Here we are back in London after 3 days in Paris (8 days in London first). We had 4 hours of sun in our 11 days. Since we were here to visit family, the weather was less important. BUT, the weather was cold, rainy, miserable. Walking around cities was not a pleasure. We have never spent so much on cabs before this trip. If you are traveling to do touring and sightseeing, do plan to go when you have a chance that you will enjoy being outside. Since the weather was so ugly in Paris we spent almost a full day on and off the Red Sightseeing Bus. That worked well under the circumstamces. Just my opinion, but good weather makes travel more fun.

There is a reason why many people go south for winter vacations, but did you wander around the <i>passages</i> while you were in Paris?

&quot;There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes&quot; Does anyone remember the correct quote, or who said it?

We spent our time off the bus mainly in museums, bistros, and cafes. We are not shoppers (and the dollar buys nothing!!). I would have loved to wander around and we were dressed properly for the cold and rain but it just wasn't fun to be outside. This is our first Christmas/New Years not going to the sun. It was a mistake.

It's funny, but yesterday in Sydney it was 40c! I was swimming in the pool which felt like bath water and was wishing for some cold weather and rain!
I figure 24c is a comfortable temp to travel/explore in.

That is why the airfare was so good.

I am with you. Cold is fine, but cold and rainy can be miserable for sightseeing, especially for a photographer.