Another reason to avoid those "hot" destinations: Instead of really seeing those destinations, you will be seeing swarms of tourists. Looking at the back of someone's head is not the same as seeing the TREVI FOUNTAIN.
I rarely travel to Europe during the summer season specifically to avoid the crowds and higher prices. The exception was a trip to Galicia in July a few years ago. In contrast to the hot and overcrowded cities further south, it was cool, unspoiled and there were far fewer tourists. It was easy to get around and find accommodations and some of the beaches were completely empty of people. Now that's what I call a hidden gem!
I live in Zagreb – all the locals leave town for “the seaside”, so this is the place to be.
As to the coast, I recommend Istria – Croatian and Slovenian, not Split or Dubrovnik. However, in between the two, there are some lovely, small Dalmatian towns, as well as many islands to choose from. Croatia is Level 1, and according to the Global Peace Index, is ranked 19th, much safer than the U.S.
Unless you need a particular kind of weather for a sport, travel off season for the best deals and experiences. I went to Amsterdam the last week of February, and the weather was cool, but not freezing, and there were no crowds. My son was just in Amsterdam (July 2025) and said it was "too much" - way too many people and lines and crowds everywhere. I'm thinking of going to Paris in late fall for better prices and fewer people. I also second the comment about finding secondary cities (you can always pop into a big city for the day) that are a bit off the beaten track.
Always travel in September when its cooler and less crowds and doing cities, Amsterdam, Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow and Prague. If you want less crowded go to French Polynesia.
We went to Europe in September (my preferred time for traveling) in ‘23, and were hit with 98 degrees when we were at the Eiffel Tower. Other people were toasting with champagne. We chugged large bottles of water at the top.
Sure I understand it happens but I bet you still enjoyed it. I have been in New Hampshire when it was over 100. I was in Seward Alaska a few years ago and it was 85 which isn't supposed to happen. I guess we all need to get used to the abnormal becoming more normal.
Be careful about Krakow. I live there and the city seems overrun now with tourists. Flights to Krakow are usually fully booked (even business class!), and the airport looks like a mass evacuation situation. But Krakow is relatively not expensive, and the winters are quieter.
Visit Bratislava and other towns in Slovakia. Close to Vienna, Prague and Budapest but much to see in towns and in countryside. Check out “Slovakia Paradise “. Kosice, Levoca, Spis region woorth visiting.
I am headed to the Med, but in October when it should not be so hot or crowded but I am hoping the sea is still warm. I am planning a bucket list trip to a few of the remaining European countries I haven't been to, Albania, Cyprus, and Malta. Hope the crowds are smaller, the locals happy that the summer rush is over, and the beer cold.
It’s funny how people go to” tourist” destinations but then go straight to what they left behind. If I’m going to France, I’m not going anywhere near Paris.. if I’m going to Thailand, it’s going to be the southern islands. Why are you going to a vacation? That is no different from what you left behind?
It’s sad that people go to these countries and go directly for the most Western style they can find. When you go to Germany, enjoy the mountains not the city Norway, Sweden Finland have some of the most beautiful northern waterways in the world
Thailand in Singapore Vietnam have beautiful stunning beaches far away from any tourist trap City.
If all you’re gonna do is go to a museum it’s not really a vacation and you have no understanding of the country you’re visiting
Another reason to avoid those "hot" destinations: Instead of really seeing those destinations, you will be seeing swarms of tourists. Looking at the back of someone's head is not the same as seeing the TREVI FOUNTAIN.
How true.
I rarely travel to Europe during the summer season specifically to avoid the crowds and higher prices. The exception was a trip to Galicia in July a few years ago. In contrast to the hot and overcrowded cities further south, it was cool, unspoiled and there were far fewer tourists. It was easy to get around and find accommodations and some of the beaches were completely empty of people. Now that's what I call a hidden gem!
I live in Zagreb – all the locals leave town for “the seaside”, so this is the place to be.
As to the coast, I recommend Istria – Croatian and Slovenian, not Split or Dubrovnik. However, in between the two, there are some lovely, small Dalmatian towns, as well as many islands to choose from. Croatia is Level 1, and according to the Global Peace Index, is ranked 19th, much safer than the U.S.
I like Zagreb a lot. I'd prefer it to Dubrovnik or Split, especially this time of the year.
Unless you need a particular kind of weather for a sport, travel off season for the best deals and experiences. I went to Amsterdam the last week of February, and the weather was cool, but not freezing, and there were no crowds. My son was just in Amsterdam (July 2025) and said it was "too much" - way too many people and lines and crowds everywhere. I'm thinking of going to Paris in late fall for better prices and fewer people. I also second the comment about finding secondary cities (you can always pop into a big city for the day) that are a bit off the beaten track.
Agree, except the off-season is getting smaller or disappearing entirely. I have a report on that soon.
Always travel in September when its cooler and less crowds and doing cities, Amsterdam, Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow and Prague. If you want less crowded go to French Polynesia.
Absolutely. September is usually a great time for a northern hemisphere, off-season trip.
We went to Europe in September (my preferred time for traveling) in ‘23, and were hit with 98 degrees when we were at the Eiffel Tower. Other people were toasting with champagne. We chugged large bottles of water at the top.
Sure I understand it happens but I bet you still enjoyed it. I have been in New Hampshire when it was over 100. I was in Seward Alaska a few years ago and it was 85 which isn't supposed to happen. I guess we all need to get used to the abnormal becoming more normal.
Be careful about Krakow. I live there and the city seems overrun now with tourists. Flights to Krakow are usually fully booked (even business class!), and the airport looks like a mass evacuation situation. But Krakow is relatively not expensive, and the winters are quieter.
Thanks for the info but I’ve been to Krakow and going to Glowny station overnight from Budapest so no airport. I do appreciate the heads up though.
Visit Bratislava and other towns in Slovakia. Close to Vienna, Prague and Budapest but much to see in towns and in countryside. Check out “Slovakia Paradise “. Kosice, Levoca, Spis region woorth visiting.
Summer: Nashville TN, Brevard NC, Vail CO, Monument Valley AZ
Fall: Morocco/Sept
Fall: Japan, China, Mongolia/Oct-Nov
Winter: Vietnam & Cambodia/Dec
Hoping for less crowds than places I visited this Spring.
I am headed to the Med, but in October when it should not be so hot or crowded but I am hoping the sea is still warm. I am planning a bucket list trip to a few of the remaining European countries I haven't been to, Albania, Cyprus, and Malta. Hope the crowds are smaller, the locals happy that the summer rush is over, and the beer cold.
It’s funny how people go to” tourist” destinations but then go straight to what they left behind. If I’m going to France, I’m not going anywhere near Paris.. if I’m going to Thailand, it’s going to be the southern islands. Why are you going to a vacation? That is no different from what you left behind?
It’s sad that people go to these countries and go directly for the most Western style they can find. When you go to Germany, enjoy the mountains not the city Norway, Sweden Finland have some of the most beautiful northern waterways in the world
Thailand in Singapore Vietnam have beautiful stunning beaches far away from any tourist trap City.
If all you’re gonna do is go to a museum it’s not really a vacation and you have no understanding of the country you’re visiting
Slovakia