When planning your European trip, check your arrival and departures dates and see if they take into account peak, off-peak and shoulder travel periods.

Peak periods are the times when majority of travelers fly in and out of countries and these periods usually coincide with school holidays, Christmas, Easter and New Year. The country you are flying into will also have peak periods unique to that country, so expect flights and accommodation to be heavily booked and tickets to be more expensive. This peak period generally covers late December to January (because of the Christmas season) and late June to the end of August (summer break). Travel during the Christmas holidays can be difficult as plane ticket prices soar and ski resorts start overcharging. Public transport is also reduced in most areas since only a few trains will leave on Christmas day. The “shoulder period” is in spring and autumn and the low or “off-peak” periods are usually in the remaining months and in the winter.

If you have only a limited time to see Europe, your best bet is to fly in and out during a shoulder period. Prices are almost at their lowest and travel conditions are great because you can avoid the crowds and the overpricing. If you have a lot of time to spare in Europe, try flying in the low season when fares are cheapest so you have more money to spread over your stay. It’s always a good idea to start checking airfares 3-4 months before you leave. Airlines are starting to discount in order to reward early bookers and there’s a lot time to wait if you think they’re too high. The cheapest ticket prices might turn up on the net or at your ticket office at anytime. And while you’re at it, make sure you’ve already reserved your accommodation 6 weeks to 2 months before you leave. It’s a good idea to reserve a hotel for your arrival and departure days. The rest can be reserved afterwards. Also, remember to check for travel dangers and updates. Your government and insurance company might draw the line if you visit a certain territory they’ve warned you about. Be informed about the dangers and uprisings in the country you are visiting and do last-minute updates to check conditions right before you leave.

For most seasoned travelers, the best time to see Europe is from April to June and September to October when the weather is still warm, the holiday crowds have left and accommodation and transport are regularly priced.

In contrast, the single worst time to visit most parts of Europe (especially the western and southern countries) is the month of August. This is when many Europeans leave and take their holidays in nearby countries as well. The cities can be deserted and as a result, accommodation prices shoot up and finding a bed can be very difficult. Buses and trains will often be packed and it can be a struggle to get a seat while you cross countries. Even most tourist shops and sites can be closed because the proprietors have gone on holiday as well! There’s little doubt that July and August are the busiest tourist months in Europe (mainly because of Americans on vacation) and it will require a lot of patience and money. Avoid these months as much as you can. If you really must travel in the high season, your best course of action is to stay away from the major cities and choose the off-track towns and villages and indulge in the local culture.

Each element of the tourist sector is regulated to assure quality, yet varies considerably to cater for different tastes and different budgets. Camping is a very popular option especially for those on a budget or families. There are over 10,000 campsites in France, and before the image of half collapsed tents and unpleasant ablution huts pops to mind; think again. Campsites in France are regulated by the government and star ratings are given just as in a hotel.

For example, a four star campsite may have better amenities than a three star hotel; swimming pool, horse riding, launderette, shops, restaurants, and children’s play grounds. Plus you can find campsites that allow pets, and the cost would be between 15 and 25 Euros per night.

When you chose a bed and breakfast you will usually be asked if you want to eat dinner with your host, and as French bed and breakfasts are in private residences, this is a lovely extra touch. Housed in an apartment, chateaux, or cottage, there will never be more than 5 guest rooms, and a good hearty breakfast is always included. You should expect to pay between 40 and 80 Euros for 2 people sharing.

Gites are also a wonderful option, but often only for larger groups as finding one for 4 people is quite hard. This is self catering chateaux or cottage that has been decked out especially for visitors. There will usually be a fully equipped kitchen, a large living area and then the rest of the rooms will be sleeping quarters with several people sharing a room. A Gite makes extended family holidays possible, and is a much nicer option for large groups of friends than a hotel. It is possible to rent a Gite for a smaller group; it just won’t be as economical. Prices are based on the gite being full, and you should expect to pay between 10 and 30 Euros per person per night.

Finally, Bienvenue a la Ferme is a government run scheme in which over 5,000 farms participate. The idea is to offer visitors a rural experience of France. Accommodation may be in the farm house itself, in a bed and breakfast, or camping, and you also have the option of educational farms where you get to learn the basics of farm life. In addition, you get to experience real country life, with the real gastronomical treats that go with it in the farm inn, or snacks at the farm house.

You will also be able to take local produce home with you from the farm shop. If your interests are wider than food however, you will find all sorts of entertainment available at different farms, ranging form swimming to hunting! The cost depends on which type of accommodation you choose, but a farmhouse inn should cost between 45 and 90 Euros for two people sharing, whilst camping should cost between 2 and 10 Euros per tent.