There’s no wrong or right time to visit Europe, it really depends on what you want to get out of your vacation here. Our trusty Mobal Members have shared when they traveled and what they experienced when visiting Europe.

If you’ve been to Europe and want to have your say, please share your experiences in the comments box…

 

Spain

My wife and I took a two week trip to Italy and Spain during the first two weeks of October. We rented cars in both countries and drove extensively. Venice was extraordinarily crowded during the first week in October. We should have avoided it then. Although we have regularly rented cars in Europe in the on the past as well as on this trip, we will never do so again. The drivers in Italy are reckless and driving there is frightening. In Spain, parking was so expensive (50 Euros for one night in Malaga and 25 Euros per night elsewhere), the cost of our trip was much greater than expected. In the future, we will either take tours or travel by train or bus.

Allan F. Hershfield

 

England

Europe is wonderful at any season. However, London in December was magical. The city was sparkling with Christmas decorations, there were concerts and visitors and locals alike were in festive moods. The “Santa Day” also known as “SantaCon” was amazing. The weather was chilly but bright. A lovely time to visit.

Loretta

 

Italy

Last July, I took my son and granddaughter to Italy. I NEVER to to Europe in the summer; but granddaughter is in college, so it is the only time she could travel. We rented an apartment in Venice for a week, in Dorsoduro – perfect location, close to everything. Actually it wasn’t too crowded, possibly because of the economy. Then drove to the Dolomites and climbed lots of mountains, rode mtn bikes, etc. Ended up in the Cinque Terre – beautiful. Great trip!

Jeanne Ragan

Italy in Nov is beautiful. Olive harvesting and the weather is till pleasant. The locals are tired from the summer but happy to see travelers. No crowds and a leisurely pace make for a fantastic trip!

Smitty

Oct and November in Italy Tuscany region was awesome. I have never been their in summertime but the places we visited wern’t crowded. Be careful driving in Rome and Tuscany region the daily driving makes driving in the Bronx a walk in the park. They have more round abouts in one small town than we do in the whole County of Westchester don’t move without a GPS.

Duane Martin

I don’t think there is an off-season in the Italian cities. Venice and Florence were still horribly crowded in November. But the countryside is relaxed, gorgeous and welcoming.

Anne

My wife and I took a two week trip to Italy and Spain during the first two weeks of October. We rented cars in both countries and drove extensively. Venice was extraordinarily crowded during the first week in October. We should have avoided it then. Although we have regularly rented cars in Europe in the on the past as well as on this trip, we will never do so again. The drivers in Italy are reckless and driving there is frightening. In Spain, parking was so expensive (50 Euros for one night in Malaga and 25 Euros per night elsewhere), the cost of our trip was much greater than expected. In the future, we will either take tours or travel by train or bus.

Allan F. Hershfield

 

Denmark

Denmark: While there is really NO good time to travel in Denmark because it is SO expensive there, here are some of our observations as frequent visitors to Copenhagen. September is really the best month because of reasonably good weather and it is the end of the real tourist season. Prices are lower, weather better, and all the neat places to visit are still open. Sometimes renting an apartment is more economical than hotels but the success of this is their location and approximation to transportation and local stores. Use the internet for searches. Copenhagen is a cool town to visit with lots of diversity in things to see, do. Dont need a car anywhere as local transportation is so cheap and convenient. Buy the Copenhagen Card.tourist pass–it covers nearly everything.

If you wish to travel into the countryside, a car is much more convenient to use but look at the major cities to see if there are options for easier transport-i.e., busses, public transportation.

Often we go to Denmark the first /second week in December on package tours thru Expedia or Travelocity as the airfare plus hotel packages are really economical. It is not particularly cold there and in Copenhagen, only the Danes can decorate their city in such beauty and recreate the beauty of Tivoli with its many boutiques, entertainment venues. Still, it is an expensive adventure but if you like to travel to neat countries and avoid the heavy pressure of tourists, Scandinavia in December is a great experience.

Stan Nielsen

 

Czech Republic

Prague in November was fabulous! No crowds and even though the weather was damp and a bit cool, it was a great trip. No lines anywhere and the concerts were just wonderful. Wear sturdy walking shoes and you will be fine. People are just so nice, too.

Veronica Richardson

 

Germany

Germany in September and around the first week in October is great. It’s not so hot and humid anymore and all the flowers in the window boxes are still blooming. Just beautiful and sooo green….and very clean! Also the Octoberfest is going on in Munich 🙂 All the children are back in school..makes it nice for grown-ups to travel!

Gee

Rhine and Mosel river area of Germany are fantastic in early October… Harvest festivals – it is a party everywhere.

Anne

 

Some General Advice…

My wife and I have found the “shoulder season” is the best time because it combines lesser costs with decent weather. The summer months carry higher prices and you are competing with the Europeans for vacation space, especially in August. May and September are less crowded and the costs are down. The weather is usually pretty good then too.

Tom Peloquin

 

Thank you to everyone that commented, and to all of you that will share your experiences with us in the comments box below. Our Mobal Members get to use their Mobal World Phone whilst traveling to Europe, which allows them to keep in touch with family and friends back home.