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A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe

Everything you need to know for a safe and healthy trip to Europe.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first spread around the world, many countries shut their borders. In the years since, countries have opened, welcoming tourists with different vaccination or testing rules in place. 

But many countries in Europe have since dropped travel-related restrictions, reverting back to pre-pandemic times and making it easier than ever to plan a trip. 

Here, we've outlined every country in Europe and its current reopening status, including entry any requirements foreign travelers need to know.

Albania does not require U.S. travelers to show any COVID-19-related documents or tests, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania .

To get to Andorra, visitors need to go through France or Spain, and therefore abide by the rules and regulations for those individual countries. Beyond that, there are no further entry requirements for coming to Andorra, according to the Andorra tourism site .

Austria is open to travel and there are no vaccination or testing requirements in place, according to the country’s official tourism site . In Vienna, masks must be worn on public transportation. 

Belgium welcomes travelers from the U.S. and does not require them to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test, according to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium . 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Bulgaria welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria . 

Croatia welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board .

Cyprus has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism . Masks remain mandatory on public transportation. 

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic .

Denmark eliminated all of its COVID-19 entry and internal restrictions, according to the government’s COVID-19 website .

Estonia has eliminated all COVID-19-related rules, according to the government .

Finland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Finnish government .

France has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to the French government .

There are no longer any COVID-19-related entry rules for travel to Germany, according to the German Missions in the United States .

Greece has lifted all pandemic-era travel rules, according to the government . Greece has an optional Passenger Locator Form travelers can choose to fill out.

Hungary has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Hungarian Police .

Iceland welcomes travelers without any pandemic-era entry rules in place, according to Iceland’s COVID-19 website .

Ireland has removed all COVID-19-related entry rules for travel, according to the government .

Italy has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the country's National Tourist Board .

Travelers entering Kosovo are not required to show proof of vaccination, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo , but the embassy recommends travelers bring such proof. The country also doesn’t require pre-arrival testing, but the embassy said some airlines may.

Access to public institutions, malls, and indoor dining inside does require proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test for customers over 16.

Latvia has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the Latvian tourism board .

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, a landlocked country, is accessible through Switzerland or Austria. Switzerland handles all immigration for Liechtenstein. COVID-19-related travel restrictions have been lifted in Liechtenstein, according to the European Union .

Lithuania no longer requires any pre-arrival testing or proof of vaccination to visit, according to the national tourism development agency .

Luxembourg welcomes travelers from all countries, regardless of their vaccination status, according to the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg . Travelers do not need any pre-arrival COVID-19 tests.

Malta has eliminated all pandemic-related travel restrictions, according to the Malta Tourism Authority .

Moldova does not have any COVID-19-related entry restrictions in place for U.S. travelers, according to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova .

To get to Monaco, most visitors must travel through France. Monaco does not have any pandemic-related travel restrictions in place, according to the government .

Montenegro does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro . Face masks are required on public transportation, according to the country’s government .

Netherlands

The Netherlands has lifted COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is open to American travelers who are not required to undergo any COVID-related entry requirements, according to the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia .

Norway has discontinued all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, including pre-arrival testing, according to the government . 

Poland has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, including for vaccination and testing, according to the government . 

Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira, no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter, according to Visit Portugal .

Romania has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, according to the government . 

San Marino is a landlocked country surrounded by Italy. The country doesn’t have any specific COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the International Air Transport Association .

Serbia has removed all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia .

Slovakia has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to Slovakia Travel . Travelers no longer have to show any proof of vaccination or tests to enter hotels, restaurants, or other venues.

Slovenia has eliminated pandemic-era travel restrictions, according to the government .

Spain has dropped all COVID-19-related health controls at entry points, according to the government , becoming one of the last European countries to do so. However, the country still asks that travelers from outside the European Union travel with either proof of vaccination administered within 270 days, proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, proof of a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure, or proof they contracted COVID-19 and recovered within 180 days.

Sweden no longer has any COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden .

Switzerland

Switzerland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Federal Office of Public Health .

Turkey is open to foreign travelers and does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey .

Visitors to Ukraine must show proof of either vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine . Travelers must also have a health insurance policy to cover the potential costs of COVID-19 treatment.

The U.S. Department of State has currently issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning against visiting Ukraine due to the ongoing war and Russian invasion.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has dropped all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

Vatican City

Vatican City is the world's smallest country and is encircled by the Italian city of Rome. It is open to travelers who are able to enter Italy .

The information in this article reflects that of the publishing time above. However, as statistics and information regarding coronavirus rapidly change, some figures may be different from when this story was originally posted. While we strive to keep our content as up to date as possible, we also recommend visiting sites like the CDC or websites of local health departments.

Explained: How are Europe's travel rules changing after February 1?

Jan 26, 2022 • 5 min read

The EU is set to make changes to its digital COVID cert rules © Getty Images

The rules of travel are changing for European Union (EU) citizens and residents in February. For those with a valid EU digital COVID certificate, exploring the continent is about to get easier.

On Tuesday, the EU agreed to a "coordinated approach to facilitate safe free movement" across Europe by lifting restrictions for people with a valid EU digital COVID certificate. This means that EU citziens with a valid cert (proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or recovery) shouldn't face restrictions such as quarantine or testing upon arrival in another EU destination.

Additional testing requirements can remain in place for people who are unvaccinated or who are not up-to-date with their booster vaccine schedule.

"This recommendation responds to the significant increase in vaccine uptake and the rapid roll-out of the EU Digital Covid certificate, and replaces the previously existing recommendation," a statement from the European Council says.

Clément Beaune, Secretary of State for European Affairs of France, said that the idea is to take a person-based approach when setting out restrictions, rather than focusing on the country they are coming from.

"It is so we are much more focused on the individual situation of people—vaccinated or unvaccinated—rather than on the epidemiological situation of this or that country or region of the EU, with it being important to have more restrictions for people who are unvaccinated," Beaune told reporters on Tuesday.

