What You Can Expect When Traveling to Europe This Summer

Summer 2024 is approaching and tourists are flocking to Europe from all over the world.

In terms of events, it’s been a pretty big year for Europe. This year, the continent has hosted a number of world events, including the UEFA European Football Championship, Paris OlympicsTour de France and a major music tour of Taylor Swift. We also saw an increase in visitors to a variety of destinations, from well-known destinations like Portugal and Italy to lesser-known destinations like Albania.

Take all of these factors into account, along with crowds, high temperatures, rising inflation, and recent reports of a backlash against tourism, and there are quite a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning a vacation in Europe.

If you are planning to travel to Europe this summer, here are some tips on what you can do to prepare.

Southern Europe is scorching hot

While we are seeing several hot weather spells across Europe, temperatures are peaking in Southern Europe.

Although the peak of Europe’s summer heat wave has passed, many destinations, including the UK, Italy and France, are still seeing temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

In mid-July, temperatures in Spain soared to 111 degrees. Italy issued heat warnings for more than 15 cities. And in Greece and Croatia, extreme heat also sparked wildfires.

Extreme temperatures have seemingly spared much of Northern Europe, but this year the region has experienced more erratic weather and rainfall patterns, according to Met Office. In fact, a major storm caused wet weather that dampened the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. However, weather can change quickly, and there are signs that the rain could soon give way to a heatwave.

If you’re planning a trip, do your research in advance. Planning a trip to the Mediterranean? Bring plenty of sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a Hand fan and loose, breathable clothing. Also, plan to do outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day. If you’re going to Northern Europe, invest in a nice umbrella.

No matter where you go, you should check if your accommodation has air conditioning — not everywhere in Europe has it.

COVID-19 is still here, but don’t expect too many masks

While COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, most people in Europe are no longer wearing masks. However, the virus is still circulating and has spiked in some destinations this summer.

Based on Data collected by the World Health OrganizationSome areas have seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases since May.

Compared to 2023 data, COVID-19 cases in Europe have declined. As of July 24, the UK had 17,500 reported cases, nearly double the number recorded in May. Meanwhile, cases in Greece have quadrupled from May (3,200 reported cases), with around 15,100 reported in July. Portugal has reported 10,100 cases, up sharply from 472 in mid-May.

The COVID-19 surge is likely driven by a number of factors, including increased summer travel and several major global events such as the UEFA European Football Championship, the Tour de France cycling race and the ongoing Paris Olympics.

Despite the rise in COVID-19 cases, most people aren’t wearing masks—but that doesn’t mean you need to run into crowds if you’re not comfortable doing so. Travelers should make sure they’re vaccinated and take any precautions they feel are appropriate, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces.

It’s much busier.

Travel to Europe is booming this summer. According to European Travel CommissionInternational arrivals and overnight stays in the first half of 2024 are expected to be higher than in 2019.

The increase in tourism to Europe was largely driven by increased tourism to destinations in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. The second quarter of the year saw significant increases in tourism to Serbia (up 40%), Malta (up 37%), Portugal (up 26%) and previously lesser-known destinations such as Albania (up 86%) and Montenegro (up 31%).

Despite the overall increase in travel, the number of flights operating to Europe is still slightly lower than in 2019. This means you should arrange and book your flights to Europe as soon as possible.

Related: Where to go in 2024: 16 best travel destinations

Both airports and tourist attractions are crowded, and travelers should be prepared for longer lines and increased wait times at security checkpoints and other travel-related services. Arrive at the airport early and allow extra time to navigate crowded areas if you can.

Your dollar won’t be worth as much as it was a few years ago.

During the height of the pandemic, the euro fall below par with the dollar, causing economic panic. However, with the euro at record lows, it’s not a bad time to travel to Europe if you want to save money.

The euro is currently on a recovery streak, and its value is fluctuating — you won’t get the same deals you could have gotten a few years ago. At the time of writing, $1 is worth about 92 euro cents. To give you some perspective, last September saw a five-year high, with $1 peaking at 1.04 euro.

In the UK you’ll find a similar exchange rate, with $1 worth around 78p, down from 83p last September.

There are still destinations in Europe where you can visit and get great prices. For example, in the Czech Republic, $1 will get you 23.48 korunas; in Turkey, $1 is worth 33.15 lira.

Related: Places Your Dollars Will Go Further Right Now

However, if you’re heading to a destination where the euro is the currency, be prepared to spend more. Combined with high interest rates across the continent, you’ll also see increased entrance fees to attractions and food prices.

Due to increased tourism, occupancy rates at hotels in Europe are also much higher, especially at luxury hotels.

Make sure you budget accordingly if you are going to travel to Europe and expect to pay a little more than a few years ago.

Some destinations are fighting back against overtourism.

With its historical sites and stunning landscapes, Europe is always a destination on your bucket list. However, in recent years, overtourism has become a problem in some areas.

It is not unusual to be charged tourist tax when visiting many iconic European cities. For example, this April, Venice, Italy, starts charging tourists People enter the city at certain times of the day to help deal with crowds and fund canal maintenance.

Related: Which major destinations charge tourist taxes (or will soon)?

Other destinations, such as Amsterdam, have funded advertising campaigns to discourage “unsuitable” visitors from coming to the city. Elsewhere, there has been an increase in crackdowns on holiday rental property licences because Airbnb usage has skyrocketed at popular destinations, affecting local hotel revenue and affordable housing,

Anti-tourism protests have erupted across Europe in locations including the Netherlands, Greece and, perhaps most notably, Spain — where protesters were seen spraying tourists with water cannons in Barcelona in July.

While we never experienced any violent reactions during our trip, it is important to note that tensions do exist, especially in areas that are visited by many people. It is important to be aware and vigilant when traveling. Be respectful, considerate, and actively participate in the local culture. Remember that while you may be on vacation, the locals are not. As always, the best rule of thumb is to be kind, polite, and respectful, no matter where you are.

Last line

This summer is shaping up to be a busy and exciting time for travel to and within Europe. While travel is much easier than in recent years, visitors should be prepared for higher prices, more crowds and hot temperatures.

Patience and planning are essential to navigating your European trip smoothly. By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy a memorable and hassle-free summer vacation in Europe.