Challenges of traveling to Europe this summer

12-06-24

Summer 2024 in Europe promises to be challenging for travelers due to a combination of record visitor numbers, high prices and a weak dollar. Hotel room shortages and rising ticket prices require strategic planning and adjustments to enjoy a vacation.

The depreciation of the U.S. dollar against European currencies has made spending more expensive for American tourists. In June 2024, the dollar was worth approximately 91-92 euro cents, less than the previous year. This decline affects costs in popular destinations such as Italy, France and the United Kingdom, where a €500 hotel room now costs $543, down from $480 last September.

Hotel prices in major European cities have risen sharply due to high demand. High occupancy drives costs, especially for last-minute bookings. A hotel room that cost $300 last year can now cost $500. Hotel Monitor data predicts significant rate increases in cities such as Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin, with rises between 10% and 11%.

Despite higher ground costs, airfares from the U.S. to Europe are down 16% from 2023. Destinations such as London, Rome, Barcelona, Athens and Paris show declines of between 21% and 38% for summer travel, suggesting that, although destination costs are higher, travel may be more affordable than the previous year.

Record numbers of tourists are expected in Europe this summer, especially in Italy, which recorded 134 million arrivals in 2023. This influx has led to anti-tourism measures, such as day-trip tourist taxes in Venice and protests by residents in Mallorca. Many travelers opt for less crowded destinations and times, preferring May, June and September to avoid crowds and the heat.

Booking in advance is crucial to get better deals. Last-minute planners often face higher costs and limited availability. Travelers planning to go to Europe in the summer should book flights and accommodations as early as possible, or consider traveling in the off-season (spring and fall) to get better prices.

Traveling to Europe this summer involves several challenges due to the weak dollar, high prices and record number of visitors. However, with strategic planning and flexibility, it is still possible to enjoy a European vacation. Consider alternative destinations, book early and stay outside of major urban centers to mitigate these challenges. For those who can wait, fall 2024 or spring 2025 could offer better prices and fewer crowds.