Five Tips for Traveling to Europe This Summer from Someone Who’s Been There

Between fuel shortages and the rollout of EES, traveling to Europe is a little bit different this year. Having already spent over 30 days in 2026 in Europe, in five different countries, here are my five tips for making your 2026 travel more seamless.

Check the Bag - but leave plenty of space to bring back goodies from your travels. My personal favorites are food and wine, as well as skin care.

Pick Your Seats In Advance - planes are packed. As soon as you book, pick your seats. And pack your carryon with purpose.

Plan for Everything to Take Longer - the European Union has a new biometric screenings process Exit/Entry System (EES). I have found the rollout to be a little chaotic, with some airports doing a better job than others. Make sure you don’t have a tight connection in Europe, don’t plan anything for your first day, and when you go home, you really do need to show up three hours in advance. It’s better to sit in an airport lounge than standing in a security line while your plane takes off.

Book the Hotel for the Night Before You Arrive - if you’re taking an overnight flight book your hotel one night early, so that it’s ready when you arrive. You can shower, and yes you can even take a nap. I have personally found that as long as the nap is under an hour and before 2pm it makes me feel refreshed.

Get Your Tax Refund - download the Global Blue app and save your paperwork. You can process your tax refund at the airport (or port if you’re cruising). While the exchange rate isn’t in our favor, some things are still better to buy in Europe and bring home! For inspiration, check out my tips for shopping in Europe.

A Little Bit About Taylor

With all 7 continents, over 40 countries, and countless cruises under her belt, Taylor knows firsthand that the world is waiting for you. She's passionate about helping every woman experience the journey she desires. Let's plan yours.