Top Tips for Visiting Europe During Peak Tourist Season
Key Highlights
- While it’s not always the best idea to travel Europe during the peak season when the crowds and prices are at their maximum, there’s no single best time of year; everyone is different.
- The best time to travel to Europe depends on when are the summer months, compared to the shoulder season, as well as what you want out of your trip.
- Traveling during off season may save you from the costs and the hassles associated with traveling during peak season, but some attractions may lack hour’s or be completely closed during off season.
- Book travel insurance, flights, transportation, and accommodations well in advance, but even more so during the peak season, at holiday weekends, and around major events.
- If you travel to a new destination of choice, prior knowledge in a few key language tips and cultural etiquette norms can help to supplement your experience and perhaps get you out of a bind.
- It is essential to prepare safety when traveling. Ahead of travelling, look up if you can access healthcare at your des
Introduction
Want to plan your next trip to Europe? People typically assume that travel to Europe means days on the French Riviera or sitting in an Italian cafe staring out at a view. Summer is peak season in Europe, but it’s not the only time to go. Maybe it isn’t even the best time for you. The shoulder season is great for traveling because you get great deals and fewer crowds. However, if you visit during the off season, some attractions will be closed, you will have shorter hours and even the weather can be uneven. Finally, whether it is the cold season you are heading to Europe in, or the warm one, don’t forget to get travel insurance.
Understanding Europe’s Peak Tourist Season
Sometimes when you plan a trip to Europe you might wonder what the best time of year to travel is. It will really depend on what you want to do or see. Summer’s the most popular tourist time for Europe. Summer is warm, long, and full of good prospects for outdoor play. However, this is also when the crowds get large and when prices move up at the top spots. It’s because of this that so many travelers visit during the shoulder season.The shoulder seasons are from March to May, and September to October. The weather is a little milder and there are fewer crowds making it a great time to come. It’s often less expensive and you can still enjoy most attractions. But more people are venturing to travel during the shoulder season now. That is, it is wise to plot (and book) your trip ahead on time.You plan it like you would with peak season travel, especially around holiday weekends.
Key Factors That Define the Peak Season
There are a few key factors to consider that will clue you in to peak travel season for the place you want to visit. The knowledge of Europe weather facts in general will help you decide when exactly to get geared up to travel to Europe in 2017.School breaks and public holidays are generally busier than at other times in the year. It follows, therefore, that when planning your travels you need to keep in mind, besides the summer months of June through August, also the holiday season. Europe is as busy in the weeks around Christmas and New Year as it is in the summer months. In addition, festive markets will start appearing all across the continent, thus increasing your travel and accommodation costs even further.Another important factor is that it is warmer weather. If you live at a large city, the weather may not be that important because you most likely spend time in an enclosed space. If you’re looking to hit the beach or various islands in the mediterranean from all the beauty outdoors, then plan your visit during the shoulder season or perhaps the beginning of the off season. If you make this choice you could be missing sunny days for rainy ones.
Why Travel During Peak Season?
For some, traveling during this period can be expensive and the place can be packed with tourists. And really, there isn’t a best time to visit Europe. Every season has good and bad moments. And sometimes, important things matter, like when your kids are out of school or what the best weather will be for whatever you want to do. Perhaps you are better off during the peak season.Don’t worry if summer months are the only time you can get to Europe. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy your trip (more on that later)… The warmest weather is during the summer, which means summer is the best weather for you to go swimming and hiking. The days are long too, which is great when wanting to visit major attractions.All major attractions and places will be open and up and running (plus it’s holiday season, so everything is open anyway). There will be more options for guided tours. Cut the summer season in Europe and you’ll discover a lot of activities at a festival.
Preparing for Your European Adventure: A Beginner’s Guide
Now that you now know more about Europe’s peak season and when it might be for you, it’s time to talk about planning your next trip to Europe.For example, when you decide to come to Europe and when you choose which place to go there are some items you should take with you. You should check that your passport is valid and won’t expire in the next six months from when your arrive. And don’t forget to request a visa, if needed.
Essential Documents and Requirements for UK Travelers
You’ll want to get some of these things ready before you go to Europe. Now one of the key things you need to do is buy good travel insurance. There are health agreements between many of those European countries and the UK. But, anything can happen, accidents or medical issues, even on a short trip. So, it’s best to be safe. If you come from the UK, you wouldn’t need a visa to enter most European countries for trips up to 90 days. Check your passport is valid for at least six months on your return to the UK. It also should include one blank page for stamps and visas at least. Remember to keep one copy (or two if you think of it) of your passport somewhere safe, and other from the original. You should also have copies of other important travel documents such as copies of your flight details (what you’re going to do on holiday), where you’ll be staying, and your travel insurance policy.While in Europe, always bring your passport. Have someone at home with whom to leave a copy of your passport and a copy of your travel plans. If you are headed to your destination of choice, depending on where you go, there may be documents that are required to show upon arrival. You should check with the embassy or consulate for the countries you are visiting.
