Hi All. Looking for some tips here. We will be travelling in Europe in the summer months (probably July or August), with kids, and was wondering if anyone had some good tips for navigating the crowds. I personally have a high tolerance for heat, but I'm a bit concerned about the crowds. We have to travel in the summer months, as it's the only time the kids are out of school. Most of our time will be in Italy and France, with some time in the U.K. and Belgium. Any tips or "little things" we can do to best minimize the inevitable tourist crowds? Thank you for your time!!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2572 posts
My first recommendation is don’t go in August. Go in June, as soon as school is out. The crowds increase considerably in July. Many shops and restaurants close in August, when they go on vacation.
Next, do your “must-see” sight first thing in the morning. Early in the morning. None of this “sleep in until 10” business. Beat the crowds and the heat. Book tickets in advance when possible to skip the lines.
Start your trip in Italy and work your way north, where it may be cooler. (Probably not if recent years are any indicator). Book accommodations with ac. When everyone gets hot and cranky, stop for gelato on the way back to the air conditioned apartment. Take a break in the heat of the day and head back out in the evening. Dinner starts later (at least in Italy).
Book apartments instead of hotels. It is very hard to find hotels that sleep more than 3 on real beds. It’s nice to have more space, a fridge full of cold drinks, and a washer.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you so much for this!! All this is very helpful. We were debating on July or August, and you just helped with that, so thanks!!
Posted by
496 posts
I understand and share your concern. We are 3 generation family…5 grandkids. (Ages 6-12) Part is a Med cruise with land time and travel at both ends all in July. Most of our time also in Italy. I have made sure our hotels have AC. Tried booking the earliest morning tours. Hoping to get most done in the am. When out and about I sure hope to find shade and cool drinks. Crowds will be very hard to avoid as we will be in highly touristed areas. Like you… the only time to go for us…and Covid pushed us back already. Our grandkids have some interest in museums. Maybe cooler? Gelato hopeful motivation? I am trying to not fret that this is all doable….and to be realistic and very flexible.
Posted by
6 posts
Thanks I hadn't thought of starting south and working north. Maybe we will try that!