Zap, when you go to Europe makes a BIG difference. Not in airfares but also in how crowded the tourist places will be. I’ve traveled to Europe countless times (from there originally) and can’t recommend the shoulder seasons enough.

Especially if you’re nonrevving, I’d stay the hell away in the summer. Don’t be afraid to try it in April-May and Sept-Dec. I NEVER paid for a ticket expect for the ridiculously cheap inter-European airlines (Wizz, Ryanair, etc).

I do know that my European friends get cheaper prices when booking their vacations and will be trying the VPN trick soon.