Packing Essentials for European Weather
If you are planning to visit Europe in peak tourist season, it’s important that you pack essentials for European weather. Also keep in mind different climates in different regions; if you’re going to southern Europe then pack light clothes because the weather is warm; northern Europe on the other hand is more likely to be colder so you’ll need to have layers on you. Some waterproof gear is essential too, even in the wettest months, when it wouldn’t be out of the question for rain to accompany you. If you plan to go to Christmas markets or engage in winter sports, do so with cold weather well in mind. Make sure you have comfortable footwear to explore major attractions, as well as beautiful islands. Add festive clothing factor in the holiday season. Design your packing list according to your destination of choice and environment expected when you visit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Trip
Wishing to travel to Europe is kind of fun. Planning can feel a bit much once you start but… That’s why we are here. If you want to plan a great trip, we’re going to give you a simple step by step guide.The first thing you have to do is decide what you’d like to see and do. Do you want a hectic trip, visiting all the main sights, or a slow boat to nowhere, spending hours at one or two stops? So there isn’t a right or wrong choice. However, knowing what you want will assist you in planning the next move.
Step 1: Setting Your Travel Goals and Budget
However, before you plan your dream trip to Europe you have to sort some things out. Start thinking about what you really want to do; think about how much money you can spend. If you set clear travel goals, you’ll be able to decide how long your trip will be. So you have a solid base on which to plan.Once you know what is most important to your European trip you can begin to set a budget. Find out how much you can save per month, and pick a date to go. This determines how much you ought to save. You can see, also, where you might want to cut back.If you like saving money on European travel, then shoulder season is the time to do it. Fewer crowds and lower flights, hotel prices go in early fall or late spring. The key to saving money is to go during the off season or avoid all of the expensive tourist traps. It enables you to enjoy the best this local culture has to offer.
Step 2: Choosing Your Destinations Wisely
It really is hard with so many places to choose from. That’s why it’s so important to think about what is important to you when deciding on a European trip. Stop wanting and start considering what you actually want. If you feel like learning about history and running around old rubble, think Greece or Italy, during the shoulder season. By doing this, you’ll be able to experience these things that wouldn’t cost as much during peak season.If you want sunny beaches and clear water then southern Europe is the … Travel should be made during the shoulder season so as to avoid the summer crowds and to provide the best chance of good weather. If money is a problem, consider Eastern Europe.In the north there can be the same beauty and charm without price tag attached as the one popular spots in southern Europe have. Instead, consider visiting Poland, Slovakia or Czech Republic for some amazing fairytale castles and some of the best places to sit in a cozy cafe and enjoy a good drink.
Step 3: Booking Flights and Accommodations Early
Once you have decided where you want to go and how long you will stay in each place it is time to book your flights. Regardless of your budget, and how much time you have to be flying, you may need to be wise in choosing airports you are flying in and out of. The sooner you start to look at prices, and the more flexible you are with your travel dates, the better your chances of getting a good price.Flight comparison websites are working to your advantage or you could set alerts for price drops on specific routes. Think buying through the airline’s website can be great as well. As with flights, you should also book in advance your accommodations. Non refundable bookings with many hotels are often great deals and if you know you’re making a trip, you can save money.Instead of just thinking about hotels, think about where you need to hit up next. A hostel or renting an apartment would give you more a real local experience. Don’t forget to add in the cost of food and how you will get to the airport or train station. You should always try and plan a higher budget and spend less, rather than planning for less and not having enough money to finish a journey.
Step 4: Planning Your Itinerary Around Crowds
When planning your itinerary try to find out the peak tourist season in Europe, and try to avoid visiting attractions packed out with tourists. Take advantage of some NLP insights—’shoulder season’ / ‘low season’ to pick less busy times to visit popular places. During peak summer months you may also want to consider visiting major attractions early in the day to avoid crowds. Stay at off the beaten path destination or at a lesser known place to avoid being with the mass crowd. Use NLP terms like fewer crowds and less crowded to plan using less busy hours. Exploring during early fall or later spring promises the best of both weather and few tourists. Strategic planning will help you to maximize your European adventures, even while avoiding hotspots of crowds.
Navigating Europe During Peak Season
Great news: You want to travel to Europe this summer. The worst thing about Europe is that it’s not Europe – it’s everybody; so, get ready for the best things that Europe has to offer, because others will be there too. The idea of crowds shouldn’t keep you away. It’s not the end of the world though – with a little bit of planning and a positive attitude you can still have a good time. Be flexible with your plans. Discussing how visiting popular places at less busy times, to avoid heavy crowd. It’s also a good idea to be prepared to make changes to your plans as required. Perhaps it’s better to skip a place that’s very crowded. Instead, see something else you know less. There are also guided tours to think about.
