Why This is the Summer for European Travel

After months sitting at home, my wanderlust grew to the point of no return. I needed to get back into the skies, and like many travelers and av-geeks out there, I craved it. When the EU announced that Europe would be open to American travel this summer and I was finally vaccinated, I began what I would later realize was a truly unbelievable once-in-a-lifetime trip. 

When I got the opportunity to travel to Greece affordably due to family that I could stay with, I jumped at the opportunity. For the most part, all I needed to do was get a flight to and from Greece and I was set. 30,000 United miles and $20 later, I had a one stop, one way itinerary from Washington D.C. to Santorini (compared to over $700 one way). For the flights home, I found an overall not too badly priced flight home for $370. Sure, I could have used miles to lower that price even more, but at that rate, any point reductions I could have made would have been poor. 

I knew Greece, being at the top of my bucket list, would be amazing but little did I know how truly once in a century the experience would end up being. Being with experienced travelers who had been there prior, I was not the only one who recognized this once in a lifetime trip. Why was it so special? Greece was empty. 

On streets that would normally be packed to the brim with tourists unable to pivot, there was barely anyone at all. We first noticed this in Santorini, which is normally packed with multiple cruise ships coming into the Caldera every single day. Not only were there hardly any cruise ships, but the hotels were not at maximum occupancy. I was happy to be helping the Greek economy that had been hurting due to the lack of tourism, while enjoying the benefits of not being on top of every other tourist. 

But Greece was not the only country like this. I’d seen numerous photos and comments about other countries being empty as well. Less than 10 people in the hall of mirrors at Versailles or in front of the Mona Lisa, deserted tourist attractions that would often see thousands of visitors a day. It was all unheard of. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see attractions not ruined by crowds of people. Not only will it permit cool Instagram posts with no one around you, but it is turgidly an unforgettable experience to have such a significant attraction to yourself. 

While in Greece I had to visit the acropolis in Athens and while the 101 degree heat and blazing sun may have also had a small effect, I was able to get a picture of me alone standing in front of the Parthenon. It wasn’t a special angle, photo editing app or having to wait incredibly long just for the picot, I simply walked up and snapped a quick pic. We also were able to walk up to exclusive restraints that normally required reservations. 

Overall, while some people might still find travel this summer to be out of their comfort range, others who are vaccinated and willing to go through the tiresome paperwork and testing will find that it is very much worth their while. It’s an opportunity to go on trips that won’t be spoiled by masses of people and hopefully less expensive with points and miles. The world has been waiting to be explored for over the last year. Go explore!

If you have an amazing experience at a popular attraction alone, please tweet or tag us in your post or simply let us know!