In addition, on February 1, the EU is shortening the validity of vaccine status in the COVID certs to nine months (at most) since a person’s last dose. Here's a breakdown of the latest rule changes.

What is an active EU digital COVID cert?

The EU digital COVID cert allow EU citizens and residents to easily present their vaccination status to travel within the bloc during the pandemic. According to the EU Council, "travelers in possession of a valid EU digital COVID certificate should not be subject to additional restrictions to free movement".

To keep it active, you'll need to get a booster if more than nine months has passed since your last recommended dose of a primary vaccine schedule. That is nine months after your second shot of an mRna vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZecenca) or nine months after a Johnson & Johnson vaccine. If you've recovered from the virus, you'll need a booster nine months after your first and only shot.

Without a booster, you can take a negative PCR test within 72 hours of traveling or a negative antigen test within 24 hours.

People can also keep it active with a certificate of recovery, provided that no more than 180 days have passed since the last positive result.

Why is there a nine-month time limit on the current certs?

The nine-month time limit applies to vaccination status only and "takes into account the guidance of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on the administration of booster doses as of six months, and provides for an additional period of three months to ensure that national vaccination campaigns can adjust and citizens can have access to boosters," the European Commission said last month.

What about children?

Children under 12 are generally exempt from needing a digital COVID cert to travel without restrictions under EU guidelines.

Will every EU country follow the same rules?

When the certs were introduced in June last year it was up to member states to decide how long to accept the vaccination certs for travel, but the new rule on validity is supposed to be binding on all 27 EU member states following sufficient support for it.

However, France is doing things its own way and requiring that people get their booster within seven months of their last dose (or two months in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). From February 15, that timeframe will be reduced to four months.

Malta is also going a step further by requiring people receive their booster within three months of their last shot.

Do I need a new EU digital COVID cert for travel?

The rules come into effect on February 1 and many governments have already begun issuing citizens with new certificates to include their booster shot information. Those who haven't received a booster shot but who had their last jab within the past nine months will still be permitted to use their current vaccination certificates for travel. Those who are unvaccinated can continue to travel by taking a negative COVID-19 test.

Is the new certificate required to enter venues?

As well as allowing people to present their vaccination status for travel, many member states require the certificates from people to gain access to restaurants, gyms and many other venues across Europe.

The new rules on the validity of the passes only affect how they're used for travel, it's up to individual countries to decide if they want people to be up-to-date with their booster shots before being granted entry to certain venues.

Though some countries, such as France, have already agreed that people who are eligible for booster shots will need to get one in order to validate health passes that are used to access restaurants, cafes, museums and public transport.

"The new rules on the acceptance period of vaccination certificates apply for the purposes of travel. When introducing different rules to use the certificates at national level, member states are encouraged to align them to these new rules to provide certainty for travellers and reduce disruptions," the EU Commission has said.

Do non-EU travelers need a booster to be considered fully vaccinated for travel in the EU?

The new rules only apply to the European member states signed up to the EU digital COVID certificate program for the purposes of intra-EU travel. It's up to each country to determine their own entry rules for visitors from outside the bloc. 

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out  Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You might also like: Explained: What do France's proposed new health pass rules mean for tourists? England drops COVID-19 tests for vaccinated arrivals - here are the latest travel rules Traveling to the Canary or Balearic islands in Spain? Here’s what to expect

This article was first published November 2021 and updated January 2022

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EU takes US off safe country list, recommends Europe travel restrictions tighten for Americans

The European Union has removed the U.S. from its safe travel list  and no longer recommends its member states ease restrictions on nonessential travel for all Americans as COVID-19 cases spike.

Europe had been slowly reopening to American tourists since May, when the EU said anyone fully vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine should be allowed to visit member states  for nonessential travel, but affirmed each EU nation has the power to set its own policies. 

In June, the EU added the U.S. to its  safe travel list , recommending its members gradually ease travel restrictions for all Americans and open the door to unvaccinated travelers, again leaving ultimate decision-making to each EU nation.

However, criteria for the safe travel list include having "a stable or decreasing trend of new COVID cases" over the previous two weeks, according to the European Council . 

The EU's updated guidance comes as the U.S. faces its  fourth wave of COVID-19 , driven by the highly contagious delta variant .   New U.S. cases are averaging over 150,000 a day, turning the clock back to the end of January, and hospitalizations are nearing 100,000  a day. For days, U.S. coronavirus deaths have been seven times higher than they were in early July.  Just over 52% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data .

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This nonbinding recommendation does not mean an end to European travel. Vaccinated tourists should still be allowed to visit member states that allow vaccinated visitors. Also, individual member states could decide to allow unvaccinated visitors, regardless of the recommendation. The EU urges all travelers to check the rules of the specific countries they plan to visit.

The EU also removed Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro and The Republic of North Macedonia from its safe travel list, which is reviewed every two weeks.

European travel restrictions already in place

Some EU countries have already tightened restrictions.

Earlier this month , Germany added the United States to its  "high-risk" area list  and tightened entry restrictions for unvaccinated travelers who had recently been in the U.S. 

In addition to a wide range of entry requirements, European countries have varying restrictions once tourists arrive , including health passes or COVID-19 vaccine requirements to visit attractions in places like France and Italy . 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has raised its travel advisory levels for multiple countries in recent weeks, urging Americans to avoid travel to places like  France, Iceland , Greece, Spain and Portugal.  

Adding to the complex international travel landscape, the United States has no plans to lift travel restrictions given the rise of the delta variant, according to White House officials.

The country’s current travel restrictions deny entry for people from the European Schengen area, United Kingdom and other countries.

A blow to airlines serving Europe

With travel restrictions lifted so close to the start of summer vacation season, airlines added flights  to popular destinations, including Greece, Italy and France, but weren't sure how full planes to Europe would be this summer. Travelers book Europe trips months or more in advance, and a big concern was that vacationers had already made other plans.

They were pleasantly surprised with bookings soaring as soon as countries announced relaxed restrictions.

Vasu Raja, American Airlines' chief revenue officer, said Wednesday that the rate of close-in flight bookings was historical.

