There’s good news coming out of Europe for Americans who want to travel this summer! 

In May the European Union unveiled new measures to allow tourism and travel back into their countries. Essentially, vaccinated travelers from America and visitors from other “Covid-safe” countries will be able to finally visit. This change in travel restrictions combined with increased traveler confidence means that overseas summer vacations are looking more and more likely.  

While the European countries are still ironing out details, we still think this news is worth celebrating! Because even with specifics still being decided, the facts are: we want you to head to Europe, Europe wants you to head to Europe, and you want an epic travel photoshoot in Europe! 

So here is a brief guide to get you inspired and researching potential summer travels. Dust off your European dreams, look over some possible destinations, then use our checklist to start planning.

Six possible places to go!

It’s time to say hello again to travel to Europe. Here are just six top destinations to consider this summer for your first trip ever or your return trip after this crazy last year.

Croatia

Becoming more and more popular as a European destination, Croatia still retains that hidden gem feels, offering historic coastal towns and stunning national parks on a more intimate level. Beside the sea, explore palaces and old town walls, rent a boat and island-hop, or simply soak up the sun on the many beaches along the Adriatic. Summer in Croatia can also be filled with waterfall hunts, wine-tasting, and a relaxing road trip that offers adventures (and glamping!) in the beauty of this charming country’s wondrous nature.

France

Could there be anything in Europe more iconic than the Eiffel Tower? Okay, that’s open to debate, but imagine yourself beneath it, on top of it, and photographed in front of it as the start of your European vacation! Paris, the City of Lights, will welcome you to Europe with its renowned romance and style, but there’s also plenty to enjoy beyond it. Fields of lavender and blue coasts on the southern coast, wines and chateaus east and west, and green hills and magical villages to the north. All promise a summer vacation like none other. 

Greece

This country has something for everyone looking to get to Europe this year: beaches, nightclubs, history, and quiet corners to relax. Athens is busy and bustling, with everything from early mornings at the Acropolis to afternoons shopping to late-night outdoor dining, while the islands and ferry system is a portal to an epic summer escape complete with whitewashed buildings, deserted country roads, sunsets over the caldera, and fresh honey and yogurt for breakfast.

Iceland

Summer is the perfect time to use those long days full of northern light to take in the incredible wildlife and nature of this legendary volcanic island. This is the perfect European getaway for outdoor lovers who can’t get enough fresh air and epic backdrops. If you’ve already checked off the U.S. National Parks this past year, make Iceland your first international stop. Be sure to pack your camera (and a personal photographer!) because you will be spoiled for shots. Then soak weary muscles in thermal baths, sip artisan micro beers, and sleep under the stars!

Italy

Amazing food, stunning views, historic cities, and sundrenched rivieras. And that just scratches the surface of what you can find in Italy on a European summer vacation. See the Colosseum, pose for a pic with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and kiss in a gondola to check off bucket list items. But also make time for strolls along the walls of old medieval cities, eating gelato in the afternoon shade, and driving past fields of sunflowers. However you choose to explore this famous boot-shaped country, you’ll be treated to summer Mediterranean vibes!

Turkey

Okay, a lot of Turkey is actually in Asia, but half of Istanbul is in Europe so we’re counting it! And if ever there was a historic, epic place to visit your first time back (or to) Europe, this is the place! The “crossroads of the world” and meeting point of two continents, with sights, sounds, and flavors that will leave you feeling like a true real-world traveler. If you can, be sure to venture beyond the mosques and cobbled streets of Istanbul to experience Cappadocia, see Roman ruins as Ephesus, and enjoy the shores of the Black Sea.  

The New York Times released a great article covering what life is like in each of these countries right now. It goes into detail on what you might expect when traveling there this summer. We suggest you check it out!

Five things to do before taking off!

The checklist isn’t long but each item is important and can ensure that you have an unforgettable summer in Europe:

• Check and double-check the entry requirements for the country you wish to visit

As we mentioned at the beginning, things are still changing. The European Union has made it’s big announcements on travel this summer, but given the times we live in, it’s important to double-check travel and entry requirements and triple-check you have everything you need, whether that’s a negative Covid test, a vaccination record, or a health passport (coming soon!). And don’t forget to check re-entry requirements for returning to the U.S

• Be open to traveling new places and look for unusual opportunities

When looking at entry requirements into particular countries and considering the amount of time you have for your trip, you might not be able to go to certain spots you have your heart set on. Instead of feeling disappointed, consider it an opportunity to experience a new destination. There are also unusual opportunities out there right now, like how the island Malta will help pay for your visit! Be adventurous and be on the lookout for interesting possibilities!

• Research flights to your destinations and is creative

Airlines are still recovering after a year of barely-there international travel. Many routes were canceled and some have yet to be revamped, or are less frequent and also more expensive. Do some flight research, be open to one or two stops, and consider building a cool itinerary around layovers in interesting countries.

• Be a safe and considerate world traveler 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Things are different now and just because we are welcomed back into other countries it doesn’t mean there aren’t still people concerned about health precautions and rules to be followed. World travelers have a special responsibility to be good world community members. That’s more important than ever as travel starts up again.

• Book your once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot experience with us

We say once-in-a-lifetime not because this will be the only photoshoot you ever do with us (we’ve got you covered for every season, every event, through life!), but because we have just lived through a historic time and this first international trip back to Europe will be one of the sweetest you ever take! 

Now’s the time to book your summer photoshoot and stock up on future photoshoots with our Flex Packages and special summer discount: 

📸 Use code SUMMER 1 for $20 off 1-hour packages

📸 Use code SUMMER 2 for $30 off 2-hour packages

📸 Use code SUMMER 3 for $40 off 3-hour packages