‘Euro Summer’ is dead and Europe's brutal heat waves helped kill it
"Euro Summer" has long been the ultimate travel fantasy: long lunches in Italy, drinks in Spain, wandering through Paris in your chicest outfit.
Now imagine all of those activities but ... sweatier.
The classic summer getaway is losing its shine as brutal heat waves and even dangerous wildfires turn what was supposed to be a breezy vacation into something a lot less relaxing.
Less than ideal weather
Summer temperatures across Europe now regularly climb into the 90s and sometimes well above 100 degrees.
That is especially tough in many historic cities, where air conditioning isn't as common as many American travelers expect.
To pile on, ice isn't seen as a necessity in European dining culture, so you'll be hard pressed to find a cold drink for relief.
And the heat can do more than just make sightseeing uncomfortable.
(MORE: A meteorologist's guide to surviving a European heat wave )
Extreme temperatures are increasingly forcing rail services to slow down or stop altogether when tracks become too hot, creating delays and cancellations that can derail your itinerary.
Heat isn't the only challenge
Dry, windy conditions have been fueling fires across popular vacation regions, leading to evacuations, road closures, smoky skies and disruptions to transportation.
Add in sweltering crowds and soaring prices and your carefree summer vacation starts looking a lot less carefree.
(MORE: Airbnb gives free housing to wildfire evacuees in France, Spain )
So, is 'Euro Summer' dead?
The old version certainly is, but travelers have options.
Consider visiting Europe in the cheaper and less crowded shoulder seasons. In May, September or October the weather is more likely to be on your side.
You can also skip the biggest tourist magnets and explore smaller towns that offer cooler temperatures.
Mountain regions like the Alps or the Dolomites are likely to have better weather and better hospitality. Plus, countries in the northern part of the continent like Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Baltic states are known to have fairer climates.
(MORE: A guide to shoulder season travel weather )
If your schedule locks you into summer travel, be sure to plan for heat.
Book accommodations that specifically confirm air conditioning, schedule sightseeing early in the morning and leave the hottest part of the day for museums, lunch or a nap.
Travelers who adapt to the new reality of hotter weather can still enjoy the magic of a European vacation. It may just take a little rebranding.
"Euro Fall" anyone?