"We had certainly no precedent for it within any of our archives,'' Raja said at an investor conference. "And I suspect we weren't alone in that.''

Airlines had been expecting travel to Europe to remain strong beyond the traditional summer season given the pent-up demand, but the surge in cases and new restrictions like those the EU is implementing will put a big damper on that forecast.

Raja said Wednesday that American's overall August revenue is below expectations due to a slowdown in bookings and rising trip cancellations due to concern about the delta variant.

Contributing: Dawn Gilbertson, Julia Thompson, USA TODAY; Associated Press

What to know about traveling to Europe this summer as an American

The European Union will reopen to fully vaccinated American tourists this summer .

It's an encouraging sign for Americans who are eager to venture abroad and return to some of their favorite destinations in Europe — though an ever-changing landscape with the pandemic means that reopening dates and requirements can constantly shift.

It will also be up to individual member nations to decide when to relax border restrictions, and some countries will welcome Americans sooner than others. Greece, for example, has already reopened to Americans who can present a valid vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Italy has also reopened to tourists. And Croatia allows travelers to skip testing and isolation if they're fully vaccinated.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

But other countries might remain closed to visitors until late summer or even early fall, especially as cases surge in several regions worldwide and Europe continues to trail behind the U.S. in terms of vaccination rates. Additionally, the U.S. State Department still recommends that U.S. citizens reconsider traveling abroad, which conflicts with what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said publicly about travel.

And some prior reopening announcements have been updated or amended, which has made things even more confusing.

Still, travel is beginning to reopen, and many Americans are wondering whether they'll be able to take a summer vacation to Europe this year. Since several European countries have indicated they're ready for tourists again, we're answering all your questions about hopping across the pond to Europe this summer.

When will Europe reopen to Americans?

The European Union is expected to welcome vaccinated American tourists this summer.

"All 27 member states will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by E.M.A.," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on April 25.

The European Union confirmed in mid-May that it would reopen to fully vaccinated travelers this summer. According to a spokesperson , the group's member states came to an agreement that will allow fully vaccinated travelers to enter the EU — including Americans.

What countries are open to Americans?

The European Union could add the United States and several other countries to its travel "white list" as early as Wednesday, allowing vaccinated visitors to forgo quarantine requirements and move more freely between the 27 EU nations.

A handful of European nations popular with American travelers have already reopened their borders to vaccinated U.S. citizens, including Iceland , France , Spain , Portugal , Croatia and Greece .

Portugal on Tuesday, June 15 said that nonessential travel — which includes tourism — from the U.S. to mainland Portugal is now allowed for travelers with proof of a negative COVID-19 test. And fully vaccinated visitors to Croatia no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result and can also bypass the country's quarantine requirements.

France has reopened to tourists from a handful of nations, including the U.S. Those coming from the U.S. must still possess proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry to the country without mandatory quarantine.

Other European countries not in the EU with already eased border restrictions include Iceland, which is now open to vaccinated Americans and travelers who have recovered from COVID-19.

What do I need to travel to the EU?

Travelers must be fully vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines in the EU, which means that any vaccine approved for use in the U.S. will be accepted — Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer. People who aren't fully vaccinated will likely need a negative COVID-19 test result and may be required to quarantine (depending on the country).

As of now, however, there's no consistent way to provide proof of vaccination across the continent. That said, there are ongoing talks to expand the EU's Digital COVID Certificates (formerly called " green passports ") to Americans.

The New York Times reported earlier this month that citizens of seven European Union countries — Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Croatia and Poland — can use these certificates. All member nations should have access by July 1, 2021.

Under this initiative, EU member states would adopt the same entry requirements for visitors. The agreed-upon notion will see fully vaccinated travelers allowed entry to each EU country without the need for a further COVID-19 test result or quarantine on arrival.

The certificate will be available for free in digital (with QR code) or paper format, and non-EU member states, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, will also use it. That does not, however, include the United Kingdom at this time — and U.S. travelers remain on the U.K.'s "amber" list , meaning a 10-day quarantine is still required even for fully vaccinated Americans.

Just remember that even if you can avoid testing in Europe , you'll need a negative test to fly back to the U.S., regardless of whether you've been vaccinated or not. All travelers 2 and older flying to the U.S. from abroad must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within three days of departure before being allowed to board their flights. Documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

What if I'm transiting through Europe?

There may be specific transit requirements in the airports you use to enter or travel throughout the EU — and these policies aren't always clearly disclosed. Be sure to do your research ahead of time, so you know exactly what you need to do before departing the U.S. — and during your travels to your final European destination.

For instance, all passengers (including transiting travelers) who fly to Lisbon (LIS) are required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to departure. All passengers traveling to the U.K. — including transiting passengers — are also required to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. That means travelers simply passing through London Heathrow (LHR) who aren't leaving the airport still required to have a negative test result in order to board their flight.

According to Copenhagen Airport , passengers who transit via the airport are required to have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to boarding a plane bound for Denmark.

The Netherlands , however, says that passengers can travel to a third country via Schiphol . The passenger must stay in Schiphol's transit zone and leave within 48 hours in order to transit — you must be able to prove that you have a connecting flight within 48 hours. However, transiting travelers no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test as of June 1.

What if my children aren't vaccinated yet?

Currently, there's an age limit on all three vaccines available under the Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only vaccine available for kids 12 to 17 so far. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only available for adults 18 and older.

That means if you're planning travel as a family, there's a possibility not every member of your household will be fully vaccinated, and navigating different sets of rules can get confusing.

Some countries allow people traveling with unvaccinated children entry with a negative coronavirus test result, similar to what several cruise lines have done.

For instance, travelers from the U.S., EU and Schengen area are now permitted to enter Greece by providing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. This requirement would apply to nonvaccinated children, but children under 6 are exempt.

Italy is also open to travelers again with similar requirements, as is Croatia . As more European countries open their borders, you can expect to see other vaccination and negative COVID-19 test requirements. In brief: It will be quicker and easier to bring vaccinated teens and tweens across borders, but younger kids should still be able to travel with you as long they test negative for COVID-19.

