Planning a summer trip to Europe? Here’s what you need to know

Summer 2024 is buzzing, with tourists arriving in Europe from every corner of the world.

This year has been significant for Europe, hosting major events like the UEFA European Football Championship, the Paris Olympics, the Tour de France, and a major music tour by Taylor Swift. We've also noticed a rise in travelers heading to both well-known favorites like Portugal and Italy, as well as hidden gems like Albania.

With all this excitement comes the hustle of large crowds, soaring temperatures, rising inflation, and recent backlash against tourism—there are several factors to consider if you're thinking about a European vacation.

If you’re traveling to Europe this summer, here are some helpful tips to get ready for your trip.

Southern Europe is experiencing extreme heat

Though much of Europe is experiencing hot weather, temperatures are hitting new highs in Southern Europe.

Even though the peak of Europe’s summer heat wave has passed, places like the United Kingdom, Italy, and France are still recording temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit and higher.

In mid-July, Spain's temperatures soared to 111 degrees. Italy issued high-heat warnings for over 15 cities. Additionally, extreme heat has led to forest fires in Greece and Croatia.

While Northern Europe has mostly avoided the extreme heat, this year has brought more unpredictable weather and rainfall, according to the U.K.'s Meteorological Office. A major storm even disrupted the Paris Olympics opening ceremony with washed-out conditions. However, weather can shift rapidly, and indications suggest that rain may soon be replaced by a heat wave.

If you're planning a getaway, make sure to research in advance. Heading to the Mediterranean? Pack plenty of sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a portable fan, and light, breathable clothing. Also, try to schedule outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day. For trips to Northern Europe, don’t forget to bring a sturdy umbrella.

Regardless of your destination, it's wise to check if your accommodations have air conditioning—it's not a guarantee everywhere in Europe.

COVID-19 is still a concern, but don’t anticipate a lot of masks around.

Although COVID-19 hasn't vanished, most people in Europe have stopped wearing masks. Nevertheless, the virus continues to circulate and has seen a spike in certain locations this summer.

According to data from the World Health Organization, numerous areas have reported significant rises in COVID-19 cases since May.

In comparison to data from 2023, COVID-19 cases in Europe have actually declined. As of July 24, the U.K. reported 17,500 cases, nearly double the number from May. In Greece, cases surged from 3,200 in May to approximately 15,100 in July. Portugal saw a dramatic increase, with 10,100 cases reported, up from just 472 in mid-May.

The uptick in COVID-19 cases is likely driven by various factors, including a surge in summer tourism and major global events like the UEFA European Football Championships, the Tour de France, and the ongoing Paris Olympics.

Even with rising COVID-19 cases, the majority of people are not wearing masks. However, if you're uncomfortable, you don't have to conform. Travelers should make sure they're vaccinated and take necessary precautions, particularly in crowded or enclosed areas.

It's considerably more crowded

Travel to Europe is thriving this summer. According to the European Travel Commission, foreign arrivals and overnight stays in the first half of 2024 have surpassed levels seen in 2019.

The influx of tourists in Europe is mainly due to increased travel to Southern Europe and Mediterranean locations. The second quarter of the year has shown significant tourism growth in Serbia (up 40%), Malta (up 37%), Portugal (up 26%), and previously lesser-known spots like Albania (up 86%) and Montenegro (up 31%).

Even with the rise in overall tourism, the number of flights to Europe remains slightly below 2019 levels. This makes it essential to plan ahead and book European flights as early as possible.

Airports and tourist attractions are buzzing with activity, so travelers should brace themselves for longer queues and increased wait times at security checks and other travel services. If possible, arrive early at airports and allow extra time to navigate busy areas.

Your dollar doesn't go as far as it used to

During the peak of the pandemic, the euro dipped below parity with the dollar, leading to economic concerns. However, with the euro at a historic low, it was actually a favorable time to visit Europe if you wanted to maximize your spending power.

The euro is currently recovering and its value is fluctuating—don't expect the same bargains as a few years ago. As of now, $1 is approximately worth 92 euro cents. For context, last September saw a five-year high where $1 peaked at 1.04 euros.

In the U.K., the conversion rate is similar, with $1 translating to about 78 pence, down from 83 pence last September.

There are still European destinations where you can find great prices. For instance, in the Czech Republic, $1 will give you 23.48 korunas; in Turkey, it's worth 33.15 liras.

However, if you're traveling to places where euros are used, be prepared to spend more. Coupled with high interest rates across the continent, you'll notice that entry fees for attractions and food prices have also risen.

With the rise in tourism, hotel occupancy rates across Europe are significantly higher, especially at upscale establishments.

Make sure to budget appropriately if you're planning a trip to Europe soon, and anticipate paying a bit more than you would have a few years back.

Some locations are taking a stand against overtourism

Europe, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, has always been a top travel destination. However, overtourism has become a concern in certain regions in recent years.

It's common to encounter a tourism tax when visiting many of Europe's famous cities. For instance, this April, Venice, Italy, started charging visitors who enter the city at specific times to help manage crowds and support canal maintenance.

Cities like Amsterdam have launched advertising campaigns to deter the "undesirable" visitors from arriving. Additionally, there have been stricter enforcement measures on vacation rental permits as Airbnb usage increases in popular locations, impacting local hotel revenues and the availability of affordable housing.

Antitourism protests have emerged throughout Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, Greece, and most notably in Spain, where protestors were observed spraying tourists with water guns in Barcelona last July.

While we haven't directly encountered a backlash on our travels, it's essential to recognize that tensions can arise, especially in highly frequented areas. Being mindful and respectful while traveling is crucial. Engage positively with the local culture and remember that locals aren’t on vacation. The golden rule is to always be kind, courteous, and respectful, wherever you go.

In summary

This summer has been a lively and busy time for travel across Europe. Although getting around is much easier than in recent years, travelers should brace themselves for increased prices, larger crowds, and soaring temperatures.

To ensure a smooth European trip, patience and careful planning are key. By staying well-informed and prepared, you can have an enjoyable and stress-free summer vacation in Europe.