125. Luxury Travel in Europe: Summer or Winter? (This or That Edition - Which Season Wins?)

Luxury travel in Europe? Let’s settle the seasonal debate once and for all. In this episode, we’re doing a full “This or That” luxury travel throwdown: summer vs. winter in Europe. I’m sharing the standout moments, the must-book experiences, and the planning strategies that make every season unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of island hopping or fireside wine in the Alps, I’ve got tips to help you choose (plus one extra AF way to get the best of both).

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• 64. Greek Island Glow Virgin Voyages Cruise BTS
• 54. Jet-Setting to Salzburg for a Set-Jetting Experience of the Sound of Music
• 76. Luxury Travel Packing Made Easier: How to Fit Everything You Need in a Carry-On!

Connect with Michele on IG: @jetsettingwithmichele or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/MMTinsiders

Contact Michele to plan your next vacation: www.makinmemoriestravel.co/contact, michele@makinmemoriestravel.co, or schedule a 15 minute consult: https://tidycal.com/texasmfs/15-minute-meeting

This episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Transcript

Hello jet setters and welcome back to another episode of Jet Setting with me. Today we're going to play a little this or that game. Summer or winter in Europe. Which season wins for luxury travel, for romance and for those multi generational trips that we talked so much about last week. And most importantly for the kinds of memories that last forever. So here's how we're going to play this. I'm going to run through a series of rapid fire set of comparisons. Weather, scenery, crowds, costs, food, festivals, accessibility, even photography.

For each pair I'm going to give you a short advisor advice answer you know mine, a quick example you can picture and a practical planning tip that you can take on your own so you can decide what season fits your trip, your budget and your group. By the end of this episode you'll be able to let me know when we have a planning call the season that matches your travel goals. Whether you want sunlit beaches or or cozy Christmas markets, you will know when to contact me because you'll know when to book and what to budget for peak versus off peak travel. And you are going to walk away with a one line planner tip that you can use to make any European trip feel effortless. And of course because it's me extra af. So if you are torn between the endless golden evenings or the snow draped villages under the northern lights, stay with me. I'm also going to give you one of my favorite travel times, a shoulder season hack, you know, for those of us that want the best of both worlds. Now are you ready? Let's settle the seasonal debate and find the perfect time for your next European escape.

First up, weather and scenery. So I pick summer for sun soaked islands and I pick winter for the truly cinematic sky. You know those northern lights both deliver unforgettable landscapes but very different moods. So for example, in the summer can you imagine the Calcuttas, the late sunsets, the breezy terrace above a cobalt bay. You get fresh seafood and freshly made from the vineyards at midnight versus winter in the Laplands, a snow crisp night, the Aureola Borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights shimmering above your glass roofed cabin. And of course lots of hot chocolate while you stare skyward. It is a pure cinematic beauty. Now of course you can visit the islands that inspired Mamma Mia.

Sun Song steps. What a soundtrack. Or if you want the cinematic solitude Laplands glass roof lodges make for those unforgettable elopements. So a practical planning tip. Choose by the headline moment you want. You want beaches, island hopping, outdoor dining and Mamma Mia Lock those Greek islands in the summer and book your ferries and your villas or your cruise six to 12 months out. You want that aurora choreography. You can book for late autumn through early spring and plan several nights so that you get to see them.

They are weather dependent at a warm accessible base like that glass covered igloo I mentioned or Cozy lodge. Those are great for seniors and anyone who prefers comfort between going outside in the cold for those sightings. Me. Well, if I want endless blue whitewashed villages and balmy evenings, I am all in for the Greek islands in summer. You can hear about my Greek island trip in past episode about virgin voyages. And if I want the kind of sky that feels like a movie, those dancing green curtains overhead and that silence. That silence. I pick Finland and winter for the northern lights, which I also have an episode about.

All these episodes that I'm mentioning will of course be in the show notes. Okay, next up, crowds and costs. Quick example. Rome still reads like Roman holiday gelato. That Vespa energy and the timeless black and white moments. Or do you prefer Paris in January with a quiet Louvre and Cafe steam? Two very different kinds of unforgettable. Of course if you want the best compromise England in September, which is what I am doing while you're listening to this pleasant weather, harvest energy, manageable crowds. England in September channels those Bridgerton Bath and Manor House weekends with the beautiful harvest colors and the elegant backdrops.

So practical planning tip. Decide your headline moment first, scenery first dates second. If budget is the priority, book winner but avoiding those holiday spikes or book the shoulder season if the experience is the priority, lock those must do events early. Early those luxury upgrades that matter to you like a private early access tour in the Louvre before public entry, private transfers, especially on tricky island roads and very flexible cancellation policies. So you can lock in your suite right now and we can tweak the dates later. I personally, as I just mentioned, lean towards shoulder season. Or I do love my winter in Finland and Sweden and Norway. As you can tell I have a group trip going there in February of 2026.

