What you need to know about European travel this summer

European tourism reached new highs last year, with foreign arrivals surpassing 2019 figures, according to the European Travel Commission, with 747 million international travellers visiting the region in that time. Yet while this is welcome news for the tourism industry, some challenges remain for visitors, especially during the summer’s busy peak season, when potential flight delays, high temperatures, new laws and major events could all impact travel. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your European trip this summer goes smoothly.

1. What you need to know about flight disruptions

Increased passenger numbers, staff shortages and strikes meant European air passengers suffered the worst flight delays since 2021 last year. This year, UK alone is expecting delays for 30 million passengers across the UK due to air traffic control delays. Ryanair has also cut flights from its summer schedule across Europe, citing rising aviation taxes as the main reason. If you’re due to fly, visit the airport’s website for the latest information, and check social media for real-time updates from other travellers. Remember that you may be owed compensation if you face disruption, but rules vary, so take out a travel insurance policy as soon as you book flights.

(What should you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled?)

2. Why you should consider travelling by train

Keep your carbon footprint low, avoid airport hassle and see even more of Europe this summer by taking advantage of a whole host of new and expanded routes across the continent. New services include a high-speed route connecting Barcelona to Madrid and Seville, a sleeper train from Brussels to Prague, a coordinated rail route between Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, a relaunched train between Paris and Milan as well as London and Amsterdam, and a luxury sleeper train from Rome to Palermo. Following the success of Germany’s €49 unlimited monthly travel pass in 2023 and France's nationwide rail pass for the same price in 2024, Portugal launched a new €20 unlimited rail pass for residents at the end of last year.

(6 of the best European sleeper trains for 2025.)

3. What to do you if you’re affected by wildfires

Following unprecedented high temperatures, wildfires swept through some of Europe’s most popular tourist spots in 2023, scorching parts of Tenerife, mainland Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. Last year, protective measures were put in place to prevent a repeat of the disaster, with Greece banning all outdoor fires from April and increasing investment in fire detection and water tankers. To ensure you’re protected if the worst happens, arrange travel insurance at the time of booking, then keep an eye on official travel advisories for up-to-date information. If you’re affected by wildfires or any other natural disasters when you’re away, follow the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when instructed, then contact your tour operator or airline for help getting home.

(What to do if you’re caught in a disaster while travelling.)

4. Why you should think about overcrowding

While many destinations welcome a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, others are actively trying to deter visitors. In Barcelona, tour groups have been capped at 20 people, while entrance to Athens’ Acropolis is now limited to 20,000 tourists each day. Dubrovnik has already cut the number of souvenir stands by 80%, while anti-tourism protesters in Spain have vowed to step up their campaign. All are concerned that overcrowding leads to skyrocketing prices for locals and causes environmental damage, with increased plastic pollution, erosion of heritage sites and traffic congestion. Consider less-visited destinations instead, swapping Santorini for Folegandros an hour’s ferry ride away, Dubrovnik for Šibenik with its medieval centre and fortress, or Barcelona for the Spanish seaside city of Valencia.

(What’s the problem with overtourism?)

5. How to deal with heatwaves

2024 was the hottest year on record globally, while March this year set all-time heat records in Europe, sparking warnings of harsher heatwaves this summer. The Mediterranean was the worst area affected last year, with temperatures soaring above 40°C across Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. Consider travelling outside the hottest months, between July and September, or visiting destinations further north such as Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania or Ireland which should escape the most intense heat. If temperatures do climb, wear high-factor SPF, avoid being outside in the middle of the day and wear light-coloured clothes made from breathable materials. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water, and keep a close eye on vulnerable people, including young children and the elderly.

6. How to avoid being caught out by local laws and taxes

Do your research before travelling to make sure you don’t fall foul of new laws. A €5 tax for day-trippers was introduced in Venice in April last year. It can be paid online in advance, and those staying overnight are exempt but do still need to register. A second tourist tax of €1 to €5 per night is already applicable to overnight stays and should be paid at your hotel. Be aware that some Airbnbs ask that this is paid in cash.

There's a range of new rules in Spain to be aware of. Several regions have implemented new restrictions on short-term rentals while pub crawls have been banned from 1 June in Barcelona's historic Eixample district. In the Balearics, alcohol consumption has been restricted since May 2024 while a new tourist driving ban is set to come into force in the Mallorcan town of Soller.

(What is tourist tax and will you have to pay it in Europe this summer?)