Handy Hints for Planning a Summer in Europe

Handy Hints for Planning a Summer in Europe

The European summer – it’s a classic holiday opportunity the world over. Australians dream of it, with many of us flocking over to the beaches of France, the coastline of Italy, or the mountains of Sicily for some much-needed rest and relaxation (and to chase the summer sun all year round).

However, planning a European summer trip can be pretty daunting. When travelling such a long way, you want to make sure you’re making the right choices in terms of where you’re going and how you’re choosing to travel.

Where should I go for my summer holiday?

Europe is a smorgasbord of cultural experiences, and when choosing where to go it’s important to think about what your specific interests are. Do you feel like relaxing on the beach with your family? Or are you a history and culture buff on the look-out for fascinating places to discover?

We’ve picked some of our favourite European destinations for this summer.

France

France is the world’s hub for romance, amazing food and world-class art. One day you could be travelling in the countryside taking in the breathtaking scenery and experiencing true French culture. The next, you could be finding the hidden gems of the south of France, or you could be exploring the iconic landmarks of the cities. France really is the perfect blend of natural beauty and sophisticated urban living.

For foodies, France comes in high on the recommendation list for European holiday destinations. Villages often have farmers markets on the weekends (it doesn’t get more chic than that), towns have streets lined with traditional patisseries, and Paris is home to Michelin-starred restaurants. Whatever your taste, there’s an opportunity to sample it all in beautiful France.

Italy

Whether you’re in the north or the south, it quickly becomes very obvious why Italy has the nickname ‘Bel Paese’, or ‘the beautiful country’. With its diverse landscapes, from the glacial lakes of the Alps in the north, to the stunning beaches and volcanic craters of the south, Italy really does have something for everyone.

The people in Italy are full of passion and life, so be sure to try and mingle with the locals as much as you can. Your days in Italy can be filled with majestic art, the finest coffee in the world, amazing architecture and fantastic style, all while enjoying pizza, pasta, and even a stunning coastal view.

Germany

Germany is a favoured holiday destination for history buffs across the world. If you’re into learning about the past, there are numerous sites throughout Germany that allow you to dive deep into history and truly experience a time other than your own.

Germany’s half-timbered villages look like they’re out of a storybook, with the Black Forest and the villages surrounding it making you feel like you’re in a traditional fairytale. Combine this beauty with cutting-edge modern cities that have everything you might need on holidays, and Germany really does cater for all.

Portugal

Portugal is a truly beautiful country that is full of life, music and history. Famous for its street festivals, where locals spill out onto the streets to share their love of drink, food and dancing in celebration of the saints, Portugal is a paradise for those seeking a European summer.

Still retaining its old-world charm, you can explore the pristine coastline, as well as shopping up a storm in the towns. Head inland to experience the stunning grey peaks of the Portuguese mountain ranges, or tour the rolling hills of the fertile farmland.

Which travel style best suits you?

As well as thinking about where you’d like to go on your European summer getaway, you also need to think about HOW you’d like to travel once there! There are many different ways to travel, with each travel style providing unique pros and cons, but (unsurprisingly) our favourite is on an escorted coach tour.

Benefits of choosing an escorted coach tour

Travelling with Albatross Tours is an amazing way to take the hassle out of planning your travel journey, as well as giving you the opportunity to make plenty of new friends. You can enjoy exquisite meals together, explore amazing sites, and share brilliant experiences together – a surefire way to turn strangers into lifelong friends! Our tours include all of the accommodation and majority of the food requirements for your holiday, so you can rest easy with the knowledge that you’ll be well taken care of.

Our tours also give you the opportunity to take tried and tested routes that you know are going to include the best of what each country has to offer. Tours are a great option for those travelling solo, or those who want to see all the sites of a region without worrying how to get from one place to another – you can just sit back and let us take care of all the details for you.

And you still get self-guided experiences

While you’re on an Albatross Tour, one of the key benefits you’ll receive that you may not receive with other tour companies is longer stays in locations that have a number of attractions for you to see. By staying 2, 3, 4 and even 5 nights in most places, you have plenty of opportunity to go on self-guided experiences or to simply relax in a local cafe to soak up the atmosphere.

This gives you the best of both worlds: a structured tour that takes care of all the little details for you, and the flexibility to organise your own adventures when time permits.

Tips and tricks for a stress-free European summer

Heading to Europe for the summer adventure of a lifetime is exciting, and it doesn’t have to be stressful! Follow these tips for a hassle-free travel experience.

• Get travel insurance - This is an absolutely crucial step, as travel insurance will protect you from any unforeseen events or financial loss from scenarios like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage and personal liability.
• Be the early bird - It may sound obvious, but making sure that you get to the airport at the right time (and on the right day!) will save you a world of hurt. Try to arrive at least three hours before your international flight departs to give yourself time to get through security and remain relaxed.
• Make sure you’ve got any required medication - Make an appointment with your doctor six weeks out from your trip to have a general health check up and make sure that you have enough medication and prescriptions to last the entire duration of your time away. It’s also a good idea to get a letter from your doctor stating what your medication is, how much you’ll be taking with you and that it’s for your own personal use.

Explore Europe in summer with Albatross Tours

Book your next adventure in Europe with Albatross Tours today - our summer tours are an unmissable experience for every Australian. Receive our FREE Europe and UK Summer brochure when you fill out this form.