Web site weighs in on off season in Europe
Rick Steves has a great Web site full of tips for European travel. Go to www.ricksteves.com/plan/ tips/whentogo.htm for a helpful set of tips on why to go when.
He covers the usual summer tourist season with its pros (long days and every shop open) to shoulder season (better rates, fewer crowds), to winter (the lowest rates and plenty of rooms available).
He discusses the cons of each season, too. In summer it can be hot and crowded, in shoulder season not everything may be open and stores that are open may close early, and in winter it can be very cold, because much of Europe is on the same latitude as Canada.
Whatever season you choose, he gives tips to take advantage of the savings, sightseeing opportunities and local activities. In summer, he suggests hitting the sights early to avoid crowds and exploring the back streets. In winter, he advises getting up early to make the most of the shorter days when it may be dark by 5 p.m., and verifying museum hours, which will also be shorter. He says cities are best in winter, as some small tourist towns in Europe virtually shut down in winter.
Check the site for dozens more great tips.
If you'd like to try off-season travel in Greece to avoid the intense summer crowds, go to www.greecetravel.com/off-season-travel/index.htm for help. It has itineraries especially designed for off-season travel.
They include one trip that tracks sites related to the goddess Athena, which includes Athens plus a one-day cruise; another focused on Artemis, (four days in Athens, four in classical Meteora and a one-day cruise) another titled Luxurious Greece ( eight days in Athens, four days of classical tours and a one-day cruise) and one called Athens and the Greek Islands, similar to the Luxurious tour but shorter (eight days). There are also suggestions for what to do for Christmas in Athens, when Apokreas (Carnival) is in full swing.
The site offers a great essay on "Winter in Greece" by Matt Barrett, who gives the straight information about what you can and can't do there in the winter. He notes that while huge resorts are closed, small hotels on each island are open and welcome tourists.
In print
There are about 50 islands in the British Virgin Islands group. How do you pick the best one for you?
Consult "The Best of the British Virgin Islands: An Indispensable Guide for Anyone Visiting Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, Cooper, Guana and all other BVI Destinations." It is written by Pamela Acheson and Richard B. Myers and published by Two Thousand Three Associates at $14.95.
It gives a rundown on the tone and features of each island, and reviews everything from the best villas on each of the habitable islands, to beachside bars, scenic drives, secret snorkeling nooks, historic ruins and the best activities, from hikes to boutiques; shopping to horseback riding.
If you are looking for night life, go to the American Virgin Islands, the BVI have fewer people (23,000 total) and a low-key night life.