Best and worst times to travel to Europe

When planning your European trip, check your arrival and departure dates and see if they take peak, off-peak and shoulder travel periods into account.

Peak periods are the times when most travelers fly in and out of countries and these periods usually coincide with school holidays, Christmas, Easter and New Years. The country you are flying to will also have peak periods unique to that country, so expect flights and accommodation to be heavily booked and tickets to be more expensive. This peak period generally covers from the end of December to January (due to the Christmas season) and from the end of June to the end of August (summer holidays). Traveling over the Christmas holidays can be tricky as airline ticket prices skyrocket and ski resorts start to overcharge. Public transportation is also reduced in most areas, with only a few trains leaving on Christmas Day. The “middle period” is in spring and fall and the low or “non-peak” periods are usually in the remaining months and in the winter.

If you only have a limited time to see Europe, the best thing to do is fly in and out for a shoulder period. Prices are almost at their lowest level and travel conditions are excellent because you can avoid the crowds and excessive prices. If you have a lot of free time in Europe, try to fly in the low season when the fares are cheaper to have more money to distribute during your stay. It’s always a good idea to start checking airfares 3-4 months before you leave. Airlines are starting to offer discounts to reward early bookers and there’s a long time to wait if you think they’re too high. The cheapest ticket prices can appear online or at your box office at any time. And while you’re at it, make sure you’ve booked your accommodation 6 weeks to 2 months before you leave. It is a good idea to book a hotel for the arrival and departure days. The rest can be reserved later. Also, remember to check for travel updates and hazards. Your government and insurance company may be able to dial the line if you visit a certain territory that you have been warned about. Stay informed about hazards and uprisings in the country you are visiting and make last minute updates to check conditions just before you leave.

For most seasoned travelers, the best time to visit Europe is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is still warm, the holiday crowds have left, and accommodation and transportation are regularly priced.

On the contrary, the worst time to visit most of Europe (especially the western and southern countries) is the month of August. This is when many Europeans leave and also take their vacations in nearby countries. Cities can be deserted and as a result accommodation prices skyrocket and finding a bed can be very difficult. Buses and trains will often be full and it can be difficult to get a seat while crossing countries. Even most shops and tourist spots can be closed because the owners have gone on vacation too. There is no doubt that July and August are the busiest tourist months in Europe (mainly due to Americans on vacation) and it will take a lot of patience and money. Avoid these months as much as you can. If you really must travel in peak season, your best course of action is to stay away from the major cities and choose the towns and villages off the beaten track and enjoy the local culture.

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