I'm looking ahead and thinking about taking a small trip to Europe in possibly U.K, Holland, Germany, and France. If I go, it will have to be in December and I'm worried if maybe this may or may not be the right time to go. What is the weather like around this time? Also, is it possible to travel this many places in just two weeks? Any info is much appreciated! Thanks

Hi,

Ive been to Europe twice in Winter and yes, its very cold but its also great. Just take a nice, warm jacket, a scarf, gloves, warm socks, a hat and also thermal underwear are great. I found that the places that snow during Winter are worth seeing in Winter but the other places are just damn cold!! Places like Austria, Slovenia, Russia, Hungary and Poland are picture-perfect in the Winter with snow everywhere. Whereas, France, UK and Germany just look like normal but with freezing temperatures. Maybe you should rethink where you're going. Austria in Winter is truly magical!!! Particularly Salzburg!! And Ljubjana in Slovenia at Christmas time - ah, there are no words!! Anyway, one great thing about going at that time of year is the crowds - there aren't many. And also the prices of hotel rooms, food, etc are usually about half that of the summer.

It is possbile to go to all the countries you mentioned but of course it depends on how long you want to stay in each place. The Bavaria region of Germany is beautiful and close to Salzburg (highly recommended). . Berlin and the other cities are just that - drab, busy cities. In France, of course, go to Paris and then head either North or South. Again though, the south is a bit of a waste in Winter. If you head North, be sure to visit Mont St. Michel in Normandy. A massive Monastery which you have to see to believe. The Normandy beaches (D-day landings, etc) are great to visit in Winter as its all muddy and cold and you get a bit of a feel as to what it would have been like back then.

Either way, you'll still have a great time. You'll appreciate the small things even more. Like finding a cosy little heated coffee shop in Paris and having a hot chocolate but as I said, this would be all the more beautiful with the snow falling heavily outside the window in the eastern countries!!

Have fun,
Nicky

You will have no problem getting a few nights in each of the countries you have listed.

You need to know what kind of holiday your looking for, is it to do a cheap tour of some of the northern european countries?

I live in Ireland and the temperatures here have been ok for the last few winters.Only a couple of nights of ice and only a tiny amount of snow.As you head towards England/Scotland these have more snow and colder nights and that trend tends in towards France and central Europe(except getting worse). .
Internal European travel with Ryanair is probably at its cheapest around December/January(except for xmas and new year).For example I got return tickets for 4 adults from Shannon to London Stansted airport for 130 EURO(a little over 100 dollars!) last year.This is a no frills airline but with fantastic prices.
Good Luck

Expect rain for most of your trip if you go in December. I went to France and ended in Paris back in December 2002. It rained nearly everyday, and was cold. You'll still have a good time since the culture remains incredible, but if you can hold off your trip till warmer months, I recommend it.