Can I use a vaccine passport to travel to Europe?

Many destinations will accept proof of vaccination to allow some travelers to skip COVID-19 tests and lengthy quarantines. This proof, in some countries, may come in the form of a vaccine passport .

The EU is rolling out a vaccine passport dubbed the EU Digital COVID Certificate. The Digital COVID Certificate will show that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result or recovered from the virus.

Fully vaccinated travelers would be allowed entry to each EU country without the need for an additional COVID-19 test result or quarantine on arrival. However, the certificate is only available to EU residents at the moment.

And, while not an EU member, United Kingdom residents already have access to the NHS app, a digital vaccine passport only available to travelers in England.

Bottom line

While several countries worldwide have recently reopened to U.S. travelers (or didn't close at all), much of Europe has been off-limits to Americans. That's now beginning to change — albeit with some hiccups along the way . While we don't have all the details at this time, and some precautions (such as pre-travel testing) may remain, a broader reopening of Europe to travelers from the U.S. is a big step in restarting the industry.

Additional reporting by Nick Ewen.

New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

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Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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What Summer Travel to Europe Will Look Like This Year

By Arati Menon

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With additional reporting by Sarah Allard

When travel journalist Jenn Rice decided to spend July and August in Italy and Croatia last year, she wasn’t expecting to be spending most of her time indoors. “It was very very hot, so I booked museum tickets during peak days or just lounged around in my room with a spritz and a book until the sun set.” In Dubrovnik she tried escaping to the sea for a cool dip, but everyone else had the same idea—resulting in sweaty, overcrowded beaches. “In Rome , gelato melted faster than the speed of light,” she says.

Come summer, major attractions like the Spanish Steps in Rome ( pictured above ) are thronged by international tourists and vacationing Europeans.

Rome and Dubrovnik weren’t the only European destinations overcome with heat. To travel in Europe in the summer of 2023 was to experience first-hand a single season of contrasting extremes. Temperatures swung from hot and dry to cold and wet, and heatwaves broke out across several of the most heavily touristed destinations, with temperatures reaching upwards of 100°F. In Northern Greece, wildfires broke out —the worst experienced there in 20 years —destroying homes, forests, and vineyards.

Yet in the midst of it all, the continent also saw record-breaking tourist numbers —the highest since pre-pandemic levels—even as hotel prices swelled and airfares hit peaks. From scenic escapes like Bellagio in Como and Taormina in Sicily (where the White Lotus effect was on full display) to bucket-list cities like Paris and Madrid , much of touristed Europe was completely overwhelmed.

“We had people calling us from Athens and Rome asking us to get them out [to somewhere cooler in Europe], because it was too hot and too crowded,” recalls Jan Sortland , founder of Scandinavia specialists Norwegian Adventures.

International tourists weren’t the only ones thronging these spots. According to the European Travel Commission , most Europeans took their vacations before the peak month of August, with Italy and France being their top destinations. This resulted in packed crowds at all the major attractions. For John Canning, an LA-based executive who traveled to Paris in July, the crowds were eye-opening. “We didn’t anticipate that everything we would want to see was sold out. We only got Musée d’Orsay tickets through our concierge at a substantial premium and could not get into the Louvre full stop,” he says.

Rice says the summer taught her to plan her travel differently this year: “I’m going to try and do coastal Italy early in May, and if I decide to travel in Europe this summer it will be either Asturias in Northern Spain or the Julian Alps in Slovenia to keep cool."

She’s not alone—according to the travel specialists we spoke with, there’s an increased interest in lesser-known destinations offering a more laid back (and cooler) holiday. “Our guests are asking after places where they can be outdoors, yet have access to wine & foodie experiences and culture. Slovenia is a great example of where you can have all that without being overwhelmed with the heat; the Dolomites in Italy is another,” says Rachael Mendizabal, Europe travel specialist at Scott Dunn . Richard Hyde, COO at Small Luxury Hotels of the World , is seeing similar trends across their European portfolio: “Guests seem to be gravitating towards alternative destinations—Milos instead of Mykonos and Slovenia instead of Spain.”

Norway—and much of Scandinavia—are popular destinations this summer, offering cooler weather and a myriad ways to be active outside, exploring the islands and fjords.

A big part of that shift will play into Sortland’s area of expertise: Northern Europe. With the Med getting too hot to handle, experts predict that tourism will shift northwards. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in Copenhagen and Stockholm for the cultural experience, and then onward to Norway for the nature. Currently, the fjords are still a favorite but Norway is a large country and there’s so much more to see—the Helgeland coast for example with its beautiful coastline and mountainous islands,” he says. The draw is a more moderate temperature and unique outdoor experiences. “ Iceland is a big favorite right now with the Northern lights being the most active this year from September through March,” says Mendizabal.

Emily Zemler

Lauren Dana Ellman

In turn, for many, the more standard city breaks will fall later in the year. “Athens and Rome will always be desirable destinations, but we’ve seen an uptick in many people preferring to go there in May and October to swerve crowds,” says Carolyn Addison, head of product at Black Tomato , noting the weather in fall has been stable lately and enticing to travelers not tied to school holidays.

With this increased flexibility, shoulder season will become tricker to define, according to Mendizabal. Thanks to hotels extending their season as demand shifts to almost year-round and the high-season pricing window getting longer, the days of "scooping a deal in September are likely over,” according to her. At Jumeirah Palace in Capri , the season now runs from March to the end of December. “Thanks to the good weather, guests are staying longer than in the past,” says Ermanno Zanini, regional vice president at Jumeirah Group, Southern Europe and United Kingdom.

Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany 's Maremma countryside has traditionally stayed open in March and November. “We're pushing the low season as much as possible because we truly believe it is a wonderful time to discover Tuscany. There is so much for guests to enjoy from hiking to mountain biking, truffle hunting, and wine tastings,” says owner Neri Baccheschi Berti.

