Why Traveling to Europe in Summer is a Nightmare

[@satinsolstice]

I think the issue with timing is that anyone who has children or want to travel as a family ONLY get time off together during the summer months. Telling them to go in the middle of October isn't really realistic.

[@igniculusquartz1827]

Fully agree. I think most of his "advice" is unrealistic and is only applicable for a small amount of young, solo, upper-middle class North Americans. As you said, most families can't vacation outside of the summer months due to school or other seasonal commitments. Otherwise, many families or people don't have the opportunity to "slow travel" due to family, work, or school commitments and can only get a couple weeks off per year. Even with those weeks off, many don't have enough money to afford plane tickets and this and that on a yearly basis as this can easily amount to many thousands of dollars if you go overseas. As a result, people don't really get the opportunity to travel enough to have good or bad travel experiences, they just take whatever experiences they get. I also didn't like his constant dismissal of popular attractions. I understand that there is more to see than the places that are heavily advertised and commercialised, however those locations are popular for a reason. More often than not, they have an interesting history or are at the very least quite visually compelling.

[@satinsolstice]

@@igniculusquartz1827 fully agree with all your points!!!

[@fochiller]

I think this video is mostly meant for child free North Americans, which is probably his biggest audience

[@kloatlanta]

That’s why I skipped the whole kid thing

[@ksv0509]

@@igniculusquartz1827 Having kids is expensive, so the only logical way to travel with them is during peak season when cost is clearly astronomical? Makes no sense to me. Also, what you're actually really saying is that parents are too tired to focus on planning a trip the meaningful way, so they just do whatever is popular/expected. Less thinking, less planning.

[@its__VP]

Greek person here - first and foremost, I can not thank you enough for making this video. For those that will read this, take Nathaniel's advice! Greece is an all season destination but if you want to travel in the summer then skip July and August ENTIRELY. Opt to visit in May, June, or September (my personal favorite for summertime). This is true for most of southern Europe.

[@despinakyraleos2234]

Another Greek Canadian person, September is amazing in Greece. Even local Greeks are more relaxed then.

[@annaa6492]

Great! Thanks, guys! My husband and I are going to visit Greece. Can’t wait..

[@nuf242]

that applies as you mentioned to spain. September/october is still summer, but not extreme summer, there's a lot of events going on and you can still go swim on the beach

[@22gtrotter]

True, but most people can not choose when they have their holliday, that is why most end up on holliday in July and August. I would love my holliday in spring !

[@jdjphotographynl]

Dutch guy here, and I wholeheartedly second visiting the Mediterranean in May, (early) June, or September. Prices generally aren't too steep then, places are lively but not overcrowded, and the weather is at its nicest then whereas it's usually too hot for (my) comfort in July and August.

[@fjolahastings5713]

It’s all fine and good if you have the luxury of choosing when to travel. There are a lot of people at the mercy of the school year, so summer is the only time someone can take the proper time to experience their trip. Unfortunately this means lining up to see sites, also not everyone wants the tourist traps. I and my friends and family go for the immersive experience. I fortunately am not restricted to summer travel and travel in the shoulder months. However, people can’t always be fortunate enough to have that choice. C’est La vie!

[@22gtrotter]

So true. I have to take my holliday when the companie closes, no choice at all

[@weird-guy]

It seems this is targeting Americans 😂

[@benwhitaker5802]

I can’t believe you just made a video on this lol. I was just talking w my family about how crazy it is that people pay thousands of $ to get stressed out about “having to see” attractions they are not even interested in. ie. Going to a famous museum when they don’t even like art or seeing a church when they don’t enjoy architecture or aren’t religious

[@arthurlecomte8950]

I really started to see this point when I visited the Louvre last year, and there was an almost empty hall with huge beautiful mesmerising paintings, but next to that hall was the hall where the Mona Lisa hang. And that hall was so crowded, people had to wait in a huge line to make a selfie with the small Mona Lisa. All sorts of people from different backgrounds and ages, who looked like they weren’t there for the beauty of the painting, but for its name. It felt like a void place of pilgrimage.

[@brentpeddy4223]

Complete insanity and quite hilarious 😂

[@elipotter369]

Yes, people going to the Louvre who never go to a gallery on their local city. Or to the Notre Dame in Paris (there are dozens of churches called Notre Dame all over France). People who don't even like the Christian religion, know.nothing about it and don't go to nice local churches. Also, when I first saw ND, it was a nice stone church (1980) - the next time (1996), it was so crowded with tourists, there was zero spiritual or meditative vibe- I spent the whole walk through shufflingalong with my nose close to and staring at the backpack of the tall tourist in front of me.

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

Aye. I had the same issue in Rome, found attractions like Trevi and the Colosseum totally pointless because of the crowds and selfie takers whereas I loved every other part of the city that was not invaded by tourists and where you could see how the locals lived. Unfortunately was travelling with family and some members of the family were the "travel by checklist" type of visitors. Their FOMO ruins everything

[@ntmn8444]

I was in Italy in September, and this was how it was. It was awful. I didn’t have any fun. I’m not sure if it was me, I was pregnant, but I wasn’t impressed with the wait times, and I didn’t like that I had to make a reservation for some places. I loved the churches, as I’m a practicing Catholic, but it felt disrespectful how some acted in the churches. There was no sense of respect at all from others. I fell in love with il duomo in Milan, but I cried when I went inside. People were being loud and rude in there. My husband was praying the rosary, and some guy just walked up to him (German btw-love how we Americans get flack for being “dumb” but others around the world do some of the same things, maybe worse) and he’s like, “what are you doing? What are those beads?” Dude, you don’t interrupt another’s prayer. You just don’t do that.

[@orienassens1808]

We do constructions in the summer because there are less people in the cities and schools, because adults and childrens are in holidays. So the empty roads helps the workers to do the constructions more easily amd without being bothered. ( and yes the good weather helps too ). Really enjoyed the edit of the video.

