8 Hot Tips for Traveling to Europe in the Wintertime

traveling to europe

Do you want to experience Europe without having to elbow your way through hoards of tourists? Do you want cheaper flights and easier access to all the must-see sites?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, traveling to Europe during the winter months might be a great option for you. But, you need to plan ahead to make sure you have everything you need to stay warm and have a great experience.

Read on for ten great tips that will help you ensure you have a great winter vacation in Europe.

Benefits of Traveling to Europe in the Winter

In addition to smaller crowds and cheaper airfare, there are lots of other benefits you’ll experience when you travel to Europe during the winter months. Some of the greatest perks include:

  • Less crowded flights
  • Cheaper hotel rates
  • Mild weather in certain cities (Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens, etc.)
  • Access to seasonal experiences (viewing the northern lights, visiting Christmas markets, etc.)

Some people might be confused by your decision to visit Europe in the winter. Once you tell them about all these benefits, though, they might be begging to join you.

8 Tips for a Successful Winter Trip

In order to get the most out of your European winter vacation, be sure to keep these travel tips in mind.

1. Plan Ahead

Your chances of dealing with a sold of flight go down dramatically when you’re planning a European winter vacation. But, it can still happen, especially if you’re planning your trip around Christmas or New Year’s.

To avoid dealing with sold-out flights or price hikes around the holidays, be sure to plan ahead and book your flight and hotel or Airbnb accommodations as early as possible.

To find the best deals, check out reliable websites that are dedicated to helping you find the most affordable flights.

2. Choose Your Destination Carefully

Europe is a big place, and you have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to deciding where you’ll spend your winter vacation.

When they travel to Europe, the majority of people visit Spain, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Because they’re such popular destinations, these countries tend to cater more to tourists and can be good options for folks who have never traveled to Europe before.

You may also want to consider events in certain cities before settling on your destination.

For example, the Christmas markets in Germany are a must-see if you’re visiting Europe in the winter. But, if clubs and parties are more your scene, you can’t beat the London nightlife.

The Swiss, French, and Italian Alps are also worth visiting if you enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

3. Save Money on Intercontinental Travel

The great thing about visiting Europe is that you don’t have to limit yourself to one location. It’s easy to travel from one country to another by plane or train.

There are lots of budget airlines that make intercontinental travel a breeze. And, their flights are often cheaper than a train ticket.

At the same time, it’s important to note that travel by train can be easier and more efficient, depending on your destination.

4. Pack the Right Gear

In order to have a fun and safe time in Europe, you’ll need to pack properly before you leave. This is especially true if you’re visiting a country like Germany that gets very cold in the winter months.

Some essential items you’ll need to pack include:

  • Waterproof boots
  • Beanies
  • Thick gloves
  • Thermal underwear
  • Thick socks
  • An insulating jacket

If you have these key items in your travel wardrobe, you’ll likely have a much easier time staying warm in harsh conditions.

5. Limit Outdoor Exposure

Even though you’ve packed warm clothes, it’s still a good idea to make an effort to limit your outdoor exposure.

Spending hours at a time outdoors exposed to low temperatures and inclement weather might not be very enjoyable, no matter how well you’ve bundled yourself up.

Take time to pop into cafes for a cup of tea or coffee and take advantage of indoor attractions and museum exhibits whenever you can.

Utilize public transportation whenever you can, too, to avoid overexposing yourself to the cold.

6. Take Advantage of Small Crowds

Most popular European attractions remain open during the winter months, so be sure to take advantage of them during your trip.

There will likely be smaller crowds and fewer tourists to deal with, so you’ll be able to enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Just be sure to check the hours of availability online before venturing out to a specific attraction. That way, you won’t end up waiting in line for an attraction that’s closed early or hasn’t opened yet.

7. Remember the Days are Shorter

During the winter in Europe, daylight hours are quite limited. This is especially true in cities like Berlin. The sun can rise as late as eight in the morning and set as early as four pm!

Plan your days accordingly so that you can experience as many attractions as possible before it gets dark.

8. Expect Delays

Finally, remember that, when you’re traveling in the winter, the chances of experiencing delays typically increase.

This doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip altogether. But, you should be prepared for potential delays due to ice, rain, snow, or wind.

Plan ahead as much as you can and purchase travel insurance so you’re covered in the event that a flight is canceled altogether.

Where Should You Travel Next?

Now that you know what you need to do to have a successful trip while you’re traveling to Europe, are you ready to start planning your next vacation?

If you’re not sure where you should visit next, check out the interesting places section of our website today.

We’ve got tons of information on all the best travel destinations — many of which are probably brand new to you!

You’ll also find plenty of recommendations on things to do and sites to see, so you’re sure to have a great trip no matter where you go!

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