What you need to know about European travel this summer

2025 was a record year for European tourism. According to the Tourism and Society Think Tank, the continent attracted 793 million international visitors last year, drawn to the region’s big-name cities, beaches, historical sites and natural attractions. With similar numbers expected this summer, concern is now growing about how potential issues such as flight cancellations, new border controls and jet fuel shortages might affect travel over the busy peak season. Here’s all you need to know to make sure your European trip is hassle-free.

1. What you need to know about flight disruptions

A staggering 2.6 billion people travelled through European airports last year and while air travel may be booming, it’s not all good news for passengers. Eurocontrol says 30% of aeroplanes took off late last year, with Lisbon, Zurich and Nice named the worst for delayed departures. Bad weather, air traffic congestion and staff shortages could all cause further disruption over summer, with strikes already affecting travel in Brussels and some Italian airports in May. Those flying long-haul to Europe may have already had plans affected by the closure of airspace in the Middle East. Check for strike dates before booking, visit the airport’s website for the latest information and watch for real-time social media updates from other travellers. Airlines are often obliged to offer compensation if there’s disruption, but conditions vary so it’s essential to take out a travel insurance policy as soon as you book flights.

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

2. What you need to know about aviation fuel shortages

The price of aviation fuel has already risen since the start of the Middle East conflict and there are now fears of a shortage this summer if the situation continues. Two million airline seats have already been cut from schedules, including those on Turkish Airlines, KLM and United Airlines. German carrier Lufthansa has also cancelled 20,000 short-haul flights up until October, while budget US airline Spirit has shut down operations entirely, blaming the rise in fuel prices. Although UK airlines are yet to be affected, new rules from the government will allow airlines to cancel flights up to two weeks in advance, without losing valuable airport slots. This may mean quieter flights could be axed completely or schedules consolidated to fly one full plane instead of two half-empty ones on busier routes. If you’re planning on travelling this summer, it’s a good idea to buy air tickets sooner rather than later, particularly if flying long-haul, following United Airlines’ announcement that prices will increase by 15% to 20% to offset the rising cost of jet fuel. Virgin Atlantic has also added a fuel surcharge and warned prices could rise further.

3. 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 for 2026 include sleeper trains from Paris to Berlin and Brussels to Prague, with services from Brussels to Milan due in September. Czech Railways has launched two daily services between Prague and Hamburg and onwards to Copenhagen; a new highspeed line in Austria has cut travel times around the country; and a direct route is now operating between Zurich and Rimini. If you live in Spain, you can also take advantage of the recently launched €60 (£52) unlimited monthly public transport pass for residents.

(7 of the best European sleeper trains for 2026.)

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

Last year, Europe experienced its worst wildfire season yet, with around 2.5 million acres burned. Wildfires swept through some of the continent's most popular tourist spots, scorching parts of Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Turkey and Italy. In March, the European Commission launched a plan to prevent and respond to wildfires, including improving early warning systems and increasing the fleet of firefighting planes. 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.)

5. Why you should think about overcrowding

Some places are trying to make tourists think twice about visiting this year. All are concerned that overcrowding leads to skyrocketing prices for locals and can cause environmental damage, with increased plastic pollution, erosion of heritage sites and traffic congestion. This year, Tenerife has introduced a new tax of up to €25 (£22) to hike popular trails in Teide National Park; Barcelona is doubling its tourist tax for overnight stays; and Norway has approved plans to introduce a 3% tax on overnight accommodation from this summer. Consider less-visited destinations when making travel plans instead: for a quieter Greek island break, try Folegandros; visit Šibenik in Croatia for its medieval centre and fortress or head to the Spanish seaside city of Valencia for calmer stretches of coast.

(What’s the problem with overtourism?)

6. How to deal with heatwaves

Almost all of Europe saw above-average heat in 2025, making it officially the world’s fastest-warming continent, with overall sea surface temperature in the region also reaching a record high last year. Temperatures rocketed across Europe with Lisbon recording an all-time high of 46.6C. To avoid intense heat, try travelling outside the hottest months, between July and September, or visiting cooler destinations further north such as Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania or Ireland. 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, drink plenty of water and keep a close eye on vulnerable people, including young children and the elderly.

7. 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. Venice has increased the number of days when travellers have to pay its €5 (£4.30) daily ‘access fee’ — the price doubles if paid less than four days before you arrive, making last-minute day trips more expensive. Those staying overnight are exempt but do still need to register to gain an exemption QR code. A second tourist tax of €1 (90p) to €5 (£4.30) 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. Rules are changing at some attractions, too. Entrance tickets costing €2 (£1.75) are now required for non-residents to access the lower basin area of Rome’s Trevi Fountain; a €12 (£10.40) fee applies to visit Verona’s so-called Juliet’s Balcony; while the Louvre in Paris has upped the ticket price for non-EU citizens from €22 (£19) to €32 (£27.70).

8. What you need to know about the EES System

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) has caused chaos in some airports since it became fully operational in April. The automated system requires people from third-party nations including the UK and US to register fingerprints and a facial image before entering the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries. US citizens are also amongst those who require a pre-approved £20 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. While some countries, including Greece, Portugal and Italy, have eased checks for UK visitors over summer, delays should still be expected elsewhere, including when travelling on Eurostar. Arrive with plenty of time for check in, double check transfer times when abroad and have documents ready, including proof of accommodation, to speed up the process.