[@lxportugal9343]

Builders take vacations in summer too in Portugal

[@lifeofalovinglady]

​@@lxportugal9343in the Netherlands only for 3 specific weeks

[@forcastfascistfuture]

I'm travelling in Paris right now and you have really described my philosophy to a tee. I have been slowly feeling more pressure to do more touristy things as my time here comes to an end, but hearing all this has made me realise there's really nothing wrong with just doing simple Parisian things every night like drinking by the canal and eating delicious food.

[@ssavage2388]

I absolutely love Paris and over several trips have done plenty of the touristy things but my all time favourite memories are just as you described - along the river. Enjoy!

[@ninoellison7793]

Yes yes yes!!! The Louvre isn’t going anywhere. Leave it to the masses. I just love to relax in my local cafe, people watch, get to know my neighborhood and occasionally just leisurely stroll off in any direction and soak it all in…that’s when interesting things happen! 😉

[@tamic193]

I loved this! We went to Italy for the very first time this summer (mid-end of June). I’m a teacher so summer is when I can go. We went to Rome and only Rome and were there for 18 days. Originally my husband wanted to do a tour where a company takes you through Italy but I said I wanted to go at our own pace. So glad we went at our pace. We explored where we wanted and when we wanted. We didn’t do all the tourist things, like we did not pay to visit the Vatican museums. Instead we found the most beautiful churches all over Rome that were free, no crowds, and sat and looked and admired for as long as we wanted. We learned a little Italian before we left, but most places spoke English and helped us improve our Italian because we tried. The heat was not pleasant, but stayed in an AirB&B apartment with air conditioning so in the afternoons we went back and relaxed and studied more Italian.

[@protohamartia]

Be broke and don't travel: problem solved 👀

[@saodat4844]

Omg I feel it🤣

[@janebaker966]

Yes. In films people just declare," im going to ...." Next shot they are in Paris,or Berlin,or New York or wherever. Never any indication that they had to do anything as pedestrian as purchase a ticket,queue,wait at the carousel for their luggage etc! Even in a lot of literature, especially literature from pre 1960s the mechanics of travel often don't come into it,unless it figures in the plot (Murder On The Orient Express),that sort of thing was often written by people who could afford the travel costs so it wasnt remarkable enough to be worth mentioning. Which is why Billy Butlin scored such a hit with his Holiday Camps. Most people who went to them en famille had to work bloody hard and scrimp and save for the few shillings it cost. Down a bloody coal mine.

[@joecesa]

I'm old enough to be your grandfather, but I totally agree with you. And wish more people would relax and enjoy the wonders of humanity. That is what I try to do when I travel, and on the rare occasion that I travel in summer (like this past June) I go off into the smallest towns and cities that I knew little about, but knew from reading that there was history to discover (well, for an American at least). BTW I've followed you sporadically over the years and your photography is truly amazing, plus sharing your thoughts and feelings help remind me to do the same soul-searching. Thanks!

[@m8852]

I completely agree with you. Most of us have so much to discover in our own backyards. Why spend thousands of dollars on tedious trips to Europe, just to go to the same places everyone else is visiting?

[@hypovolemia]

Lots of people missed the "OR know what you are getting yourself into" part That being said, the idea that hanging out with locals is a thing just everyone can do is a bit silly and causes this weird expectation that locals should just let you into their lives so you can have a nice trip. If it does happen it's great, if not you can still have a good time

[@MrSguardo]

I totally agree: I'm German, and I took a kind of "self-made sabbatical" from November 2022 until April 2023 to visit several places in Spain. Initially, I went to Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, where things were fine. I got in touch with some locals as I speak Spanish fluently. However, as the year came to an end, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The city and the beach became overcrowded, and people seemed more aggressive. It became increasingly difficult to find a place in a cafe or restaurant. At this point, a friend of mine suggested moving to the west of Gran Canaria, to La Aldea de San Nicolas - a village with only a few tourists, mostly fond of sports like hiking or cycling. The locals there are incredibly friendly, and even as an unknown tourist, I received warm greetings from people on the streets. In this peaceful setting, I could finally relax and slow down, enjoying the impressive landscape, the rocks, and the hidden bays. Before returning to Germany at the end of March, I made a stop in Sitges, near Barcelona. To my surprise, it was a cultural shock - both Sitges and Barcelona were crowded, the price level extremely high, and the service disappointing. In Barcelona, there were massive crowds of people in front of La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, and I couldn't get in as I hadn't bought entry tickets online beforehand. I was genuinely disappointed to see how much tourism has changed in the last 20 years. My previous visit to Barcelona, 33 years ago, was completely different - fewer tourists and fair prices. Nowadays, it seems that tourism has become superficial, focused on fast-tracking experiences, much like modern fast food. There's little opportunity to make deep and meaningful experiences. As a result, what I want to emphasize is that traveling to a European destination can be stressful not only during the summer but also during other times of the year. As already mentioned, my trip to Barcelona at the end of March was disappointing.

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

I love to travel during the autumn and winter 🍁❄. Summer has always been least favorite season and I don't want to go somewhere to sweat my ass off and pay a lot more than I would going at a different time. Also, I highly recommend going to the places tourists DON'T usually go. You'll see a side that is much more REAL and you'll find hidden gems if you stay away from all that. Just allow yourself to explore and get lost (but also be aware of areas that may be a bit more dangerous depending where you are of course)

[@kirangill5330]

Travelling in the autumn and winter is the best! I work away in the hot summers in a nice air conditioned office and look forward to enjoying the beautiful fall/winter weather!

[@DS-vx3wf]

I avoid traveling during Christmas and New Year though... same kind of crowd which show up in summer, comes out during that time! Stereotypical family of 4 during school vacation and I try to avoid them like plague.

