Winter holidays are the best time of year to travel to Europe. The weather is cold but dreamy, there are plenty of festivals and events to enjoy and most importantly you don’t have to worry about crowds! So what do you need to know before you embark on your winter adventure? Here’s everything from public transport accessibility to festivals that will help you plan for your magical winter getaway:
Weather
Winter in Europe is the perfect time to go on a holiday. The weather is usually mild, with temperatures averaging around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and around 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. In December and January, winter can be quite cold but there are still plenty of sunny days where you can enjoy outdoor activities.
What to wear
The weather is unpredictable so dress accordingly and even though it is cold, you can still look stylish while being warm. Wear layers and use accessories to keep yourself war. Bring a scarf, gloves and beanies as you might need them if it’s windy or cloudy.
Our tip: Wear waterproof boots or shoes so that your feet will stay dry even in the snow!
Festivals
- Christmas markets
Christmas markets are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. They’re filled with delicious foods and drinks, and there’s often plenty of entertainment, including live music and dancing. You’ll find them throughout many European cities during December, but one of the most famous is held in Nuremberg, Germany.
- New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is an important holiday for Europeans that falls on December 31st every year. It’s a time for both reflection and celebration as people reflect on the past year while making resolutions for the next one. Many people attend large parties known as “New Year’s Eve Balls,” which are held in cities all over Europe such as Vienna and Prague!
Our tip: Do a quick search on markets and events before you leave for your trip so that you don’t waste too much time planning and missing out on special moments while you’re there.
Food
Food is a big part of the culture of a new destination, so try to find local restaurants and try different foods that you might not normally eat.
Our tip: Try to learn about the history of your destination if you have time!
Public transport
In some cities, bus and subway tickets are purchased on the bus or subway itself. In others, you can buy a ticket at a kiosk or newsstand (or even gas station) before boarding. Some places have a combination of both systems, with some lines requiring pre-purchased tickets while others do not.
Our tip: If you’re nervous about getting lost in an unfamiliar city, it may be worth buying your ticket ahead of time so that you don’t waste precious minutes trying to figure out where to go at each stop.
Family activities
Traveling with your family is a great way to spend time together. You can do activities that the whole family can enjoy. There are activities that are appropriate for all ages. For example, in Europe you could visit a castle or go on a train ride through the Alps, both of which would be exciting experiences for kids and adults alike!
Our tip: Try to find and research the activities you would like to do ahead of time, so you can purchase tickets and find out operating times before you get there. (Some places might not be open on Christmas and New Year’s Day)
Planning your trip is key
Planning your trip is key. You can’t just show up at the airport and expect everything to go according to plan; if you do that, then you’re planning to have a disappointing holiday. Planning is important because it allows you to reduce stress by arranging all of your travel plans in advance. There are lots of things that need planning: accommodation (hotel, hostel etc), transport (flight times, transfers etc), activities and day trips. You can use sites like b4i.travel to plan and book flights, hotels, tours, and more ahead of time to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip.
If you’re planning a European winter holiday, these tips will help you to make the most of your trip. The most important thing is to plan ahead—and don’t forget that each country has its own unique customs and culture. All that’s left to say is Happy Holidays!
Source: romanbabakin
