love it. It will be cold, though, especially for someone used to tropical weather - definitely pack warm clothes! Tourist attractions are not generally closed in the winter.

You will be fine speaking English. It is nice to try to learn a few key phrases in the languages of the countries you are visiting - Hello, Please, Thank you, and "Do you speak English?" are a good start, just to be polite.

I don't ski, so I can't help with that part. Good luck!

Karen

hi, Ollieca!
Why not fly to StPetersburg for several days? Winter in SPb is a special time: plenty of things to do: skiing, skating, kite skiing, palaces, museums and just seeing the most fashionable city of Russia....
IF U HAVE NEVER BEEN TO RUSSIA it is a good chance to fly to SPb from paris, London, wherever. Just 2 hours and u are here.
Come! if u shall need any advice on Russia and SPb mailto: [email protected]

Rgds!
maria

Hi! It's very easy to travel to Europe by yourself, so don't worry about that. From London there is the eurostar (www.eurostar.com) and you can go by train to Paris or Brussels if you don't want to fly. From there your choices are endless and you can travel between cities either with bus, or train. (Fly is an option too.. there are lots of cheap flights from Brussels with Virgin at
www.virgin-express.com)
Now about skiing... Of course you don't need to buy a 7 day package. You just arrive at the pists and enjoy the sport whenever you want. (There too you have plenty of options.. france, austria, switserland, italy etc...)

If you speak english then you have nothing to worry about.

The tourist spots don't close during winter!! Of course it will be a different feeling, because all the cafes etc, will be indoors, but apart from that, Europe is an all year destination. (Mind that in the big cities, July and August is usually off season).

I hope you'll have a great time!!
(Why don't you come to Greece too? ;-)

Carnaval ("Fastnacht" or "Fasching" in German) is a huge celebration and takes place this year in early February. You might want to schedule a stop in Cologne, Mainz, or Basel, cities well known for this event. The Rose Monday parade is on Feb. 7 this year, I believe.

Thank you all very much for all the information! Really appriecaite it! Would it be cheaper to find hotel when we are there? Or should I book in advance? I have heard many horror story about Europe hotels...

Ollieca - it won't necessarily be cheaper waiting on hotels. There are so many websites with deals and search capabilities, plus you can search on this forum for ideas in your price range.

Really it depends on how you like to travel. Personally, I don't like to waste time searching for a vacancy at each destination, so I book ahead. However, lots of people on this board like to wing it and find a place when they get there - it's really a matter of preference in February, because there will be plenty of vacancies.

Karen