[@stephh3521]

Your comments are 100% true…..when you have a options. I visited Athens in December once (I was living in London and had 5 billion vacation days) and yes, both temperature and low tourist rates made it awesome. Fast forward nearly 20 years, living back in Toronto (with 5 minutes vacation time) and two teenagers, we are also bound by the school holidays. We are going to Paris for a week during the last week of August. Is it foolish? Maybe….but its what circumstances allow. Its like saying - would a first class flight be more comfortable? Hell ya….but its not in the cards 😂 My kids are football fanatics so the PSG game we’ll be attending will be their biggest highlight. As a Canadian (with Italian parents), I can speak French at an intermediate level - so that will certainly help, as is the fact that that hubby & I have been there before. And whilst the UK doesn’t have that August shut down culture, central London was always heaving with tourists…..and getting to/from work, I just had to deal with it….in the same way we’ll navigate the plethora of selfie taking twits near various landmarks in Paris. In the end, I believe my kids will have a more memorable experience than had we spent $ on a beach holiday….and we’re not the sort of patents to allow our kids to skip school for a vacation - so August it is! On y va!

[@JakeRichardsong]

I think what he said in the video is that it actually is NOT worth it for many tourists to travel to Paris in summer for one week, esp. considering the ridiculous cost. Prob. much better to NOT travel there then and go somewhere else. Go to NYC or Vancouver which is far more affordable than Paris.

[@augth]

Last week of August is fine, most people are getting back to work by then. Paris in the beginning of August is weird though because the whole city left on vacation.

[@augth]

@@JakeRichardsongNYC definitely isn’t more affordable than Paris

[@janetraats7380]

Travelling to Europe for the fourth time this Fall having only once gone in summer. Unlike on our first trip, we now like to just go places and hang out, wander the streets, sit in cafés, try new foods. We no longer want to line up for palace tours (they all look the same after awhile) or the major attractions. We like to shop in funny little markets and look for low Euro wine gems in the grocery stores. Most of our best times occur when we aren't doing anything planned.

[@chibilume]

As someone who solo traveled to Paris last June, just greeting Parisian's with "Bonjour" made a world of difference in how I was treated in comparison to others who were asking for directions before me. So I do agree that learning the local language helps. I had the best time in Paris with the landmarks, parks, food, and shopping. Still don't understand the bad rep Paris has for being rude because they were always friendly and smiling when I visited. For other countries, I like traveling in November when it's cheaper and less crowded due to the weather. You might not get sunny weather each morning but you'll feel more immersed as though you're a local.

[@gigiatlas2364]

To make it simple: only rude people find Paris rude. It's like they're looking in a mirror 😉

[@queens6583]

You gave some great advice and insight about European travel. Many people don't realize that the locals get out of town and close shop in summer. When I was a teenager my mother and I spent July and August in Mannheim Germany visiting my grandmother, aunt and uncle. My family knew how to travel off the beaten path and we visited their friends in the countryside, ate in local restaurants and shopped in neighborhood shops. I would go to the butcher, grocery and outdoor market with my family and shop for food and back then you had to bring your own shopping bags. I learned quite a bit of German and when I got home to N.Y. I actually started to talk to friends in German which turned heads. The BEST trip of my life which I'll always remember.

[@Diegobrinter]

I would never even consider coming to Europe anytime outside summer. Just came back from Portugal and Paris in july and my experience was absolutely wonderful (except for Montmartre maybe, that place was full of scammers). The weather was perfect, the days were long and it felt like a dream. As someone who's been to Europe in the winter, I don't miss nightfall at 5 p.m., nonstop rain and bone chilling cold that make me want to spend whole days anywhere except for the streets. Not to mention the summer VIBE is unmatched, winter is outright depressing

[@sonjarose22]

Yes!!!! I live just outside Paris and I try to tell my friends and family to stay away in the summer but they don’t always listen. 😂I try to make things as authentic for them as possible.. introducing them to the people here and sharing dinners and stories. But sometimes people just want the “bucket list” which is usually made of seeing things not experiencing culture. Tragic. But we help how we can

[@nkj321]

Couldn't agree more about slow travelling! It's also why I love returning to cities I've been to, so I don't feel pressure to tick off tourist attractions, can take my time, walk around and get some sort of sentiment of what it's like to be a local :)

[@shellyweber8575]

Spot on! I couldn't agree more. Last summer a girlfriend, her family and I went to Austria to visit her former foreign exchange student. The Austrian girl and her family were inspired to invite us to show us Austria because my girlfriend, the exchange student and I road tripped from Montana to Florida in February. We got to show the student all sorts of cultural things and places, explain states vs federal government, taste regional foods, and just share back and forth as we traveled. Her family was so impressed and she enjoyed our trip so much they created a 2 week roadtrip for us. That was the best travel experience I've ever had. I wish there was foreign exchange programs for adults. They showed us Austria, explained the culture, shared their lives with us and we spent 2 weeks sharing and comparing. I just wish I knew people in all the countries I want to visit because that was the best travel experience I've had. Yes, on both trips we did see tourist sites (you can't drive by the Grand Canyon and not see it, nor be in Saltzburg and not take the Sound of Music tour if you're a lifelong fan.) but overall it was about seeing a place through someone else's eyes. The more you can do that, the more you understand and appreciate both the pace you're visiting as well as your home.

[@cartel_papi]

Don't just wish there was one, see if you could come up with it😌

[@thinkchivalryblog4772]

I wish we had foreign exchange programs for adults too!! It's a missed opportunity for such an immersive and culturally rich way to travel!

[@PaigeKosik]

Love this video! So so true... of course some people aren't interested in the authenticity when they visit these countries... but if you are... the off seasons are the way to go! I feel SO lucky that my boyfriend is from Italy and the experiences I've had living the 'normal' Italian lifestyle with him and his friends and family, and visiting so many 'non tourististic' towns, have shown me so much more than I ever could have experienced on my own. I love that you just made friends in Greece, we need to be comfortable putting ourselves out there, because we often will get so much in return!! Anyways... much love, can't wait for your next video :)

[@olgadekell]

I really enjoyed travelling to Europe this summer, the hot weather, the crazy crowds and the summer atmosphere made for a memorable trip! ☀️

[@kgal1298]

I've done two types of travel 1. westernized travel where you go to do something you have it planned it's not immersive 2. immersive long stays. Totally different experiences I have no issue with either or it really depends what my goals of the trip are.