Tips for Avoiding Overcrowded Spots
During the peak season, you may find yourself shoulders to shoulders with large numbers of tourists, so it’s best to travel during off season if you want the European experience without all the other people. As a result, families with kids may not have this same choice. If you find yourself in this situation, however, there are ways to deal with the crowds. If you want to make a visit, it’s a good idea to do it during the shoulder season. In the case of many places, May and September are going to have nice weather and you’re less likely to see the super crowds that will accompany summertime. Choosing places that did not feature on everyone’s to visit list is also useful when it comes to the European trip, as this will help appreciate fewer crowds. Go early in the season, as early as June, and even in the busy months of July and August there will be fewer crowds and better weather. Or you could consider seeing less frequented sites a bit off the beaten track. All of these things can do that without having the big place all to yourself at least.
Making the Most of Your Visits to Popular Attractions
Want to see everything the best Europe has to offer? Eat everything that the popular pizza reastaurant in the historical Belgrade has to offer. However, how do you ensure you are having the best time, when everyone else is as well?Waking up to sunrise might just be different from your norm. This hour, the place would probably be a little quieter. When you are taking photos, we’re in golden hour, which is the best time of day to be taking photos. Additionally, if you go to those popular places early, you will have more time later to enjoy something when it gets hot or crowded. It’s a win-win! If you can’t wake up early, visit some of the most visited attractions late at night. During peak season, they have extended hours in many places. Europe is a way to explore a new area at night. It’s also a good way to get tickets to a show or a concert and have a nice meal at a local restaurant without the hustle.
Cultural Etiquette and Tips for UK Travelers
Visiting a new destination of choice is likely to be much easier when you know some basic phrases in the local language. Trying to speak with locals in their language respects them. It will also make it easier for your conversations.Understand that nothing is likely to remove communication barriers, however hard you try. And become a pro at charades, and a pro at staying calm when things get messed up. Aren’t these moments and little mix ups all just part of the adventure?
Understanding Local Customs and Traditions
Every country and region, city and village has its local customs and social etiquette. It’s always beneficial to learn about the cultural etiquette of your jungle destination of choice before you go, so you don’t end up offending anyone, or stuck in some crazy awkward moment. For instance, in France it is impolite to begin eating before all at the table have their food. You should also say ‘bonjour’ (‘hello’ in French) when you walk into a shop or restaurant regardless of whether or not you speak French.Remember that these are just the start, not the be all and end all of the various things you’ll need to know. That being said, knowing these small cultural etiquette rules will at least help you to refrain from doing some mistakes. If you don’t have a feel for something, watch how local people act.In addition, wear the right clothes for the situation. But think where you are on that journey; where are you, where will you go. Another is, for example, dress appropriately when you go to religious places. Even some restaurants have dress codes. As a rule of thumb, you should not be wearing clothes which are too revealing or anything that may offend people, right especially in a rural or conservative area.
Communicating with Locals: Language Tips
Getting just a few simple phrases could improve your travel experience. This will make talking to locals much easier. First of all, please try to learn basic greetings and important phrases like please, thank you, excuse me, yes, no. Have no shame to use these language tips with the locals. Even if you make a mistake, they’ll usually appreciate your effort.Carrying a pocket dictionary can be a help and so can a translation on your phone. Using this, you’ll be able to locate words or phrases at the exact moment you need them. You will find lots of restaurants that have English menus, but sometimes it’s best to try new foods!So, when you communicate with the locals, be careful you not forget about your body language. Some cultures find it impolite to look someone directly in the eye. Hand gestures could also mean different things from different countries. When you visit new places, it’s really a lot of fun learning about the local language and culture. Regardless of how small of efforts are, they will always be appreciated.
Transportation Tips During Europe’s Busy Months
So many ways to get around in Europe, it’s a place to see. Train travel is very common. But you can ride the rails going wherever the whim takes you. Whatever you decide, it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially in summer when there is likely to be plenty of demand.If you’re flexible, consider traveling by bus or boat. In many cases, these same options can cost well under the exorbitant rates of a city view, and can offer beautiful views. And they can also bring you to hidden places that those tourists just don’t know about.
