Peak periods are the times when majority of travelers fly in and out of countries and these periods usually coincide with school holidays, Christmas, Easter and New Year. The country you are flying into 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 late December to January (because of the Christmas season) and late June to the end of August (summer break). Travel during the Christmas holidays can be difficult as plane ticket prices soar and ski resorts http://caidenxchmp.blogerus.com start overcharging. Public transport is also reduced in most areas since only a few trains will leave on Christmas day. The "shoulder period" is in spring and autumn and the low or "off-peak" periods are usually in the remaining months and in the winter.
If you have only a limited time to see Europe, your best bet is to fly in and out during a shoulder period. Prices are almost at their lowest and travel conditions are great because you can avoid the crowds and the overpricing. If you have a lot of time to spare in Europe, try flying in the low season when fares are cheapest so you have more money to spread over your stay. It's always a good idea to start checking airfares 3-4 months before you leave. Airlines are starting to discount in order to reward early bookers and there's a lot time to wait if you think they're too high. The cheapest ticket prices might turn up on the net or at your ticket office at anytime. And while you're at it, make sure you've already reserved your accommodation 6 weeks to 2 months before you leave. It's a good idea to reserve a hotel for your arrival and departure days. The rest can be reserved afterwards. Also, remember to check for travel dangers and updates. Your government and insurance company might draw the line if you visit a certain territory they've warned you about. Be informed about the dangers and uprisings in the country you are visiting and do last-minute updates to check conditions right before you leave.
For most seasoned travelers, the best time to see Europe is from April to June and September to October when the weather is still warm, the holiday crowds have left and accommodation and transport are regularly priced.
In contrast, the single worst time to visit most parts of Europe (especially the western and southern countries) is the month of August. This is when many Europeans leave and take their holidays in nearby countries as well. The cities can be deserted and as a result, accommodation prices shoot up and finding a bed can be very difficult. Buses and trains will often be packed and it can be a struggle to get a seat while you cross countries. Even most tourist shops and sites can be closed because the proprietors have gone on holiday as well! There's little doubt that July and August are the busiest tourist months in Europe (mainly because of Americans on vacation) and it will require a lot of patience and money. Avoid these months as much as you can. If you really must travel in the high season, your best course of action is to stay away from the major cities and choose the off-track towns and villages and indulge in the local culture.
My first solo trip to Europe was in 1977…traveling to Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Italy and Spain.
The European Euro was not launched until January 1999…I had to deal with…Swedish Krona…Danish Krone…Germany Mark…Italian Lira and Spanish Peseta. After 4 weeks in Europe, I returned to Los Angeles, California with a pocket full of five different foreign currencies and some varied and challenging experiences.
Over the past 30 years Europe has become the most favorite travel destination in the World. Modern technology and the European Union have created a very desirable climate for all travelers. There is a single currency as 22 European countries now use the Euro.
Europe….many travelers do not really understand or know the continent of Europe. It does not matter whether you pedal, fly or drive, you will find a convenient and exciting way to see Europe. One thing for sure, if this is your first trip to Europe, you will fall in love.
Europe has worked hard to make its territories and cities accessible to everyone. In addition, they have devoted considerable time and resources to ecology. If you would like to visit cities while riding a bicycle, you will find more of the major cities are renting bikes for hours or days, sometimes even on a "help yourself" basis.
Modern tramways are now becoming popular in places that had stopped using them. Large tourist areas are equipped with multilingual audio-guides, so you can enjoy your visits to historical or cultural sites without missing any details.
Hotels are following trends today such as offering internet connections and safes in their rooms. European travel has changed over the past years and is very friendly and enticing to foreign travelers.
Each country has its own influence based upon the historical backgrounds. There is so much variety in architecture, cuisine, customs, music, dress, dialect and language.
In the old days you could call your local travel agency while they searched for the best deals. Now, the internet is a great source of information and you can plan your own trips with great results. Most hotels in Europe have a website and fax. You can Google "Travel Guides" and find over 120,000,000 results. There are many billions of dollars spent each year in this industry alone.