What You Need to Know About European Travel This Summer

With headlines warning of everything from flight delays to wildfires, summer travel is changing. Here’s how to make sure your trip this summer goes smoothly.

Record numbers of tourists are expected to visit Europe this summer. In the first three months of 2024, the number of international arrivals rose by 7.2% compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic figures, with 120 million international tourists visiting the region. Yet while this is welcome news for the tourism industry, some challenges remain for visitors, especially during the summer’s busy peak season. Potential flight delays, high temperatures, new laws, and major events could all impact travel. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your European trip this summer goes smoothly.

1. What You Need to Know About Flight Disruptions

Increased passenger numbers, staff shortages, and strikes led to 106.7 million delayed air passengers in Europe during peak summer months last year. More than 700,000 passengers were affected over the August bank holiday in the UK alone following a technical meltdown at air traffic control. This year, EasyJet has canceled over 100 flights from Paris due to a no-fly zone during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Ryanair has also cut flights from its summer schedule after delays in the delivery of new Boeing aircraft. Check your airport’s website for the latest information and follow social media for real-time updates. Remember, you may be owed compensation if you face disruption, but rules vary, so take out travel insurance as soon as you book flights.

2. Why You Should Consider Travelling by Train

Reduce your carbon footprint, avoid airport hassles, and see more of Europe by taking advantage of new and expanded train routes. New services include a high-speed route connecting Barcelona to Madrid and Seville, a sleeper train from Brussels to Prague, a daily train between Vilnius and Riga, and a sleeper train from Rome to the Dolomites. France has introduced a nationwide rail pass for €49, valid for those under 27, although it excludes high-speed TGV trains and travel in the Ile-de-France region.

3. What to Do If You’re Affected by Wildfires

Following unprecedented high temperatures, wildfires swept through popular tourist spots in Europe last summer, including Tenerife, mainland Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Italy. Protective measures are in place this year to prevent a repeat, such as Greece banning all outdoor fires from April. Ensure you have travel insurance and keep an eye on official travel advisories. If affected by wildfires, follow emergency services' advice, evacuate when instructed, and contact your tour operator or airline for help getting home.

4. How Big Events Could Disrupt Your Travel

Major cultural and sporting events, like Taylor Swift’s tour and the UEFA European Championship in Germany, will draw large crowds. The Olympic Games in Paris are expected to attract three million more visitors than usual. This will likely increase accommodation demand, prices, and public transport congestion. If your holiday coincides with an event, explore beyond the city, visit nearby attractions, or enjoy the citywide buzz.

5. Why You Should Think About Overcrowding

Some destinations are actively trying to deter visitors to manage overcrowding, skyrocketing prices, and environmental damage. Barcelona has capped tour groups at 20 people, and Athens’ Acropolis limits daily visitors to 20,000. Consider less-visited destinations, such as Folegandros instead of Santorini, Šibenik instead of Dubrovnik, or Valencia instead of Barcelona.

6. How to Deal with Heatwaves

2023 was the hottest year on record globally. Temperatures soared above 40°C in the Mediterranean. Consider traveling outside the hottest months, from July to September, or visit cooler northern destinations like Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania, or Ireland. Wear high-factor SPF, avoid midday outdoor activities, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol.

7. How to Avoid Being Caught Out by Local Laws and Taxes

Research new local laws before traveling. Venice introduced a €5 tax for day-trippers in April, enforceable on selected dates until July. This tax can be paid online in advance, and overnight visitors must register. Additionally, parts of Mallorca and Ibiza ban street drinking and prevent night-time alcohol sales in shops, though bars and restaurants are exempt.