Choosing the Best Modes of Transport
When planning your trip in Europe, use your budget, time you’ve got, and final destination to find out what the best modes of transport are to get around. That’s a nice way to travel. Within the big cities they are quick and comfortable. You don’t have to worry about traffic, you can enjoy the views from your seat.If you need some time to think, or if the budget is a bit low, try getting buses. FlixBus is a good choice. The trips take longer than trains and don’t feel as comfy, but they can cost less. If you don’t want to drive but still want beautiful views, try a road trip through southern France or admire the gorgeous sights of northern Europe.Remember too that you should consider traveling in a certain time of year. Driving in southern France is really tough in the summer months, with a lot of traffic and hard to find parking. Driving anywhere in northern Europe can be incredibly dangerous in the winter months, thanks to snow and ice.
Navigating Public Transportation Like a Pro
It’s smart to use public transportation because it can save you money and provide you with an opportunity to experience your destination like a local. Peak season can be tough however; large crowds, many connections, and language differences may prevent you from doing so. The good news is that with a little planning and via these tips you can easily get around European public transport.Before you visit a new city, download the transportation apps for that city and your phone. These apps let you buy tickets which are usually cheaper. They also supply route maps and current schedules. Since it’s easy to plan your trips and keep track of
So you can even walk your journey without wifi.One tip I can give you to navigating public transport, especially in the summer and those busy months, is just to avoid peak times when you can. It’s crowded and hard to get onto a train. If you have to travel on peak days, consider getting yourself a first class ticket so you have some extra room. Be sure to validate your ticket or the conductor will send you a fine. Also remember to have your travel insurance information ready when you travel.
Safety Measures and Healthcare in Europe
Although Europe seems a safe place to visit you should still be vigilant. You have to take steps to protect yourself from theft and scams. Keep your things close. There are a bit of pickpockets but only if you go to busy places.Women traveling alone are wise to not walk by themselves at night, unless you are in an area you are familiar with. Stay in lit areas if you must walk after dark, and tell someone where you are going.
Keeping Safe in Crowded Places
If you get there to Europe you have to take safety measures. When things are busy, especially during peak season, it’s even truer. Wherever there is a crowd, such as tourist spots, markets or public transport, you can bet that pickpockets will take the opportunity. They often work in groups so you better be alert to what’s going on all around.Hold on to your valuables, hidden and close to your body. It’s smart to wear a money belt under your clothes. Don’t flash large sums of cash or wear jewelry of value. Also, carry your bag in front of you and keep your bag zipped if you’re in a big crowd. Always trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe or if something doesn’t seem right, get out of the area now. When travelling, your safety comes first. You should also buy travel insurance before going to your trip. This way, if anything goes wrong you’ll have coverage for medical costs or lost items.
Accessing Healthcare as a Visitor from the UK
Most European countries make it easy for a visitor from the UK to access healthcare. UK travellers with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can receive state healthcare in the same way as the locals. It includes coverage of necessary medical treatment even if the conditions are pre existing. But you might still need to pay towards some of the costs of your treatment.It’s a good idea to have an EHIC, but it won’t be a replacement for full travel insurance. Depending on what treatment you get, you might still end up having to pay out of pocket for a little bit.It is best to check the terms of your EHIC card before you travel. Find out about the healthcare system of the countries you will visit; and take your insurance card. In case of emergency, find the nearest hospital or medical clinic to where you will stay. You can usually look it up on Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website.
Conclusion
So if you do intend to go to Europe in the peak season, you need to be thinking and planning ahead. Find out the integral elements of peak season. Set your travel goals. Reserve your places to stay early. Learn smart ways to avoid crowded spots too. What this did is allow you to enjoy your trip to Europe. Make sure you pack what you need for different weather. Obey local laws when visiting popular places but, above all, be careful. Enjoy the lively history and culture of Europe. In turn, it can help you create great memories during this busy time. Bon voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to avoid crowds in major European cities?
The shoulder seasons are the best time to avoid crowds in major European cities. If you can’t get there early enough, or it’s too late, try to go first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon. There are fewer people around at these times. When you visit peak season, you should plan well!
How far in advance should I book accommodations?
It pays to book accommodations in advance for the great deals. If you happen to travel in peak season or over holiday weekends, this is even more important. Booking last minute may offer good options, but you are better off planning ahead.
Are there benefits to traveling Europe during peak season?
Yes! There are plenty of benefits of traveling Europe on peak season, which outweigh its cons for many people. The major attractions and businesses will all be open. They will also work more hours. Summer means hot weather and sunshine. In addition, there are more tour choices, and transportation choices as well.
What are some must-have items for peak season travel in Europe?
For peak season travel in Europe the following are some important items you may want to keep in mind – a reusable water bottle, comfy walking shoes, adaptors, layers for the changing European weather, and of course don’t forget to buy travel insurance!
How do I handle healthcare emergencies in Europe?
If you are UK travelers and going to Europe for healthcare emergencies, you have to have EHIC card. But you should also find good travel insurance that includes medical expenses and transport back home. Also make sure to learn how to access healthcare where you are going.