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8 Tips for Surviving Summer in Europe

8 Tips for Surviving Summer in Europe

Heading off to Europe this summer? Here are our 8 tips for surviving summer in Europe. Follow these tips if you insist on traveling during peak season.


1.) Know what you are getting yourself intoTips for surviving summer in Europe-2

Bracing yourself for the crowds is the first step to not letting them ruin your time.

2.) Minimize your time in the big cities

Cities like Rome and Paris draw huge crowds every summer. I am not saying skip them, but plan your time to hit the highlights and move on to smaller quieter places.

3.) Wake up early and stay out late

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No matter which city you are in you won’t feel the crowds until after 9 or 10 in the morning. Set your alarm clock and tick off a few sights before most have had their first cup of coffee. Stay out late in cities like Venice where cruise ships stop for the day and the population instantly doubles. Cruisers are back on the boat by dinner time usually and the thinner crowds are much more pleasant in the evening.

4.) Stay onshore

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A cruise that takes you to 37 countries in 10 days might sound like a great way to see a lot, but what do you really get to see or experience? Not to mention like I said above, you are jumping off the boat with 3,000 other people all going to the same places at the same time.

Tips for surviving summer in Europe

5.) Rent a car

A good ole fashion road trip is a great way to see Europe and gives you ultimate control.

6.) Book refundable roomsParis France - Paris City Tops - 70

Normally I would say ‘just don’t book anything at all’, but I hesitate in this case because you could show up to a city and have no options, literally. I say book refundable to keep you flexible. If the crowds get to be too much in one country refundable rooms get you off the hook and onto something that looks more fun once you are there.

7.) Watch your pocketsParis France-Ring Scam-104

Nothing could ruin an already stressful trip than getting robbed. Big cities in Europe are known for having some of the most skilled pickpockets and scammers. Most notably Rome, Paris, and Barcelona, but any big city beware. Research before you go what the common scams are before you go. We even got targeted and someone tried to play ‘The Ring Scam’ on us, and we caught the scam on camera.

8.) If all else fails drink wineParis France - Food Tour Tops - 197

One of my favorite parts of Europe is that good wine is really cheap. Nothing fixes an overcrowded day better than a bottle of wine.

Have you visited Europe in the summer? If so, any tips you have for surviving Europe in the summer?

Sigurd

Wednesday 14th of June 2017

Regarding Tip #4: Don’t stay ashore! :-) Stay away from massive tourism. You can choose a "private' yacht cruise to the East Mediterranean and visit amazing sites, as the Greek Islands. There are a few companies that organize/promote yacht charters, cabin sharing, and even scheduled yacht cruises, for those who prefer to have a great sea experience on board a yacht accommodating a maximum of 10-50 passengers. You can check with Vikings Navita, Variety Cruises, as well other companies. Cheers

Vartika Singh

Saturday 22nd of August 2015

Nice tips for the travellers who are going to travel Europe first time, I love the last tip the most "If all else fails drink wine"

Steve Skabrat

Tuesday 26th of May 2015

Good tips. Another one is to rarely, if ever, eat in the main square or the place with the view of the harbor or other significant site. These are the places that cater to American, Chinese, and Japanese tourists and hike their prices accordingly. The service is often bad and the food is mediocre. Instead go down the side streets and backstreets to find a spot where the locals eat. You'll have a better experience and save some $$

Hannah

Tuesday 9th of June 2015

Great tip, totally agree with Steve. Stay far far away from a main attraction, if you can see it you are too close!

Shikha (whywasteannualleave)

Tuesday 26th of May 2015

Haha, your last tip made me chuckle! I'm guessing that gorgeous first pic is Venice right? I'm going there for the first time in a few weeks time and I'm a little apprehensive about the crowds - I've never been an early riser though so I guess I'll have to just take up your tip of staying out late instead :D Did you like the city overall?

Hannah

Tuesday 9th of June 2015

Yep the first pic is from Venice, which in the end we really liked...but that was after 8pm when it was quiet and all the cruisers were gone! Def spend 2 nights there, just get lost at night. It is really beautiful minus the tourists.