Europe in October? (1 Viewer)

[Grianan]

I have 2 weeks off work 12-26th October (no leeway) and am trying to decide where to go. I’d like dry weather. Ideally some sun but not too warm. 16 C maximum does me just fine.

Options so far include
- stay in U.K. and see if there’s any dry weather
- take ferry to Ijmuiden (by far closest, coming from Scotland) and follow the sun, if there is any
- take a punt that Spain will be only place with dry sunny weather and either take ferry to Santander (£1000 when I looked last night) or on Chunnel and drive south.

I’ve never been to Europe in October .... in early September it’s been stormy in Spain and Italy.

Any views from those who travel more at that time of year?

Thanks.

 

[Madcaravanner]

Agree Spain is more liable to be warmer - but variable
the Brittany Ferry club can save you a third but costs a fair whack to join unless someone has a friend and family code for you

But 2 weeks does need to be stretched if you can

 

[Ronny]

I'd just get a Ferry to France and head south until you find your 16C, we've had some great October hols but probably need to get S of Lyon. Can get a bit nippy at night.

 

[Riverbankannie]

We had lovely weather in October in France a couple of years ago, coming home on 28th October. We crossed the channel and used the Ventusky weather forecast to decide whether to turn left to Germany or right into France.
Just follow the weather.
https://www.ventusky.com/

 

[Grianan]

Thanks all .... I’m thinking flexibility might be the best policy.,

Different topic ... @Riverbankannie ... what bike carrier did you go for ultimately. That’s another quandary! Busbiker a possibility but a removable one would have advantages too .

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[Grianan]

But 2 weeks does need to be stretched if you can

I teach primary .... I suspect the only way to stretch it would be to take my class of 7/8yos with us .

 

[The Lord Squid]

6th to 21st October last year we went to San Marino via France, Switzerland, Italy, then return via Bruges. Weather was fine every day, as I recollect.

 

[Riverbankannie]

Thanks all .... I’m thinking flexibility might be the best policy.,

Different topic ... @Riverbankannie ... what bike carrier did you go for ultimately. That’s another quandary! Busbiker a possibility but a removable one would have advantages too .

We decided not to have one and bought 2 second hand Bromptons which we had converted to electric here in Bristol. They lie on their sides under the rear U lounge. They do take up most of the usable storage space but it’s nice not having the worry of them on the back on a rack so they are secure and always clean and dry. It’s a compromise like most things about MHing!

 

[lorger]

We did last France two week of October last year and mainly had lovely weather with the odd light shower.
The year before we headed to south of France first two weeks of November and it was shorts and T shirt weather, there again I wear shorts all year so no real help there . We actually spent sometime sun bathing in St Tropaz, we then moved along towards Nice and every day was high teens low twenties

 

[lorger]

It’s was that good I posted twice

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[Jaws]

All I will say is that last October we had to be in Belgium for a week
It was so cold we used both gas bottles up even though we were on hook up and had the electric heating as well !!!

BUT.............

Who knows, this year it cold be sweltering

I would say do not base your choice on what the weather might be like, but on a destination you want to go to.
The weather is just too unpredictable!

 

[klaatu]

We've had very good weather where we've been in France for the last two Octobers (northern and central). Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

 

[Rapido925M]

We had lovely weather in late Oct/early Nov in Devon & Cornwall, 2y ago! The money saved on ferry fares can allow you to visit tropical leisure pools (although some sites have their own) and also covers extra gas bottles if needed.

Alternatively, why not hop on a plane? You'll probably get 2 weeks in the Costa del Sol or Algarve for £500 per head fully inclusive!

Gordon

 

[PhilMary]

I teach primary .... I suspect the only way to stretch it would be to take my class of 7/8yos with us .

I think this is the best "out of class class"ever. Thirty 7 yrs old, like my Granddaughter, tearing south through France. God help the French.
Phil

 

[moulin 87]

Living in France we know how variable the weather can be in ANY month..

The last few autumns we've spent in glorious weather either in the high Alps or high Pyrenees. BUT we are in the position of deciding where to go and when to go based on last minute forecasts.

Perhaps you should decide a few days before you go, ferries are always available at that time I'm sure and if there is an Indian summer in the UK then you haven't committed to travel abroad at the wrong time.

