Tips for Summer European Travel

While traveling in Europe in the summer can be magical, it can also be chaotic. Summer is the high season, which means there are more people flooding the canals in Venice, the streets of Paris, and the mountains of Zurich.

Prices for hotels, car rentals, and flights may be higher this time of year. Lines for attractions may be long. And the temperatures? That’s right. They’re HOT.

Still, with a little ingenuity and planning, your summer European travels can be minimally stressful and, dare we say, actually enjoyable.

Tip 1: Book Ahead

Unless you’re 20 years old and don’t mind sharing a hostel room with 10 other sweaty college students, you don’t want to put off booking your hotel in Europe until your arrival.

Planning for hotels, flights, and car rentals can ensure you have your pick of options and help you pay less.

The best time to book your flight is four to six months in advance. Get smart by tracking flight prices using tools like Hopper or Kayak. You’ll be notified when the price is likely the lowest it will be, and this can save you hundreds.

For hotels in major cities, the earlier you book, the more central the location you can find without paying too much. Start your hunt two to four months in advance. If you’re booking a hotel in a smaller city, one to two months in advance should be fine unless there’s a big event.

Tip 2: Use Booking.com

While some hotels do have websites you can book accommodations on, the smaller the town, the less likely that is. But many European hotels list their properties on Booking.com.

Use Booking.com to find hotels with free cancellation so if your plans change, you don’t lose money. Read the fine print, though. You may need to cancel up to a week in advance to avoid losing money.

Another thing I love about Booking.com is that the more you use it, the more you save. If you’re a frequent traveler, you can save 10% on accommodations. You can also book flights, car rentals, attractions, and taxis.

Tip 3: Or…Rent a Vacation Home

If you’re traveling with your family, it may be more economical to rent a vacation home. That way, everyone has their own room, and you’ve got a living room to hang out in. Plus, having a kitchen means you can save money on food by cooking or reheating leftovers.

AirBnB and Booking offer homes and apartments for vacations. Many have perks like proximity to the sea or a private pool that can add even more value.

Tip 4: Take Advantage of Public Transportation

Car rental prices can double or even triple in some areas in the summer, not to mention the fact that driving in a foreign country can be stressful if you don’t have experience doing so.

Rather than renting a car, investigate what public transportation options are available. You can easily go by train from one city (or country) to another, and cities offer buses, metros, and trams. You can likely buy tickets at the metro station or on the bus, though check to see if there’s an app that lets you book tickets and pay with your credit card.

Tip 5: Be Smart About Local Currency

While more and more countries in Europe accept debit and credit cards and even mobile payments, it’s always good to have some local currency for your trip beforehand. See if you can exchange $100-200 through your American bank before your trip. That way, you don’t have to be overcharged to exchange money at the airport upon arrival. If you take a taxi from the airport that conveniently has a broken card reader, you won’t be sweating to find cash to pay for the ride.

Also, beware of where you take money from ATMs because independent ones can overcharge for the service. For example, in Italy, avoid Travelex and Euronet because they charge exorbitant fees. Instead, look for ATMs affiliated with local banks.

If you have a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, use it where you can and opt to pay in the local currency rather than dollars since the exchange rate may be better this way.

Tip 6: Consider Your Luggage

Wheeled suitcases can be helpful when you’re rushing through an airport, but take it from me: they’re not always the best option on cobblestone streets in Europe. Also consider that you will likely be going up and down stairs at metro stations and hotels without elevators.

Consider using a large backpack for your European travels. You don’t have to worry about stairs, and if it’s the right size, you can carry it on planes without paying for a checked bag.

My advice as a seasoned traveler is to pack as light as you can, given that you will be lugging that weight around with you everywhere. Choose clothes you can layer and style in different ways. Pack walkable shoes; you likely won’t wear those six-inch heels in Venice! Remember: if you didn’t pack it, you can always buy it.

Tip 7: Book Your Attraction Visits

Especially after COVID-19, many popular attractions only accept visitors by reservation. Others may allow entry in person, but summer lines may make this a several-hour wait. Do your homework and book online beforehand, otherwise, you might find yourself at the end of a mile-long line at the Eiffel Tower or Coliseum.

You may also be able to get special perks if you book online. For example, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel offer before- and after-hours tours online, as well as bundled packages that let you save on other attractions.

Tip 8: Enjoy Outdoor Sights Later in the Day

It’s second nature to wake up, eat breakfast, and then head out for the day to explore a city. But given the fact that temperatures in Europe can exceed 90 degrees, this often results in sweaty, exhausted, and cranky visitors.

Instead, consider visiting air-conditioned museums during the day and then saving any outdoor activities for the late afternoon or early evening. That way, the sun isn’t beating down on you and burning your skin, and the evening breeze will make the outing more enjoyable.

Tip 9: Build in BEING Time

Another recipe for disaster on a European vacation is trying to pack in too much to do. When you’re traveling with other people, this often causes disagreements and bad moods.

Instead, accept the fact that you will not see everything there is to see. Take a poll with your fellow travelers to make sure you hit something on everyone’s list. Then, build in time to do nothing. That might mean enjoying a coffee or glass of wine in the piazza or relaxing by the pool in the afternoon. It might mean lounging in a beautiful park or taking a boat tour down the river. 

Slowing things down not only lets you recharge but it also gives you a different perspective of the place you’re visiting.

Tip 10: Skip the Tourist Souvenirs

Unless you’re really into magnets, you can bypass the plenitude of touristy, overpriced souvenir shops. But certainly, you’ll want to take something home as a memory of your trip.

I always bring back local flavors from my trips. That might be a locally-made candy, special jam, or beer. The grocery store is a great place to find things to take home as gifts! Just make sure you can actually bring the food items back. Meats and soft cheeses aren’t allowed to be taken back to the U.S. But canned and packaged foods are!

You might also bring home art made by a local artisan. Bonus points if you talk to the person who made it and get the story behind it. That’s a priceless treasure you’ll remember forever!

Happy Travels

Traveling to Europe in the summer, while it may have challenges, also gives you the experience of discovering new cultures, traditions, and flavors. Take advantage of these insider tips to ensure your trip is a pleasure.