Author Topic: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?  (Read 3667 times)

spartana

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3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« on: May 28, 2023, 11:50:38 AM »
I started to do a long trip to Europe for at least 3 months in beginning of April. Original plan was to travel via 3 month Eurail Pass April, May and June and then leave before the big summer crowds Got there.  Got about a month in (UK and Ireland) but had to return back to the states in May to take care of some housing issues. That's done now and I'll be free to travel again on June 1st but not sure if it's a good time to head back to Europe as I think it'll be very expensive and very crowded. I googled flights and they were outrageous!!  I haven't started my Eurail Pass yet but can use it later or get a refund or change it.

So what do you world travelers think? Summer or fall in Europe? Somewhere else (I don't like hot weather)? I'd normally just stay here for the summer but I won't have a home (or home base) after May 31, and no vehicle either, so kind of need to decide asap. I did  reserved a rental car for the month of June so I can do a US based road trip if I want.

uniwelder

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #1 on: May 28, 2023, 12:11:19 PM »
Are you open to pet sitting?  You could sign up for TrustedHouseSitters.com and stay in people’s houses for free while they’re away, usually a week or two at a time.  There are usually a fair number of openings, particularly in the summer.

daverobev

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #2 on: May 28, 2023, 12:20:29 PM »
Schools are out from early-mid July until the first week of September so... yeah I would avoid it if you can, everywhere will be full of people.

Paris empties out a bit in August I think, the locals all go on holiday to other parts of France. But even so it'll be hot and sticky.

Maybe go to out of season places - it won't be *quiet* but less busy, ie, mountains rather than beaches or cities...

But no, I'd try and avoid it, personally. Everything will be expensive and busy.

Maybe you can rent a room in a university dorm that isn't a tourist location over the summer?? Not sure how that works.

Gremlin

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #3 on: May 28, 2023, 04:56:34 PM »
We have hiked in the Alps in September and really enjoyed it.  Warm enough that you don't need to be dressed for snow, although along ridge lines you won't be in t-shirt and shorts.  People around, but not stupidly busy.  Accommodation tends to be more reasonably priced than either summer or winter (except in Switzerland - Switzerland varies between expensive and off-the-charts, eye-wateringly, ridiculously expensive).  The start of September you're still getting over 13 hours of daylight - by the end of Sept, it's 11 but if you plan your trip accordingly you can make it work.

Personally, if I'm hiking in that part of the world, late May to early June is my pick.  But September is a very close second.

Bear in mind "Europe" is varied.  I wouldn't personally choose to be doing multi-day walks in Sweden or Scotland in September.  But down towards the Mediterranean, I'd happily go into late October.

@spartana DM me if you'd like to compare notes.

I don't know if that helps with the immediacy of being out of your home by end of May though!

reeshau

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #4 on: May 28, 2023, 05:06:08 PM »
We have hiked in the Alps in September and really enjoyed it. 

We love the Alps in September!  It was the normal time DW and I went.  Then we went twice in June / July, to meet up with family.  It was...different.  hour lines for the gondolas.  All restaurants packed.  Tourist trains, too.  We stay up in the mountains, so had some relief because we were traveling against the flow.  But it still impacted our plans.

Going in the September shoulder season still has all things open.  (everywhere, not just the Alps; have also been on the Rhein at this time)  operating hours may be shorter.  Summer operators are winding down, and everyone is more relaxed.  Love, love, love ridge walking in the fall, where you can be virtually alone, but still happen upon fellow traveller's occasionally: enough to share moments of beauty, but not so much where it spoils the hike for having to work around so many people.  (And so many ill-prepared people!!!)

Don't know about October and beyond, though.  I can say Ireland is very cool in October--birthplace of Halloween!  Yes, there are epic haunted houses and such, but really cool to visit Trim Castle's Puca festival and get a flavor of ancient and modern things, together.  October and November can be very rainy, though.  (Even for Ireland)

https://pucafestival.com/


reeshau

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #5 on: May 28, 2023, 05:16:48 PM »
To be more specific, we are most often in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and stay in Murren.

http://www.swisspanorama.com/

Gremlin

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #6 on: May 28, 2023, 06:52:37 PM »
I won't say that EVERYTHING is open, but we've not had any issues doing what we want to do.  The odd gondola may be closed for maintenance, although that seems to be a bigger issue in October than September.  The smallest and most obscure gondolas may shut for the shoulder season.  But as long as you know what's open before you set out, you should be fine.

My experience is more walking past barricades designed to hold a thousand people and just strolling onto the first carriage that comes at that time of year.  Or getting to a mid-hike "purveyor of fine libations" and finding a third of the tables full, instead of every available seat being taken with another hundred or so hikers hovering like seagulls, waiting for a table to free up.

