My wife and I are planning what will likely become an around-the-world trip in May-June for our anniversary. I realize that there isn't a single high-season, which we'd like to avoid, for a
My wife and I are planning what will likely become an around-the-world trip in May-June for our anniversary. I realize that there isn't a single high-season, which we'd like to avoid, for a parts of Europe. Our stops in Europe are likely to include Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, and Croatia (at least Split). We'll be coming from the U.S. west coast. Considering weather, costs, and crowds, should we head to Europe first during early- or mid-May, and then press on to Asia, or end up in Europe in June? Do these locations we listed have different high and springtime shoulder seasons?
With an itinerary like yours, you might want to think less about the seasons, since you'll be crossing a few, than about the most economical way to put together your trip. JYPhoto, one of the regular posters here, has used a consolidator that has been quite successful in putting together well-priced packages. If you don't see a note about it from her soon, search for consolidator on this forum.
There is no perfect time for your itinerary. If it were my trip, just from a time zone perspective, I would prefer to fly westward rather than eastward (it is easier on my bodyclock). Just a personal preference.
In recent years I have seen little differences in crowds within Europe in May or June. The flood of tourists from Asia within Europe has blurred the travel seasons in my mind. The rates might be marginally lower in Europe in early May. Depending on where you are traveling within Asia ... the rainy season might be a factor. You will need to do some research on the statistical weather patterns for you itinerary (even within the places like Thailand there will be "micro rainy season differences within a single country"). Weather averages, of course, are that -- it can be hotter or colder, rainy or dry than the average. Sorry, can't be more helpful since there are too many variables (weather, economic impact on tourism, etc.).
They specialize in multi-continent and round the world itineraries and discounted business class. I've done several trips with them and their prices are good and customer service great, much more than one would expect for discount fares.
The RTW I bought from them was a 6 month long itinerary which works very well to follow the summer. Going east from the US West Coast, late summer-early fall in Europe, late fall in India, then SW China and ending in winter in SE Asia. The weather was perfect all the way. But for just 2 months it's not quite so simple. However I suppose if you stick to N. Hemisphere and equatorial places you'd be fine. I also suggest for so many miles in a short time you limit your stops to a few.
