This article was produced by National Geographic Traveler (UK).
A record number of tourists are expected to visit Europe this summer. According to the European Travel Commission, in the first three months of 2024, international arrivals have already increased by 7.2% compared to pre-pandemic figures in 2019, with 120 million international tourists visiting the region in that period. While this is welcome news for the tourism industry, some challenges remain for visitors, especially during the busy peak summer season, with flight delays, high temperatures, new laws and large events all likely to affect travel. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your trip to Europe this summer goes smoothly.
1. What you need to know about flight disruptions
Rising passenger numbers, staff shortages and strikes caused delays for 106.7 million air passengers in Europe at the peak of last summer. In the UK alone, a technical meltdown in air traffic control affected more than 700,000 passengers over the August bank holiday. EasyJet had to cancel more than 100 flights from Paris this year after a no-fly zone was imposed during the Olympic opening ceremony. Ryanair also cut flights from its summer schedule due to delayed deliveries of several new Boeing aircraft. If you’re planning to fly, check the airport’s website for the latest updates and follow other travellers on social media for real-time updates. You may be eligible for compensation if you experience disruptions, but rules vary, so take out travel insurance as soon as you book your flight.
What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
2. Reasons to consider traveling by train
This summer, reduce your carbon footprint, avoid airport hassles and see more of Europe with the many new and expanded routes across the continent. New services include high-speed links between Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, sleeper trains from Brussels to Prague, a daily train between Vilnius and Riga, the resumption of the night train between Paris and Nice and a sleeper train from Rome to the Dolomites. Following the huge success of Germany’s €49 monthly unlimited travel pass last year, France has introduced its own national rail pass for the same price, but it is only valid for people under 27 and does not cover high-speed TGV trains or travel in the Île-de-France region around Paris.
(6 of the world’s best coastal rail journeys)
The new high-speed rail linking Barcelona with Madrid and Seville is just one of many new European rail lines opening this year.
Photo by Allad Shagar, Alamy
3. What to do if you are affected by a wildfire
Last summer, unprecedented high temperatures were followed by wildfires in some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, scorching parts of Tenerife, mainland Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. This year, protective measures are already in place to prevent a repeat of the disaster, with Greece banning all outdoor bonfires from April and increasing investment in fire detectors and water tankers. To ensure you are protected in the worst case scenario, arrange travel insurance when booking and keep an eye on official travel advice for the latest information. If you are affected by a wildfire or other natural disaster while traveling, follow the advice of emergency services, evacuate as instructed and contact your travel company or airline for assistance getting home.
What to do if you are caught in a disaster while traveling.
4. How major events will affect travel
From Taylor Swift’s European tour to the UEFA European Championships in Germany, Europe is gearing up for a summer of major cultural and sporting events. The Paris Olympics is expected to attract 3 million more visitors than usual. This could mean increased demand for accommodation, higher prices, crowded public transport, unexpected road closures and increased security checks in response to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. If your holidays coincide with the events, explore outside the city, visit nearby attractions that are quieter than usual, and enjoy the inevitable city-wide buzz that accompanies the main event.
(How to enjoy Paris this summer after the Olympics.)
5. Why we need to worry about overcrowding
While many destinations welcome a return to pre-pandemic tourism levels, others are actively trying to discourage tourist influxes. Barcelona has limited tour group sizes to 20 people, and admission to the Acropolis in Athens is now limited to 20,000 tourists a day. Dubrovnik has already cut the number of souvenir shops by 80%, and thousands took part in an anti-tourism demonstration in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in April. All are concerned that overcrowding will make things more expensive for locals and cause environmental damage, including increased plastic pollution, erosion of ruins and traffic jams. Instead, consider less-visited destinations like the island of Folegandros, an hour’s ferry ride away instead of Santorini, Šibenik with its medieval center and fortress instead of Dubrovnik, or the Spanish seaside city of Valencia instead of Barcelona.
(What’s wrong with overtourism?)
On your summer trip to Croatia, a great alternative to bustling Dubrovnik is to visit Šibenik and its medieval centre and fortress.
Photo: David Milsen, Alamy
6. How to cope with heat waves
Globally, 2023 was the hottest year on record, with temperatures above normal in Europe for 11 months of the year. The Mediterranean region was the hardest hit, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. Consider traveling during the hottest months from July to September, or visiting destinations further north such as Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania and Ireland, where you can escape the most intense heat. If temperatures rise, wear a sunscreen with good sun protection, avoid going out in the middle of the day and wear light-coloured clothing made from breathable materials. Avoid drinking alcohol, drink plenty of fluids and keep an eye on vulnerable people such as young children and the elderly.
7. How to avoid local laws and taxes
Research before you travel to avoid new laws that might catch you off guard. For example, Venice introduced a €5 tax for day-trippers in April, which will be imposed on certain dates until July. This tax can be paid online in advance and guests are exempt, but must register. A second tourist tax of €1-5 per night already applies to stays and must be paid at the hotel. Be aware that some Airbnbs expect you to pay in cash. In parts of Mallorca and Ibiza, drinking alcohol on the street is banned, as are establishments selling alcohol at night, although you can still buy drinks in bars and restaurants.
Click here to subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine (only available in some countries).
Source link
