Atlantic Ave Magazine November 2016

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travel ║ European Winter
By Z. Pettican
10
Reasons to Travel to
Europe in Winter
Most people dismiss the idea of traveling to Europe in winter, but
it’s actually a great time to see this region in a different light. As the
temperatures drop so do the crowds and prices making it the perfect time
to visit local attractions at a relaxed pace. The weather might be colder in
the low season, but you can usually find hearty food in restaurants run by
warm and welcoming locals. Europe offers something to suit everyone;
nature lovers, culture vultures and adrenaline junkies will all feel at home.
Here are ten reasons why you should seriously consider a winter trip.
Take advantAGe of lower prices
1 for flights, hotels and shops
Flights can be half the price in the winter
season, and it’s a similar story on the ground
with discounts available at hostels and hotels.
Some of the best deals can be found online
where high-end hotels in smaller cities
often offer special promotional packages.
The only time this doesn’t apply is around
the holidays and New Year when you’ll need
to plan in advance, but are still likely to pay
over the odds. However, a trip booked after
the holidays can soften the blow as it’s the
perfect time to go shopping during the post-
Holiday retail sales which can continue into
early February.
It’s easier to plan at the
2 last minute
It’s almost impossible to book a spontaneous
budget trip in summer, but a low-season
trip can easily be booked just days before
departure (unless it’s Holiday time). Tickets
for flights and land transportation are much
easier to come by, and the same applies to
hiring guides and cars. During high season
in the more popular destinations, the most
in-demand hotels and vacation rentals fill
up months in advance, but in winter you can
even risk arriving without a booking - just
check the hotel is open during winter. It’s
also a cinch to find a table at popular restaurants
and get last-minute tickets for
attractions and festivals.
3It’s easy to escape the
cold and the crowds
The climate is as variable as everything
else about the continent
with northern and eastern Europe
tending to have more extreme
temperatures compared to the
cool temperate, but damp western
countries. This isn’t really
a problem in big cities as most
of the attractions are indoors
and fewer tourists means more
space to yourself. Take advantage
of shorter lines and check
off some of the most famous
sites like the Eiffel Tower, the
Vatican Museum and Anne
Frank’s House. You’ll have
more chance of seeing the
star attraction up close, so
there’s no need to jostle
to see Michelangelo’s
David or stand on
tiptoes to get a
peek of the Mona
Lisa.
Some parts
of Europe don’t necessarily feel like winter.
Head towards the Mediterranean to enjoy
the benefits of low season travel without
frigid winds and icy streets. In destinations
like Sicily, Greece, southern Spain and the
Canary Islands you might even enjoy a
sunny, balmy day or two strolling on the
beach or enjoying a coffee alfresco.
4Soak up the festive spirit at
atmospheric Christmas
markets
Nowhere does Christmas quite like Europe,
after all it is home to Santa Claus
Village in Lapland, along with the prerequisite
blanket of snow and reindeer.
However, away from iconic image of
Christmas bliss you can partake in
yuletide celebrations from Christmas
markets to festivals of lights. Get
your fill of Christmas spirit, not
to mention mulled wine, at one
of the many twinkling outdoor
markets. The smell of bratwurst
and other regional specialties
fill the air as you wander the
gift stalls, listen to carolers
and watch carousels
revolve with happy
children.
46 November 2016 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com