Kristi

I'm hoping to use frequent flier miles to take a 7 to 10 day trip to Europe this April. Because of work, the trip has to take place the week before or after Easter. I'll probably have to take whatever destination I can still get from the airlines, but I'd appreciate any input you have on the following choices. Anything general you could tell me about whether this is a good time of year to visit (e.g. weather, crowds, available activities, what we'd miss by not going at a more "peak" time, etc.) would be appreciated. FYI -- my husband and I are 30 with no kids, we generally like town/city destinations, with brief excursions for the scenic outdoors, and nightlife is not so important. Here are the possibilities:

Italy -- the Rome/Florence/Venice circuit

Austria

Spain/Portugal -- I've never been there, so I'm not sure if it's possible to do both on one trip

Many thanks for your help with this broad question!

mary

HI Kristi

Get on the phone right now! We used frequent flyer miles to get tickets to Rome and had a hard time getting seats even though I got the tickets last september. My brother also recently used frequent flyer miles to go to Holland and ended up flying in and out of Brussels because there weren't any seats available to Amsterdam. Good luck!

Mary

Kristi

You're right Mary -- I know it's going to be difficult. I had to book 9 months ahead for tickets to Hawaii. Just hoping to get as much info as possible to prioritize my choices. Thanks!

Dena

Italy would be my first choice if you have never been there. Should be good weather but not nearly as crowded as summer and there is so much to see and do there-Fabulous.

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Kristi

Thanks, Dena. Originally, I thought Italy and Spain would certainly have the best weather. But, until I read recent posts, I hadn't realized (silly me) what a tourist event Easter is in Italy. It sounds like I could have problems booking hotels, etc. in Italy at this late date. Does anyone know whether I would have similar problems in Spain/Portugal or Austria? Italy is the only one oof these choices that I've been to before (although my husband hasn't) . . .