Here's How I Plan My Summer Vacations (Tips & Hacks Included)
Ah, summer vacations—the magical time of year where you dream of sipping cocktails on a beach or wandering through ancient ruins. But before you can blissfully kick back, there’s the small matter of actually planning the trip. Between picking the perfect destination and figuring out how many outfits are “just enough” (spoiler: it’s always too many), it can feel a bit overwhelming.
Over the years, though, I’ve figured out some tricks to make the process a whole lot smoother. So grab your notepad (or, you know, your mental to-do list), and here are my tried-and-true tips for planning an unforgettable summer getaway.
1. Pick the Right Destination for the Season (Because Not All Hot Spots Are Hot)
Choosing your destination is like picking the right ice cream flavor—there are so many good ones, but not all will hit the spot for your taste. Love those sizzling summer days? Head to Greece
or Italy for all the sun your vitamin D-starved self can handle. But if you’re like me and prefer to explore without melting into a puddle, consider the cooler beauty of Slovenia’s Lake Bled or the windswept Faroe Islands. Bonus: fewer tourists, more space to breathe.
2. Pack for the Weather (Because Europe Loves a Climate Curveball)
Packing can be tricky, especially if your destination’s weather is as moody as, well, you on a Monday morning without coffee. Hot places like Spain or Turkey? You’ll want breathable clothes, like linen and cotton, to avoid roasting alive. And here’s my secret weapon for tropical nights: cooling pajamas. Because sweating in your sleep? No, thank you.
On the flip side, for cooler destinations—looking at you, Iceland—layer up! Bring lightweight sweaters and thermal PJs for those unexpectedly chilly nights in the mountains. I’ve learned the hard way that “summer” means something very different in the Swiss Alps.
3. Book Accommodations Early (Because No One Wants to Sleep in the Car)
Summer means one thing: everyone and their neighbor’s cat is on vacation. So, unless you enjoy scouring for last-minute lodging at 2 a.m. (been there, no fun), book your accommodations early. Even the hidden gems, like Mostar in Bosnia or Civita di Bagnoregio in Italy, fill up fast. And nothing kills your vibe faster than finding out the perfect Airbnb is already taken by someone who planned ahead. Be that someone!
4. Plan Transportation Wisely (Because You Don’t Want to Be the Tourist Running for the Train)
Summer in Europe means crowded trains and buses—think sardines in a can, but sweatier. If you want to avoid feeling like a character in a crowded commuter nightmare, book your tickets in advance. Eastern Europe, in particular, has some incredible train routes (Bratislava, anyone?), and it’s far less chaotic than trying to hop on last minute. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, rent a car. You’ll thank yourself when you’re cruising the remote beaches of Corsica or the lush hills of the Azores without a care in the world—except maybe which playlist to blast.
5. Pack Smart for Day Trips (Because Your Shoulders Will Hate You Otherwise)
Day trips are a summer staple, but if you’re like me and tend to overpack “just in case,” your shoulders will start protesting by noon. Keep it simple. A durable, lightweight daypack that fits your essentials—water, snacks, sunscreen, and maybe a cheeky little flask for...hydration—is a must. When hiking the Dolomites or wandering through Slovenia’s Triglav National Park, you’ll appreciate packing light when you realize that 4-hour hike is really more like 6.
6. Look for Local Festivals (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Party?)
Europe in summer? It’s festival heaven. From flower-filled parades to medieval jousts, there’s something for everyone. Check out smaller, lesser-known festivals for a real local experience. The Lavender Festival in Provence smells as good as it sounds, and Umbria’s Giostra della Quintana feels like stepping back in time—minus the plague, of course. Plus, these smaller events mean fewer selfie sticks poking you in the face while you enjoy the fun.
7. Stay Flexible (Because Some of the Best Memories Are Unplanned)
Here's the thing: the best travel moments often happen when you least expect them. Leave some wiggle room in your itinerary. Maybe you’ll stumble across a hidden beach along the Amalfi Coast or find a café in Porto where the coffee is life-changing (yes, it exists, and no, I’m not sharing the location—it’s my spot now). So, keep your plans loose, and let spontaneity be your tour guide every now and then.
8. Get Travel Insurance (Because Stuff Happens, and You Don’t Want to Panic)
Look, I’m not saying you’re going to accidentally fall off a cliff while hiking in Madeira or get caught in a sudden storm while cave-exploring in Slovakia, but… it’s good to be prepared. Travel insurance gives you that peace of mind that, should something go sideways, you won’t have to sell a kidney to cover emergency costs. Better safe than sorry, right?
9. Mix Popular and Hidden Destinations (Because Balance is Key)
It’s all about balance, people. Sure, spend a couple of days in Paris or Rome—who can resist? But pair those iconic spots with hidden gems. Like, after you’ve finished snapping a million photos at the Eiffel Tower, escape to Colmar in the Alsace region for a fairy-tale village vibe that feels untouched by time. It’s like Europe is two vacations in one—touristy hot spots and secret treasures, all in a single trip.
10. Always Have a Backup Plan (Because Murphy’s Law is Real)
Rain happens. Or, in my case, a random summer cold front that turned a beach day into a shivering mess. Always pack some indoor entertainment, like a good book or a couple of downloaded movies, for those unexpected bad-weather days. That way, when your day of cliffside hiking in Santorini turns into a day of hiding from the rain, you’ll still have something to enjoy—preferably wrapped in those aforementioned thermal PJs.
Final Thoughts
Planning a summer vacation doesn’t have to make you pull your hair out. By being smart about your destination, packing wisely, and leaving room for some surprises along the way, you’re setting yourself up for an epic adventure. And remember, sometimes it’s the lesser-known places that give you the best stories—because nothing beats the joy of discovering a hidden gem that wasn’t on the itinerary.
