2023 Summer Travel to Europe (2024)

Summary:

  • Airfare to Europe this summer is averaging nearly $1,200 per ticket, the highest prices seen in the last 6 years.

  • European hotels are averaging $205 per night, up 37% from this time last year. Prices in some top cities have risen even more compared to last summer, including Rome (+63%) and Madrid (+41%).

  • Since late April, demand to Europe has outpaced 2019 growth rates by as much as 20% as Americans have planned and booked their summer vacations.

  • Travelers headed to Europe are booking trips to major bucket list cities like London, Paris and Rome.

Airfare Prices

Europe is the #1 destination region for international US travelers, capturing more than ⅓ of all international searches from the US for summer 2023! Airfare to Europe this summer is averaging nearly $1,200 per ticket, the highest prices seen in the last 6 years. Airfare is averaging 12% higher than last summer, and 23% higher (+$220 per ticket) than in summer 2019. Despite higher prices, demand for travel to Europe remains high.

2023 Summer Travel to Europe (1)

Since late April, demand to Europe has outpaced 2019 growth rates by as much as 20% as Americans have planned and booked their summer vacations. Historical and current demand rates are converging once again as we approach the peak of summer searches in mid June.

Travelers headed to Europe are booking trips to major bucket list cities like London, Paris and Rome. The most booked destinations in Europe also include destinations in Spain, Portugal and Greece, offering warm weather and long sunny days this summer.

Though most travelers are headed to the typical bucket list destinations in Europe, we’ve rounded up the top destinations off the beaten path that are trending this summer. Trips to Northern Ireland and Montenegro are increasing in popularity this year relative to previous summers. As a result of the hugely popular HBO series the White Lotus, Palermo, a city on the island of Sicily, is one of the top trending destinations off the beaten path in Europe.

2023 Summer Travel to Europe (2)

Busiest Airports in Europe Summer 2023

Airports across Europe are expected to be packed with American tourists this summer with the largest among them expected to see crowds over peak weekends. London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol and Frankfurt airports are expected to be the 3 busiest airports for passenger flights this summer. All three airports are currently seeing more than 30% of flights delayed on departure already, with some of the busiest weekends of the season ahead.

2023 Summer Travel to Europe (3)

Vacationers who plan to arrive, depart or connect through any of these airports should plan ahead for some extra time this summer as delays and long lines are expected.

Accommodations

American travelers headed across Europe will be looking for accommodations while on their trips, and are likely to feel some sticker shock compared to last summer. European hotels are averaging $205 per night, up 37% from this time last year. Prices in some top cities have risen even more compared to last summer, including Rome (+63%) and Madrid (+41%).

2023 Summer Travel to Europe (4)

Hopper users are booking stays in top cities like London, Paris and Barcelona for early summer getaways. Destinations off the beaten path like Manchester and Birmingham have also topped the rankings. Travelers booking European hotels are staying a little longer this summer, with most stays close to 2 nights, compared to 1.7 nights on average last summer. Though prices are higher this summer, travelers continue to book more last minute. Hopper bookers are reserving their stays 7-8 weeks in advance compared to 9-10 weeks in advance last year.

2023 Summer Travel to Europe (5)

How to get a deal to Europe?

2023 Summer Travel to Europe (6)

Deals Hopper users scored to Europe under $500

Though prices to Europe this year are high, many Hopper users scored incredible deals by planning ahead and booking at the right time. Hopper customers are headed to Iceland, Portugal, France and Greece for under $400 per ticket this summer season, saving as much as 70% off current prices.

2023 Summer Travel to Europe (7)

Last minute deals to Europe still available to book

Still eyeing a trip to Europe for this summer or fall? You’re in luck! Hopper is running a sale June 13-15th with exclusive deals to top European destinations.

  • Athens, Greece - as low as $772 round-trip (additional $100 off flights & 30% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

  • Madrid, Spain - as low as $703 round-trip (additional $100 off flights & 30% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

  • Prague, Czech Republic - as low as $916 round-trip (additional $100 off flights & 30% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

  • Copenhagen, Denmark - as low as $880 round-trip (additional $60 off flights & 25% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

  • Berlin, Germany - as low as $675 round-trip (additional $60 off flights & 25% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

  • Munich, Germany - as low as $974 round-trip (additional $100 off flights & 25% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

  • London, United Kingdom - as low as $639 round-trip (additional $50 off flights & 25% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands - as low as $883 round-trip (additional $50 off flights & 25% off hotels during Hopper’s June Summer Sale)

2023 Summer Travel to Europe (2024)

FAQs

What are the new rules for travel to Europe 2023? ›

In mid-to-late 2023, U.S. citizens and nationals of over 60 other countries will need an electronic travel authorization to visit much of Europe. Travelers to any Schengen-zone country will have to register with a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Will you be charged to visit Europe from 2023? ›

The travel authorization requirement — which carries a nonrefundable fee of 7 euros a person, or about $7.40 at current exchange rates — has already been delayed many times. It was initially meant to take effect in 2021, then 2023 and 2024 — and now 2025.

