Europe Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips!

If you do not mind the sweltering heat of summer and thick throngs of tourists, a trip to Italy in July can be an amazing experience. This month falls under the peak season and sees not just foreigners but also students on their summer break and locals eager for a holiday queue outside the country’s long list of attractions. Unfortunately, this also means high prices for everything from food to accommodation. While crowds pile up on the country’s coasts, you might want to make a beeline to the breezy and less crowded north where temperatures are milder. The Italian Lake District looks stunning at this time of year, so do various parts of Liguria and Veneto.

A tour of Italy in August can be hot, and unforgivingly so. With the sun at its most oppressive, locals leave cities and flock to the peninsula’s beaches! Explore the Vatican City’s museums, see sunflowers in Tuscany and visit the historic Marche while you are in the country during this time. Alternatively, consider heading to the wonders of the north for a cooler clime. Not one to shy away from crowds? Do as the Italians do and head for the beaches.

Although the weather of Italy in February may be missing the typical characteristics that many of us associate with the peninsula (sunny beaches and balmy countryside), there are still a good number of reasons to consider visiting Italy during this time of year. Shopaholics will love the end-of-the-season sales while touring Milan, while in Venice travelers can be part of its famous carnival. Similarly, the Alps are still suitable for skiing and snowboarding during this time of year, while there’s Valentine’s Day for anyone planning a romantic break in Florence.

From the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains to the atmospheric streets of Madrid, a trip to Spain in May is ideal! During this month, the weather is warm, and precipitation is rare. May is the last month of spring and a great month to visit Spain before the high season kicks in and hordes of travelers descend on the country. Gaze at the mesmerizing architecture of Granada, Barcelona, or wander through one of Spain’s many national parks and try the culinary delights of the Basque Country in San Sebastian!

Wildflowers start blanketing Italy’s rolling countryside and beautiful parks in April, while its mountain trails reopen for the first hiking trips of the year. Italy in April also heralds the beginning of the country's festive season, which is why many travelers consider it one of the best months for a trip to Italy!

Traveling to Italy in September is an excellent choice for those looking to experience an autumn chill mingled with the warmth of a fading summer. Stroll through acres of wine gardens in Langhe, inhaling the fragrance of ripe, ready-to-be-harvested grapes, or relax amid the sandy stretches of Ponza without being disturbed by crowds. From the atmospheric streets of Rome and Milan to the whitewashed buildings of Ostuni in Puglia, there are many destinations to discover in Italy during this time.

From the sunny beach of Costa del Sol to the ancient walls of Segovia and the mountains of Sierra Nevada, Spain is a wonderful destination for a summer vacation! During this month, the weather is warm but not too hot. June is also the ideal month to visit Spain before the peak of the high season. Try out a new outdoor activity, visit one of the many historical towns of Spain or simply relax at the beach.

Italy in November is nothing short of spectacular, with the summer season fading and the winter season taking over. Be it the historic Rome or the gorgeous Venice, there are ample destinations to discover in Italy. Hike through the undulating landscape of Tuscany and visit its hill towns of San Gimignano, Volterra, and Cortona. Wander down the alleys of the enchanting city of Puglia and discover the Amalfi Coast. Although November is not a beach season, there are plenty of beaches in Sardinia and Sicily for those adventurous enough to unwind in the crisp autumn air.

Greece conjures the image of sunny coasts, azure waters, and sailboats gliding under a radiant sun. However, few are aware that the country is a lovely place to visit almost throughout the year, including in the winter when its mountains are decked in white and peaks glisten in the morning sun.The weather in Greece in January can get a little unpredictable, with parts of the country receiving snow. Plus, this is the coldest month in the country, and traveling to Greece at this time of the year can limit your travel options if you plan to visit its islands, since finding transport could be difficult (though not impossible). That being said, this is the time to take full advantage of low-season rates and pack some splendid destinations in your itinerary — from the atmospheric Old Town of Rhodes to Athens with its ancient architecture and Byzantine churches.

A variety of alluring destinations await travelers heading to Italy in October. Be it the monumental architecture of Rome, a city with a history going back by nearly 3,000 years, or the rustic hamlets and undulating hills of Tuscany, a trip to Italy is bound to be an enthralling experience, especially in autumn. Let the warmth of the sun seep into you as you uncover the ruins of Pompeii or sail down the canals of Venice.That is not all. October in Italy also marks the harvest season, which means that you will get the chance to indulge in plenty of delicacies along the way.

From the crowded beaches of Tossa de Mar to the crazy adventures in Ibiza, holidaying in Spain in July is perfect for people from all walks of life! The sun hardly gets any break, eliminating most chances of rain. Hiking in one of many national parks, such as the Ordesa y Monte, is ideal during this time of the year. Alternatively, take a stroll around cities like Granada and sample the food and culture. If you’re looking for endless beaches with crystal blue waters, gorgeous festivals, and cultural highlights, then a trip to Spain this month won’t disappoint.

August sees an uptick in tourist activities in Spain. This is when beaches are busier than usual, and so are city streets. Most prefer visiting northern coastal cities like Barcelona, while further south, in Andalusia, you will find scorching temperatures and beaches packed to the brim. If the motive for your trip to Spain is to party like there is no tomorrow, then make a beeline to the island of Ibiza, home to the most happening nightlife in Spain.

As September makes way for the cooler Mediterranean weather, the chaos of Spain’s peak tourist season gradually settles. This is the best time to visit Spain to engage in less-crowded touristy activities. Travel back in time in Spain’s history-rich cities, sample the country’s famous cuisines, and explore the vibrant cultures of the different regions. For a bit of adventure, consider short hiking trips in the southern inland. As for beach enthusiasts, a dip in the sea and basking in the sun is still a viable option on your Spain holiday despite the drop in mercury.

Traveling to Italy in January will see you explore this much-loved destination without the crowds that pack out the piazzas of Venice and Rome in the summer months. Firmly within the country’s low season, beach trips are definitely a no-go even in Sicily and the warmer south around Bari or Naples and Pompeii. However, the Alps and Dolomites offer fantastic skiing at this time of year, and the streets of Florence are even more magical with a smattering of snowflakes.

Iceland in September promises an experience that combines the charm of seasonal change and unique cultural offerings. Visitors are greeted with delightful sunny days and the vibrant hues of fall foliage as the country gracefully transitions from summer to autumn. Snow is visible only on the highest peaks, and most roads are open, making this stunning country easy to navigate. The highlights of September include the annual Rettir, a tradition that witnesses the return of sheep from the highlands, and the beginning of the Northern Lights season. A trip to Iceland in September also ensures a more serene atmosphere, with fewer crowds than in the bustling summer months.