sha

My husband and I will be celebrating a big anniversary and are looking for a special place to celebrate. We love travel, especially Europe, but have never been there during the winter. Any suggestions? We've thought about Paris but question if the damp, cold weather could be problematic. I look forward to hearing your words of wisdom.

TC

Sha, I have topped my report on our 30th Anniversary trip to Paris. It was November 22 and the weather had little effect on the romance of the trip. You can judge for yourself after reading my post.

mclaurie

Any place is doable at any time of year. It just depends on your expectations. If you've never been to Paris and enjoy good food, history, museums and shopping, go. You'll love it despite the weather. If you've already been and are looking to recreate a trip where you sat at sidewalk cafes drinking, Feb. is not the time to go. I have been to Paris twice in Feb. and had a great time both times, but I love museums and shopping.

The further south you go the more temperate the weather will be. Venice is romantic (although Feb is Mardi Gras and I'm not sure how romantic that is). Your other option is to do the trip a few months after the actual anniversary.

suze

Highly personal suggestion I realize but for me, I'd head to Mexico or Hawaii in February and save Europe for spring/summer/fall traveling.

aggiemom

Think about going to some mountains - French Alps maybe? That could be very romantic - cozy fireplace, wine, staying in bed on a snowy day... or even ski, if you enjoy that.

Think about Annecy, France in Haute Savoie. Alps are right nearby. Lac d'Annecy is nearby although I don't know what the lake offers in winter months. Annecy is very beautiful and has some very old parts with a few canals.

aggiemom

PS: Although I've never stayed for more than a day trip, St. Wolfgangsee in the Austrian Alps is similar to Annecy.

sha

TC and others: Great suggestions- many thanks. We're fortunate to be able to travel to Mexico with frequency- we'll be returning from there Feb. 4. Great thought- obviously, we love Mexico. Because of this prior trip, my husband can't take a lot of time from the office and we thought a 5 day trip from the east coast to Europe would be great. Keep these fun ideas coming and again, many thanks.

swandav2000

Hi sha,

How about the south of France or Monte Carlo? I think there's a lemon festival in Menton in Feb.

s

francophile03

I'm partial to this city so I'll have to say Paris. I've been in February and also during December. Weather doesn't make any difference as Paris is, in my opinion, beautiful whether it's cold and drizzly or sunny and warm.

Leely

I'm a fan of winter travel, so I'd say just pick a place with enough indoor activities/great restaurants and you'll be fine.

I loved Paris in December and Rome in February. Actually, on a Rome/Florence/Venice trip in late-Feb/early-March 2003, Venice and Florence were neck-and-neck for coldest. Rome was almost balmy (kinda) by comparison. However, we enjoyed our time in all cities.

Congratulations on your anniversary.

lincasanova

sevilla and granada would make a nice 5 day plan.

granada would be colder.. but if the sun were out, southern spain could be quite bearable.

we always celebrate our birthdays in february with a nice winter getaway.

have been to the lake district, milan, rome, venice, sevilla, paris, moscow, and munich at this time of year.

has been very cold, with snow, to mild.
so, unless you do go way south to africa..or canary islands.. no guaranteee for better weather.

mclaurie

South of France is a very nice idea (pun intended). Fly to Nice. I've been there in Feb and the weather was downright balmy (unseasonably warm).

Underhill

February in Nice brings Carnaval, which would be a lot of fun.

sha

Underhill: that sounds like fun. What great ideas you're all coming up with. Many thanks.