December traveling

[katiekate]

SO i'm studying abroad next year in Leeds, and I'm trying to iron out some vague plans. I've decided in March/April I'm going to spend 10 days in France and 20 days in Italy.

I'm not sure what do in December though. I'm not sure if I'm coming home for Christmas. However, even if I do, I'm still going to have a 7-10 days to travel (after classes end and before flying home). If I don't go home, I'll have the whole month to travel.

My question is: Where should I go in December? (taking into consideration that its winter and some places might have crappy weather) I was thinking I would tour Scotland and Ireland. But would it be better to do that in warmer weather? Or is just as spectacular no matter the season? (I'm super excited about seeing the Scottish highlands!!! Also, I've heard Edinburgh is the place to be on New Year's, yes?)

I think my other alternative for December would be Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Thoughts?

[katiekate]

K. So, options for December travel are... (if no one has better suggestions)

A: Scotland and Ireland
B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco
C: Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark (Norway and/or Sweden too?)

hehe, sorry about the two posts, i'm trying to talk it out

[madamtrashheap]

Scotland is gorgeous no matter what time of year, so you could happily go there during your Winter break. And yes, Edinburgh for Hogmanay ("snogmanay" is its other name!) is full on - masses of people, fireworks and good fun. Winters up there can be freezing, but they can also be full of bright blue crisp skies so it's up to you. Ireland in Winter is rather chilly, and if you're on the west coast add a bitter wind. Still gorgeous, but might take the edge of things and you might like to keep it for a Spring/Summer trip.

One of my favourite things in Winter is a Christmas Market, particularly the Christmas Markets in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, etc. Many begin at the end of November, whilst some don't start until St Nikolas Day (5th or 6th December depending on where you live). There are also Markets in France and Italy, but the ones above are rather spectacular and really give the feel of the season. There are also Markets in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland that are great so you won't miss out there either.

[pointofnoreturn]

I'd love to experience Scotland and Ireland during December, esp. Scotland during New Year's.

MTH is right - Germany is a hotspot because of its Christmas Markets. There's also Vienna as well.

[herrbert]

I would opt for:

A: Munich, Salzburg, Vienna (trip to Bratislava). (for the Christmas feeling)

or B: going to Morocco (Rabat/Marrakech/Casablanca), as apart from the South of Spain, temperatures there are also lower. If you could do Spain and Portugal in October or March, you will have much better weather.

I guess it's either snow & christmas, and christmas or warm and sunshine.

You could also overdue it, and head for the North of Finland or Sweden, which would make a cold, dark but memorable trip.