[@MissShaypril]

We’re always looking for ways to benefit ourselves further. We think we deserve better lol. But honestly, having both lived abroad in a very non touristy area and having been a fast traveler, I prefer fast travel overall. Seasonal accessibility is huge. And I’ve found that generally, locals want to know what to expect and when. I’ve had some very unpleasant encounters when I’ve traveled in winter or even walked around a big city at 5 in the morning to avoid crowds. Locals don’t want what you are doing to become a ‘thing’, and that makes total sense to me.

[@이혜민-k8o]

Not everyone has an option to travel except the summer vacation. It would be wonderful to travel when it’s not boiling hot and everything is expensive. It would be a dream to stay in Europe for a year, make a connection, and experience wonderful things, but not everyone can take time off work whenever they want and go wonder to Europe. Wish we could, but most of us can’t. At least I can’t.

[@rianadilley7261]

I am a teacher and I have “a lot” of time off- but it’s when everyone else has time off too!

[@findpeace6645]

Agree and not everyone has the luxury to live somewhere outside of their country to be immersed in a culture.

[@Madflip]

True

[@josemanuel7859]

Absolutely. I like this channel very much but it has a first world vision of seeing things

[@neptunemike]

@@josemanuel7859it’s easy for him who doesn’t have a family, children to say. Usually I like his videos but on this he doesn’t even know that fact about schools and people with children

[@sharks2571]

I've travelled a lot in Europe year round. Venice in January was incredible and super quiet, Venice in July was way too busy and hot to enjoy the city. If you want to visit Europe in the summer, go somewhere remote. My best summer travels in Europe were to the more remote and less popular Hebrides islands in Scotland (e.g. South Uist, Barra, Tiree). They were beautiful, the weather was great, super quiet and the natural beauty is insane

[@supertrooper6879]

As a Venetian, nobody should come to Venice in Summer. It's hell and you'd end up hating the place.

[@McFraneth]

My best new year: we ended up dancing with medical staff on night duty in a hospital in Paris. To this day I cannot remember how we got to the room they were dancing in. Or even which hospital it was. Totally insane. So glad I had that experience.

[@Hannabe20]

Actually in Amsterdam, my then-girlfriend and I were invited by some locals to hang around, they were enthusiastic of us because we were latinas, tried to speak spanish to us and offered marihuana. But we didn't accept because we got scared, we were like "they want to kidnap us"(!). We were in the first few days of our travel, first time traveling alone -ever. After that, I tried to be more lenient and meet more people, trying to get rid of the mentality that "everyone wants to kill you" kind-of thing, and we started meeting AMAZING people along the way. I wanted to pursue the local experience as an immigrant myself, so that was solely my goal on that trip. I'm eager to come back to Europe now!

[@qmarkett]

It's cool when you're from California and make new friends from New Hampshire in Rome. There's something to be said about meeting others from your own country in these places. People you would not have met otherwise. Don't discount the tourists because they're tourists. I've made friends with other Americans as well as British and Australians while traveling through Europe in the summer.

[@bekindfox]

you can get to know people from new hampshire by just travelling there. what is the purpose of travelling to europe to make new acquaintances from your own country? those from my own area are the ones i specifically avoid when travelling to another country, because i want to have a bath in the new culture and get to know people from there which will not happen if I spend my time with people from my country.

[@qmarkett]

@@bekindfox I would not travel to New Hampshire to meet them. It's something special to meet other Americans abroad.

[@ottosaxo]

Europe is big and very different, people's ways of making holidays are different, too. Summer in southern Europe can be scorching, but it's the best time of the year to travel to the north. If sitting inside in lamp light is your ideal way of making holidays, autumn and winter in northern Europe is really fine. If you prefer nights under dusk and dawn, don't miss June and July.

[@alexandrosanastasiou1964]

Greek living in Belgium here. Thank you for this video, it means a lot

[@VVbloglife]

During summer I usually travel to some not popular spot near the sea or ocean. This June I spent week in small village near Porto, it was amazing! I prefer going to big European cities during winter or autumn - it is cheaper and more comfortable.

[@Vancouver_Dan]

This is a topic near to my heart after our recent 4 week trip to Paris and Italy. We did visit Musee D'Orsay and the Uffizi - and both museums were awful. For me, the joy of a gallery or museum is seeing something new - not seeing a famous painting "live". Even if seeing a painting live is better - it was impossible to appreciate anything with crowds elbowing each other to take photos. I wanted to say to people (as you noted) - "hey, you can actually get an image of that painting on line - fool". As for the women in frilly dresses filming each other twirling in front of sculptures for their insta feeds ... I am still trying to unsee that. The best times we had were away from the tourist zones - wandering neighbourhoods and looking at architecture. So I spent a week in Rome and never went to Vatican or Coliseum. I can look at photos. During our last two days in Paris - we just stayed in our arrondissement (11th). We could have spent another four weeks just exploring that area.

[@RobertSmith-up9rz]

Your Uffizi experience was awful because the museum is not that great to begin with, unless you're into paintings of the Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus. Orsay however is an extraordinary museum, but sadly packed in the Summer due to Paris tourism.

[@raynoladominguez4730]

I absolutely love slow travel, I see something beautiful and interesting, I want to stop and paint all that beauty. I don’t like to be rushed, just spontaneous creativity.

[@annamironova9990]

Hey Nathaniel, thank you for the video! One additional thing I would mention is that the whole teavel industry is tightly linked to school breaks. That's been annoying me pretty much the whole time since my kids've been in school. There are different policies depending on a country on how to discurage/penalise parents for taking their kids out of school. It's very difficult to take kids out of school for more than a few days, and prices for travel go up drastically during school breaks. I agree with you - travelling to central/southers Europe in the summer is not the best idea. But travelling to Scandinavia, where I reside, totally is. The window of nice weather is between may and september, its green, sunny and not too warm. 😊

[@pamelaaichele8796]

I wouldn’t say the problem is in Europe but typically touristy cities in Europe. There are many smaller towns that are worth visiting and are not as crowded.

