50 Do’s & Don’ts for Your Most Iconic European Summer
Not just travel tips, but perspective — and the little nuances you only learn once you’re there. This is everything I wish I knew before my first European summer.
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A European summer is always a good idea. The energy, the aesthetic, the effortless days that blur together in the best way—beach club afternoons, wandering around medieval villages, and spritz-soaked sunsets that seem to last forever. But nothing kills the vibe faster than heat exhaustion, boat nausea, or packing your itinerary so tightly that you miss the whole point. Rushing through Europe goes against the rhythm of the culture, and it will leave you feeling more drained than inspired.
While some of these tips might feel like common sense, they’re surprisingly overlooked (especially when visiting from America). Even though Europe is a continent made up of many countries, you’ll find that many of the cultural norms are similar, allowing these do’s and don’ts to serve as your essential roadmap for making the most of your European summer, wherever your adventures take you.
Without further ado, below are my practical tips (and slightly controversial opinions) to help you move through Europe effortlessly, dress like you belong, avoid the tourist traps, and bring the same energy home with you. This isn’t just about packing smarter or skipping the line at the Louvre. It’s about planning a summer you’ll still be romanticizing in November, and learning how to bring a little of that magic into your everyday life.
Travel Savvy + Tech Essentials
Do choose a travel adapter with USB-C ports and Type C (Europlug) compatibility. If you’re visiting several countries in Europe, bring a universal adapter with Types C, E, F (and G for the UK).
Don’t forget that voltage matters. Most European countries use 220V. Be sure to check that your hair tools are dual voltage or leave them at home.
Do pack a slim portable charger for long days exploring. Outlets aren’t always convenient, and your phone will drain faster than you expect.
Do order euros from your bank ahead of time or use fee-free ATMs once you’re in Europe. Airport currency exchange counters often charge high fees (sometimes 14–15%), so it’s best to avoid them. If you need cash after landing, withdraw from a local ATM using a debit card that waives foreign transaction and ATM fees.
Don’t bring only American Express cards on your trip. While the hotels and fine dining restaurants usually accept American Express, most of the small boutiques, trattorias and grocery marts do not. Be sure to bring a Visa or Mastercard with you too.
Do carry a small coin purse. In many European cities, public restrooms (especially in train stations and popular sightseeing areas) often charge a small fee. Having change on hand ensures you’re never caught off guard.
Getting Around + Transportation
Do preload offline maps in Google Maps before your trip. Open the app while you have Wi-Fi, search your destination, tap your profile icon > Offline maps > Select your own map, adjust the area, then tap Download. You’ll be able to navigate and get directions even without service.
Do consider using Daytrip for private transfers between cities if you want a seamless, stress-free way to travel while seeing more of the countryside along the way.
Do validate train tickets before boarding regional trains. Or, buy them in advance so that all you have to do is show your QR code to the operator.
Don’t assume Uber is available everywhere. While it works in cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome, many smaller towns and coastal regions don’t have rideshares. Research in advance or prepare to use local taxis or car services.
Do check FerryHopper for up-to-date ferry schedules, and once you've booked your ticket, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early. During the busy summer months, boarding lines can be long, and if the ferry reaches capacity, you risk missing your departure.
Don’t assume a short distance means a short trip. In Positano for example, a 6-mile journey can take 45 minutes with the busy summer traffic. Always check actual travel time, and not just the map.
The remaining 38 tips (plus a few slightly controversial opinions) cover everything you won’t find on social media—this is no-gatekeeping, first-hand advice for your most iconic European summer. From packing smart and staying polished in the heat to navigating ferries, avoiding tourist traps, and picking up on the cultural nuances no one talks about, these insights are rooted in real experience.
This list also includes the mindset shifts and ideas for romanticizing your everyday life with touches of your European summer—so it doesn’t just stay in your memories, it becomes part of how you live.