Of course you may also be trying to return near to or on BREXIT day... Which will be the best ever day to travel because nobody else will bother or the worst day because it will be a complete shambles....

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[Scotch mist]

@Grianan , apologies, hope I'm not high jacking your thread

@moulin 87 or anybody who can help , I am heading to France but for the month of September, wanting to go to limousine , would like 20deg plus , how do you think the weather would be in September ? , or do you think I would have to go further south ? , coming from Scotland we need to see some sun lol

 

[moulin 87]

@Grianan , apologies, hope I'm not high jacking your thread

@moulin 87 or anybody who can help , I am heading to France but for the month of September, wanting to go to limousine , would like 20deg plus , how do you think the weather would be in September ? , or do you think I would have to go further south ? , coming from Scotland we need to see some sun lol

We live in the Limousin, it will be 20C+ in September, but it is like Scotland it rises up to 1000 metres in places. Don't book anywhere so if the weather isn't great you can easily move on.

 

[Lenny HB]

I would have thought Spain too far for two weeks you will loose at least 5 days traveling, unless you stay in Northern Spain.

We had a late start for our Autumn trip last year, left on 5th October it was the 9th before we got to Spain spent two weeks going across Northern Spain weather not too bad low 2O's at least one day at 30. Then we went into Portugal that was a lot colder 16-20 far too cold for us. Normally much warmer at that time of year.

How about Province, it is still normally in the low 20's in October, although still around a 600 mile drive across France.

 

[Clarky]

@Grianan , apologies, hope I'm not high jacking your thread

@moulin 87 or anybody who can help , I am heading to France but for the month of September, wanting to go to limousine , would like 20deg plus , how do you think the weather would be in September ? , or do you think I would have to go further south ? , coming from Scotland we need to see some sun lol

We have been in France every September for the last few years and the weather is usually lovely.
Unless you need to be in a particular area, be flexible and have a couple of weather apps on your phone and follow the good weather.

Richard.

 

[Grianan]

I think this is the best "out of class class"ever. Thirty 7 yrs old, like my Granddaughter, tearing south through France. God help the French.
Phil

I’m taking mine across the water to Arran in a few weeks. That’s exciting as they go on a ferry! If I ever propose a trip abroad, in jest, they’re up for it!

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[Grianan]

Thanks guys.

Another question. Looks as if tunnel may be a good option. Cost is currently £100 +/- £15. How much does this ho up nearer to departure date? I suppose what I need to know is how long I can leave it before making a decision!

 

[denisejoe]

You would loose 2 days travelling to Dover and back as well

 

[Blue Knight]

I teach primary .... I suspect the only way to stretch it would be to take my class of 7/8yos with us .

You would make a bloody good FUN moderator in that case Liz

 

[Jo662]

Thanks all .... I’m thinking flexibility might be the best policy.,

Different topic ... @Riverbankannie ... what bike carrier did you go for ultimately. That’s another quandary! Busbiker a possibility but a removable one would have advantages too .

Yes you definetly need to be flexible.We always go October half term,but just for a week'We have found the Loire to be decent weather that time of year,and if its not good enough just head a little more south to the Dordogne area.
As for Spain,its a lot of money on the ferry imo,and a lot of driving if you go via the tunnel.So I would stick with France.

 

[Grianan]

You would loose 2 days travelling to Dover and back as well

That’s the joy of living in Scotland.
If we go to Newcastle we only have 150 miles UK driving but arrive in Ijmuiden Sunday morning, hopefully refreshed.
If we go to Dover we could stop over between Carlisle and Manchester on Friday night and possibly cross the channel Saturday night, after a days driving south.

But then there’s 4 hour driving from a Ijmuiden to get where we’d be if we crossed to France.

Swings and roundabouts.

I’m starting to talk myself into Ijmuiden

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[denisejoe]

Easier driving over the channel than here in the UK - roads are far better.

 

[Mr Chrysalis]

I just looked at those dates - you can get two return tickets to Melbourne for £1200 then. Not much more than the ferry to Spain. And it’s early summer there.....hire a Winny.

 

[Grianan]

I just looked at those dates - you can get two return tickets to Melbourne for £1200 then. Not much more than the ferry to Spain. And it’s early summer there.....hire a Winny.

No no no ... . My friend wants me to go visit her in Oz next summer ... we probably will but it’s way down my list of ‘bucket list’ countries!