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Winter Euro Travel
updated: Nov 15, 2012, 10:11 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

Has anyone travelled to Europe in the winter (January)? What countries would you recommend going to or not going to? I'm hesitant due to the weather and the fact that it could get dark very early.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 343121	2012-11-15 10:25 AM
it will be getting lighter outside, as winter solstice is December 21st. Pack warmly, its already in the 30s-40s here in London. :)
COMMENT 343125	2012-11-15 10:29 AM
I spent January in Europe a few years ago and it was lovely. Train travel around Germany, The Czech Republic, and Austria was beautiful. Prague in particular was gorgeous under a virginal coat of white snow (making an otherwise somewhat dingy city look downright clean).
COMMENT 343135	2012-11-15 10:52 AM
The train from Venice to Salzburg is a must do. Absolutely stunning scenery.
COMMENT 343136	2012-11-15 10:52 AM
Anywhere is good to go!!
COMMENT 343140	2012-11-15 11:04 AM
If you don't like short, cold days wait for Spring. But winter's preparation for the holidays brings out a lot of different street vendours and holiday street bazaars. I can still smell and taste roasted chestnuts hot off the brazier in Rome and the festivities of Piazza Navona. Bring warm clothes and get up early.
COMMENT 343144P	2012-11-15 11:10 AM
My daughter enjoyed England, Scotland and Ireland in December and January last year (so much that she's going back this December). Just be prepared for wet/cold weather and you'll be fine.
COMMENT 343145	2012-11-15 11:11 AM
yess go everywhere see everything eat everything cold is cold pack warm stuff
PAMSB	2012-11-15 11:54 AM
Spent Christmas and New Year's in Paris one year. Magical!
STRAY	2012-11-15 12:31 PM
Baby, it's cold in Europe in winter! Paris is at the same north latitude as Labrador, Canada. In general, the farther in southern Europe you head, the warmer it gets.
COMMENT 343228P	2012-11-15 01:19 PM
Ireland is wonderful in the cold, damp weather, as long as you are in a cozy pub with lots of friendly people.
COMMENT 343388	2012-11-15 05:29 PM
It will be cold there, colder in island countries (UK I'm looking at you) and I would avoid travel if you've got any kind of serious or chronic medical issue like asthma or lung disease since the cold and damp can really constrict the lungs. Otherwise, no big whoop if you have a really good insulated coat and a thick scarf and gloves. You can't really underestimate the cold, particularly if you've never left SB. But you'll have fun anyway as long as you're prepared.
COMMENT 343444	2012-11-15 07:02 PM
Paris and Cinque Terre in Italy.
COMMENT 343567	2012-11-16 07:50 AM
Istanbul, Prague, Antwerp, Paris, Amsterdam, Aix-en-Provence... Lovely just about anywhere really.
COMMENT 343570	2012-11-16 07:57 AM
come visit Villa Isabella in Enna Sicily.....ask Edhat how to contact us
MTNDRIVER	2012-11-16 08:36 AM
The UK in winter is very dark, twilight as early as 2-3 in the afternoon even in the south, and not light in the morning until 9 or so--and with the almost constant cloud cover, it feels pretty dark all day. And the damp makes the cold more penetrating. Paris is cold and dark too, but it's Paris, never loses that spark.... Even the southernmost bits of Europe are chilly and darker in winter than here. Weather along the Mediterranean coast is a bit colder and with more rain typically than we get here. Santa Barbara is at approximately the same latitude as Casablanca, Morocco. Really whether it's a good time to go depends a lot on how much time you like to spend outdoors. Inside it's warm everywhere! Dress in layers, because inside it's often VERY warm. And make sure your shoes can keep your feet warm and dry! That said, I hope you go! Have a great time.
COMMENT 343594	2012-11-16 08:50 AM
As a European, I do sympathise with a lot of the comments already but if you are there in early Dec, think about Provence, Andalucia,& Sicily. The weather there is about the same as SB at this time. It's low season (hotels half price), there's no tourists - you can see everything so much easier and not have to brave the 100 degree heat they get in summer.
COMMENT 343626	2012-11-16 09:15 AM
It depends on when in the Winter you plan to go. In early December, there are river cruises that take advantage of the Christmas Markets in many of the cities, particularly on the Danube. If it is right around Christmas, many of the wonderful country-house hotels in the United Kingdom, particularly, have Christmas celebrations for the guests. For skiing, consider Innsbruck in Austria as a base which would include skiing there, at Kitzbuhl and a St.Christophe as well as excursions in to Bavaria(Oberammergau and Ludwig's castles) and easy airport access to Munich OR the Swiss or French Alps(St.Moritz or Courchevel)...........Happy traveling If you are cold-averse, Southern Spain and Portugal or the French Riviera will have the warmest weather OR you might consider Morocco.
AGENTSME	2012-11-16 10:10 AM
I recommend you go to Vienna if you've never been there. Yes - it will be very cold (or may be surprisingly warm like a few years ago). It is the most beautiful city with delicious food (OMG I can almost taste it) on every corner, great coffee and pastries, beautiful architecture and friendly people. At Christmas time there's a HUGE outdoor x-mas market and the streets and buildings are decorated in lights and reefs and garlands. You will find many activities to choose from - from ice-skating, to concerts at the beautiful Vienna Opera house, to excellent Museums to Fashion shows to just hanging out at one of the many corner pubs or cafe's. They also have a ball season you like to waltz or just want to soak up tradition. I highly recommend you go -- and take me with you :-)
COMMENT 343687P	2012-11-16 11:08 AM
Likely to be cold and rainy. I would check out S. Italy and Greece if you don't want to get wet; otherwise, if you're warmly equipped, every place is lovely, misty, and carvings and columns and gargoyles we with rain, and lots of cafes, etc. with dreamy drinks and pastries, to stop up and warm up.
BURNTTHISTLE	2012-11-16 08:22 PM
Great Time to go avoid long lines and other tourists

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