Europe

Paris is at its best in springtime (March to May) with autumn coming in a close second. In winter, there are all sorts of cultural events to tempt the visitor, but school holidays can clog the streets with the little folk. August is usually hot and sticky, and it's also when many Parisians take their yearly vacations, so businesses are likely to be closed.

Prague The city is now one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, and the summer crowds - as well as those that form around the Christmas and Easter holidays - are worth watching. the winter temperature usually hovers around freezing, though -20°C (-4°F) days are not unknown - and periodic smog alerts, hotel space is plentiful inwinter (outside theChristmas/New Year holidays) and Prague is at its best under a mantle of snow.