Spontaneous, summer travel for Europeans

Photo by: Tina in Split, Croatia

European travelers...this post is for you! 

Travel restrictions in Europe are easing, countries are being phased open, and your summer is looking brighter.

While not all countries are ready to welcome visitors, we’ve compiled a list of destinations that have opened their borders to most EU citizens and permanent residents. Many are also open to Schengen Zone members and U.K. citizens. So wherever you reside in Europe, there is most definitely somewhere you can head this summer should you need an escape, and without any sort of testing documentation or quarantine upon arrival. 

Our local photographers at these destinations are also open for business. Book one of our summer packages and start chatting with your personal photographer today to plan a photoshoot of your spontaneous summer holiday! 

A quick word to our U.S. travelers 

While we in the U.S. can’t freely travel to many of the countries below (though there are a couple), we shouldn’t lose hope! The time will come, and when it does, there’s a good chance that these countries will be some of the first to welcome us. So use this time for research and planning. Read through the list below, then stay tuned. Next week, we’ve got a post on travel coming just for you! Also, check out our recent stories which include many ideas for summer fun in the U.S. itself.

Now, let’s see what awaits European travelers this summer!

Croatia

One of the many jewels of the Adriatic and not such a hidden gem anymore, its sun-kissed cities and stunning nature are a perfect escape. While famous for its nightclubs, this year go for the beaches, lakes, waterfalls, and fresh air.

(Croatia is welcoming U.S. visitors with proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours. See the U.S. Embassy in Croatia for more details.)

Cyprus 

Who doesn’t need an island escape right now? Cyprus offers set in a heroic landscape and steeped in Greek and Turkish culture. Wander dusty streets, sunbathe on sandy beaches, visit open air archaeological sites, and hike in pine mountains.

Czech Republic

From walking the river and drinking beer in Prague, to mountain biking and caving in the Jeseniíky Mountains, the Czech Republic offers a holiday for everyone’s needs right now. Nature is bountiful as charming towns are welcoming. 

Estonia

Start to unwind with a coffee, wine or beer in the old Town Hall Square of Tallinn, then head out to the islands, wetlands, and wilderness that this tiny Baltic country offers. There are nature reserves and lighthouses and even caves to explore.

Germany

From the Black Forest to beer gardens to Berlin, Germany is open to its EU neighbors. It’s the ideal summer destination whether you’re looking for a nature retreat away from crowds or a bit of summer city life.

Greece

Even if you’ve already been, Greece is a destination whose magic never fades. Who could tire it's sunsets and myths, islands and tavernas? This time, rent a scooter, explore ruins, and search out your own private swimming hole.

Italy

Just as there is rarely a bad meal in Italy, there is really no bad spot to visit in this sundrenched, Mediterranean country. From top to bottom, Alps to islands, there’s a picture perfect holiday awaiting anyone. Ride Vespas, eat pizza, sunbathe and shop. 

Latvia

Start your holiday strolling the colorful streets and eating ice cream in Riga then spend the rest of your vacation soaking up this country's natural wonders. Explore its four national parks, get lost in a land of lakes, and camp on seashore bluffs.

Liechtenstein

Only 25 kilometers long, every part of this small destination can be savored via its new, beautiful system of hiking trails. In the capital of Vaduz enjoy the year round, open air art exhibit and view from the castle. Then take to the mountains for beer and sunsets. 

Lithuania

A land of wind, water and sky, Lithuania is perfect for a beach house or summer cottage getaway. That capital of Vilnius will satisfy your need for restaurants and bars, while the rest of the country offers beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and fairy tale forests.

Luxembourg

Enjoy the finer things in life in this small, relaxed country. Explore all parts of its twelve communes, each with its own cities and natural charms. Dine, dance, visit castles, kayak down rivers and sit by serene lakes.

Switzerland

An ultimate summer destination, with mountains that seem to touch the sky, magical waterfalls spilling into lush green waterfalls, and picture perfect towns. Hike, swim, listen to the cow bells and inhale deep breaths of fresh air. 

Malta

This small group of three islands are a string of jewels between Sicily and Africa, offering sunny, summer adventures where Romans and Moors once ruled. Stroll historic towns, explore caves and grottos, swim in lagoons and the turquoise sea. 

Spain 

If you’ve been craving tapas, Gaudi, and sandy beaches, Spain is welcoming its fellow European Nationals this summer. Nightclubs and beach resorts remain closed, but the country still has much to experience, from epic interior landscapes to paradise islands. 

Turkey

A vast country of varied colors, topography, and adventure, get lost in Turkey this summer, either in the winding streets and flavors of cities like Istanbul and Akara, or in the stunning landscapes and experiences of areas like Cappadocia. 

(Turkey is also welcoming U.S. visitors and does not currently require any documentation upon entry for tourism. See the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Turkey for more details.)

Photo by: Marios in Santorini

For those who have some time on their hands

Whether you’ve got a generous amount of vacation time or are just ready to work remotely somewhere else, don’t rule out the option of visiting countries requiring a 14-day quarantine. 

If you are healthy and ready to respect the requirements, this might be the perfect time to book that chalet in France or historic property in England with the family. A pool, food delivery, some great books and your favorite people will make time feel less like a restriction and more like a retreat, after which you’ll be able to get out and explore. 

And while you’re isolating with Wifi, book one of our local photographers so they’re ready to introduce you to their beautiful area and give you the ultimate souvenir once you’re out and about. 

Photo by: Vera in Istanbul

Finally, a word to all our travelers

As we travel this summer, no matter where we choose to go, let’s remember that each country and its people have faced challenges during this pandemic. Some might even be a bit nervous to be opening back up, even as they rely on tourism for the well-being of their local economies. And the residents of many summer destinations have had their cities all to themselves for months now, so it will be a bit of a shock to the system to have their streets filled with strangers again. 

Support the local artisans and businesses where you travel, but also support the spirits of your fellow human beings. We have faced the events of the recent months as a global community; let’s walk forward as a global community. Should we be fortunate enough to travel, let’s be considerate, respectful and compassionate as we do so. Let’s take time to smile at each other and ask how each other is. And let’s carry with us the lessons we’ve all learned during this time.