The sun is shining, the grass is green again and the beach is calling. That’s right, it’s summertime in Europe! This is certainly a magical time to travel. However, it is not without its challenges. As Europe’s busiest tourist season and with temperatures and prices rising each year, it can be tricky to navigate. Expat Explore has put together a handy guide to help you make the most of your summer holiday!
Here are some tips and tricks to surviving summer in Europe:
How to pack during summer
The seasons have changed in recent years. Temperatures are rising and the last few summers have been the hottest that Europe has ever experienced. This certainly affects how and what you should pack.
1. Pack light, breathable clothing
Prepare for warm weather and pack clothes that are comfortable, light and breathable. Skip sweaty fabrics like wool, nylon and leather in favour of fabrics like cotton, linen and silk. Be sure to pack open-toed shoes that are comfortable to walk in. In Northern Europe you may need a light jacket on some evenings but in general there is no need to pack warm, heavy clothes!
2. Pack less and do laundry
Carrying around a heavy bag (especially a backpack) in hot and humid conditions is not ideal! Luckily, summer clothes usually don’t weigh too much. However, when it gets very hot, there is not much chance of you being able to rewear outfits! Have no fear, most hotels and hostels have laundry facilities and in big cities, it’s always easy to find a self-service laundromat. If you’d prefer to save your money, pack some washing powder and do a quick wash in your hotel sink! Your clothes will dry quickly in the heat.
3. Don’t forget your swimwear… and sunscreen!
Get beach ready and pack your favourite swimsuit. Pack more than one if you plan on swimming often as then you have a backup if one is still drying. Luckily, they don’t weigh much at all! However, you can skip on packing heavy beach towels as most hotels will have these available. Of course, it is vital to pack and regularly apply sunscreen. The sun can be vicious, even on overcast days and those long hours on the beach may not be so kind to your skin if it’s not protected.
Related: For more tips on packing, read our expert guide!
How to save during summer
Summer is a very popular time to travel and this means that prices of flights, accommodation and even activities increase significantly. Here are a few ways in which you can spread your budget a little further.
1. Book flights and accommodation as far in advance as possible
Once you know where you’d like to go and when, book as soon as you can! If you’re hoping that prices might go down, this is highly unlikely. As it is such a popular travel time, you will usually find that people scramble at the last minute to find flights and accommodation. This means that prices will only continue to rise! Booking as far in advance as possible is the best way to ensure a reasonable price.
2. Make the most of free activities
With gorgeous summer skies, you’ll be wanting to spend as much time outside as possible! And, great news, many sunny activities are completely free! Spend the day sunbathing or swimming at the beach, have a picnic in the park or go on a hike. If the heat gets too much, you can always take a break from the sun and visit a museum. Many museums offer great discounts or even offer free entrance on certain days or between certain hours. Lots of cities also have free festivals during the summer. Do some research on your chosen destination beforehand and make a list of all the fun, free things to do!
3. Book a group tour
Want to take the stress out of planning a trip? Just book a tour! Expat Explore group tours are very affordable as they cover multiple destinations at a fee which includes accommodation, transportation between destinations and many guided tours, activities and meals!
Best European destinations for a summer holiday
This is a hard choice! With so many beautiful destinations, it’s hard to pick a favourite. However, depending on what you’re looking for, there are some places that stand out among the rest! We’ve narrowed it down to our top 3:
The best beaches: Greece
Whitewashed towns, dreamy sunsets and, of course, pristine beaches are just a few reasons why visiting Greece should be at the top of your Europe bucket-list! Greek cuisine is also perfect for summer as it is known for light, fresh and flavourful ingredients. While Santorini and Mykonos are famous for their beaches, even the capital of Athens is home to many fantastic beaches.
Related: These are some of the best city beaches in Europe!
A hidden gem: Albania
While still largely undiscovered by international tourists, we believe that Albania will soon become a much-loved travel destination. The Albanian Riviera boasts a stunning coastline complete with charming seaside towns and crystal clear waters. The Albanian Alps are also an idyllic area to go hiking in!
Festivals and more: Spain
No one does a festival quite like Spain and many of the best Spanish festivals take place in summer! From food and music festivals to parades, Spain has it all. Summer is the best time to soak up local Spanish culture as everyone is out on the streets and in great spirits. You can also enjoy a little siesta and sleep through the hottest time of the day!
Excited to explore Europe this summer? Check out our multi-country Europe tours and spend your summer ticking off some of the continent’s top destinations!