Where in late July - southern France, southern Spain or Croatia?
Dec 19th, 2010, 11:58 AM
#1
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Where in late July - southern France, southern Spain or Croatia?
We usually travel in late March, but last year we went in early July to Italy (Bologna, Lakes, Dolomites and Milan) and it was HOT, HOT, HOT (incl. the Dolomites) which sometimes made it difficult to fully enjoy. This year based on everyone's schedule we will need to travel late July/early Aug. Generally don't mind crowds but did hate the crowds in Bellagio last July. So, do you think any of these places will be ok that time of year - or any other recommendations? We will be traveling with our 19 yo daughter and 15 yo son.
Dec 19th, 2010, 12:20 PM
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You are traveling to popular tourist destinations during the most popular and the hottest time of the year.
I think your leverage is limited to choosing where in each country you are headed to and managing which day of the week you hit certain places. E.g. hitting a museum on a free entrance day is probably a poor idea from the crowd point of view. Going to high altitude destinations will help you avoid the hot weather, but everyone else is thinking of doing the same thing.
Visiting places off the usual tourist destinations is one way to avoid crowd, but these are often special interest destinations.
You can find "average" historical weather on the web, e.g. http://www.weatherbase.com/ .
I think your leverage is limited to choosing where in each country you are headed to and managing which day of the week you hit certain places. E.g. hitting a museum on a free entrance day is probably a poor idea from the crowd point of view. Going to high altitude destinations will help you avoid the hot weather, but everyone else is thinking of doing the same thing.
Visiting places off the usual tourist destinations is one way to avoid crowd, but these are often special interest destinations.
You can find "average" historical weather on the web, e.g. http://www.weatherbase.com/ .
Dec 19th, 2010, 01:07 PM
#3
if you don't like too hot weather, it would be an ideal time to head to northern Europe - Holland, Britain, [Scotland or Cornwall, for example] neither of which are "special interest" destinations, but don' tend to become too crowded. Ireland ditto.
of course, i can't promise it won't rain either!
seriously, if you are wanting to travel anywhere in Europe at that time of year you need to think quickly, as it is school holidays virtually everywhere.
of course, i can't promise it won't rain either!
seriously, if you are wanting to travel anywhere in Europe at that time of year you need to think quickly, as it is school holidays virtually everywhere.
Dec 19th, 2010, 02:11 PM
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Andalusia is very, very hot in mid-summer. I'd avoid it. Your other choices are quite warm also. If you don't like hot weather, why are you picking these places? annhig suggested Britain and Holland. Also consider Scandinavia.
Dec 19th, 2010, 02:14 PM
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Take a look at San Sebastián. Spectacular city. The Spanish flock here in summer to excape the worst heat and enjoy fantastic food, beaches and culture.
http://marshlands.blogstream.com/
Candidate to be European capital of culture in 2016:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2zTb7Eg9Lk
http://marshlands.blogstream.com/
Candidate to be European capital of culture in 2016:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2zTb7Eg9Lk
Dec 19th, 2010, 02:37 PM
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Well, I had already brought up Ireland/Scotland and Norway to the fam and got shot down. These were higher on their list so just trying to determine from people who may have been there in July/August whether it was ok or weather really effected their trip. I've ruled out southern Spain definitely appears to be too hot. Greece was high on the list, but ruled that out due to weather and crowds.
Dec 19th, 2010, 05:01 PM
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Farther south in Italy will be hotter and Southern Spain will be like hill (temps over 100 degrees are routine in the summer). In either place make sure you lodging and car (if any) have strong AC or you will die from the heat. (We've ben to southern Spain in late April twice - and it was definitely beach weather - with temps in the upper 80s).
Can;t comment on Croatia.
Can;t comment on Croatia.
Dec 19th, 2010, 06:33 PM
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We stayed at the Hotel Metropolitan in Bologna and really enjoyed it - helpful staff and great location. It is in your budget. http://www.hotelmetropolitan.com/
