Hot take: I loved European summer, but I’m not sure I can keep doing it.

I’ve been so fortunate to be able to travel two summers in a row to Europe. In 2024 I traveled for 4 weeks, and in 2025 I went for 2 weeks.

And let me tell you, Euro summer is not for the weak – you’re constantly unpacking and repacking a suitcase, fighting for your life in the heatwaves, and depending on where you go, making a trek up a plethora of stairs… not to mention the countless flights, the ferries, the 30,000 steps per day…

Should I go on?

The unavoidable sweat stains. Your phone is constantly overheating. There’s no ice, like, anywhere. You have to lug your overweight suitcase across bumpy cobblestone streets… You get the picture.

What’s even with the Euro Summer craze?

On one hand, every corner of every city seems to be glowing with golden light. It’s warm enough to go for the most refreshing swim of your life. Students have off from school, so it’s a popular time to vacation. Towns are bustling with people and music and life. It’s invigorating.

But then again! In summer, the flights are double the price (as is everything else: accommodations, excursions, you name it), it’s indescribably hot, there’s no free water at restaurants, and no AC in most places…

I vote for a Euro fall or spring, instead.

Euro Fall?

I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain in the fall of 2022, and that was an incredible time to be in Europe.

September was the perfect extension of summer months without the crazy heat, October had beautiful cool weather, November only started to get chilly, and December was cold but not freezing.

While I say now that I’m not sure I want to plan another European summer, there’s always the chance I will return. Maybe not for exploring cities, but going to the beaches in Europe does make sense to do in the summer months.

If I return, I will remember these key tips, and you should, too!

Here’s what to keep in mind to survive Euro summer:

1. Stay hydrated

This is SO not a joke. Bring a reusable water bottle. Don’t be afraid to spend money on plastic water bottles or water at restaurants. It can get so hot there, and you need to make sure you stay on top of your hydration.

2. Book your accommodation with AC

You will need a place to seek refuge from the heat, and trying to cool off in a muggy Airbnb is not it.

Be mindful of this! Choose an accommodation that offers AC as an amenity. You can check this in the description of the Airbnb listing or on the hotel/hostel website. But AC is a must!

Even if that means you’re spending a little more, it will be worth it when you need a place to cool down, and it will make for a much more comfortable sleep.

3. Take advantage of indoor activities

If you are spending time in Europe in the summer, this is your time to book those museums, indoor cooking classes, or have a list of stores you want to visit for shopping.

4. Packing cubes = an absolute travel essential

Why do you need packing cubes? A few reasons.

First of all, you’re going to be sweaty. You need to be able to sort out your dirty (smelly?) clothes into their own separate cube.

Second of all, if you are planning to move around a lot from city to city, (always a favorite of mine! I want to see as much as possible) packing cubes will help you stay organized all along the way. They are a Euro summer must have!

5. Pack your patience!

It’s summer… lines are long, restaurants are busy, public transport is crowded and maybe delayed (and maybe a little smelly!)

One of the best ways to enjoy your time is to be patient. To go with the flow. You can have a schedule, but do have your heart set on everything going perfectly.

6. Stay on top of your reservations

Since summer is such a busy season in Europe, you want to make sure you schedule your tours, museum visits and excursions.

Do some research well in advance to figure out when reservations/bookings open up so you’ll be ready.

7. Choose a water-front destination

Being in Rome in the middle of a July heatwave? Maybe not the best option. (I swear… You can see the heat radiating off the of pavement and your clothes are soaked in sweat by noon).

Choosing a location where you have access to a pool or the ocean is the ONLY way you will get me back to Europe in the summer.

Nice, Capri, the Greek Islands, Lisbon, Split… Some excellent choices for Euro summer.

I really loved my summer adventures, but I think moving forward I have two main priorities in mind:

a. enjoy my time in milder weather

b. save money during the shoulder seasons

And if you plan it right, you can still be enjoying the Greek islands in mid-May or the beaches of southern France in late September.