The Secret That Makes European Vacations 10x Better

Hope you all had a great Fourth of July for those who celebrated! I did, and I was able to get a beach day in this weekend too, which made me super happy.

Summer is now in full swing, and everyone's making the most of it, with many people heading off on vacation.

Today, I'll share one of the biggest mistakes travelers make, even those with lots of experience. If you've made this mistake like I have, keep it in mind when planning your travels for next summer.

Let's dive in.

If there's one mistake I see many travelers make, even experienced ones, it's going to Europe in the summer. I understand the appeal - summer vacation means kids are out of school, so it's a chance for family bonding. Plus, summer has more daylight hours and is traditionally associated with vacations.

However, when I chatted with some Germans the other day, they wondered why Americans specifically choose summer for European travel. They said it's actually the worst time! Let me break down why going to Europe during summer isn't ideal.

First is the weather. It's uncomfortably hot, similar to New York in summer. In places like Spain, it's even worse. When you're traveling, you'll do lots of walking—imagine how those vacation photos look when you're dripping with sweat! This heat makes sightseeing unbearable and can make everyone irritable. Please note: not all European countries have air conditioning as part of their culture.

The second reason is the tourists. Everyone travels to Europe during summer, making popular sites crowded and uncomfortable. That means hours of waiting in lines - and waiting in heat is definitely not fun. It's a double whammy!

Which leads to my third point: prices are expensive. A summer flight to Europe can easily cost over $1,000. For that amount, I can take two or three trips during other seasons! It's simple supply and demand - when everyone wants to visit at the same time, prices go up.

So when you combine expensive prices, high temperatures, and crowds, summer in Europe doesn't sound so enjoyable after all. 

Instead, try traveling in fall or spring. The temperatures are more pleasant and the prices are much cheaper. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

For those who’ve been to Europe multiple times, which season did you enjoy the most — and why?

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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