Winter or Summer? This is the question many of us face when deciding to travel, the question is not only where to go but when. Personally, I prefer winter but I can not deny that summer isn’t without its charms. So winter or summer? Here’s the case for both.
Winter
Less Crowds
In most places, winter is the low season for tourism, as such, there are fewer lines and fewer crowds. This means you won’t spend three hours of your twenty four in Paris waiting to get up the Eiffel Tower or be so crowded out on viewing decks you won’t get a decent picture. The lack of tourists I have found also means the locals are often far more welcoming, they aren’t over run with people and as such will enjoy having a chat with you and you will get a far more authentic experience. In addition, there is often more availability in accommodation and transport services, meaning last minute changes and trips are far more possible.
Snow
Those snowy winter wonderlands. The Finnish woodlands silent with falling snow like something out of a fairy tale, you don’t get that in summer and it is an experience I would thoroughly recommend. If you are one for the extreme then winter sports may also be right down your alley for a heart pumping experience.
Less Laundry
Laundry. The bane of every trip. When you have worn the same shirt for two weeks, the hostel washing machine is broken and you can’t put off finding a laundromat any longer. Colder weather means you can wear your clothes longer and stave off that dreaded laundry day.
Travel Chaos and Closures
The biggest downfall of winter travel comes with one of its high points, the weather. The weather can turn to chaos, causing transport to shut down and for anyone who has ever been stuck in an airport or on a train station with six hundred other people because the trains stopped running you will know it isn’t the best experience. In addition, some attractions will be closed over the winter months particularly in more remote areas.
Summer
Fun in the Sun
In the summer time the flowers are blooming, the ocean is turquoise and the sun is shining. Almost everywhere looks good in the summer. The longer days provide endless possibilities for fun and you can almost always count on the weather cooperating.
Less Clothes to Pack
Warmer weather means less packing, a pair of shorts and t-shirt takes up far less space in the limited space of pack than a jumper and jeans. Not only does this make your pack smaller and lighter, you have more room for souvenirs too.
Everything is Open
For most places, summer is the high season. This means that everything is usually open, tours are operating, events are in full swing and attractions have their doors open. The longer days also mean you can often see and do more in the time you have.
Everyone is There
This one is really a double edged sword. Because everyone is there, everything is open and you can meet other travellers. But because everyone is there prices are for accommodation, transport and attractions are through the roof, lines are long and crowds are everywhere. Walking up the Royal Mile in Edinburgh in August you will find yourself in the middle of one tightly packed glob of people and good luck finding a spot for your beach towel at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Let us know in the comments which you prefer for travelling, summer or winter?
Blessed are the Curious 