While I certainly prefer to travel during the low season because I can save some money, summer travel is something which most, if not all, Europeans do. And we are no strangers to that.

1. DO plan short escapes close to home

A weekend camping or going to thermal baths won’t burn holes in your budget and is a good way to relax. Hiking day-trips are also welcomed.

2. DON’T plan city breaks, especially in very popular cities

Rome and Athens are scorching hot during summer. It’s best to choose mid-September to mid-November for such vacations. Likewise, Paris, London, Budapest and Vienna will we filled with tourists ignoring the advice to not plan city breaks during summer.

3. DO choose the mountains

While the temperatures can be high during the day, they go down at night, allowing for restful sleep. Not to mention, summers in the mountains means you can camp and hike.

4. DO pack sunscreen regardless of where you travel

…or resolve to buy the second you touch down. The sun is hot and burning all over and especially the higher up you go and the more you go towards Southern Europe.

5. DO book in advance

If you fly low-cost, 4 to 6 weeks are enough to still find good deals. Plus, EasyJet and WizzAir usually have promotions so you can save even more. As for accommodation, hostebookers.com is very good at offering discounts and so is booking.com.

The more popular the place you want to visit, the further in advance you’d want to book a room in order to still find a affordable ones.

6. DO ask the locals and DON’T trust travel guides 100%

They go hand in hand , sorry. While travel guides are good at general stuff, when it comes to off-the-beaten path advice or finding truly hidden gems , always ask a local.

7. DO learn some phrases in the local language and DON’T expect everyone to speak English

Don’t assume that everyone speaks English in a country where English is not first language. They *might* but they don’t *have to*. Start by asking if they do speak English. And it’s always a brilliant idea to know some phrases in the local language (Hello/Good Bye; where is..?; how can I get to..?; the bill).