When is the best time for couples to travel to European destinations?

When is the best time for couples to travel to European destinations?

Catharine Hamm (Travel Editor, LA Times) gives expert video advice on: What are some safety tips for couples traveling through Europe?; What European cites should couples avoid? and more...

I think when to travel is an interesting question. When should couples travel to Europe? Obviously, summer time is a terrific time because you can be outdoors. You can experience the fullness of the cities. There is definitely a time in summer when you should not go to Europe if you're expecting to see lots of activity, and that is August. Much of Europe is on vacation in August, so if you go to Paris, for example, or Rome, you're apt to find it somewhat vacant. There are both pluses and minuses to that. There won't be tourist hordes there of people vacationing within their own country, but you may also miss some attractions. Some things may be closed down for the month. You really need to check to see. Vacationing in the off-season, in the winter months, is also pretty attractive because it gives you an opportunity to see things without those tourist hordes at your heels.