As our Wisconsin weather bounces back and forth between winter and what we love to call “pretend spring,” many of us are dreaming of our next vacation somewhere tropical with palm trees and pristine sandy beaches where we can park ourselves on a beach chair to read a good book or walk along the sandy coastline barefoot searching for sea glass. But, as a travel agent who specializes in European travel, I showcase European destinations when clients approach me for ideas about their spring getaway. The common question is, “Isn’t Europe rainy?” My response is always, “Sure, it can be. However, when you see Europe in bloom, you’ll fall in love!”
So why am I so passionate about Europe in Spring? Because springtime in Europe is magical! There is something special about sitting at a café in Paris enjoying a warm croissant with the smell of blooming cherry blossoms surrounding you. You’ll never forget visiting Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam and seeing the stunning colorful rows of tulips freshly blooming in the Dutch sunshine. You’ll never get bored exploring castle ruins in the English countryside surrounded by fields of bright yellow wildflowers or colorful poppies under a bright blue cloud-filled sky.
Those are romantic descriptions to inspire you to visit my favorite part of the world, but there’s a practical side to this, too. Springtime is one of the best times to visit Europe and offers many benefits.
Better for Your Budget
Summer is the high season in Europe. Schools are out and everyone is traveling, including all the other Europeans. Travel costs are driven by demand, so, as you can imagine, summer drives up the demand and costs can surge. Traveling in spring when the demand is lower often means you have the best options to choose from so you can splurge without batting an eye on that business-class flight or even a private driver.
Make the Most of Your Valuable Time
Is seeing the Mona Lisa on your bucket list? Then see it when you don’t have to push your way through a crowded room at the Louvre. Want to taste the best Gelato that Rome has to offer? Why wait over an hour just for a scoop? Less tourists means less time waiting in long lines and more time experiencing the local culture, like making your own olive oil in Athens or horseback riding through vineyards in Tuscany. One of the things I love best about planning European vacations for my clients is the ability to send them to some of the well-known sites while adding unique, personalized experiences that speak to things that are important to them. This creates memories they will cherish for a lifetime. Springtime offers the best opportunity to experience this perfect blend of popular and unique experiences with a backdrop of Europe in full bloom.
Milder Climate Means More Accommodation Choices
Many of my clients are shocked to discover that many hotels in Europe do not have air conditioning. I once spent weeks in a hotel with no air conditioning or cooling fans during one of the hottest summers on record in Switzerland topping off at 109 degrees. I spent many nights with my mini bar fridge open at the end of my bed just to get some relief. European summers can be hot, so traveling during the milder seasons opens up more opportunities for unique accommodations, such as castles and cottages, that lack the air conditioning features you’d be desiring during the prime summer months.
If you have been dreaming of the perfect European getaway, you can choose to book it directly. However, booking through an experienced travel agent can help you take a trip from “great” to the “trip of a lifetime.” As someone who lived in England and traveled extensively throughout Europe, I love curating the perfect, unforgettable European vacation for every traveler. Simply reach out to me, Annamarie at Plaid Travel, to schedule your free consultation. Learn more at www.plaidtravel.com
