Best cost saving time to see Europe?

[Michael H]

Hello, I am from Singapore so I guess that the biggest challenge for me would be the $$$ involved in going on a trip to Europe. I don’t plan a big one, just maybe a month or so. I would like to know, when is the best time to travel in Europe in terms of cost saving? I heard that summer is when prices( of food, accommodation, entrance fees and plane ticket ) will be the most expensive. I was planning a trip sometime in August (summer is at its peak now, right? ) because this is when I am free, but when I read the papers and see the exchange rates, it seems a bit high now. Would the exchange rate become lower if I wait until September? My friends tell me that the Euro and Pound are appreciating now due to the high demand from tourists and travellers all across Europe now. Is this true? I certainly don’t want to visit Europe in winter, the investment in winter clothing will surely tax my budget. I just want to know, if I do go travelling in Europe now, will it be more expensive than usual? If I am looking for a cheaper time to go, when should that be? Has anyone actually compared between travelling in summer and off-peak seasons, how much is the savings anyway? Thanks for all the advice.

[Kim]

I've travelled in both and didn't really notice that much of a price difference. Things were less busy and it was much colder but that's about it.

Overall though, you will enjoy your trip much more if you travel when you don't have to wear 5 layers of clothing.

We found Sept. to be the ideal month to travel-out of our 7 months. Students went back to school, everyone else back to work and yet it was still nice and warm.

Basically, if you go now-make reservations at hostels as just showing up gets a lot harder with a lot more people.

Kim

[me]

Spain & Portugal were great through the end of October, for us. And no big crowds, either.