Essential Tips for Traveling to Europe This Summer

Travel expert Eric Stoen, known for his extensive journeys across over 100 countries, recently shared valuable advice on social media for those planning to visit popular European destinations this summer.

Eric, who goes by @Travelbabbo on Instagram, emphasized the importance of early bookings. He posted, "If you’re heading to Europe this summer and haven’t booked restaurants, ferries, museum tickets, and everything else yet, BOOK NOW! I’m seeing restaurants already booked up through June. Some tour guides are booked until mid-August. Greek ferries are filling up. A decade ago you could be more spontaneous, but not anymore. You don’t want to over-schedule a vacation, but you also don’t want to be wandering from restaurant to restaurant searching for an opening when your kids are hungry."

He added a personal anecdote to illustrate his point: "In March I went to buy Duomo climb tickets for my sister and her kids after we arrived in Florence and all entrance times for their entire stay were already booked. Lesson learned. Book a month or more in advance to make sure you’re not disappointed."

Stoen’s advice resonates with many travelers. Last year, travel writer Johnny Jet experienced a similar situation while taking his family on a Mediterranean cruise. His children were eager to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but due to a lack of prior booking, they couldn't secure transportation from Livorno to Pisa. This disappointment emphasized the need for early planning.

Johnny Jet’s cruise concluded in Rome, where the family stayed a few nights before heading to Naples and the beautiful island of Ischia. In Rome, they faced another challenge. Attempting to book a Vatican tour two weeks before the trip proved futile, with most tours sold out except those priced at $250 per person. Fortunately, a friend connected them with an Italian movie star who managed to secure tickets, but the process was stressful.

In conclusion, following Eric Stoen's advice is crucial. If you're traveling to Europe this summer, ensure you book your tours and other activities well in advance to avoid disappointment and stress.