We all know that high-end travelers and back-packing college students are all flocking to Europe in the high seasons in summer.  Although this time is so popular because its beauty and convenience with the weather and length of the days, you may want to consider Europe’s off-season.

 When traveling during Europe’s off-season you get to enjoy the beautiful sights and destinations, while avoiding the large numbers of tourists, this results in lower costs (hotels are often hundreds of dollars less during this time) and less waiting.  During this time you can, in confidence, arrive at a European Hotel with no reservation, and get a room, and probably for less than usual.  First you arrive late, and without a reservation, and look to see how many available rooms they have by glancing at how many room keys they have hanging up.  Then you can explain to the receptionist about how you’re a hosteler, student, or artist, and have a budgeted price limit, and you can bargain with them from there.

 Yes it is true there are some drawbacks when traveling to Europe in the off-season.  First, due to the time of year the weather is worse and often cold, windy and drizzly, and the days are shorter with it usually getting dark by 5 p.m.  Also, many sights, while still open in the winter, have shorter hours during this time as they due during the peak-months, so a sight’s hours may go from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the peak season to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the off season, with the falling of dark usually discerning the closing time.  But you can work around these drawbacks, and get the most out of the time you have.  First, try to wake up early and start your day fast.  And second, eat quick meals for breakfast and lunch, you will have time for a large dinner once night falls and your no longer in a rush.  But, as noted earlier, these sights will be less crowded due to the fact its winter, allowing you to really get Europe all to yourself.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 27th, 2007 at 10:01 am and is filed under Europe, London. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.