5 Reasons Why Travel to Europe in Winter is a Sensational Idea

Travel to Europe in winter is often overlooked by most travelers.

And I understand why.

You’re dreaming of sitting in an outdoor cafe sipping on some wine in Paris or relaxing in a beer garden in Munich enjoying a tasty beer — and the weather is nice.

However there are some advantages to traveling to Europe in winter.

And there are some things you can definitely take advantage of.

Let’s dive into this.

It’s less expensive

One of the best reasons to visit Europe in winter is that it is less expensive.

That is unless you’re going to a ski town/resort area or are going over the Christmas/New Year holiday.

Typically though, many destinations are cheaper.

Often you can find less expensive airfare as well.

Then you may be able to upgrade your hotel to something a bit more upscale or upgrade your room.

You may even book a few more tours and experiences.

Just be aware that in cities there may be conferences or conventions in winter. 

So if you can be flexible with your dates, you can avoid those busy and more expensive conference times.

Check the website for a city or region to see what’s going on as often they have calendars of events. 

But you’ll find much of winter is less expensive in so many places throughout Europe.

It’s less crowded/busy

Europe in winter is typically not as busy.

As long as you avoid ski towns and conference times. 

And of course the Christmas/New Year holiday time.

But usually you’ll find fewer crowds in many destinations, especially in January and February.

This means you can visit some sites such as the Louvre in Paris, the Alhambra in Spain or Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland with fewer people.

Yes, there are still some crowds at the big name sites. 

They won’t be crowd free.

But compared to the high summer season, you’ll find fewer people. 

And wait times will be less, lines shorter and tickets easier to come by.

This is a great reason to visit Europe in winter.

You have a better chance of connecting with locals 

Because crowds are fewer, often you’ll find that connecting with the locals is a bit easier.

Guides aren’t so busy.

Waiters are feeling a bit less exhausted.

The hotel staff is more relaxed.

If you’re traveling in an area where winter is the off season, you’ll definitely find the locals a bit chattier and not so stressed.

They’ll have more time to have a real conversation with you.

This makes Europe in winter a fabulous time to visit.

The light is beautiful for photography

If you followed me as I traveled in Scotland from November 2021 to early January 2022, you most likely heard me raving about how much I loved the light.

I was enamored.

Enthralled.

Head over heels in love with the low light.

It is truly a photographer’s dream to be able to photograph at any time throughout the day and have this amazing light.

So for me, this was the BEST reason to visit Europe in winter.

And I have the thousands of images to prove it!

So if you’re a photographer, consider traveling to Europe in the winter.

Some tips for visiting Europe in winter

Cities are a great idea at this time since the crowds are fewer and museums are open year round.

It can also be a good time to catch a musical or theatrical show — a symphony, an opera, a play.

 Just be aware of conferences!

Christmas can be a wonderful time to visit Europe for things like the Christmas markets.

Just know that it will be busy and crowded and that prices will be higher at this time of year much like the summer season.

Do be aware that some smaller towns may sort of close up for the winter so you may be unable to find accommodation. 

Be sure to do a bit of research before you actually book your flight!

I know that Fort William, Scotland — where I spent a lot of time in late 2021 — is mostly a late spring through early autumn spot because of all the walking and hiking.

So in November and December I saw many B&Bs closed.

But I was able to stay in an Airbnb.

Most everything else was open —  shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants.

Just do your homework. 

Some sites may also be seasonal and therefore be either closed or have shortened hours.

Outdoor sites such as the Céide Fields in Ireland may be closed.

Other sites such as Glamis Castle in Scotland may simply have shorter hours.

These are a couple examples.

Again, do some research before you firmly book any part of your trip.

It would suck to not experience a site that you really wanted to see.

I’ve taken a couple of trips to Europe in winter

Having taken 2 trips to Europe in winter — one to Paris and one to Scotland — I’m sold on traveling at this time of year.

Yes, I prefer late spring or autumn.

But winter is special.

It’s different.

And it can be a wonderfully unique experience for you.

So don’t dismiss the idea.

Have you visited Europe in winter?

Drop a comment below and tell me all about it. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Please note that Wander Your Way is only recommending international travel to those who are vaccinated and feel comfortable doing so. While travel to Europe is getting easier, we are still not out of the woods with COVID.

If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.

And if you are ready to go soon, please contact Lynne for any assistance you may need.

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