Envision this. You hop off the plane, and you are immediately engulfed by the Mediterranean warmth. Finally, your dream vacation has begun. Perhaps you will be unwinding on the verdant Spanish Coastlines. Or embarking on a romantic Italian getaway, for endless days of sun, sea, and shopping. 

But you might leave wishing you’d brought more money, and had more time to soak up Europe’s rich culture.

Why am I writing about Euro Summer?

Frankly, because it is a trend. With nearly half a million Instagram tags featuring scintillating coastlines, pristine beaches, and perfect outfits, it is no wonder that Europe attracts so many keen visitors.

Ironically, I’m experiencing my own Euro Summer right now, as I’m currently staying in Greece. So, is ‘Euro Summer’ worth all of the hype?

Why everyone wants to visit Europe

Europe is renowned for its history, culture, and charm. Plus, European countries are generally safe. And with 44 countries to explore, there is undoubtedly something for everyone. Helping to explain why Europe is the most visited region in the world!

Some Things to Consider

If you want to experience a ‘Euro Summer’, there are some factors to be mindful of. Which will enable you to travel more sustainably and have a much better time!

Instagram vs Reality

If you scroll through Instagram, you are bound to find the trend encapsulated by celebrities and the top influencers. Chances are, many stay in opulent hotels, sport extravagant outfits, and consistently look pristine. In contrast, as I meander around town, I can feel sweat trickling down my skin. And after swimming in the sea, my hair is analogous to a soggy spaniel! 

Of course, influencers would depict perfection. As well as their looks, I doubt you have seen many posts featuring jam-packed tourist resorts. Walking up the Acropolis, I couldn’t get a brilliant photo as there were far too many tourists! Ancient temple ruins coupled with an enchanting sunset are incredibly Instagrammable. But if you add in hundreds of sweaty tourists (including me), the picture becomes far less appealing. Just being honest!

But apart from the obvious, how else is ‘Euro Summer’ being misrepresented?

The real Euro Summer? 

According to Everyday Girl magazine, Europeans use their summer breaks to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Whilst Travel and Leisure Magazine found that Europeans enjoy taking time to relax with friends and family.  Therefore, a strong contrast to lavish holidays coupled with overly packed itineraries.

Is Europe an affordable holiday resort?

According to ‘The Travel Scrapbook blog’, a luxury traveller could easily spend over $250 a day. In contrast, a budget traveller may pay as little as $50 a day. Prices also notably vary per country.

The Problem of Over-Tourism

Some countries in Europe are grappling with the impacts of Over-Tourism. It is essential to be aware of how and where, yet the good news is that you can still have a fantastic ‘Euro Summer’.

Over-Tourism and Western Europe

Research conducted by the European Commission reveals that over-tourism has been caused by ‘decades of emphasis on maximising visitor numbers’, and ‘travel trends’ that allure people into visiting popular destinations. Consequently, locals can often experience overcrowding and higher prices, affecting the cost of living. Although, of course, the causes and impacts vary from place to place.

Potentially, this can spark conflict between locals and tourists. A classic example was when locals in Barcelona sprayed tourists with water pistols! I mean, that is one way to have a bit of fun! Another example was when the ‘main wedding reception’ for Jeff Bezos had to be moved away from the centre of Venice, after protesters carried placards saying ‘save Venice from Bezos’. This said, I think this one might be more about Bezos than about tourists. I wouldn’t particularly want him in my hometown either!

The Hidden Cost of ‘Hidden Gems’

Some European countries are seemingly less well-known and significantly cheaper. When I was in Albania, I certainly noticed the difference in prices, whilst some, but not all, resorts were less crowded. According to travel blog ‘Boots and Sandals Travels‘, Albania has seen a push for tourism. Although they contend that the developments are likely to reap more benefits for wealthy investors compared to locals.

Having listened to a couple of locals when I was there, they argued that tourism in Albania is growing at a faster rate than the country’s capacity to handle it.

How to sustainably enjoy your Euro Summer

Unless being bombarded by overpriced accommodation, activities, and water pistols sounds like fun, here are a few tips for you to have a more sustainable and enjoyable Euro Summer.

Conduct research

A quick online search can help identify which countries are grappling with Over-Tourism. And chances are, if there have been mass protests against over-tourism, it will have been on the news.

Places that want tourists!

An easy tip to avoid contributing to over-tourism is to visit places that are actively seeking tourists. Many areas in Spain want more tourists, as they are enduring high rates of unemployment and depopulation. There are also countries outside of Europe that are demanding more tourists.

The only thing I’d say is be careful. As my recent post about Bali highlighted, sometimes governments enable developments to occur, and tourism can take off before the country has sufficient infrastructure to deal with it. 

Thankfully, there are sustainable companies which enable tourists to travel and give back sustainably. So what could be a better option than to book a sustainable tour in a country that wants tourism?

Ways to practice ‘Sustainable Tourism’ in Europe

It would be too easy to make a whole article on this. But the general guidelines for sustainable tourism still apply, and there are many things you can do to be more sustainable as a tourist. 

Here are some tips that I thought were particularly good and relevant to Europe!

1. Train over plane when possible.

If you wish to explore many places in Europe, why not choose interrailing? Or if you fancy Island hopping in Greece, there are plenty of ferries you can get. Fewer carbon emissions, and no airport carrier stress!

2. Spend more time in one place

There is so much to see and do in one place! It also means less spending on transport, and you might feel more connected to the place before leaving.

3. Save some money by staying in a hostel

Hostels are certainly the sustainable choice! YHA points to research showing that they produce 75% fewer emissions compared to hotels. This is likely to be because hostels promote more sustainable initiatives, including sustainable transport, book exchanges, and supporting non-profits.

In my experience, hostels are also much cheaper. Even if you want a private room!

4. Utilise locally run food outlets and markets

This is pretty easy to do in Europe. Local markets and restaurants are fantastic, and are just as/more affordable than huge chains. Below are some rather badly taken images of an amazing, local shop I came across in Greece!

5. Have fun, but just don’t annoy people

If you still want to tick off ‘bucket list activities’, then go ahead. After all, some really fascinating places are incredibly popular with tourists. But when you are there, just stick to the paths where you are supposed to walk along. And I know it is ‘hot’, but do you really need to wear a bikini in a temple?

And what about a Euro Winter?

One thing I regret about travelling so far is visiting popular places during the peak season. The good news is that you can still see places in the winter. Flights and accommodation will be more affordable. You won’t spend as much time in crowds, and you’re likely to receive better service. I understand that going to a popular seaside resort in Spain may be less appealing in the winter. Yet, there is no reason why any museum or art gallery would be less captivating.

So, what’s the deal with Euro Summer?

Firstly, I really don’t think we should blame tourists for simply choosing to visit somewhere they think they will enjoy. And as Bloomberg argues, often the ramifications of over tourism are down to poor planning, and too few homes being provided for the locals. I would add that over-advertising can encourage more people to visit a place.

Having said that, greater knowledge can lead to better decisions for yourself, locals, and the environment. So whilst the trend may have enticed you in, conducting research should enable you to have your perfect Euro Summer.

One last thing

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