[@weird-guy]

💯, everyone go to the capitals then wonder why it’s overcrowded 😂

[@vicjames3256]

I always go Apr/May or Late Sept/Oct - it's perfect. 100% agree with the slow travel as well. I usually will either hit up a hostel bar (so I can hang with the locals who work there) or go to a locals bar on night one, and that will help inform what I do for the rest of the trip. I might choose a handful of touristy things to do, but the rest of the trip is wandering, or visiting spots locals tell me about.

[@theverycuriousdoctorz]

We visited Paris at the end of September and had the most glorious time. The summer rush was over, it wasn't cold and rainy yet, and it was just warm enough to wear a light sweater and eat outside. It was absolutely magical!

[@janebaker966]

September is the very best month to visit Paris. For the weather reasons you say. I'd hoped to visit in May this year to see the famed blossom of the trees but fate intervened as ever.

[@AndriaLiana]

As a Parisian, I love Paris in the summer because there are way less people in the "regular / not touristy" places, the metro and at work too ahah

[@DarkJonas33]

We went to europe during winter/spring and we got some amazing deals on accommodation. We also booked a day group tour in Provence and we were the ones on the tour. It meant we were able to freely chat with the guide and we were able to totally modify the itinerary to whatever we wanted to do. Was the highlight of our three month trip. Oh and it rained about half a week the whole time we were there!

[@Sasjuh1992]

As a former student I feel so lucky because I can finally travel outside of the high season, something I was really looking forward to. I went to Switzerland in May and even though there were quite a number a tourists already, the more touristy spots weren’t overcrowded (also, I tend to visit those spots early in the morning to beat the crowd). I’m quite a loner so meeting locals is not necessarily something I’m looking for but I try to stay in hostels whenever possible just because it’s so interesting to heard about other people’s journeys. Thinking about it, it’s such a weirdly fascinating concept to meet other travellers. To exist, just for a while, in the same place at the same time. To share stories and experiences with them and then to each go your own separate ways to who knows where without (probably) ever meeting each other again… 🧐

[@Katiediddance]

The comment about construction: I am in the industry (interior design) and can tell you definitively, starting in spring and all throughout summer seasons is the time for construction. It does not matter the country or city, the warmer weather and (many places don't have rain in the summer) willingness of the client to proceed with projects during this time is always at a peak. For some reason (in the northern hemisphere, likely due to weather as well) transport and availability of product is also more accessible.

[@Apero1Spritz]

I respectfully disagree. I roamed Europe from June through September last year. Prior, I'd been to Europe several times, in fall and summer. Summertime with long daylight hours is truly a huge plus to any trip experience. You, along with the locals who also cherish the extended bright day, get(want) to stay out longer till past 10 pm when it finally gets dark. Long warm days mean activities, so many of them. For example, I heard about this massive, free-for-all Street Parade in Zurich while staying in Milan. I wasn't planning on going but changed my itinerary and took the train over. I partied hard with one million partygoers by Lake Zurich. Had an awesome weekend. In Strasbourg, France, I happened to see this summer night art show called Place des Anges where acrobats ziplined 100 feet above the ground installed with canons shot out nonstop for ten minutes white feathers that eventually blanketed the entire oldtown square. People started putting their hands on others' shoulders and formed a chu chu train. I felt like a kid who was covered with white feathers head to toe. In Cinco Terre, Italy, I sat in this rock alcove while sipping my homemade Aperol Spritz at sunset. While the heat was getting a bit overwhelming, I dived into the blue medi sea. There are simply so many things to do during the summer months. Sure, I also love visiting Europe in the fall(have done so several times) when everything was quieter(shops and restaurants can be closed, a minus) and cheaper, but it's like apples and oranges, the experiences are simply different.

[@Thelius42]

I went to Italy in early May and was one of the best trips I've ever had. It was already pushing 30c most days so I couldn't imagine going there in the summer anyway. Even the big traps like Venice and Rome weren't too crazy that early so it was a good time. I imagine earlier in the spring would be even better

[@Ichsukatanuka]

Spot on, summer is overcrowded, overpriced and you have 9 other months in the year to travel. You also see the rushed, touristy experience as opposed to more authentic stuff.

[@neptunemike]

for people without children in school yes, I used to be able to do what he meant. Now as a dad those days are gone

[@wattw3900]

Staying with my Parisian friend in Paris soon. It’s one of the best ways to travel. I love having an in to the culture, it’s super special

[@Your_Lifestyle_Business]

Wow, Nathaniel Drew's perspective on traveling to Europe in the summer is so refreshing and thought-provoking! It's true that the tourist crowds and high temperatures can be overwhelming during peak season. While his tips are valuable, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone has the flexibility to travel during other times of the year due to school schedules and work limitations. Still, his insights provide great food for thought and can help shape a more mindful and enjoyable travel experience. 🌍✈🌞

[@joannaneill9366]

I’ve just moved to Europe and have said this to all my friends and family. Don’t come in July/ August. It’s too hot, too crowded and too expensive.

[@friskytwox]

what if that's when they get time off or it's best for them?

[@realm_dweller]

be a traveller, not a tourist…travel slow…take time - don’t plan so much. give yourself a few months to live in a place….surrender yourself to the moment and the mysteries and you will surprise yourself how much more you get to live. I’ve been living outside my home since I was 18, giving myself at least 6 months in each new place I go to. I’m now 26 and I’ve come so far in terms of my relationship with myself and my own growth. I can confidently say I understand different cultures on a deeper level and that all comes with conscientious living because travelling IS living! Life is the adventure. Go live it. 🎉

[@Wiizardii]

Its been a while since I have seen a video of yours - you never cease to amaze me with your quality combination of cinematography and your input on the topic you discuss!

[@WillGallagher1]

Went to Madrid in July and it was wonderful. Loved every moment and although there were tourists, it didn’t feel overwhelmed like some other European cities during summer. Cheers.

