Even though it seems like the summer travel season is flying by, those still looking to book a European getaway have some cheap options for a last-minute trip, according to a new report.
27.07.2023 - 18:04 / smartertravel.com / In Europe
Calling Europe a “hot” destination this year has little to do with trends; when Paris hit 109 degrees in July, it marked the city’s hottest day on record—shattering the previous record by five degrees. And the worst may not be over: August could be even hotter, and heat waves in Europe, where fewer than five percent of homes have air conditioning, seem to be getting more common overall.
To those of you who have European itineraries for this summer set in concrete, I offer sympathy. For those of you who are planning a Europe visit this summer with some flexibility, I offer some suggestions:
How to Travel in a Heat Wave in Europe Head north: It’s almost always cooler the farther north you go in Europe, but in a really tough hot spell, you might have to go a long way north. For example, in the U.K., even central Scotland may not be far enough to avoid punishing heat. Generally, though, northern locales like Scandinavia are usually a better idea than southern Italy, France or Spain when it comes to avoiding a heat wave in Europe. Related:Planning a Trip to Europe: Your 10-Step Guide Head for an island or the coast: Coastal areas and islands are typically cooler than central continental areas, and especially cities. The problem with this strategy is that those areas are popular with locals, so you could have a tough time finding accommodations. Head for the slopes: In midsummer, ski areas aren’t as apt to be booked up by locals as shore areas, but they are often above the heat in terms of elevation. To avoid a bad heat wave in Europe’s south of Spain, for example, I once headed for the Sierra Nevada Ski Area. Head south (sometimes) for air conditioning: This sounds counter-intuitive, but if you’re staying in a rental or a mid-range hotel, you’re more likely to encounter air-conditioning in the south of most hot locales (France, Italy, or Spain) than in the north. Of course, check the hotel or rental amenities online first to make sure the property has it. Related:The 9 Best European Cities to Visit in 2019 Head for the countryside in an air-conditioned rental car: The countryside is almost always cooler than a big city. When I first started driving in Europe, cars with air-conditioning were rare and very expensive, but these days they’re common—and inexpensive—almost everywhere and standard in hot climates. And a good way to break away from the hot city. Head for the pool: Many European cities are unavoidably hot, save for air-conditioned shops and hotels, and their public pools. A public swimming spot can be a great way to meet locals and enjoy a hidden gem of the city; for example, Berlin’s Badeschiff (pictured at top) is a floating swimming pool in the Spree River that provides a skyline view.Readers:
Even though it seems like the summer travel season is flying by, those still looking to book a European getaway have some cheap options for a last-minute trip, according to a new report.
Cities usually aren't the first place you'd think of when it comes to clean, pollution-free spaces, but as the fight against the climate crisis heightens, more urban centres are putting sustainability as a priority. From green-powered transport, to waste-free hotels and carbon-neutral goals, these are some of the top cities to visit in Europe with visions of a brighter future.
When thinking of city breaks in Hungary, Romania and Greece, certain places will instantly spring to mind: Budapest, Bucharest and Athens, the much-admired capitals. But in 2023, it’s time to make space on your travel wish list for some up-and-coming urban hotspots in these countries: the European Capitals of Culture 2023. This year, why not get under the skin of a secret city that's rich with art, history, gastronomy and vibrant local communities? Step forward Veszprém, Timișoara, and Elefsina: it’s your time to shine.
North American travelers looking for bargain transatlantic fares will have lots more options this summer, as European-based low-fare lines expand their reach. Three lines have announced aggressive moves:
There’s been a lot of talk lately about discount airlines providing low-fare flights to European cities. London, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen are now an inexpensive Wow Air or Norweigan Air flight away from the U.S.—that is, if you’re willing to forego an in-flight meal and deal with a layover. But many business travelers and membership-savvy flyers aren’t looking for a cheap, lengthy flight sans free food.
As an American traveler, I too often let airlines dictate my life. When am I going on that cross-country trip I’ve been planning? Whatever dates the Big Three (Delta, United, American) or Southwest decides are cheapest. With few other modes of affordable transportation in this vast country, airfare reigns supreme.
Here’s a secret: If you want to visit Europe during peak season without the crowds, take to the ocean. A small-ship sailing tour lets you explore the hidden gems of Croatia, Italy, or Greece, without having to fight traffic or cram yourself on a crowded train.
The cost of a typical day in one of Europe’s most visited cities ranges from $47 in Prague to $132 in London. A new report from the hotel booking agency AlphaRooms breaks down the costs per city.
Endless miles of scenic highways that wind coast to coast and meander around breathtaking natural wonders and ever-changing landscapes make hitting the open road second nature in the US. When it comes to the Midwest there’s often a misconception that it’s all about flyover states and repetitive countryside. But away from the big cities, industrial centers, and sprawling farmland, you can stumble upon some of the most European cities in America.
In the first week of July, the earth smashed records for the hottest days ever recorded. In Europe, temperatures are soaring above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, wildfires have been raging throughout Greece, and certain parts of southern Italy saw record-breaking temperatures of 117 degrees on July 19. Temperatures for the weekend ahead are forecasted to hit 111 degrees in certain parts of Europe.
The grand old capital of Vienna was one of the first European cities to reopen in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic – Viennese hotels unlocked their doors just days ago on 29 May, while bars and restaurants have been back in business since mid-May. As lockdown lifts and restrictions are gradually eased, Rough Guides explores what this means for the travel industry, and what trips to the city might look like in the coming months. To gain more insight, we spoke to the Managing Director of the Vienna Tourist Board, Norbert Kettner, to dig a little deeper.
Central and Eastern Europe are among the culturally diverse parts of the world, preserving a plethora of deep-rooted traditions. What’s more, large tracts of the area remain off the mass-tourism radar, ensuring that there is still a great deal to explore. The following ten suggestions will ensure you get the best out of this huge, compelling and endlessly surprising region.