So when I want more space and better value, I'm totally heading there. But I will pick summer when the destination's peak energy is the point of the trip. Like my virgin voyages Greek island glow. Next up, activities and events. So my quick example. Summer in Venice. You can see an open air concert. You can imagine those strings drifting over the canals at dusk or late night in a seaside piazza.

Where's winter? How about imagining that Salzburg Christmas market skiing or like me, the Apres Ski bunny and the Fireside and the Alps and of course Salzburg. That Christmas market I mentioned. It is literal sound of music scenery hills that will make you want to hum as you drive past them on your tour. Your practical planning tip here is build your trip around the event. So just like we said before, decide your headline moment first. Build your trip around that event. Headline moment, festival dates and market windows matter. Some seasonal events sell out long before the flights are cheap.

So research first and then we book the flights, the hotels around those anchors. Of course. I am here to present you all the research. You don't have to do it yourself. Of course. I love the outdoor festivals and island hopping. That's summer for me. And I also love the Christmas markets.

Yes, this nice Jewish girl loves a good Christmas market. The seasonal rituals, they're so beautiful. And although I am not a skier or a snowboarder, I do love my apres ski in the cabin in my snow bunny by the fireside with the beautiful, beautiful finish treat of Christmas wine. It's like mulled cider wine. I couldn't find it to bring it home or I would have chef's kiss for sure. Speaking of chef's kiss and mold, wonderful beverage, food and drink. So summer in Positano, Think the Amalfi coast. That gives you those honeymoon postcards with the Positano cliffside diners, which we got to do on our tour there.

Private boat days feel instantly cinematic again. That chilled seafood fresh out of the water, that beautiful vineyards that are nearby. Produce great. Or how about where the Winter Olympics once were in Turin, Italy. Turin is the capital of the Piedmont area and there you're going to find harvest for truffle season. Those truffle dogs, you can go on a truffle hunt. Makes it feel like a deliciously starring role in a foodie film. Those truffle menus, polenta and slow dinners that warm the soul.

So if culinary timing matters, for example truffle season or the harvest time or the fresh citrus window, let's plan your travel around local food calendars. We can look at special dining experiences. Early and seasonal menus will tend to sell out quickly. Again, here is what I do. Summer for that fresh seafood and the al fresco aperitivo. Winter for the truffles, the mulled wine. I love them both. Very different tastes on my palate.

Let's talk a little bit about the pacing and the mobility, especially if we're talking about a multi generational trip like in last week's episode. Quick example, summer, you're going to have the long promenades, long walking, especially in Barcelona and places like Budapest and Prague. They can exhaust elderly and me in the heat, so you have to be aware of that. Winter you're going to have shorter days because sometimes the sun doesn't come out at all. So cozy cafes between the stops will help break up those cold shorter days. Be sure to map those daily walking distances and include midday rest during the summer heat. Be sure we select hotels with elevators and accessible rooms. Don't think you can do more than you can like carrying up your carry on luggage up two flights of stairs.

Let's book you with an elevator. We're going to do private transfers, especially for our multi generational groups. And if someone in the party needs to sit more often, we're going to do shorter walking circuits and more activity clusters near the hotel base. Winter is often kinder to slow paced travelers if you schedule wisely and summer demands more stamina for the long sunny days. And if you want drama without the long marathon, choose locations with short walkable cores. Think Dubrovnik or Florence. Now I bet you never thought about this one. Photography and light so summer in Dubrovnik.

Imagine that you get the King's Landing vibes with Dubrovnik's walls. Pure Game of Thrones photo. Cinematic dramatic light. The sun slants low over the city walls. The lighting comes off the terracotta roofs and it lasts long cinematic shadows on the limestone streets in the summer or in winter. What if you step into Outlander's misty romance in the highlands? They are TV ready scenery for wistful portraits. That moody mist over the highlands creates that great cinematic frame. If you want specific light sunset.

You all know I love a good sunrise or fog, sometimes referred to as the best lighting you can get. Check the sunrise and the sunset times and weather normals for the dates that we are considering. And let's plan a location shoot using something like Flightographer or Viator so that we can make sure you get those captured during those windows of time. If you are a true photography nerd and you can pack it, bring a tripod for winter low light shots and a polarizer for those coastal summers. For multi generational shoots, schedule a short scenic shoot early or late so that non photographers or non posers aren't exhausted from the midday heat. Summer for bright long golden hours. Winter for dramatic skies, softer portraits and unique atmospheric shots. So what's best for a family or that romantic getaway? A quick example here.

Summer family wins, beach days, water parks, long daylight for the activities. Want something a little more romantic. Try that winter for the couple win candlelight dinners, wool blankets, Christmas markets hand in hand so romantic. Match the season to your group's energy. Families often prefer school, holiday summers or spring breaks and couples or adult groups can score romantic winter perks. And of course the off peak deals. That's why I love being an empty nester. Shoulder season always wins because the weather's kinder and the crowds are smaller and you're going to get those great deals what to pack so summer suitcase you should have your linen shirts.

