For those who travelled to Europe.. I have a few questions

[Jacobs_Girl]

So we are planning a vacation to Europe..

Our itinerary is:

1 week in Czech Repulic to visit his dad
1 week in Italy, Venice and San Marina
1 week in Paris France or Berlin Germany

I heard it so many times not to travel to Europe during the summer. Is it true it is very touristy? When is the best time to travel?

What places have you visited that you love and what places to stay away from.

I am a beach girl, love it, swim in it, snorkle. He on the other hand loves to snow board. We want to do a little of both.

He wants to drive from city to city, I want to fly from city to city.

Also we have to visit Czech but the other 2 locations could be changed.

I'd like to have a few options to look at.

[BarceloMayaPalaceBride]

We went to Italy in March. It was one the most FABULOUS places I've ever been to. Venice, & Rome were my favorites. Venice is so romantic and beautiful. The food is to die for and the people are great. I'm not a big shopper at all, but there are a ton of great places in Rome to shop (especially if you like leather) Have fun!!!!! :)

[tk93]

I think the touristy factor will be true any time of the year for many of the popular destinations, but you might also want to consider the climate of the places you'll be visiting - I visited Rome in August a number of years ago and the heat was unbearable. I now know that traditionally, much of the city's inhabitant's leave the city during that month to go on vacation themselves to avoid the heat. I know that's not a city on your itinerary, but throwing it out there to give you an idea..

Much of my European travels have been to the Eastern European countries so I tend to favor that part of the continent. Croatia is reputed to have some of the world's most beautiful beaches, and if you're flying from destination to destination, Athens and the Greek islands are wonderful! I personally have not been, but I frequently hear that Turkey is the most amazing place to visit from well-traveled friends.

[KristinGriffin]

I haven't been to Europe since 2001, but I've also experienced the fact that it can get touristy in the summer (in some areas). I always visited in the winter/spring.

I lived for 5 months in London and loved the UK. I've also been around Ireland, France (Paris and Northern France), Holland, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece and Italy.

My favorite would have to be Prague. Loved the architecture, and I felt like I had gone back to the Renaissance! The castle was gorgeous. Food was fantastic and everything was cheap! I also loved Munich. Rome was alright, I actually enjoyed Milan better. As for Greece, Athens was a bit dirty (but like Rome, so cool to see ruins in the midst of a modern city), and I wish I had spent more time on the islands and less in the city... Beaches and snorkling would be great there.

I traveled around a lot by rail. I'm sure you can still get Eurorail passes. It's more relaxing than driving, yet you still see the countryside, which you would miss flying over... In 2001, it was also cheaper than flying.

My parents said Switzerland was one of their favorites, and certainly a good place for snow boarding. I had a friend who studies in Croatia and said the beaches there were the most beautiful in Europe.

Have fun on your trip - sounds like you've got some great things planned!

[ChristineLS]

Much of my European travels have been to the Eastern European countries so I tend to favor that part of the continent. Croatia is reputed to have some of the world's most beautiful beaches, and if you're flying from destination to destination, Athens and the Greek islands are wonderful! I personally have not been, but I frequently hear that Turkey is the most amazing place to visit from well-traveled friends.

My European travels have been restricted to Russia... but FH spent a summer in Istanbul and absolutely loved it. Loved the people, the food, the area is beautiful, and though he was there two months, he never ran out of stuff to do and see. He doesn't speak Turkish either, and he got along fine. I second the Turkey trip - he's been trying to finangle a return ever since.

[Gertie]

I'm a big fan of Paris myself, but I speak french passably. I've had a great time exploring the little back alley places there. If you want something a little less touristy, I recommend the little towns around Paris like Versailles. Though of course the palace will be stuffed with people during high tourist season, we found some great little places by walking north (turn left) as we left the palace. We found some great shops around Place Hocha (sp?) and the Place du Notre Dame, including an open air market where we purchased fresh raspberries and bottled water for a bit of impromptu tasty sweetness. :) There was also a row of little boutiques with rather decent prices.

As far as driving goes, you'd get to see more of the countryside that way as long as he's comfortable driving the way they do there I don't see why it couldn't be a lot of fun. You could always stop wherever you saw something interesting or whenever you got tired. :)

[animal.crackers]

I think Paris is the most romantic & beautiful city that I have been to in Europe. I have been there during July and it was very touristy and hot. If you can wait until Sept/Oct you should have gorgeous weather and less touristy-ness. People always say the French are rude, but I did not find that at all.

A wonderful place to visit in the middle of the summer would be Scotland since it's not sweltering, it's also very pretty, and I've been there in July/August as well and it wasn't swarming.

Sounds like a wonderful trip! =)

[Jacobs_Girl]

thanks everyone..

These ideas are great. I think it's a great idea to go during Septemeber.

I was thinking about traveling with the train too but I think I watch too many movies like "hostel" to try traveling with the train LOL

[PGDesigns]

I've never been to Europe, though DH is dying to get back to Germany after having lived there twice.

I do know several professors who teach Study Abroad classes all over Europe during the summer, and they definitely recommend traveling by train for the students who are looking for a quick weekend getaway. Apparently, it's very cheap and the scenery is gorgeous. :)