[@Kim-tv5mu]

Spring and autumn is my favourite time to travel. I hate crowds, I am miserable in the heat, everything is more expensive. My husband's family lives in France and we visit once or twice a year, always in the off seasons. It is, as you say, more memorable. We have more fun and much more relaxed compared to going in the summer. Locals were more welcoming to chatting with us because they were not rushed and overwhelmed with tourists. Twelve years ago, was the only time I went to France in late June because my kids were in school and that's when summer break begins. We had a great time but I think much of that is because we have family that live there and my husband knew good places to go that were not tourist traps. Our time is limited when we travel due to our jobs, so when we visit the family in France, we spend 1-10 days with them in various regions of France and then spend 1 1/2 to 2 weeks exploring another area of Europe. We are sometimes fortunate enough to have friends/acquaintances that live where we may visit or reach out to people we may connect with in online interest groups/social media. We avoid touristy areas to stay and eat. Often looking outside those areas and found some of the most charming places, renting apartments (not AirBNB) and thoroughly enjoy our dining experiences. If out with locals, they take us to markets to try some popular food for their area or they invite us for meals. We also avoid eating out for every meal to avoid decision fatigue on where to eat and have two of the meals we make, at our apartment rental. Come mid-September, we are going to Valenciennes and Lille to see family and the second half of our trip in Ypres, Belgium.

[@SahasraraIm]

It depends on the weather. Some places, like some places in Italy, Cyprus have very humid summers and the perspiration doesn't quite get evaporated but in some other places summers are very dry. For example in Crete ... and even so it is hot, June and September are indeed probably good times to go but in June the water was a little bit cold, however the weather was ok and if one climbs in the mountains or the gorge of Samaria it's in fact really nice.

[@annaa.3450]

I totally agree with you too, however as a person who is living in Sweden, I understand why people are coming here in summer, since this is the time you can do most here (swimming, camping, sailing, kayaking, hiking, ...) while for the rest of the year it is harder to plan. But it is true that locals leave the city in summer, a lot of companies even close completely during july and the beginning of August. Another thing I want to add especially when for people that are traveling alone: from my experience it can be easier to get in contact with locals during summer. Great when you already have connections in a place but if not I find it easier to talk to people when everyone is in a relaxed summer mood and not stressed. This applies to most places I have been to, doesn´t matter if Sweden or Italy. So I agree with all you said but I think it is always beneficial to think about what type of trip you want to have before planning when to go;)

[@rutaruta8464]

Unfortunately, Summer is the only time that works for my parents. That's why we're traveling to France in 2 days. We'll make the best of this trip!

[@abxorb]

Completely on board with you, Nathaniel! I used to do pretty rushed vacations with friends (seeing way too much stuff in too little time), and while they were fun vacations, they were pretty superficial. But since a few years I make a point of planning 2/3 of my time for calmly visiting sights, and 1/3 moseying around, going to local cafes and bars to connect with locals. And I also had many positive experiences by learning just 10-20 basic phrases and words before going somewhere, it opens up SO many more doors! ♥ Love from the Netherlands. 🇳🇱

[@deborahsteinhart3151]

You perfectly described the difference between being a tourist and a traveller 🙂

[@janebaker966]

Sometimes it's pleasant to go Totally Tourist,relaxing,lol!

[@yahoiz]

Did my first "fast paced" trip this summer through 5 cities in Italy, definitely learned a lesson not to rush things and make decisions better next time. I guess people just don't have much time in their hands to travel, so when they do, they try to make the most out of it, that in the other hand becomes not so likable experience.

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

I made the same mistake as you this spring. Tried to fit Rome as well as 3 other Italian cities in just 8 and a half days. Definitely it was one city too many and that made the trip less enjoyable. Rome was begging to be enjoyed at a slower pace but our poor planning ruined it.

[@taylorkane2410]

This is so well presented and I 100% agree! I've done the off-season/shoulder-season thing and LOVE IT. However, I'm visiting Paris with my sister for the Olympics this summer so wish me luck. Here's hoping I bump into you and some other locals on the street or in a bar along the way.

[@colettewithlove]

This was the best travel advice I have ever gotten. Thank you!

[@brunovaz]

My first trip to Europe was in winter - I still remember being surprised by how easily I'd find accomodations and transportation between countries, it was so cheap and available I'd sometimes decide to visit a country and book everything 4 days before going. I'd meet so many locals everywhere, and in general everything was super nice even though everyone told me NOT TO GO in winter. I came again now in summer (to work) and I can say that winter in Europe is better than summer. NEVER come in the summer

[@julialongo]

I agree! I struggle to have more authentic travel experiences, which is really what I want when traveling (and not just do tourist things like visit the sites/museums all day)

[@john_jordan]

You should caveat this rec is for flexible singles or folks without kiddos. A big reason many come to Europe in summer is school holiday mate.

[@esjen123]

This video made me think of today. I went on a 24 hour journey by bus to reach my destination I will live in for half a year as a student which I was both nervous and extremely excited for. It was long but enjoyable because of the people I met and talked to on the bus. I took the bus for multiple reasons but the main reason was because I wanted to see the country I will live in as best as possible instead of reaching it as soon as possible. I had a stop in Kopenhagen for almost 4 hours and I decided to walk around a little bit. When I am in a (new) city I want to see as much as possible and especially the hidden gems, I want to wander around, be in a explorative adventurious and curiosity modus and emerge myself in the beauty of buildings, parks, streets, random art etc. Unfortunately, I didn't really have that long because a lovely person I met on the bus was watching my heavy suitcase and I didn't want to leave her alone that long and I had to take another bus of course. These facts led to my decision/wish/urge to go to a main hotspot which you 'had to see' which was quite far so I used google maps for straight navigation. I am glad that I have seen it but the fact that I was in a bit of a hurry and I was not able to wander around that much made it less fun than expected and seeing it was not that impressive because I already saw it in pictures. Coming back to my suitcase and the bus stop, I sat on a bench and I had a lovely talk with a beautiful old Danish women that asked if she was able to sit next to me. The conversation was mainly about her experiences with the city, our holiday plans and the story behind Tivoli (an attraction park near the station). This moment left me with more satisfaction, gratefulness and connection and will potentially be more memorable than seeing that tourist hotspot I believe. Another thing about traveling is that I really like tips from insight. Personally, I usually travel by making use of the phrase: we'll see what happens, just go with the flow'. When I had my first solo trip last year, I decided to download the app travelladies to get in contact with some locals for some recommendations and I ended up with a great list of resources in my pocket which I used while wandering around intuitively. In the end, we also decided to meet up one evening for a drink and she took me to her favorite student bars where apparently some friends of here came along. I ended up having a very interesting and fun night getting to know what it was like to live there and getting to know people which is a good reason to come back for a visit. Another thing, I also realized was that just one question can do it. I was in a jazz club in Paris last March (La gare le gore, GOOOOO THERE it is amazing) and I just felt like I had to say I liked the music to one of the players that was standing in the audiance after performing. So I did that and I ended up learning a lot about what it was like to live in Paris and his favorite places. This conversation made the evening even more special than it already was because something beautiful and unexpected was added. If I will come back to Paris I will definitely reach out to him to meet up perhaps. Thanks for reading this long response on the video hahaha but I find it very interesting and there is a lot to say about this topic in terms of personal experiences and the tourism system in general :)

