LAURA’S SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS
expect heat and crowds in Europe this summer, especially in July and August
Europe’s top destinations are once again expecting record crowds (and heat) during June and July. In August, when most Europeans take their vacations, the big cities empty out as residents of Rome (and Paris, and Berlin) head to the beach. That said, while much of Paris typically closes during August, this year is an exception because of the Olympics. If you find yourself in Paris this summer, your favorite shops and restaurants will likely remain open.
AVOID BIG CITIES.
I love Europe’s big cities, but every time I find myself in one during the summer I am miserably hot and full of regret. Asphalted streets trap heat and weak air conditioning makes it hard to cool down. Walking to a museum can be a sweaty and exhausting affair. To top if off, local residents have all cleared out for the beach and with it the city’s vibrancy and character.
Where to go instead?
HEAD TO THE MOUNTAINS.
The French Alps and Dolomites are typically delightful in summer. Hiking trails abound, as do posh hotels with spas, pools, and excellent dining. Scotland, Scandinavia, and Ireland are also great options to minimize your chances of oppressive heat.
CATCH A BREEZE.
As the years go on, I am more often recommending to just do as Europeans do in the summer and head to the coast. I’ve been to the French Riviera, the Italian Riviera (Liguria), Biarritz, and the Atlantic coast of Spain during July and August. Is it busy? Yes. Hot? You bet. But everyone is on vacation and having a great time. This is not the trip for museum goers and sightseers (unless you count people watching, which I absolutely do). Pick a fab hotel, pack a swimsuit, and live your best dolce vita.
VISIT SMALLER TOWNS.
While the countryside will likely still be hot, the slower pace will make it more manageable. Smaller inland towns will be less crowded than coastal areas and cities. Think hill towns in Tuscany and Umbria, villages in cooler places like Brittany and Normandy, or waterside spots in the Loire and Dordogne River valleys.
PACK ACCORDINGLY.
A wide-brim hat is a must. As are light breathable fabrics and loose-fitting clothing. I like linen and flowy, oversized dresses. Shorts (while usually taboo in Europe) are completely acceptable during summer. Bring comfortable sandals to let your feet breathe. Portable handheld fans are also great (there are many options on Amazon).
Invest in a good hotel room.
Your hotel room is your sanctuary to escape the heat and crowds. Air conditioning is a must (always check before you book as it is never a given in European hotels). Remember that in Europe the AC is generally weaker in museums, shops, and restaurants than most Americans are used to.
A convenient location is also key: stay within easy walking distance of the places you want to visit to avoid wasting energy getting from point A to B. A pool is never a bad thing, as is a hotel with excellent in-house dining.
IF VISITING VENICE, FLORENCE, OR ROME:
Many museums and churches in Italy open well before 10am. Get up early and hit the sights before the crowds descend and the heat takes over. Visit smaller museums. There is so much more to see in Italy than the Rialto Bridge and the Uffizi. In Rome, swap the Colosseum for the Baths of Caracalla. In Florence, the art in almost any church is just as good and interesting as anything in the Uffizi or Accademia (try San Marco or Santa Croce to name just two). Get lost in the Castello or Canareggio neighborhoods of Venice.
INDULGE.
This is the time of year to have that ice cream or gelato. How to tell if a place is good? Look for the pistachio flavor: a light nutty brown signals that it’s fresh and homemade. If the pistachio is bright green, run don’t walk to the next gelateria.
ENJOY A LONG LUNCH.
You’ve gotten up early, strolled the streets, visited a museum, and perhaps even done some shopping. As the day heats up, find a restaurant with a shady terrace, sit back, relax, and enjoy a long lunch.
consider off season travel.
This is the obvious advice, but it is always worth repeating. If you can avoid traveling to Europe in the summer, I always recommend doing so. In May the days are still long, but the summer heat hasn’t yet arrived in full force. In October things calm down as everyone goes back to school and to work.
Finally, I am a big proponent of off season travel for Europe’s cities: in November and January-March you can walk into museums without queuing, have your choice of hard-to-score restaurant tables, save on luxury hotels, and have an easier airport experience. Most of Europe’s big cities don’t get snow so while it will be chilly and the days shorter, temperatures remain comfortably above freezing.
need more tips?
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