Crucially, traveling in the shoulder and off seasons isn't just about avoiding the crowds; it’s knowing that seasonal destinations are multi-dimensional, with year-round appeal. “One of my favorite things to do in cooler weather is to hike to the peak of Mount Solaro, with its beautiful views of the town of Capri and the bay of Marina Piccola with the Faraglioni, as well as Anacapri. You also see plenty of wintering birds on the island,” says Zanini.

Zanini adds that they are in talks with the island's municipality to consider what it would take to stay open in February and March, traditionally strictly closed off. “It's not as straightforward as you think. There’s a lot of infrastructure that needs to be geared towards the low season: restaurants need to stay open, as do shops, and guides need to be available; it can’t just be the hotel,” he adds. However, with staying open longer, there’s a real opportunity to engage local communities year-round, not to mention stabilize the hiring pool—and improve work culture. “We’ve already seen the positive impact of a longer season for our partners on the ground and locals in the hospitality and tourism sector,” says Addison.

Travel specialists are quick to point out that even with some of this rebalancing, summer this year and next will continue to see high demand for travel to—and within—Europe. According to Hayley Berg, chief economist at Hopper, while airfare remains higher than at this time in 2019, 40% of all searches for international trips this summer are to Europe, in line with last year and slightly higher than in 2019.

“Sure, we think that traveler numbers on the Côte d'Azur will smooth out through the year, but summer will certainly remain the festive season—it will only be longer,” says Lucie Weill, owner of wellness retreat Lily of the Valley near St. Tropez , which sees its faire share of packed streets and crowded beaches come summer. Weill adds that the hotel has seen success in extending its season.

For travel specialist Cari Gray of Gray & Co . late requests and a lack of flexibility could mean getting turned away because of a lack of availability. “Whether it’s a visit to the Vatican or dogsledding in Alaska , access is going to be very difficult. And there are only that many high-end lodges in Lapland ,” she says. Addison offers the example of Lake Como , where the best properties can often get booked up a year or two in advance during the busiest summer months. “Knowing that the top hotels and guides are getting booked up and that weather disruptions are increasingly unpredictable, clients who want to commit to the most popular summer hotspots in Europe, like the Greek islands and Sardinia are securing their bookings a year out.”

The Balearic island of Menorca is a charming escape with its rocky coves, white-sand beaches, and green rolling hills.

Ultimately, it’s not about giving up on all the places you love: just about pivoting, even if within the same country. “Why not Menorca instead of Mallorca, with its explosion of fantastic hotels and its great beach front, or Epirus in Northern Greece on the Albanian border with its Stone villages, old-growth forests, and truffle hunts instead of the islands," says Gray.

"In Italy we’re always pushing to discover new areas, even in regions that we’ve been exploring for decades like Tuscany and Umbria because new hotels are opening up regularly,” says Courtney Mundy , a travel specialist at experiential travel experts Butterfield & Robinson.

And, a word of caution for the rising favorites: “Smaller destinations in Iceland & Norway will really need to consider how to manage the higher number of visitors than ever before,” says Addison. “Parts of Iceland are overtouristed,” agrees Sortland, “so, it’s not unreasonable to think that smaller communities in Norway could eventually be at risk, too.” Whether it's through new tourist tax regimens or limits on cruise ship day-trippers to reduce crowding, a shifting tide will need more alert local governments—and as we’re swapping beaches for the mountains or Rome for Stockholm, more responsible travel habits that leave fewer traces behind.

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As international travel grows, so does US use of technology. A look at how it’s used at airports

Piet De Staercke, from back right to left, with his wife Jill Bornauw, their eldest son Stan De Staercke, watch their youngest Tuur de Staercke, get screened by a Custom Border Protection officer, right, in the port of entry at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. Monday, April 1, 2024. The Belgian family of four, used the Mobile Passport Control app, the newest technology in international travel, to ease their way to their port of entry. Within minutes they had bypassed a long line of people waiting at the airport’s passport control and were waiting for their luggage. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

International travelers not using the Mobile Passport Control app, stop and use the portal to get their initial processing and instructions on their next procedure, in the port of entry at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. Monday, April 1, 2024. A Mobile Passport Control app user can bypass this procedure and go straight to a Custom Border Protection officer for processing easing their way to the port of entry. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

A Custom Border Protection officer, right, puts his thumb up as Tuur de Staercke, left, gets screened in the port of entry as his family watches at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. Monday, April 1, 2024. The Belgian family of four, used the Mobile Passport Control app, the newest technology in international travel, to ease their way to their port of entry. Within minutes they had bypassed a long line of people waiting at the airport’s passport control and were waiting for their luggage. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

International travelers go down the escalator to get processed at the port of entry at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. Monday, April 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Belgian family of four was on their fourth trip to the United States. They had been dreading the long line at passport control when they entered the country but had heard about a new app they could use to ease their way and decided to give it a shot. Within minutes, they had bypassed the long line at Washington Dulles International Airport and were waiting for their luggage.

“It was always a long row,” said Piet De Staercke of the line to go through passport screening. He, his wife and two sons were visiting Washington and Chicago. “We were a bit scared. But now with the app, it’s amazing.”

As travel continues to boom following coronavirus pandemic-related slumps, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expanding the use of technology like the Mobile Passport Control app the De Staercke family used in an effort to process the ever-growing number of passengers traveling internationally. And with events like a rare solar eclipse , the Olympics in Paris, and summer holidays still driving international travel, those numbers don’t look set to drop anytime soon.

Customs and Border Protection officials gave The Associated Press a behind-the-scenes look at some of the technologies they’ve been using and what to expect in the months and years ahead.

THE NUMBERS

During fiscal year 2023, the agency processed over 394 million travelers at the ports of entry. That’s a 24% increase over the previous year. When looking at the country’s top 20 airports by passenger volume, officers processed 31% more travelers while average wait times increased 11%. And at some of the busiest airports, the wait times have had negligible increases or even decreased. At JFK Airport in New York, for example, wait times went down — by 0.4 of a second on average — while CBP officers processed 33% more travelers.

Increasingly, people are traveling internationally with their families rather than going abroad alone for business.

