The holiday months, summer and late spring are all high tourist seasons in Europe, offering some of the best experiences, views and climates. However, avoiding the crowds is more difficult during these peak travel times, and the price of airline tickets and accommodations can be significantly higher as well. The best times to visit Europe include the early spring and fall months. If you have no choice bu to visit during the peak of the tourist season, opt for exploring villages and towns far away from major cities.
The FactsThe cosmopolitan cities in Europe, such as Paris, London and Madrid, are high-traffic tourist areas, but travelers can explore countless villages, towns and neighborhoods in the suburbs and outskirts of the cities for low-volume tourist attractions and sites. Summer travel in Europe is best undertaken in the late part of August, which precedes the European back-to-school season. Low season in Europe occurs in mid November through the beginning of April, especially during the “shoulder” season.
IdentificationThe major travel seasons to Europe can be divided into four categories: summer season--early June to early August; winter season--mid November to early April; shoulder season--late April to early June and late September to mid November; and holiday season--early December to mid January. Most European countries experience similar climates and temperature changes during each of these seasons, so expectations for travel between countries is rarely different.
EffectsTraveling during the holiday season, during the warmer months or during the off-peak season all have a direct effect on ticket and package prices. Budget travelers can find value-priced packages during the winter months, while luxury travelers may find the best rates and options during national holidays and celebrations. Bordering towns and cities of the capitals in Europe experience the least frequent fluctuations in pricing, and can be a cost-effective alternative for travel to Europe.
ConsiderationsTraveling during the holiday season, during the warmer months or during the off-peak season all have a direct effect on ticket and package prices. Budget travelers can find value-priced packages during the winter months, while luxury travelers may find the best rates and options during national holidays and celebrations. Bordering towns and cities of the capitals in Europe experience the least frequent fluctuations in pricing, and can be a cost-effective alternative for travel to Europe.
By: Sabah Karimi
Sabah Karimi has been writing for the Web for over 3 years, and some of her work can be found in "Dining Out," "Papierdoll" magazine and on Zappos.com, Associated Content and several blogs. She enjoys traveling, shopping, reading and running (not all at once), and currently works as a freelance writer and online marketing strategist in Orlando, Florida.Read Next 5 Articles
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