[@abbiej1668]

I just got back from travelling through Europe this summer and definitely experienced much of the tourist chaos. However I had no choice but to travel in summer as I am constrained by school terms and I did still feel I was able to experience some of these places in a magical way. I think it really depends on how you plan your time :)

[@eggytoasty_]

This why if I travel I try at least be local as much as possible. Meaning going to spots that tourists won't really know about, go etc. And yes weather is enemy of a travel. Summer is too hot due to climate change and someone living in Finland the humidity ain't no joke.

[@fedeurena]

Great content Nathaniel. I just watched the video where you tell the story about how you ended up living in France, and it was amazing. I’m a costarican living in Paris and my first experience in this country was WILDLY similar to yours (not being able to communicate, laughing at jokes I didn’t understand, etc). Thank you for taking me back all those years and helping me to relive my French adventure through your videos!

[@TheFantasticSep]

One reason why there are so many construction sites in Europe during summer is, because a large number of the locals are on vacation, that means you have the opportunity to use that time, otherwise it would collide with people going to work, students going to university and pupils going to school

[@liamminerYT]

Also just like how you pointed out that people speed run Europe because of a two-week vacation in the U.S., they also go in summer simply because schools out for kids and there is more flexibility in when you go. While the shoulder seasons would surely be better, it would mean kids missing 2-3 weeks of school, which most people don't want to do (even though it would probably not hurt their education one iota - and would actually help).

[@Tesla1234-r8z]

I love this video.Obviously not everyone has an opportunity to travel in other season like autumn or spring.But it’s just a great way to travel very slow,walk to that places which other tourist will not go,explore the city and talk with locals.All the best!!

[@loriw]

Thank you! You just reiterated my decision to come over there after peak tourist season is done! Just when the weather is starting to get crappy here will be a good time. I lost count of how many times I said "Exactly!" during this video. 😂

[@beninebot1]

I leave for Europe for three months next week. Figured I'd catch the tail end of the summer season for the first couple weeks because I think there can be benefits to meeting other travellers and tourists. But I'm really looking forward to October and November when it's quieter and I can immerse myself in the culture. Great video!

[@outliersoverland]

Once again, very well said Nathaniel and exactly why we are not returning to Europe until September and why we travel the planet in our camper van.

[@FloraVignon]

Amen to that video ! 🙏 You said everything that I think !

[@tonipashova6998]

Nathan!!! It makes me SO, SO happy to hear you mention Bulgaria! I saw your story when you went to the Rila monastery and I was deeply hoping you would spend more time here. PLEASE, let us know if you return, there are some really cool places and people I'd love to show you! Thank you for this video and hope you come back soon!

[@Louisefenner]

I spent two weeks doing a hiking trip in Bulgaria about 20 years ago before they joined the EU. Was like stepping back in time. We had a great time.

[@magorzatamargerita1668]

I am from Poland and travelled to Italy in June... total nightmare, the heat and the crowds I've never seen before took away my joy of sightseeing... better to go there in other months than June-September

[@supertrooper6879]

June? You shoud try July/August. Much worse (I'm Italian). Consider yourself lucky.

[@magorzatamargerita1668]

@@supertrooper6879 that is why I didnt even consider going there in July nor in August xd even in Poland it is a total nightmare for sightseeing

[@snowglowb]

i think its a paradox. in europe its way more fun and rewarding to travel to places that are more unknown and not as touristed. however you can only really find those places if you stay for longer than a week or two. when coming to europe and spending a lot just to even get here, people want to only go to the places theyve heard of (paris, rome, madrid, barcelona, etc etc). and i get it, no ones going to spend thousands to go to a place theyve never heard of. it wasnt until i lived in europe for a year and a half that i really got to discover the small towns and less travelled cities. i think the sad reality with most americans is that we dont get enough vacation time to really get a lost in a place so we just go where everyone else is and end up missing the entire point of travel in the first place.

[@mayaalamillo1801]

i traveled europe last fall & it was magical. doing it again this year

[@mashaa.8477]

Absolutely agree with this take on travel. Me and the hubby always do it off-season, sometimes even too-off-season, like Netherlands in March, Cyprus in the end if November and Paris just now in January (even though it was freezing) 😅 You do not need to go that extreme but it was surely one of the best trips we’ve had. Super chill. And cheaper.

[@IzzyInMiami]

I have a friend in Athens that suggested I visit in Summer… I went in May and LOVED it. I dont like crowds and unless I’m spending 90% of the day barely dressed and in the water I don’t like don’t like to feel hot. Also, most of places in Europe don’t have AC. As an island girl living in Miami, I must have AC indoors if its going to be that hot. Summer, not never but shoulder seasons are my preference. Less crowds, not as expensive and cooler.

[@iann23]

Sat in southern Europe right now watching this. Perfectly peaceful and lovely where I am, family is happy too. If school holidays restrict you to August, just go somewhere away from the crowds.

