I’m a Travel Expert: 8 Reasons the Olympics Will Make Europe a Tricky Travel Destination This Summer

The hottest event in the world this summer is the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. With the world’s best athletes convening in one space to compete and hopefully go home with the gold, the rest of the world will be competing against each other in an attempt to travel around Europe.

Even if travelers are not headed to the City of Lights, but rather other European destinations, they will still have a difficult time due to the added traffic surrounding the Olympics.

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GOBankingRates contacted a few travel experts to find out why the Olympics will make Europe a tricky summer travel destination and a few tips you can pack in your suitcase whether you’re planning to head there for a global sporting event or not.

Here are some of the hardest places in Europe to reach this summer and some of the reasons why it’s going to be difficult to in and out of these locales:

Paris

In particular, the airports that everyone will be flying into.

“Paris-Le Bourget (LFPB) is Paris’ primary business aviation airport, but the airport is nearing total capacity for July and August,” relayed Felipe Reisch of Bitlux, a private jet charter company.

There are restrictions in Paris airspace during the Opening Ceremony: Traffic at Charles de Gaulle Airport (LFPG), Orly (LFPO), Beauvais Airport ((LFOB), and Le Bourget (LFPB) will be interrupted from 15:30 UTC to 22:00 UTC on July 26th.

“Flights may also be repositioned during busy times,” Reisch continued. “Le Bourget is already suggesting quick turn operations and repositioning to Pontoise Aerodrome ((LFPT) and Paris-Vilaroche (LFPM). Therefore, it’s worth considering alternate airports to avoid congestion or restrictions.”

London

Outside of Paris itself, the major destination that is expected to be packed with voyagers from all around the world is London.

“As a major transit hub for [travelers] to Paris, it may experience higher visitor numbers and increased prices,” shared Justin Crabbe, the CEO and founder of Jettly, a private charter jet service.

“London will be uncomfortably crowded,” predicted Layne Tisdel Martin, the chief exploration officer at Wanderluxed.

“The Eurostar connection makes it an attractive base for Olympic attendees, potentially leading to accommodation shortages and crowded attractions in the British capital,” Crabbe pointed out.

“It’s just a short train ride away from Paris so many people are combining trips to both cities and some are even flying in and out of London just to get a cheaper airfare,” Martin agreed. “Travelers should expect Eurostar trains, FlixBuses, Unibuses, and regional air carriers to be overbooked. They should also expect the (already spendy) London hotel market to charge premium rates.”

Amsterdam and Brussels

Within central Europe, expect to find fellow travelers coming and going from major cities, including Amsterdam and Brussels. This is in addition to the other tourists who flock to those cities at this time of year just to check out the sites.

“Being close to Paris and connected by high-speed rail, these cities might see an overflow of Olympic visitors,” Crabbe explained. “Their proximity could make them popular alternatives for accommodation, resulting in higher prices and busier streets, museums, and restaurants.”

Swiss Cities

With Switzerland sharing a border with France, expect it to be the destination that could serve as the pre or post-Olympic point for fellow travelers.

“Zurich and Geneva, being relatively close to Paris and offering luxury experiences, might attract high-end visitors, potentially increasing prices for premium services and accommodations,” Crabbe noted.

Greek Islands

Going to Greece? Watch out for more people than usual on the islands.

“As popular summer destinations, places like Santorini and Mykonos might experience even higher demand than usual, with [travelers] combining Olympic visits with island getaways,” Crabbe remarked.

Munich and Frankfurt

As major air travel hubs, these German cities might see increased transit passengers, potentially affecting hotel availability and prices for those with layovers, according to Crabbe.

Lisbon and Porto

“Portugal’s growing popularity as a tourist destination could be amplified during the Olympic period, with visitors seeking alternative European experiences, potentially leading to overcrowding and price hikes,” Crabbe said.

Central European Cities

“Prague, Vienna, and Budapest could see an influx of visitors looking to explore more of Europe before or after the Olympics, potentially leading to busier tourist sites and higher accommodation prices,” Crabbe said.

Travel Tips To Europe This Summer

What are some tips that travelers who are planning a trip to Europe near or during the Olympics can take with them on their summer journey?

Book As Early As You Can

And even if you do, prepare to be flexible with plans, as everything could change up suddenly at a moment’s notice.

“Secure your accommodations and transportation well in advance, and consider visiting less popular destinations or traveling during shoulder seasons to avoid the Olympic rush,” Crabbe advised.

Plan To Spend More

That means budgeting for higher costs and preparing to go a little extra in terms of your expenses.

“Expect inflated prices for hotels, flights, and attractions across Europe,” Crabbe advised. “Set aside extra funds or look for budget-friendly alternatives like vacation rentals or less touristy locations.”

Get Ready For The Heat

“Europe isn’t anywhere near as air-conditioned as the U.S. Which wasn’t historically a problem, but climate change is here,” Martin shared.

“I used to spend my summers in London and since 2020, I don’t do that anymore because there’s so little air conditioning that it’s miserable,” Marin remarked. “Most hotels in Paris will have AC, but it’s worth checking with yours to make sure.”

“Watch out for B&Bs and smaller hotels that are independently owned because they may not have AC. Many shops don’t,” Martin advised. “The Paris Metro does not have AC, meaning you can’t get anywhere without arriving a sweaty mess unless you spring for a cab during what will be the highest surge fares of all time.”

Embrace The Local Experience

“Instead of fighting crowds at major tourist hotspots, explore lesser-known neighborhoods, regional towns, or rural areas to discover authentic European charm without the Olympic frenzy,” Crabbe suggested.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Travel Expert: 8 Reasons the Olympics Will Make Europe a Tricky Travel Destination This Summer