We tend to avoid the most touristy of tourist towns.  But even then, the first places that shut for the off-season by September tend to be the 'doof doof' nightclubs which, for me at my age, actually improves the experience of the town.

ysette9

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #7 on: May 28, 2023, 06:59:00 PM »
Being out of your own place unfortunately means you can’t take advantage of the house exchanges we did last summer. That was awesome for staying for practically free. Flights this year are really expensive. Everyone I talk to complains about it. I got tickets to England in July for not too much, but partially they were with CC points. Anywhere in Europe in august will likely be a circus as that is when everyone else is on holiday. Other months can be great though!

2Birds1Stone

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #8 on: May 28, 2023, 08:23:03 PM »
I would avoid. We are in Europe since early April and flying to our home base here on June 17th to spend 3 months with family and rebuild an Orchard before resuming travel around Europe in mid September.

Crowds, prices, accommodation availability all tends to hurt this time of year

CrabbitDutchie

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #9 on: May 29, 2023, 02:28:17 AM »
Something to consider. In Sweden the high season ends in mid August. Even in the high season Scandinavia doesnt generally feel too crowded.

2Birds1Stone

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #10 on: May 29, 2023, 02:40:05 AM »
I was going to suggest something along the line of @CrabbitDutchie.

There are some amazing places in Europe that are "undiscovered" which could provide an amazing experience without the crowds...

Tatra's in Slovakia, Carpathian mountains in Romania, even SE Poland has some hidden gems which could be worthwhile to explore....I've been to Bulgaria which is also pretty awesome in its own right.....some food for thought if you wanted to get away on the cheap.

South America could be a good option too, it's winter there!

Dicey

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #11 on: May 29, 2023, 08:57:32 AM »
I would avoid. We are in Europe since early April and flying to our home base here on June 17th to spend 3 months with family and rebuild an Orchard before resuming travel around Europe in mid September.

Crowds, prices, accommodation availability all tends to hurt this time of year
Hey I was just reading your journal. Pretty exciting adventures!

I'm still reeling and in a bit of shock of not having a home base soon. It feels weird and kind of scary when you don't have a back up situation. But also freeing and kind of allows you to just do spur of the moment things. But...yeah I still want a USA home base so may spend the summer exploring that option first via a road trip. Of course I have no vehicle either so....;-).
Our offer still stands...

Samuel

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #12 on: May 30, 2023, 09:29:15 AM »
A hurriedly booked trip going into the teeth of the post Covid travel surge isn't going to be cheap. Or pleasant, by my standards. I'd wait until late August or September and work north to south trying to chase the pleasant early fall weather.

I've never been to Europe in the summer but have multiple times in February/March and September/October/November because I'll happily take shorter days and wetter weather over crowds and oppressive heat. Granted, these were citycentric trips where it's easier to flex plans around the weather, not outdoorsy hiking or bicycle touring type of trips.

jrhampt

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #13 on: May 30, 2023, 10:34:31 AM »
Another vote for fall.  Summer in Europe is too crowded, expensive, and (especially recently) HOT with no A/C.  September-November/early December is great.

CNM

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #14 on: May 30, 2023, 10:50:49 AM »
I like traveling in the off-season but if there are certain attractions you are interested in seeing, double check their availability.  The last time I was in Germany in late November, many of the castle/palaces were closed for touring.  Only the grounds were open.

2Birds1Stone

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #15 on: May 30, 2023, 02:47:33 PM »
@spartana, what's the trick to getting such a good price on car rental?

trollwithamustache

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #16 on: May 30, 2023, 04:06:30 PM »
As late into the fall as you can go.  The tourists go home so it's less crowded and often prices can drop. This was way pre covid, but we did a thanksgiving week in Florence. Things like the Uffizi that in summer time you needed tickets weeks in advanced, we could just walk in when we wanted. One poster mentioned attractions being closed but that wasn't an issue for us.

Alas, by thanksgiving it is getting legit cold.

reeshau

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #17 on: May 30, 2023, 05:26:25 PM »
One other thing for later in the fall: live theater and orchestra seasons get underway.  Of course summer has its music festivals, but if this is your thing, you have a lot more choice as people look for indoor things to do.

jrhampt

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #18 on: May 31, 2023, 05:51:51 AM »
As late into the fall as you can go.  The tourists go home so it's less crowded and often prices can drop. This was way pre covid, but we did a thanksgiving week in Florence. Things like the Uffizi that in summer time you needed tickets weeks in advanced, we could just walk in when we wanted. One poster mentioned attractions being closed but that wasn't an issue for us.

Alas, by thanksgiving it is getting legit cold.

I suppose that depends on what temp is comfortable for you, but I've also done Italy for Thanksgiving and in mid-December.  Both times it was in the 50s or so, quite comfortable.