[@FireOfJagz]

As a Dutch kid I mostly went to France of Germany with my parents. We slept in tents and tried to avoid the big hordes of tourists. Sometimes we did go to a big tourist attraction, but it was not our main goal. Fast forward to 2023 I went to Switzerland with an organisation that organises outdoor trips. I went with 8 other Dutch people I'd never met. The connection and experiences on such a holiday are indescribable

[@ChrigiKro]

Went to Paris for the first time last summer and it was beautiful. To be fair though, being a vegan skater helps a lot. Travelling alone also. You only go to restaurants which almost no one knows. You can see so much thanks to the best vehicle in cities (skateboard) and you meet so many locals because you share the same hobby. Overall loved it so much I went this spring again already :)

[@leafsfan71]

For people that have children, most times summer is the only option

[@widgetlad5157]

Oktober is by far the best month to travel. I have been in Poland, Italy, Paris and the weather is always perfect (with some rainy days) for my country the Netherlands it is the same. The exception would be special summer events like festivals or Gay Pride though. Then you should travel arround the summer but prices are going to be high.

[@sherrieshatzen3801]

Great video. My first trip to France & England when I was 26 I arrived near the end of August & was there through almost the end of September. Your description of summer in Europe is accurate. I have never been into "Tourist Spots" so that wasn't much of an issue. I was however stunned by how empty Paris was -- missing it's actual citizens as well as how many things were closed because "les vacances" were in full swing for locals. After La Rentree at the beginning of September I was a much happier camper. Tourists were gone, locals were back home, everything was open again & the autumn theater season was getting started. Eventually I split my time between Paris & the US.

[@ig2949]

Thank you! This definitely helps Olán future trips! You have become my go-to for abroad-travel!! 😊

[@Shi-Fi]

Thanks for this vid! My gf and I are visiting Munich, Vienna, and Zurich this month. If anyone in this comment section knows of any locals in those cities to hangout with, that’d be awesome!! 🤗❤️ 🥳

[@deannabanman243]

2:29- it’s called the scarcity principle :) that’s why fruit stands are always full because it doesn’t matter the quality just the quantity in that case.

[@bengay4449]

Many good points made in this video, thanks!

[@henningbartels6245]

Yes, timing is an issue when travelling - but Europe is so divers and not all of it is a hot crowded smelly subway in Paris. In northern Europe like Estonia, Finnland, Sweden, Norway or Scotland August could be the best time since it is warm and the wheather is more stabile.

[@OdinsSage]

I always love Nathaniel's content, but he does have some very privileged takes and this is definitely one of them 😆 I'm child free and my partner and I are fairly financially responsible, so we can absolutely abide by the information provided in this video (its already how we travel whenever we do get to travel.) But man does this video not consider many peoples' lived realities and limitations. Like many people in the comments have pointed out, so many people are limited to short trips and summer SPECIFICALLY because of school year schedules and limited work time off opportunities (thank you, US of A /s). This is certainly one of those videos where Nathaniel makes it very clear who his target audience is.

[@lys.iberian]

I came to Paris for the first time at the end of September last year. Little did I know that it was FW…and I absolutely hated it. All the restaurants from my research were booked, crowds everywhere, lines in stores 😩 makes me dread going back to Paris, even though I live pretty close now and can easily make a weekend roadtrip. I’ve been to France twice in the past month but I avoid Paris like the plague.

[@janebaker966]

Go to the little neighborhoods in between the main Boulevards.

[@lours6993]

Or you could learn from experience and plan better next time… Seems silly to write off Paris just because you accidentally went during Fashion Week…

[@denismichaeljames]

I live in London. I love it. But I avoid the crowds so easily. Much easier when you know the place. And it’s a vast city. With parks forests rivers canals. Many areas are full of beautiful quiet streets all year round. The city of skyscrapers is often deserted at weekends. Great time to explore. I spoke to Venice residents when I was there in October. They are invaded by tourists and they looked stressed and were saying October it eases and we can start to breathe. During busy times they choose to adjust on how to navigate their daily lives. So your right. But some people do want to follow the herds. Others are perhaps limited to only be able travel during school holidays. Thoughtful travel and planning is a pleasure and for some a privilege. My partner and I stayed in the Jewish quarter in Paris one late August week and it was lovely and peaceful. We really enjoyed the area and it wasn’t manic.

[@Melograno_Nellano]

In Italy we do most of the infrastructure/construction work in summer to avoid creating even bigger problems with traffic jams and nuisances when people are back to work or school from September onward.

[@pumaetigre]

Madrid is a great place to come in August, so chilled

[@DaneReidVoiceOver]

The beginning of this video hits it right on the head. Americans especially only get 2 weeks vacation. The only get to taste the meal. They don't get to sit at the table to enjoy. They want to see those things that they've seen in movies and TV and insert themselves into those places. I enjoy both tasting and sitting at the table but I can do that cause I own my own company. Most people aren't the boss in the US and most aren't digital content creators or nomads. Be easy on them. They are the ones watching and living vicariously through you and me.

[@lizcoleman5229]

You speak words of wisdom! I live in Spain and the beaches are packed in July and especially August. Best time to come is September or even June.

[@HeiSo1014]

+1 to Bulgaria. I didn't go to Sofia but Varna. And we rented a car to drive to 800km around to other places. With the exception of one city, there were no tourists. It was my first time in Europe and I loved every minute of it.

[@su792]

Love the video Nathaniel, never fail to disappoint us with your content :). As someone who has done both slow travel on shoulder seasons and travelled during the summer to Europe, there is def a huge difference between the two. what I would say though, is that travelling during off seasons is a privilege - especially for folks who are still in school, have a family or have jobs where summer is the only time to take days off. I fortunately have the option to make the choice. I remember visiting Italy in August, super hot temperatures, and boy was I sweating but I also got the chance to meet many friends at my hostels during this time and created some beautiful memories...this wouldnt be the case if you for instance decided to visit south of France mid October where hostels are either empty or have no social life.