Officials are moving more toward app-based technologies to speed passengers’ movement through the airport. The Mobile Passport Control app used by the Belgian family is one example. It’s available to U.S. citizens, but also to lawful permanent residents, certain Canadians and travelers from countries who are part of the Visa Waiver Program who’ve already been to the U.S. at least once.

Passengers upload their photos and information to the app. When they enter the screening area, they get routed to a separate line. The officer then just needs to take a photo of one member of the family and it pulls up the entire group’s photos and their information.

CBP launched the app in 2021 but is now trying to get more people to use it, including by working with airlines to allow the app to be downloaded while the plane is in flight and putting up signs at airports to let travelers know about it. Last year, a record 4.1 million people came into the country using the app.

“Any second that we can save through the process, it saves time because it adds up eventually,” said Marc Calixte, the top CBP official at Dulles.

Last September, the agency also created an app specifically for passengers who use Global Entry. That’s one of the “Trusted Traveler” programs CBP runs that allows certain low-risk passengers who make an appointment for an interview and submit to a background check to travel through customs and passport control more quickly when they arrive in the U.S.

IMPROVEMENTS TO GLOBAL ENTRY

Last year saw a record 3.2 million people apply to the Global Entry program, and this year the agency is on track to field about 4 million applications, said Brendan Blackmer, CBP branch chief for the Trusted Traveler Programs. But passengers have complained about how long it can take to get applications processed and their struggles to get appointments. On its website, CBP says it averages four to six months to process applications. In February, 17 members of Congress wrote to CBP demanding information, saying they were fielding complaints from constituents over the wait times.

Blackmer said the agency has pushed to improve the process, including by allowing nearly 100% of people renewing their status to do so without having to come into an enrollment center. That frees up appointments for first-time applicants. And it’s pushing for more people to be able to complete the process while they’re in the airport, either leaving or returning from a trip.

There are also more appointments available, Blackmer said, although some cities like San Francisco are still seeing so much demand that appointments can take more than 90 days to get.

“We’ve done a lot of work the past year and a half, and the agency’s in a better position now and able to meet the demand for the program. And we’re going to continue to work,” Blackmer said.

FEE INCREASES

Come Oct. 1, people using some of the Trusted Traveler Programs will see increases to the fees they pay. The cost of NEXUS, a U.S.-Canadian program designed to ease travel between the two countries for pre-approved travelers, will go from $50 to $120. Global Entry will go from $100 to $120. SENTRI, for pre-approved travelers on the southern border with Mexico, will go down, from $122.50 to $120.

But the fees will now cover all kids under 18 regardless of which program you’re in.

What’s unchanged is that approval for the programs will still be good for five years.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Calixte said possibly by the end of summer the airport will be opening so-called E-Gates where passengers using Global Entry can use the app, bypass an officer at a booth, and instead go to a gate where their photo is taken and matched to their passport, and, assuming no red flags arise, the gates open and they pass out of the customs and passport control area and are on their way.

Further on the horizon, Blackmer said the agency is exploring a concept called smart queuing, where the app assigns passengers to certain lines depending on information they have entered into the app, such as whether they have goods to declare.

Follow the AP’s coverage of travel at https://apnews.com/hub/travel .

I've been to 107 countries. Italy and Mexico are great, but these 5 underrated destinations should be on your travel radar.

• I've visited 107 countries, and I recommend these 5 that can be overlooked for more popular places. 
• Estonia is a European dream, and Namibia is one of my favorite places in the world . 
• Costa Rica is popular but not as packed with tourists as some similarly beautiful places nearby. 

This year, travelers are looking to visit more under-the-radar destinations than popular ones — in part to dodge crowds and in part to save money.

Some are specifically looking for "travel dupes," a term for destinations similar to popular spots that are often cheaper with fewer crowds.

And, as someone who's been to 107 countries , I can tell you each region of the world has an often overlooked country that may offer a more rewarding experience than a more well-known place. These more under-the-radar destinations are often less crowded, and your dollar just might go further.

Popular travel destinations like Italy, France, and Mexico are great picks — but consider visiting these alternative options to the more popular choices in the region.

Estonia is a European dream.

I was immediately captivated by the fairy-tale appearance of Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia.

Walking the cobblestoned streets within the fortress-like walls of the old city transported me back to medieval times.

The city is small enough to explore on foot, and there's plenty to entertain history and architecture enthusiasts. Enjoying a coffee or a beer in the Town Hall Square while people watching is a highlight of my European travels.

Although many people visit Tallinn as a day trip from Helsinki, which is a two-hour ferry ride away, it's worth staying here for a few days and heading into the Estonian countryside. The roads are often quite empty and incredibly peaceful.

I enjoyed Estonia so much that I returned twice more in the 18 months after my first visit.

I've enjoyed visiting Oman, a country in the Middle East.

Dubai gets a lot of attention for its luxurious travel opportunities , and many know Qatar because it recently hosted the World Cup, but nearby Oman should not be skipped.

After all, Oman's capital, Muscat, provides an excellent gateway to the country.

A stroll along the beautiful Corniche will take you along the water and by the bustling Grand Bazaar. For those who love hikes, there are plenty of options in Oman, including several easily accessible trails in Muscat that offer great city views.

Better still, the amazing Wadi Shab is less than two hours from the capital city and is one of the best hikes I've ever experienced . The trail takes you through narrow gorges and across streams and ends with a surreal swim through incredible caves.

It's an experience so breathtaking I'd expected it to be packed with tourists, but it wasn't when we visited. We only saw a handful of people, which allowed us to really enjoy our trip.

I've seen many parts of Africa, but Namibia may just be my favorite spot.

I have been fortunate to go on safaris in Kenya , Botswana, and Tanzania, but Namibia is my favorite travel destination of the bunch.

While there, we rented a campervan and did a self-drive tour of the country, allowing us to explore independently. Yet again, we avoided the crowds and the campsites were usually just us and local animals.

Waking up to the sounds of monkeys, elephants, and even lions was a special treat, especially knowing we were safe inside our campervan.

