Europe in the summer can be notoriously uncomfortable, with a tide of overheated tourists irritably swarming through narrow spaces, shoving their way through exhibits, and filling up all the desirable restaurants. But you have no other option. So it’s a matter of now or never, don’t stress. You can still have a good time in Europe in the summer. Just follow our four essential tips below.
- Make sure to make your itinerary manageable.
The sheer volume of travelers is the worst aspect of summer in Europe. This not only makes taking selfies at the Trevi Fountain challenging, but it also increases everything. You are considerably more likely to struggle to push your suitcase through the traffic on the way to the airport or your hotel. So why subject yourself to it more frequently than necessary? Pick one or two places to go, and make the most of them.
- Choose your destination carefully.
If you are considering taking a beach vacation, such as a weekend on the French Riviera or simply a day trip to Capri, know that hundreds of others have thought the same thing and that most of them will arrive before you. Rome, Paris, or Venice? Crowded with college students on their first major adventure. Instead, search for a location off the beaten path for tourists for your summer vacation. Montenegro is a better option than Croatia. Go to Naxos or Kythira instead of Santorini or Mykonos. Need to visit Italy badly? Spend a week in Umbria, away from the large cities, and explore beautiful villages like Spello, Orvieto, and Perugia.
- Book ahead – way ahead.
Peak season is more expensive for everything—flights, hotels, trains—and the more you wait, the more expensive it becomes. So as soon as you know your dates, get your reservations so you have one less thing to worry about. While at it, make reservations at any eateries you know you want to try. Additionally, if you are out and about and see a restaurant you’d like to eat at for supper later in the week, reserve it immediately rather than leaving it up to chance. A horrible way to end the day is to stroll the streets at dinnertime, looking for a restaurant with an open table.
- Embrace the siesta.
The siesta may have originated in southern Europe as a strategy to beat the noon heat, but getting up early, staying up late, and taking a nap during lunchtime works excellent wherever you go to escape crowds. You can avoid the crowds by starting your sightseeing early; for large monuments, consider after-hours tours when there is more space to move around. You won’t get too tired if you take a little snooze after lunch.
