Make the most of your day by getting up early (yes, you heard me! Sorry to those who like to sleep in – I see you, sister). Not only will you enjoy cooler temperatures, but you’ll also have a chance to enjoy the city without the hustle and bustle of all the insane crowds.
While travelling in summer, it’s super important to always stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you or be prepared to buy one along your travels. Look out for cities with water taps for free water refill, typically found in Switzerland and cities near mountain districts like Bolzano and Rome.
If you feel like a bit of hydration that isn’t water, my local favourites include Granita in Italy or Sangria in Spain.
Dressing comfortably is so important. If I received a dollar for every time I said that ‘I wished I wore something different’ during our trip last year I’d be a millionaire. Light, breathable clothing is a must when travelling Europe in summer. Oh and insider tip: most European countries like France, Italy and Greece don’t actually have bathrooms or change rooms near the beach so if you’re planning to go for a dip, be prepared!
Keep Siesta’s in mind
Let’s dive into Mediterranean culture for two minutes. Countries such as Italy, Spain and Greece have this thing called a ‘Siesta’ – a Spanish word meaning ‘an afternoon nap or rest period.’ In summer, many shop and restaurant owners close their establishments for a couple of hours after lunch (This is normally around 2:00 – 4:30). Some restaurants might only serve tapas or a shortened menu during this time or might close all together.
Most of the time they won’t open again till dinner which, in Europe, starts around 6:00pm. Despite this, many large tourist attractions will stay open, including the various restaurants and shops surrounding them. So learn from my mistakes, don’t get sidetracked like us and go looking for lunch at 4:00pm when everything is closed. You shouldn’t be facing this issue though, if you’re travelling in the Northern countries such as Germany, The Netherlands or England.
Also, while iconic landmarks and famous cities are undoubtedly worth exploring, consider venturing to lesser-known destinations and discover a few hidden gems. Not only will you escape the crowds, but you’ll also have a chance to immerse yourself in authentic local experiences and discover magical places!
Embrace the Unexpected. Despite all the planning, unexpected hiccups and surprises are bound to come your way when travelling Europe during the summer. But don’t fear! It’s all part of the adventure and it makes for some really cool memories.
On our way from Barcelona to Marseille there was a huge breakdown on the freeway, doubling our already 5 hour journey. Fortunately, Europe has some insane service stations which allow us to feast our way through the traffic.
So remember to stay flexible, allow time for a little chaos and don’t be afraid to veer off the itinerary.
So there you have it, fellow travellers – my top tips for surviving and making the most of Europe during the busiest and hottest season. Safe travels and may your summer adventures be nothing short of extraordinary.
Au revoir,
Jacqui.