In addition to the wildlife, there's a lot to explore in Namibia, including colossal dunes, which we hiked up and surfed down —undoubtedly the trip highlight for my children.

Sri Lanka showcases a lot of what Asia landscapes have to offer.

Asia has some beautiful beaches, but Sri Lanka has beaches and tea plantations, mountains, rocks, waterfalls, and more.

We visited Sri Lanka last year and hired a driver and guide who showcased the diverse landscapes of this island country. The food was terrific and extremely cheap — our family of four was fed for less than $10 on most occasions.

The locals I interacted with were incredibly friendly and the island is also small enough to allow for in-depth exploration in a relatively short time.

Costa Rica is an excellent place to visit in Central America.

Growing up in Texas, my wife has been to Mexico many times since the state shares a border with the country. But to explore somewhere new, smaller, and in the same region, we chose to have our honeymoon in Costa Rica .

Although it's still popular, Costa Rica offers an authentic travel experience as I feel it has yet to be overrun by tourists. Like the other countries on this list, it has a diverse landscape, from white-sand beaches to rainforests to volcanoes, so there's plenty to do.

We also visited during the rainy season, so we took advantage of low crowds , low prices, and often received upgrades — and, as a bonus, it rarely rained!

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6 Things You Should Know About Traveling to Europe This Summer

Shifting flight schedules, varying hotel flexibility and new tech: A lot has changed since the last time you packed that passport.

By Sarah Firshein

After the recommendation on June 18 by the European Union that restrictions against nonessential travel be removed in its member states for visitors from the United States, both vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans could possibly travel to Europe this summer , making the masterpieces of the Louvre and the beaches of Sicily once again feel within reach. Here are six things to know if you’re planning a trip.

Flight schedules will be in flux for months to come

Because the United States continues to be closed off to international leisure travelers from most of Europe, making the travel between the two continents one-sided for now, aviation-industry experts say there won’t be a massive surge in Europe-bound flights from the United States this summer.

“Airlines require traffic from both ends of the route to operate sustainable services,” said John Grant, a senior aviation analyst at OAG, a travel data and insight provider.

Until the U.S. borders reopen to European tourists, Mr. Grant added, “the situation remains broadly unchanged for the airlines.”

On May 10, according to OAG data, airline schedules showed fewer than 2.5 million seats on flights heading from the United States to Western Europe in July. By contrast, more than 4.5 million flight seats went from the United States to Europe in July 2019.

Still, airlines are introducing new routes and resuming paused service. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have resumed direct flights to Greece , while American has added a new summer route from New York City to Athens. Delta and United will launch nonstop service from New York City to Dubrovnik, Croatia, in early July. Delta restarted service to Iceland in mid-May, and United will begin flying from Chicago to Reykjavik on July 1.

Additionally, United plans to resume flights to Spain and Portugal in July, Air France has tentatively scheduled the launch of its Denver-Paris route for July 2 and JetBlue will start its first-ever trans-Atlantic route, from New York City to London, on August 11.

Flight schedules are almost certain to change as summer rolls on. According to Transportation Department rules, if an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight, passengers are entitled to cash refunds.

A good bet, Mr. Grant said, is to “look first at travel to those cities with a high frequency of service, perhaps at least twice daily, since those destinations with just one daily flight or less than daily services are likely to be the more vulnerable services for short notice cancellations.”

For those who decide to proactively bow out of a trip, most airlines, including American, United, Delta and Air France, are continuing to waive most change fees for classes above Basic Economy, although the fare difference would apply.

Onboard, you’ll brush elbows with strangers, but you won’t go hungry

In recent months, daily passenger numbers have been generally inching upward, according to the latest Transportation Security Administration stats , and long gone are the days of empty planes and blocked middle seats. Delta, the final holdout, stopped the practice in early May.

Serving food and drinks, which most airlines paused or scaled back in some way last year, is also back, and many other elements of flying will feel similar to how it did before the pandemic. Yes, Air France is still serving fresh bread, wine and cheese, but there are also zeitgeist-y new flourishes to look forward to on other airlines, including spiked seltzers from Truly offered on American and White Claw on United.

Certain pandemic-era changes designed to minimize touch-points persist. To keep the aisles and galleys clear, many airlines are now asking passengers to wait for the “vacant” light before walking to the restrooms. In Delta One business class, pre-meal drinks have been eliminated, and beverages will come with meals. Delta has also introduced tap-to-pay technology for onboard extras. But even on planes where contactless payments are not available, keep a credit card within reach: Many airlines don’t accept cash.

Finally, although mask mandates are loosening across the United States, passengers ages 2 and up are still required by law to wear masks on planes and in airports.

Hotel flexibility will vary, so read the fine print

Most of the large American-run chains have reverted to their pre-Covid cancellation policies for reservations made before a certain date (that has come and gone), and for travel through a certain date (that has come and gone). But some companies are still being flexible: Hilton has always had generous cancellation policies, and Four Seasons has been consistently easy about changes and cancellations during the pandemic.

Travel-industry insiders also have noticed flexibility among independent hoteliers.

“We’ve felt that small, family-run luxury properties are actually more nimble than some of the big hotel chains,” said Louisa Gehring, the owner of Gehring Travel , an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso luxury travel agency. “Rather than lay off all their employees or point to an overarching corporate cancellation policy, they’ve had flexibility to keep the teams on, work with clients on a case-by-case basis and really step up to the plate.”

Policies vary by property, she added, but even some of the more rigid ones now include exceptions for Covid.

One thing to watch for is the credits-versus-refunds flash point: Even in cases when a hotel won’t swallow a deposit or prepayment outright, will you get a cash refund or will you be asked to rebook? Last year, Greece and Italy both passed laws allowing hotels and other travel companies to issue credits, rather than cash refunds, for canceled bookings. Although vaccines, the eagerness to travel and pandemic fatigue may make the idea of a credit less odious than it seemed last spring, always ask about policy specifics, including blackout and expiration dates.

