Quote:
Originally Posted by
Get Smart 
So me and the soon-to-be Mrs Awesome are going on our honeymoon at end of the year....5 days in Rome, 5 in Paris, then 4 in London.
Any travel tips for that time of year in those places?
What's the weather like? Most importantly, what kind of shoes are good to pack, not good to bring? Is the weather poor enough to make it a good idea to leave any good shoes at home?
Just how expensive is to eat decently in those cities nowadays with our crap exchange rate?
Will a shirt, sweater, jacket, overcoat and scarf be warm enough?
thanks!
Wow, great trip!
My wife and I went to these same cities last year for the month of December. The weather can be cold but nothing that you can't handle with multiple layers. Most of the time I wore jeans, nice shoes, a thin cashmere sweater and a corduroy or wool jacket with gloves and a scarf. (You will see many more guys wearing cool scarves and it might even be a fun item to buy for both you and your future bride. My wife has a few Hermes scarfs she has purchased over the years and they become keepsake reminders of trips to Europe.) Take an umbrella and an overcoat just in case it gets really cold. One thing I noticed was the stores and museums all have their heat up high. So, layering was really the way to go.
As far as leaving your good shoes at home, I would take your two most comfortable pairs of shoes and rotate them. I guarantee you will walk more in these cities than just about anywhere in the world. I took two nice pairs of shoes, a dark tan leather and a dark brown suede brogue with a rubber sole. I got a lot of comments on them (mostly from guys). I think you will be evaluated more on the shoes you wear in these cities than just about anywhere else in the world. BTW, in Paris HESCHUNG has several stores around the city and makes great, stylish, rubber soled shoes
at decent prices. I have bought two pairs now and the selection in their Paris stores are so much better than anywhere in the US.
In London, food is VERY expensive. The locals save money by eating Chinese and Lebanese food. In Rome you can always find a delicious pizza and gellato. In Paris, you will find bistros with daily specials.
For hotels, go onto tripadvisor.com. They rank hotels for each city and the ranking is excellent.
Get a copy of TIME OUT for each city. I find that to be the all around best summery of what to do. By going in December you get the benefit of the off season. You can go into any museum at the last minute, never wait in line, get a train anywhere, etc. I love a December trip and I hope you will too! Have a great time.