It has been twenty years since I wandered about Italy, Paris and London with no reservations, spending less than 20 bucks a night for lodging. Had been planning to go back this coming fall, when a "must-go" wedding on the East coast came up occuring in August...I live on the Wesr coast...logistically, it would seem practical to combine the two trips. Question: just how different would a trip to London, perhaps Paris and Italy (Rome and Florence) in August as opposed to, say, October...speaking in terms of weather, crowds, costs, or any other areas you can think of...my wife and I are 71 and a trip like this may not come up again...Thank you for sharing your collective wisdom and experience,
Dupher

"perhaps Paris and Italy (Rome and Florence) in August"

Hot, sticky, oppressive weather and crowded. In August stick to places around the Atlantic coast

If you want to go Rome & Paris with decent weather try early June or late September

Quite honestly, I'd put off your European trip until October.
In August, it will be hot, horribly crowded, the locals will be irritable.
It will also probably cost more, especially in London.

By all means go in October - a MUCH more pleasant time of year to be in Europe.

There is a big price drop in air fares starting Oct 1, so ideally I would plan on early October when the weather is a little warmer.

London, Paris, Rome and Florence sounds like a one-month trip. This is plenty of time to absorb the extra five hours getting from west coast US to the east cost.

There are also some non-stops from the West Coast to Europe though obviosly not as many as from the East Coast.

BTW, right now is not too early to get October plane tickets to Europe.

<< There is a big price drop in air fares starting Oct 1 ... >>

Maybe, and maybe not. I have seen those price drops move later and later to the second half of October over the past few years.

I think that the second half of September is well worth its additional cost, compared to the second half of October, especially if you are headed to Paris.

Best wishes,

Rex

for all the reasons mentioned above - 100% better in October. <u>Everyone</u> in Europe (or so it seems) is on holiday in August. It is very hot. Few places have a/c. EVERYTHING will be crowded.

Go to the wedding - and then go to Europe in the Fall.

I think the kye things - esp in Florence and Rome - are the heat and the lack of AC. It is totally enervating unless you adore hot (95+) and humid weather - keeping in mind manystores and restaurants - and even hotels - don;t have AC - and what they do have is rarely to US standards (cools down 5 or 10 degrees - but there;s no way to get it to 75).

Thank you all for your time...you have pretty much confirmed what I thought was the case...on to the planning, where I almost certainly will be soliciting your input again...you are an unselfish bunch...
Dupher