Summer in Europe can be an incredible experience. The sun is out. The light in the mornings and evenings bounces off the beautiful stone architecture, giving everything a golden glow. You have a fresh, fizzing glass of prosecco in hand. You’re on a picturesque cobblestone street. Just that picture in our minds is what gets us through the harsh, dark, cold winter months.
But summer in Europe also has its downsides. Namely, the heat and the crowds. Unfortunately for us, everyone else has that same mental picture in mind, and they yearn for a European summer vacation, too. So despite the growing heatwaves, travelers are still flocking to Europe.
So how can you best enjoy your time in Europe this summer, and survive the heat and the crowds? If you have your heart set on traveling to Europe in June/ July/ or August, or if you don’t have the flexibility to travel any other time. Here’s what you need to know:
It’s all about your mentality – What are your Expectations for a European Summer Vacation?
Read this guide and go into your trip with the right mentality, and you’ll have an amazing time. Keeping your expectations realistic will help you keep your cool when things get overwhelming.
First, the harsh reality: It’s going to be hot. It’s going to be crowded. It’s going to be buggy and muggy.
There isn’t a lot you can do to change these things. They are immutable truths of Europe in summer. Once you accept them, you’ll have a much better time!
Remember, you’ll need to be patient and take it slow. Expecting large numbers of tourists and long lines to see the most famous sites will keep you mentally calm and patient when you do encounter them. And pleasantly surprised if you don’t.
[Photo Credit: XXX via Shared Adventures Travel]
Most of Europe does not embrace air conditioning. Booking a hotel with air conditioning is a good start. But prepare yourself for many places having nothing more than an open window and a fan in the corner. This includes restaurants, shops, stores, bars, cafes, and public transportation.
Many things in Europe are not only closed between 3 and 6 pm, but they also close for some week(s) in August. Therefore, you may have trouble finding a spot for dinner before 6. And when you do, they may be out of your favorite wine because their supplier is taking her summer holiday.
What’s the best thing you can do when travelling to Europe in summer? Relax and be patient.
[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures Travel — a sign changing the opening time because it’s too hot]
How to Handle the European Heat?
Especially in Northern Europe, where climates have historically been cooler, most European cities aren’t made for the kind of heat we’re seeing nowadays. Most of the buildings are old and designed to keep heat IN. The architecture and cobblestone roads trap heat. This makes the heat in European cities no joke. Here’s how to survive:
Embrace the Siesta – Split your day into two halves and avoid the hottest hours of the day. Get up a little earlier and enjoy walking and sightseeing outdoors in the morning. While the sun is strongest from 11 to 3, the temperatures are usually highest from about 3 to 7. This is now your siesta time. Have a big lunch and then head back to your air-conditioned hotel room for a lovely nap or swim in the pool until the evening. It stays light until about 9 or 10 pm. So, the second half of your day can start between 5 and 7 pm.
[Photo Credit: Andrea & Eric via Shared Adventures — read about their trip to London & Greece here!]
Sunscreen – The sun in Europe is no joke, and even if you don’t usually burn at home, make sure to put sunscreen on your face and the back of your neck! Don’t forget to reapply.
Plan Your Sightseeing -Museums almost always have air conditioning. Churches tend to be cool. So, plan to visit these places in the afternoon or during the hottest part of the day.
Stay Hydrated – Bring a reusable water bottle, purchase water at restaurants, whatever you need to do. Make sure you stay hydrated and healthy.
Cooling Points & Bandanas – Running some cool water from the tap over your wrists and ankles, the back of your neck, and your feet will help you cool down instantly. Bring a cute bandana with you to wet and wrap around your neck.
[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures]
Don’t do too much – While we always advocate slow travel, it is a necessity in summer. Running around trying to see too much will only make you hot, tired, and cranky. Slow down, relax, and take your time seeing places.
Best Ways to Navigate the Summer Crowds
The other certainty of Europe in the summer is the crowds. This is high season after all. Families all over the world get summer breaks from school, and many Europeans take their holiday time from work during the summer as well. Everyone is traveling.
Get away from the major attractions – Of course, if you’re visiting Paris, you want to see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but try your best not to linger near these points. Don’t get lunch at an overpriced restaurant across the street from a major attraction. Visit those must-see sites, and then plan to travel to a more local neighborhood for food, snacks, drinks, and shopping.
[Photo Credit: Annette & Mike via Shared Adventures — read about their 50th anniversary adventure to Paris & the Italian Riviera here! ]
Prebook & Preplan – If there’s anything you have your heart set on doing, seeing, or visiting- plan ahead! Things sell out quickly in summer. Therefore, you must make reservations and get skip-the-line passes to avoid disappointment.
Be aware of scammers and pickpockets – Thieves ramp up their operations during the busy summer season. Always be aware of your surroundings, don’t leave anything valuable in your backpack, and don’t accept anything someone tries to hand you. Research popular scams in your destination and keep your antennae up.
[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]
Look for Alternative Entrances – Liz saw it all the time when she worked on cruise ships: people would see a line and stand in it without checking if it was the right one. When you’re visiting an attraction, leave one person in line and have another go to the front. They can check that it’s the correct line. Or even look for an alternative, less-busy entrance. That way, you don’t waste unnecessary time following the crowd.
Have an agreed-upon Meeting Point – Sure, we all have phones, but what if they overheat and turn off? If you’re traveling with a group to a crowded site, pick a meeting point. If you get separated or lost, if you are without phone or signal, you can always find each other again.
Tip: Make it a café or ice cream shop so the first person there can enjoy themselves while they wait.
[Photo Credit: Hilary and Zackary via Shared Adventures — read about their honeymoon to Rome and the Amalfi Coast here! ]
What to Pack for Summer in Europe
Packing the right things for a summer in Europe is key. While we always recommend packing light, it becomes even more important in summer. You don’t want to be lugging a heavy suitcase over the cobblestones in 90-degree heat.
Light & Flowy Clothing – Light, natural fabrics will help you keep cool. Ensure you don’t bring tight-fitting or dark clothes, as these can trap heat. Instead, look for linen, cotton, or wicking fabrics. Bring a lightweight shawl for churches and temples.
[Photo Credit: Jay & Alicia via Shared Adventures — read about their family adventure to Greece here!]
Sunglasses, Hat, Sunscreen – Protect yourself from the sun with a cute floppy hat and sunglasses.
Facewipes & Bandana & Change of Socks – Having a little pack of facewipes to refresh when you’re super hot and sweaty can feel so good. A damp bandana around your neck will keep you cool. And finally, if you can do nothing else, change your socks. You’ll feel like a new person.
Fan – Whether you decide to bring a mini-electric fan or an old-fashioned hand-held fan, being able to cool your skin is a lifesaver. It may not seem like much, but Liz’s hand fan is the best purchase she’s ever made in Italy.
Bug Spray – There are many bugs, and there are very few window screens. Bring or buy bug spray to avoid the worst of it. Consider netting for the bed or windows to help you sleep better.
[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures]
Laundry Kit – Depending on how much you sweat, you might find some of your clothes need a little ‘refresh’ or simply to be kept away from the rest of your suitcase. Having a little laundry kit with soap, sink stopper, line, and laundry bag can help you do a quick refresh. And save you from packing too many clothes.
Are you ready to embrace your European summer adventure? Let us help you plan it — reach out!