Abode2’s 2024 European Travel Guide

2024 is the year of travel. A new year opens the opportunity to travel to new places and expose yourself to the cultures and history that you have yet to cross off the list. Europe is teaming with hotspots and paths less travelled, all tantalising in their vast variety of offerings.

As Peter Raymond from Ski Vertigo commented: "Europe's diverse tapestry of cultures and landscapes beckons travellers year-round, but knowing when and where to go can make all the difference in experiencing the continent's beauty without the bustle.”

With this is mind and a keen eye on the calendar, Abode2 teamed up with tour operator Ski Vertigo to build a month-by-month breakdown of the best and worst places to visit in Europe.

January:

Avoid: France & Germany – At the beginning of the year, post-New Year renovations and a general slowdown throughout the nations can dampen the experience.

Visit Instead: Spain (Andalusia) - Enjoy mild weather and fewer tourists in cities like Seville and Granada, offering beautiful landscapes and a quiet charm.

February:

Avoid: Italy (Venice) during the overcrowded Carnival and Norway (Tromsø) during peak aurora season, both flooded with visitors, good for a bustling experience, but not so much for an early year or Valentine's break.

Visit Instead: Iceland (Reykjavik) – The city lets you take in the Nordic lifestyle whilst witnessing the Northern Lights with fewer crowds.

March:

Avoid: Portugal's Algarve coast due to unpredictable weather impacting beach activities.

Visit Instead: Italy (Sicily) - As spring emerges, enjoy pleasant temperatures, historical sites and blooming landscapes without the summer crowds.

April:

Avoid: Greece during the late Easter rush, especially in religious and historical sites like Athens.

Visit Instead: Turkey (Istanbul) - Experience a blend of culture and spring beauty with fewer tourists.

May:

Avoid: Spain's major cities like Barcelona, where pre-summer travers flood.

Visit Instead: Croatia (Dalmatian Coast) - Before the peak season, enjoy beautiful beaches, clear waters and historical towns at a fraction of the vacationers.

June:

Avoid: Sweden & Denmark as near 24-hour daylight attracts travellers and backpackers in their droves.

Visit Instead: Latvia (Riga) - Experience the White Nights with more authentic escape options and a rich cultural scene.

July:

Avoid: Italy & Croatia's Mediterranean destinations due to sunseekers and fly and floppers.

Visit Instead: Bulgaria (Black Sea Coast) - Discover beautiful beaches, cultural heritage and luxury resorts away from the Mediterranean rush.

August:

Avoid: Latvia & Estonia as more travellers uncover these Baltic gems, leading to unexpected crowds.

Visit Instead: Montenegro (Kotor) - Enjoy stunning Adriatic coastlines and medieval towns without the intense tourist rush.

September:

Avoid: France (Bordeaux) and Germany (Munich) during the wine harvest and Oktoberfest, respectively, if you haven’t experienced them yet they are a must, but for a quiet escape, they are best avoided with their escalated culture vulture crowds.

Visit Instead: Portugal (Douro Valley) - Savour the wine harvest season with fewer tourists and more off the beaten track for wine lovers when compared to the go-to France.

October:

Avoid: Greece & Italy, still popular with lingering tourists and mild weather.

Visit Instead: Cyprus - Experience warm weather, historical sites and beautiful beaches without the crowds.

November:

Avoid: Austria & Czech Republic (Vienna and Prague) as pre-holiday events begin to drive up visitor numbers.

Visit Instead: Poland (Krakow) - Enjoy rich history, culture and Christmas markets starting to sparkle without the high season bustle.

December:

Avoid: Germany & Austria's Christmas markets, now also crowded in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Visit Instead: Hungary (Budapest) - Delight in festive markets, thermal baths and a vibrant holiday spirit, all while keeping the authentic local vibes.

Peter Raymond adds: “Equipped with this month-by-month guide, you're not just avoiding the tourist traps; you're discovering a Europe that's tranquil and just as breathtaking. Say farewell to overcrowding and hello to a captivating journey. Let 2024 be the year European travels are transformed."

So go forth and experience the gems of Europe when they are shining brightest.

www.skivertigo.co.uk