Shout out to all...trying to plan a trip to Europe for November...I know its a long time away, but that gives me plenty of time to get the money. Looking to head out in early Nov and come back around the 20th or so. Looking to go cheap, I am researching cheap flight out there, I'm a good ole Texas boy...so far I see London is the cheapest place to fly into from Dallas. Can anyone find a cheaper a arrival place?? I'd like to travel as cheap as possible, hostels and some camping, seeing as much as possible. I'm 22....laid back, taking next semester off of school...I'll return in the spring, I go to University of Texas at Arlington...debating majors right now, which is part of why I am taking the semester off. Want to have the adventure of a lifetime during this oppurtunity...keep watchin friends get married and I am not ready to be that serious, so i feel this is the best time of my life to chill and have a rockin good time. So come with!!!

Good time for cheap travel, check out SAS too, they sometimes have really cheap fares in the off season, but I don't know if they fly out of Dallas. But if you can get a ridiculous fare on SW or something to another hub, it might be worth it. Unfortunately they probably won't have those specials listed now, maybe hold off and check later...

If you're planning on camping, bet on cold, wet weather in November and be prepared! "It's a damp cold", which only makes it worse! I was in Scotland one winter with a bunch of people from all across Canada, and the only ones who could hack the weather were me (from the balmy West Coast) and a guy from Newfoundland, because we knew how to dress for wet.

But it's a great time to visit, since all the regular tourists have gone home, and the Christmas market madness hasn't begun yet. Also, all the "seasons" will be in full swing, so there'll be concerts, shows and all kinds of stuff going on. Also, the hostels won't be quite as full, but there will still be people around to hang out with. Do make sure that the places you go are open in the off-season, though...we had a heck of a time finding places to stay in Greece last March, because most places opened April 1! Won't be a problem in the big cities of course, but out of the way places you'll want to check in advance. Check the TP homepage for the hostel booking link.

awesome! thanks for the info, that helps out a lot. i am planning on staying in hostels most of the trip, but maybe some camping...just depends on where i'm at at the time. will definetely prepare for cold weather...kinda a bummer about the rain, but thats OK, its still worth it to go. Thanks so much!

Where in Europe are you planning on going?

hey weedz
I was caught without the right clothing for the wet/cold weather when i was in europe this year. what works best for this type of weather when you are traveling?

jp

Hey jp,
a good bet for weight, versatility, etc. is a good fleece jacket with a light water/windproof shell. My husband has a Columbia jacket with a zip-out liner, he wears year round.

When we travel in winter (which is mostly), we also bring good long underwear - silk or wool - which is less bulky than extra sweaters and makes a huge difference to body temperature. And dries fast.

And wool/blend socks and waterproof shoes (my husband swears by Doc Martens).

I don't bother with jeans when travelling because they take too long to dry, but I do have fleece lined ones (and flannel lined chinos) for really cold winter days. Another trick that adds a lot to overall warmth is a pair of fleece (ie sheepskin/shearling) boot liners. It's amazing how much better you feel when your feet are warm, and that little strip of wool makes a big difference.

New gizmo we just got (just in time for summer) that I'll also try out next winter is a bean bag warmer (www.mywarmbuddy.com). You stick it in the microwave for 30 secs and it stays warm for an hour or so. We got two for our baby recently (I wouldn't recommend the pink and black dog model for travel), but also just a plain black beanbag which you could heat up at the hostel before heading out for the day, and stick in a microwave at night and toss it in your bed to warm up the sheets a bit.

Obviously, gloves, hat and some kind of scarf to finish off the lot and you should be all set.

And frequent visits to cafes for warm drinks and sweet treats.