Don't forget your sun hat, a foldable day pack, winter suitcase, packable down waterproof boots and a compact thermos for that hot chocolate and that mold, cider and wine and all of that is on my Amazon list if you need examples. So of course you want to pack for that flexibility. There's going to be temperature swings and evenings and mornings can be cool even in those summer coastal towns and winter days the sun can be out but it is still going to be 32 or below. A region specific packing list that I can provide to you prevents overpacking and any last minute purchases at the non duty free but airport shops, luxury travelers take that small small kit of travel quality temperature control items. The packable down, the heated insoles or mitten warmers. A travel umbrella for the sun. It's an elegant mitigation. So summer equals minimalist breathable layers and winter equals thoughtful insulated layers and waterproof footwear.

Layering is non negotiable in both seasons. So when to contact me? My answer summer book 6 to 12 months out, especially for the luxury hotels, the cruises and those private island villas. Winter you can book a little closer in three to six months for most, but of course much earlier for the Christmas market, river cruises and anytime you want to go skiing. Quick example. Booking Santorini or Capri in July except expect heavy deposits up to a year in advance, reserving Christmas week in Vienna. Book as early as possible. Hotels concert tickets. They're going to sell out fast.

If a cliffside I do sounds dreamy, know that Santorini sunset venues also book up and sell early and the visuals are worth that year in advance lead time. So align your booking window with your must do items. If a private museum after hours or that Michelin tasting matters or is on your bucket list, let's secure it early, even if the trip itself can be finalized later. But we're absolutely going to consider making sure we have flexible cancellation options and travel insurance. So here's my best hack for that shoulder Season compromise. Go late spring or early fall. They're the smartest luxury travel choice if you can make it. Fewer crowds, great weather and a better value.

Think early October in Tuscany under the Tuscan sun territory. Here, the light over the harvest, fewer crowds and a perfect wedding weekend energy, just like in the movie. If you want the best of both, aim for that shoulder season and book those flexible accommodations. You can often get the summer light conditions, so we definitely want to make sure we're in a place with air conditioning without the peak prices and maybe not the winter chill. Although with climate change it is wintry here in September, at least for this Texas girl, meaning it's, you know, below 70 multi generational groups. Also, shoulder season tends to balance the climate with the mobility needs and the experience. So if you love set jetting or you're dreaming of a cinematic honeymoon, pick a place that gives you the frame you want. A few quick invitations to inspire you.

Drop me a note if any of these are calling to you. Santorini in the Greek islands. We mentioned it. Mamma mia, here I go again. The island steps for sunlit soundtrack moments. Also mention Laplands for those aurora glass roof lodges that winter elopement that looks are made for film. Roman Holiday in Rome. Those vibes for those classic cinema romance, throwing that money, those coins into the Trevi fountains.

Paris Amelie Corners Cafe moments. Whimsical city shoots or Djibrovnik. Those Game of Thrones walls for those dramatic cinematic frames. We mentioned Sound of Music in Salzburg. You know I've talked about it before. I did the private tour and in the car they're playing that soundtrack as you're going around and seeing where all the movie magic took place. We mentioned harvest seasons that read like under the Tuscan sun. Where else? Tuscany and Outlander Mist for the wistful portraits and the moody landscapes in the Scottish Highlands.

Want more? Those are just the teasers. I've got those full itineraries and set jetting packages ready to go as soon as you are ready to plan. All right, let's pull it all together. If you take just one thing away from today, let it be this. Pick the season that serves the memory you most want to make, not the one that everyone else tells you is quote unquote better. I love both. I travel in both. But I decide based on these three things.

I pick summer for the long sunlit days, island hopping outdoor festivals and that energizing vibe. The beaches, the picture perfect golden hours. I pick winter if I'm looking for the cozy cinematic moments. Lower rates outside of holiday windows, seasonal food rituals and those romantic markets. I love a fireplace, truffles and a snow draped village. And of course I am all about shoulder season. The best of both. Who else but me would want of course I'm extra af.

Of course I want the best of both. I like the lesser crowds, I like the more pleasant weather, I like the special events and most of all I like the better value for luxury hotels and experience experiences. So always start with the scenery first date second. If budget matters let me know that we're going to book shoulder season. If experience matters, we're going to lock those must do's in early. Like the festivals, like the private dinners, like the Michelin tables. And if you're traveling with multi generations, prioritize the rooming and the pacing over the Instagram moments. Privacy plus planned rest equals happier families.

Choose a season that solves your biggest trip risk. Crowds, Cost or comfort. So tell me which is most important to you? I would love to know. Hit me up on Instagram and tell me is it crowds, cost or comfort? That is your buzzword. And if you're undecided and you want a quick plan, in the show notes is a link to my calendar and you can book a free 15 minute planning session with me and I can sketch a season matched itinerary just for you and your group. Now next week we are celebrating National Coffee Day. I'm going to share six great coffee destinations that you should definitely taste on your travels. Three international cups that literally changed my coffee palette.

Three domestic roasters so that it's closer and it will make you easier to pack. Coming home with those roasted beans I'm trying to save, you know, the whole beans, not the crushed beans. So bring your mug and settle in and until next week, happy and safe travels.