Traveling to Europe this summer? Here’s what to expect

02.08.2024 - 20:27 / thepointsguy.com / Taylor Swift / Paris Olympics

The summer of 2024 is in full swing and visitors are flocking to Europe from around the globe.

In terms of events, it's been kind of a big year for Europe. This year, the continent has hosted several world events, including the UEFA European Football Championship, the Paris Olympics, the Tour de France and a huge music tour by Taylor Swift. We've also seen an upswing in travelers to various destinations, from classic popular spots such as Portugal and Italy to less-known destinations like Albania.

Factor in all of this with the frenzy of large crowds, high temperatures, increased inflation and recent reports of backlash to tourism, and there are more than a few things you should be aware of if you're planning a European vacation.

If you're heading to Europe this summer, here are some tips on what you can do to prepare.

While we've seen plenty of hot weather across Europe, the mercury is peaking in Southern Europe.

While the height of Europe's summer heat wave has passed, plenty of destinations, including the United Kingdom, Italy and France, are still seeing temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit and above.

In mid-July, temperatures in Spain rose to 111 degrees. Italy put more than 15 cities under high-heat warnings. And in Greece and Croatia, extreme heat has also caused forest fires.

The extreme temperatures seem to have mostly spared Northern Europe, but this year, the region experienced more erratic weather and rain patterns, according to the U.K.'s Meteorological Office. In fact, a huge storm caused the washed-out weather that dampened the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. That said, weather can change quickly, and there are signs that the rainfall may soon give way to a heat wave.

If you're planning a trip, do your research ahead of time. Have a trip planned to the Mediterranean? Have plenty of sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a portable fan and loose, breathable clothing on hand. Additionally, plan to do outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day. If you're headed to Northern Europe, invest in a nice umbrella.

No matter where you go, it's a good idea to check to see if your accommodations have air conditioning — not every place in Europe has it.

While COVID-19 has not disappeared, most people in Europe no longer wear masks. However, the virus still circulates and has surged at some destinations this summer.

According to data collected by the World Health Organization, several regions have seen noticeable increases in COVID-19 cases since May.

Compared to 2023 data, COVID-19 cases in Europe have decreased. As of July 24, the U.K. had 17,500 reported cases, almost double the figure recorded in May. Incidents in Greece, meanwhile, more than quadrupled from May (3,200 reported cases),