SotI

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #19 on: May 31, 2023, 06:28:26 AM »
Another vote for fall.  Summer in Europe is too crowded, expensive, and (especially recently) HOT with no A/C.  September-November/early December is great.
Also suggesting Sept/Oct. In most aread, weather will be fine (unless you are unlucky).
Nov/Dec only for skiiing (Alpes) or Mediterranean, Canary Islands etc.

Dicey

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #20 on: May 31, 2023, 01:18:04 PM »
Selfishly, I hope you make it back to Moab in October. Have fun, whatever you decide.

Sometimes DH drives me nuts. He would love to pack up the rig, pull to the end of the driveway and then decide to turn right or left. I'm fine with spontaneity,  but he's a terrible navigator, which means I get the job by default. Hard to plan food, gear, ROUTE, etc. if you don't know where the fuck you're going. That's part of why the Moab Meetup is so much fun. Thanks to a tip from @lhamo (IIRC), we've had our campsite reservations since Black Friday, 2022! Squee!!

Have fun, which ever way you go.

PS. Loved the rental tips. I also use Hertz the way you do. I'm a Gold Member from my working days, so I used to get deal offers and upgrades on the regular. I need to start surfing their site more. In addition to your excellent list, I have had good results using Auto Slash. Sometimes the best Hertz price is through them. Add your Hertz# to the reservation and get all the Hertz perks.

Dicey

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #21 on: May 31, 2023, 02:38:31 PM »
Wow! For a month, we can be Venza twins. Except mine's not that fancy, lol! Have fun, wherever your travels take you.

daverobev

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #22 on: June 01, 2023, 01:50:37 AM »
Lots of respect for the true freedom you have Spartana, I'm jealous.

dang1

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #23 on: June 06, 2023, 12:00:13 AM »
Italy is a bargain for vacationing Americans. Not so much for Italians https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/05/italy-is-a-bargain-for-vacationing-americans-not-so-much-for-italians.html

Expatriate

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3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #24 on: June 06, 2023, 01:57:48 AM »
Since you mentioned potentially going early spring and make your way up to Scandinavia for the solstice: be aware that the north-facing slopes in the alps are often still covered in snow until late June. Last week we had to abort a hike and return in Switzerland after going over a pass at just 2000m for that reason, despite it being 25 degrees C.

So if you intend to do hiking at altitude in May - early June, you need carefully pick your hikes.

Another poster mentioned the Tatras in Slovakia / SE Poland. Can also highly recommend those! But avoid July and August in that area at all costs, worst crowds I’ve ever seen in the mountains.

Enjoy :-)
« Last Edit: June 06, 2023, 01:59:30 AM by Expatriate »

alsoknownasDean

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #25 on: June 06, 2023, 05:44:05 AM »
Is late August to be avoided as well?

I'm looking at 4-5 weeks in Europe either starting in late August and going into late September or starting early-mid September going into October. The earlier option is probably more convenient with work but I'm open to the later option.

daverobev

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #26 on: June 06, 2023, 08:02:17 AM »
Is late August to be avoided as well?

I'm looking at 4-5 weeks in Europe either starting in late August and going into late September or starting early-mid September going into October. The earlier option is probably more convenient with work but I'm open to the later option.

Things really calm down from the second week of September. It's all about the school holidays. Check the price of flights and hotels... and their availability.

2Birds1Stone

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #27 on: June 09, 2023, 09:34:56 AM »
I'm in Vigo right now, Galicia region of Spain is very different from the south and almost no tourists here right now. Maybe look into Vigo/Pontevedra......lots of lush nature and beautiful beaches.

Pro_Amateur

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #28 on: June 10, 2023, 08:44:35 AM »
School holidays will end on September 3rd in France, Belgium and part of the Netherlands. Everybody will be heading home that weekend, but after that, things will be really quiet in this corner of Europe.

JoJo

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #29 on: June 10, 2023, 04:25:22 PM »
Hands down fall... August is the month every European is traveling.  I've taken some September - November trips in Europe and the weather has been perfect.  Bring a mix of clothes for warm and chillier.  The only exception is if you planned a bunch of swimming in the Med (for example, Croatia in October was a bit chilly but early-mid september around Barcelona was perfect!).  If spending a bunch of time you can start more northern in September and make your way south. 

Cassie

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #30 on: June 11, 2023, 10:33:50 AM »
Have a great trip! Fall is a nice time to be in Europe.

cannotWAIT

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #31 on: June 11, 2023, 08:22:24 PM »
Interesting about the flights. We are loosely planning a month in Italy from mid-September to mid-October but we haven't made any firm commitments yet. I haven't done any international travel since about 2011 so am just trying to figure out how to navigate the wide world of airline reservations all over again. I've been tinkering with Google Flights. What did you use to find a good fare?

JoJo

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Re: 3 months in Europe in summer or fall? Crowds and costs?
« Reply #32 on: June 13, 2023, 04:30:37 PM »
check to see if the travel insurance applies... I think the wording on my chase travel card only insures for trips of 60 days or less.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!