Realize that Paris won’t look exactly like the Paris you remember

The Louvre and the Palace of Versailles are open , and nightclubs will open in July . But many of the go-to tourist destinations in Paris and elsewhere in Europe are or will operate with restrictions in place, including restricted occupancy levels and required mask-wearing. And the E.U. member states, not the bloc, ultimately decide what travel regulations , including testing and quarantines, to impose on visitors (The Netherlands, for example, continues to remain closed to nonessential travel.)

“Clearly, we will not come back to ‘normal’ straight away, and travelers will have to be conscious of health measures and respect rules at the destination,” said Eduardo Santander, the executive director of the European Travel Commission, a Brussels-based nonprofit that represents the national tourism boards across the continent. “We all — destinations, businesses and guests — cannot let the guard down too soon both for our own health and for the safety of people around.”

In short, any trip to Europe this summer will come down to managing expectations.

“Save the ‘must check all the boxes’ trip to Europe for a bit later, once all new protocol kinks have smoothed out,” Ms. Gehring said. But you may still have an unforgettable experience regardless.

“Travel is not a right; it’s a privilege, as we’ve all learned,” Ms. Gehring said. “Speaking Spanish with a local or eating homemade pizza in Naples — even if under new rules and restrictions — may elicit stronger feelings of joy and appreciation than expected.”

Prepare to schedule and commit, rather than wing it

Much like in the United States, most major European museums and attractions now require timed tickets in an effort to honor capacity limits and space out crowds.

That’s good news for anyone who hates waiting in line. But snapping a selfie with “The Mona Lisa” means planning. Timed tickets are usually nonrefundable and rain-or-shine.

Popular restaurants may also require advance reservations, especially for those committed to dining outside. Resy, which is owned by American Express, has expanded its international footprint over the past year; travelers can use the app or website to book top restaurants in the United Kingdom and around mainland Europe.

In previous years, Europe’s excellent rail system and inexpensive regional airlines made it easy to wake up in one country and decide, a few hours later, to visit another. Though that spontaneity might still seem appealing, there are also advantages to staying put.

“Instead of a breakneck itinerary that may include three days in London, three in Paris and five nights between Rome and Tuscany, a true deep-dive into one country allows for greater flexibility and less room for disappointment,” Ms. Gehring said. “Having four nights in Florence instead of two gives you twice as many chances to get that timed ticket at The Uffizi .”

Update your tech and tap into tech updates

Researching restaurant reservations and booking timed tickets could require either a good data plan, Wi-Fi or both. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken your phone overseas, research your wireless provider’s options so you are not slapped with expensive roaming charges. Several companies, including Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile, have per-diem travel passes that include unlimited data and texting, and certain calling benefits, in Europe. Or, just stick to free Wi-Fi. And be sure to bring a portable charger — many tickets and entry passes are digital.

Also take stock of the technology that has adapted alongside the pandemic, and how it can make traveling easier — and perhaps even a bit more enjoyable.

Uber Reserve, which launched in November and has recently expanded to London, Paris and elsewhere in Europe, allows users to schedule rides up to 30 days in advance. Uber Rent, also available in Europe, allows users to book rental cars from companies like Avis.

There are also several new travel-friendly bells and whistles from Google Maps. Updates set to be rolled out to Live View, the app’s augmented-reality mode, include overlaid street signs at difficult-to-navigate intersections. The app has also recently introduced more tailored maps that “know” when a user is at home or traveling: A London vacationer who fires up the app at noon, for instance, will see nearby lunch options as well as local tourist attractions.

Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based writer. She is also our Tripped Up columnist . If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

THE WORLD IS REOPENING. LET’S GO, SAFELY. Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter : Each week you’ll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world.

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this article oversstated the extent of the travel restrictions that the United States is imposing on in-bound international leisure travel. The United States is prohibiting international travel from much of the world, including most of Europe, but not all of it.   

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Italy opens new slander trial against Amanda Knox. She was exonerated 8 years ago in friend’s murder.

FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — A Florence appeals court on Wednesday opened a new slander trial against Amanda Knox based on a 2016 European Court of Human Rights decision that her rights were violated during a long night of questioning into the murder of her British roommate without a lawyer and official translator.

Italy’s highest Cassation Court in November threw out the slander conviction, the only remaining guilty verdict against Knox after the same court definitively threw out convictions for 21-year-old Meredith Kercher’s 2007 murder against Knox and her former Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, eight years ago.

The slander charge stems from Knox’s accusation against the Congolese owner of a bar where she worked part-time during an overnight interrogation in the Perugia police station. The accusation appeared in statements typed by police that Knox signed, but which have been ruled inadmissible in this trial by the high court.

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Knox, who was a 20-year-old student with rudimentary Italian-language ability who had recently arrived in Perugia, recanted the accusation in a four-page handwritten note in English penned the following afternoon, which is the only evidence that the court can rule on in the new trial, her lawyer said.

Despite Knox’s attempts at walking back the accusation, bar owner Patrick Lumumba was picked up for questioning and held for nearly two weeks. Lumumba, who has since left Italy, is joining the prosecution as a civil participant, as allowed by Italian law.

The slander conviction carried a three-year sentence, which Knox served during nearly four years of detention until being released after a Perugia appeals court found her and Sollecito not guilty. The Cassation Court later threw out that decision, and the defendants were convicted again by a Florence appeals court before the highest court in 2015 exonerated both Knox and Sollecito, stating they did not commit the murder.

Knox, now 36, remains in the United States, where she campaigns for judicial reform and has a variety of media projects including a podcast and a limited series on her case in development with Hulu. She was not expected at Wednesday’s hearing and judges declared she will be tried in absentia

Kercher’s throat and been slit when her semi-nude body was found Nov. 2, 2007 beneath a blanket in her locked bedroom in an apartment she shared with Knox and two Italian roommates.

Rudy Guede, whose DNA and footprints were found at the scene, was convicted of the murder in a fast-track trial and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He was released after serving 13 years, and is currently being investigated for allegedly physically and sexually assaulting a former girlfriend since being freed.