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The summer of 2024 is in full swing and visitors from all over the world are flocking to Europe.

In terms of events, it’s been kind of a big year for Europe. This year, the continent has hosted several world events, including the UEFA European Football Championship, the Paris Olympics, the Tour de France and a massive music tour by Taylor Swift. We’ve also seen an increase in tourists to a variety of destinations, from classic popular destinations like Portugal and Italy to lesser-known destinations like Albania.

All of these include huge crowds, high temperatures, increased inflation and recent reports on tourism, and there are a few things you should be aware of if you’re planning a European vacation.

If you’re heading to Europe this summer, here are some tips on what you can do to prepare.

Southern Europe is burning

While we’ve seen plenty of warm weather across Europe, the mercury has peaked in southern Europe.

While the height of Europe’s summer heat wave has passed, many places including the United Kingdom, Italy and France are still seeing temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit and above.

In mid-July, temperatures in Spain soared to 111 degrees. Italy has placed more than 15 cities under high heat warnings. And in Greece and Croatia, the extreme heat has also caused forest fires.

Extreme temperatures seem to have largely spared northern Europe, but this year, the region has experienced more erratic weather and rainfall patterns. UK Met Office. In fact, weather washed out by a massive storm dampened the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. That said, the weather can change quickly, and there are signs that rain may soon give way to a heat wave.

If you’re planning a trip, do your research ahead of time. Planning a trip to the Mediterranean? Carry plenty of sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a portable fan, and loose, breathable clothing. Additionally, plan to do outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day. If you’re heading to Northern Europe, invest in a nice umbrella.

No matter where you go, it’s a good idea to check if your accommodation has air conditioning — not everywhere in Europe does.

COVID-19 is still here, but don’t expect too many masks

While COVID-19 has not disappeared, most people in Europe no longer wear masks. However, the virus is still circulating and has cropped up in some places this summer.

According to Data collected by the World Health OrganizationMany regions have seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases since May.

Compared to 2023 data, the number of COVID-19 cases in Europe has decreased. As of 24 July, there were 17,500 reported cases in the UK, almost double the number reported in May. Incidence in Greece, meanwhile, was more than four times higher than in May (3,200 reported cases), with nearly 15,100 reported cases in July. Portugal has reported 10,100 cases, a big increase from 472 cases in mid-May.

The rise in Covid-19 has likely been fueled by a number of factors, including an increase in summer tourism and several major global events such as the UEFA European Football Championships, the Tour de France and the ongoing Paris Olympics.

Despite the rise in COVID-19 cases, most people aren’t wearing masks — but that doesn’t mean you need to follow the crowd if you’re uncomfortable doing so. Travelers should ensure they are vaccinated and take any precautions they deem appropriate, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces.

It is more busy

Travel to Europe is booming this summer. According to European Travel CommissionForeign arrivals and overnight stays in the first half of 2024 are above 2019 levels.

The tourism boom in Europe is mainly due to increased travel to southern Europe and Mediterranean destinations. The second quarter of the year saw significant tourism growth in Serbia (up 40%), Malta (up 37%), Portugal (up 26%), and previously lesser-known destinations such as Albania (up 86%) and Montenegro (86%). above 31%).

Despite the overall increase in tourism, the number of flights operating in Europe is still slightly below what was seen in 2019. This means that it is better to plan and book European flights as far in advance as possible,

RELATED: Where to go in 2024: 16 best places to travel

Both airports and tourist destinations are bustling, and travelers should be prepared for long lines and increased wait times at security checkpoints and other travel-related services. Get to the airport early and allow extra time to navigate crowded areas if you can.

Your dollar won’t be as stretched as it was a few years ago

During the height of the pandemic, Euro Dropped out of parity With the dollar, creating economic panic. However, with the Euro at historic lows, now is not a bad time to travel to Europe if you want to get the most bang for your buck.

Currently, the euro is on the road to recovery and its value is fluctuating — you won’t find the same deals you could a few years ago. At the time of writing, $1 is worth about 92 euro cents. For perspective, last September marked a five-year high, topping $1 at 1.04 euros.

In the UK, you’ll find the same conversion rate, costing around 78 pence, down from 83 pence last September.

There are still European places you can visit and get better prices. For example, in the Czech Republic, $1 will get you 23.48 koruna; In Turkey, $1 is worth 33.15 lira.

Related: Places Where Your Dollars Will Go More Right Now

However, if you’re heading to a destination where the euro is the currency, expect to shell out more. Combine this with higher interest rates across the continent, and you’ll also find entrance fees to attractions and food prices have also gone up.

Due to the increase in tourism, occupancy rates in European hotels are also very high, especially in luxury properties.

Make sure you budget accordingly if you’re traveling to Europe soon, and you expect to pay a little more than a few years ago.

Some places are resisting over tourism

With its historical sites and beautiful landscapes, Europe has always been a bucket list destination. However, in recent years, over-tourism has been an issue in certain areas.

Charging is not uncommon Travel while visiting many of Europe’s iconic cities. For example, this April, Venice, Italy, began charging visitors to enter the city at certain times of the day to help combat congestion and fund maintenance of the canals.

Related: Which Major Destinations Charge a Tourist Tax (or Plan to Soon)?

Other places like Amsterdam have funded advertising campaigns to discourage the “wrong” types of visitors from coming to the city. Elsewhere, vacation rental property licenses have been tightened as the use of Airbnb increases in popular destinations, affecting local hotel revenues and the availability of affordable housing.

Anti-tourism protests have erupted across Europe in places including the Netherlands, Greece and perhaps most notably Spain – where protesters in Barcelona in July were seen spraying tourists with water pistols.

While we didn’t personally see any backlash during our travels, it’s worth noting that tensions do exist, especially in heavily visited areas. It is important to be conscious and aware while travelling. Be respectful, considerate and engage positively with the local culture. Remember that while you may be on vacation, the locals are not. As always, the best rule of thumb is to be nice, polite and respectful, no matter where you are.

Bottom line

This summer has been a busy and busy season for travel in and within Europe. While travel is much easier than we’ve seen in recent years, travelers should be prepared for higher prices, larger crowds, and higher temperatures.

Navigating your European trip smoothly requires patience and planning. By being informed and prepared, you can enjoy a memorable and hassle-free summer vacation in Europe.