Where to go in Winter???

[Bethany]

I have been trying to work out the itinerary for my trip at the end of the year and stumbled across this website. I think it is awesome and helpful ... so now I am hoping you can all help me out a bit!!
Im heading to Europe for a 7 week holiday from the end of November to the beginning of January. Im starting with a week in London/England and will then be flying down to Paris. Im planning on getting a train pass and was wanting some hints on what to see in winter. Everyone I know has always travelled in warmer months so was wondering where people would suggest I have to see in winter. (cold weather does not bother me and I love the snow ... I lived in Montana for 6 months) I have friends who are in Nice, Turin, Grenoble and Amsterdam so will be including those places on the trip.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated!!! Thanks guys!!

[LHR02]

Hi Bethany,
Welcome to the board! Our 'leader' Kim is on vacation right now, so on behalf of Patrick and myself, and all the other members....glad you are here.
I traveled this past winter, November through March, so can address your winter time questions. I posted regularly from the road, they are listed on the boards as "Live from" section. Also began in UK in November and then did a clockwise loop through the continent ending in Paris.
I anticipated very cold, nasty weather, but overall I was fortunate to have great weather throughout! Scotland was pretty cold now and then, and Austria as well, but overall a sweater and down vest and rain parka was more than enough most places.
I LOVED traveling in the winter. Really! One down side, especially in UK was that many of the sights were closed....read that country homes and such, but all magor ones were open and I basically just walked in every time. No crowds, no lines, no hassles. I had read of the endless lines, the waits, etc and was thrilled never to come across that. The London Eye.....walked straight to the counter, bought my ticket, and took a ride! Two other people in my pod. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence...same thing, straight to the counter.
Especially enjoyable was seeing all the Christmas and New Years celebrations and decorations......
More than a heavy heavy coat, I suggest layers and RAIN GEAR is a must.....although here too I lucked out and really had 75% sunny days everywhere I went.
What specific questions can I answer for you? I visited England, Wales, Scotland, BeNeLux, Germany (on previous trips), Poland, Austria, Italy, Hungary, France.......be gald to help as I can. For info on specific places I visited and my thoughts....they are posted here.
Going back to UK this December for 3+ weeks so in a huge planning mode for that right now. Even with a month there, there was so much I did not get to see so I am giving it another look. ;D Right at this moment I can offer pretty good suggestions for that place for sure.
Again, welcome, let me know how I can help, and Kim will be back on the 29th with her offerings. Patrick will surely get back to you later today!

ging

[Patrick]

What type of stuff would you like to see specifically? Nature, museums, architecture. I'm not really sure what to suggest or what type of things you like.

You have chosen a good time to travel if you want to really see the european culture and get lots of discounts. : ) Cheaper travel, cheaper lodging, small lineups, no huge mobs of tourists and a more local atmosphere.

Keep in mind the weather and the shorter days (may be getting dark out around 6). You may want to plan indoor vs. outdoor sightseeing based on this.

I don't know if you're into sports or anything, but if you're there in the winter why not rent some skis, or a snowboard. I have friends who have done some touring first and then taken a week to go snowboarding afterwards.

Not sure what else to add, ging covered quite a bit!

Oh, and Kim says if you're including Amsterdam as you said, stop in Brugges, Belgium on the way ;D

[nitsansh]

Patrick said:

Keep in mind the weather and the shorter days (may be getting dark out around 6).

It gets dark at 6PM in October. In December be prepared for sunrise around 8AM and sunset around 4PM. If you lived in Montana you should know it... the latitude at Paris is 49, like the US-CAN border between the Great Lakes and the Pacific... London, Amsterdam and Berlin are further north, which means shorter days... not to mention Scotland where latitude is at the high 50s...

In general, the Atlantic coast is wet, but milder than central and eastern Europe. It rarely snows in London or Paris. And clear sky in winter usually mean cold.