From wandering down the steps of the Colosseum to sipping on a beachside cocktail in Dubrovnik, Europe has something for every traveller. According to Eurostat, the estimated number of nights spent at tourist accommodations in the EU reached 2.99 billion, a 2% increase from the previous year. And with more Australians getting bit with the Europe travel bug, this number is expected to rise even further in 2025.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe in 2025, there are a few things you need to get on top of before you can pack your bags. In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips and must-knows, share the best time to travel to Europe in 2025 and more.
Finding the “best” time to travel to Europe in 2025 isn’t as easy an answer as you think. It depends on what countries you want to visit and the types of activities you want to get up to. For instance, if you’re craving the European sun and want to tick off as many beaches as possible, June through August is your best bet. On the other hand, if hitting the slopes is more your jam, November through March is prime skiing time.
Let’s break it down:
High season (the peak) — Every seasoned traveller knows that Europe tends to be the busiest during June, July and August, as this is when summer kicks off. This also means prices tend to be the highest, so ensure you get in as early as possible to snag the best deal on flights, accommodation and activities.
Low season — November to March is Europe’s low season, which often sees fewer tourists and lower travel prices. Many travellers opt to explore Europe during these periods to experience snow-dusted landscapes and holiday-themed attractions.
Shoulder season — Think of shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October) as Europe’s “sweet spot”. During these months, the weather tends to be more neutral and attracts small to medium crowds. For many travellers, this is a good time to travel to Europe, as there’s still promising weather and heaps to explore.
packing essentials for europe - what you need to know
If it’s your first time travelling to Europe, knowing what should and shouldn’t make it into your suitcase is essential. The last thing you want is to overpack with items you don’t need or use! To keep your packing organised, check out our Europe must-haves below:
Proper walking shoes — One thing about Europe? You will be doing a lot of walking. So, do yourself a favour and pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Between rough cobblestone roads and long afternoons spent on your feet, you’ll thank yourself later.
Universal travel adapters — As much as we don’t want to admit it, we all rely on our devices a little too much, especially when it comes to getting around in Europe. From navigation to ordering Ubers and replying to messages from loved ones back home, no one wants to be left with a dead smartphone. European countries have different types of sockets, so keep things simple by investing in a universal travel adapter.
Physical copies of travel documents — It’s always best to have a “just in case” mentality when visiting a foreign country. As part of your to-do list, make copies of all travel documents, including your passport, licence, planned itinerary, hotel confirmations and more. This can save you from major headaches if any of these items go missing or you can no longer access them through your smartphone.
Travel insurance — While this item can’t exactly be “packed”, it’s still a must for any European adventure. No matter how well-planned your trip is, not everything always goes according to plan. From flight delays to lost luggage or even a medical emergency, these unforeseen mishaps can be a major financial burden. Europe travel insurance is your financial safety net, allowing you to enjoy your getaway stress-free.
Choose your level of cover for your upcoming European holiday with 1Cover. Our Europe travel insurance gives you the peace of mind you need, whether you’re taking a cruise across Spain or doing a round-trip across Croatia. Compare our Europe travel insurance options and get a quick quote today.
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