Where to go this summer 2023 Europe? ›

Best places to travel in Europe
  • Warsaw, Poland. ...
  • Athens, Greece. ...
  • Maribor, Slovenia. ...
  • Vienna, Austria. ...
  • Cittadella, Italy. ...
  • Essen, Germany. ...
  • Veszprém, Hungary. ...
  • London, UK.

What is the best season to visit Europe 2023? ›

Best Time to Visit Europe by Season
  • Off-Peak Season (Winter in Europe) November - March.
  • Shoulder Season (Spring in Europe) April - mid-June.
  • Peak Season (Summer in Europe) mid-June - August.
  • Shoulder Season (Fall in Europe) September - October.

What is the new step for travelers to Europe? ›

Starting in "mid-2025," Americans will need one more document to enter countries in the European Union. To visit, you'll have to apply for approval under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Do you need a Covid test to enter Europe? ›

Do you need to be vaccinated to enter Europe? No. At the time of this writing, all European countries require no form of vaccination or COVID testing to gain entry.

Do Americans have to pay to enter Europe? ›

Americans won't have to pay Europe's new entrance fee until 2025. The European Union has pushed back its new "ETIAS" travel authorization to 2025. The new rules will require US travelers to pay a $7.50 fee and fill out an entrance form.

How much does it cost to travel to Europe for 3 weeks? ›

Deals directly to your inbox

So, how much money do you really need for 3 weeks in Europe? While it varies depending on your travel style and destination, a budget of around $2,000 - $5,000 USD should cover your expenses. Of course, this is just a rough estimate - the more you can save, the better!

How much is the ETIAS fee in the US? ›

The document will cost €7, or about $7.50; however, travelers under 18 years old or over 70 will not have to pay a fee. The ETIAS travel pass will be valid for three consecutive years. In the past, most Americans needed only a passport to visit the 30 participating countries.

What is the #1 tourist spot in Europe? ›

The 50 most popular attractions in Europe
ATTRACTIONCOUNTRY
1Trevi FountainItaly
2ColosseumItaly
3Eiffel TowerFrance
4Louvre MuseumFrance
6 more rows
Mar 24, 2023

Where not to go on vacation 2023? ›

Learn about your destination
AdvisoryLevelDate Updated
Iraq Travel AdvisoryLevel 4: Do Not TravelOctober 22, 2023
Italy Travel AdvisoryLevel 2: Exercise Increased CautionJuly 26, 2023
Jamaica Travel AdvisoryLevel 3: Reconsider TravelJanuary 23, 2024
Jordan Travel AdvisoryLevel 2: Exercise Increased CautionJuly 13, 2023
143 more rows

What is the most beautiful country in Europe 2023? ›

1. Greece. Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe; it also offers one of the best climates to enjoy the sun all year round. The country ranks #1 most searched countries 2023.

What is the cheapest time to go to Europe? ›

The late fall and winter months—from mid to late October through mid-to-late March—are generally the cheapest time to fly to Europe, although fares can spike for the year-end holiday season. It's often cheaper to fly to Europe mid-week, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

How early to plan a trip to Europe? ›

Six Months in Advance

You want to go to Europe. You have some extra time, you have some extra money. Start planning for your trip in six months—right now. Choose a destination: This is obviously your biggest task.

Will there be a heatwave in Europe 2023? ›

According to the British Met Office, 2023 is expected to have more intense heatwaves than those experienced in 2022. In June, the European Environment Agency warned that schools and hospitals were at risk of high temperatures.

Do US citizens need Covid test to return from Europe? ›

As of June 12, 2022, people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS now? ›

Starting 2025, U.S. citizens need to register with ETIAS to travel to Europe. The ETIAS application is 100% online. You can apply online from the U.S. in minutes.

Do I need an ETIAS to travel to Italy in 2023? ›

As a U.S. passport holder, you can visit Italy without a visa for up to 90 days. From 2025, you'll need to apply for ETIAS to travel visa-free. This page explains the ETIAS for U.S. nationals traveling to Italy. Understand the application process and be prepared for the new entry requirement.

What do you need to travel to Italy 2023? ›

The majority of the current confusion regarding traveling to Italy centers around one simple question: What do I need for entry into Italy? The answer, for 2024, to be blunt: The same thing you needed for 2023, 2022 and so on (not counting any COVID-19 era vaccine mandates and such). And that is a valid US Passport.

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