Traveling to Europe During High Season

5 Tips for Making Your Euro Trip as Fun & Stress-Free as Possible

If you’re planning to travel to Europe in August or September and are looking for one piece of advice from a seasoned travel writer (me), it’s :::drumroll::: simply don’t go. Are you crazy? It’s the hottest, most crowded time of year and you’re, quite literally, subjecting yourself to torture in the form of excessive sweat and bizarre Midwestern accents.

I say this from a place of privilege, of course. ‘Murrica offers a very limited number of vacation days (sigh) and they’re typically taken during summer’s slower months.

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But if heat and excessive tourism aren’t deterrences and you’re dead-set on jetting overseas to eat, drink, and be merry, here are five tips to consider so that you have the Eurotrip of your dreams. (I followed all of these after spending the month of July in Switzerland, Italy, and Spain.)

1. Upgrade Your Flight

If you have the financial means, upgrade that ticket to business class and start your journey on the right foot. You’ll enjoy a restful sleep on a flat-bed seat to avoid the aches and pains of seven-plus hours of flying in economy. This also helps to prevent the risk of jetlag, which can essentially ruin the first few days of any trip abroad.

Delta One is one of the best options available, especially if you are flying out of New York’s JFK airport. Aside from the airline’s extensive list of routes to major European cities, the new Delta One Lounge redefines everything you thought a pre-flight experience could be, from an on-site restaurant with a three-course tasting menu to spa treatments, massage chairs, an outdoor patio, and enough gourmet food options to feed a small town (including a bakery with fresh-baked cookies and a fully operating pizzeria).

If you’re a bit more budget-conscious but still want the perks of a bigger seat and a dedicated menu, keep in mind that Delta also offers its Premium Select class, which is essentially what First looks like on regional flights. Passengers will enjoy the ability to recline, more space, and larger TVs — all for a fraction of the Delta One cost.

2. Always Carry Loose Change…and Water!

While Europe’s bathrooms are a helluva lot cleaner and more private than those found in the States (the floor-to-ceiling doors are clutch), many public facilities require a deposit or small fee for access. A hotel lobby is always my preferred (free) location, but if you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go, and having loose change will prevent you from crossing streets with crossed eyes. Keep at least a few Euro coins in your pocket or bag at all times for emergencies, especially if you’re knocking back way too much sangria and cheese than your stomach can handle.

Also, dehydration can make or break a trip, especially if you’re imbibing and in a constant state of sweating. Carry water 24/7, even if that means you’ll have to shell out more cash to pee. I promise that you don’t want to end up in the hospital with a language barrier.

3. Stick to a Hotel Chain You’re Familiar With and Love

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies to many things in life, including hotel chains. If you’ve got a favorite, consider staying within the brand’s family of properties as you hop from place to place. Not only will you get the loyalty points to cash in for free nights and rewards, but you’ll know exactly what to expect, at least when it comes to service, amenities, and mattress types.

Here are a handful of my European favorites:

NH Collection

These are quite common in Europe and I stayed at the Venezia Murano Villa, Sevilla, Málaga, and Madrid Suecia locations. The company’s restaurant in Spain is Tablafina, with menus that vary based on the region and seasonality. While finding hole-in-the-wall locales is a travel must, don’t rule out hotel restaurants like this one with talented chefs at the helm. They make wonderful alternatives if you’re too tired to venture out. The Sevilla property, for example, served me one of my favorite croquettes the entire trip, while the beach town of Málaga wowed with its extensive list of seafood-inspired tapas.

CitizenM

The beauty of CitizenM is that every room is identical in size and advanced technology (an iPad controls everything from shades and temperature to electronics and the mood lighting you want for your bathroom). But what makes it a stand-out pick is the friendly staff that doesn’t just welcome you; they treat you like family. Despite being completely sold out due to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the Zurich location went above and beyond to ensure that each and every guest felt special and accommodated, going so far as to create a Swiftie wall with pictures of concert-goers in their Swift-inspired get-ups.

Hilton

While I’ve stayed at plenty of Hilton properties across the world, my most recent visit to the Curio Collection’s Anglo American in Florence far surpassed my expectations with a uniquely lofted room and what was, arguably, the best Aperol spritz I chugged the entire trip (and I had many). I also appreciated the fact that it wasn’t right smack in the middle of city center, offering more boutique-like, personalized accommodations that you don’t always find at a major chain (such as ornate wallpaper, statues, and local artwork).

Marriott

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel chain, so it’s no surprise that the brand offers a bevy of options for the well-seasoned traveler. Should you find yourself in Venice, a reservation at the JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa is an absolute must. The property is located on its own private island and is home to multiple restaurants (including Sagra Rooftop with stunning sunset views), a spa, fitness center, pool, and even a professional kitchen to conduct educational, yet highly entertaining cooking classes. The latter was the highlight of my stay, as we were able to create three pastas in less than two hours. Rooms are also spacious, sleek, and modern with oversized tubs, plush bedding, and ample storage space to stow clothes and personal belongings.

4. Buy Tickets to Attractions Beforehand and Don’t Arrive Too Early

It is absolutely essential that you buy tickets to museums and attractions as far in advance as possible. Day-of ;ines for ticket offices can wind down literal streets, taking precious time away from sightseeing and eating gelato.

Also, be sure to not arrive too early to scheduled entrance times. Museum workers strictly abide by the times listed on your ticket and you’ll find yourself sitting in the hot sun for literally no reason at all if you’re early. Running late? That’s also okay. Most venues have 15 minute grace periods.

The same can be said for restaurant reservations, as well. Don’t rely on Google Maps for last-minute dining options, as many eateries are completely booked during the summer, even on weekdays.

5. Consider the Train Over Low Budget Airline Flights

Europe has a connection of train lines that put the U.S. to absolute shame. It’s the easiest, most reliable way to bop from city to city and even country to country. Opt for a pass through Eurail and purchase seat reservations in advance so that all you have to do is present a mobile ticket for each journey. Transportation has never been more simple and the experience will far surpass the one you may find on a budget airline such as RyanAir where they take zero accountability and provide awful customer service. (But I’m not bitter or anything…).

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