(NewsUSA) - With the dollar stronger against the euro than it has been in years, many Americans are considering a European vacation this year. More than 11.4 million Americans visited Europe in 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, which predicts greater numbers in 2015.

More importantly, over half of those Americans traveled in the summer, contributing to crowded museums, attractions and restaurants during the hottest time of the year. To avoid the crowds and to take advantage of milder weather, savvy travelers are beginning to plan their European vacations during one of two "shoulder seasons."

Shoulder seasons run from April until early June and from mid-September to November, and typically are characterized by thinner crowds, comfortable temperatures and lower prices. With fewer tourists comes better access to café culture, world-class museums and historical sites. Less-pressed locals can take more time to offer recommendations, and tour groups are more intimate, enabling everyone to have a more relaxed experience.

While most of the region is temperate during shoulder seasons, the southern and eastern Mediterranean are the sunniest, resembling the warm climate of Southern California. Travelers can still enjoy a swim in the sea in Greece, Croatia and Ibiza as late as October.

For a European vacation that's not a classic "If it's Tuesday this must be Brussels" experience, consider a cruise on one of Star Clippers' authentic tall ships. Besides unpacking just once while visiting multiple countries, the ships sail throughout the Mediterranean from April to November, visiting Europe's most popular cities and smaller ports inaccessible to large cruise ships.

Onboard, the intimate, yacht-like ambience and casual, convivial atmosphere combine to create a unique experience complemented by continental cuisine and a relaxing European pace.

For more information, visit the website www.starclippers.com.