If you’ve repeatedly deleted Instagram from your phone over the past few weeks because your feed incessantly reminds you of your lack of travel plans, I feel you. I’m not sure what it is about this summer, but suddenly everyone and their mother is taking off to Europe. While I love seeing my friends and co-workers have the time of their lives exploring new cities across the globe, I can’t help but feel a little FOMO and wish I had something exciting to say in response to the dreaded, “So, what are you doing this summer?” query.
Luckily for those of us who will not be receiving a stamp on our passports this summer, there are plenty of ways to soak up this amazing season without catching a single flight. From mini road trips to patio sips, it’s totally possible to channel those romantic Euro summer vibes no matter where you are in the world. Here are 16 things to do this summer if you’re not jetting off to Europe.
1. Take a cooking class
Learning to make fresh pasta in Florence might not be on your summer itinerary, but that doesn’t mean your summer can’t still taste like it. While taking local cooking classes might be something you only think to do on vacation, attending one in your own city can be just as satisfying. Just imagine: you’re stirring up fresh tomato sauce like a nonna, cutting handmade pasta like an expert chef, and sneaking bites between sips of wine. Look into local businesses that offer cooking classes, or check out options from places like Sur La Table. It’s a classic Euro summer experience that you can easily recreate at home—without the added jet lag or huge hole in your wallet.
2. Host an Euro-themed movie night
If a trip to Europe isn’t in the budget, let your favorite films do the jet-setting for you. Host a Europe-themed movie night with a lineup of films set in bucket-list destinations, plus on-theme snacks and drinks. Plan a double feature of the classic Audrey Hepburn movie Roman Holiday, followed by a rom-com like When in Rome, all while sipping Aperol spritzes and munching on pizza. Or make it a full-blown karaoke night with a showing of Mamma Mia!, some flirty cocktails, and a nice cheese spread. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in the destinations on your Pinterest board without having to leave the comfort of your couch.
3. Have a picnic in a park
Hanging out in a park is a huge part of European culture—whenever the weather is nice, green spaces are full of locals reading, catching up with friends, or just enjoying the atmosphere. You may not be kicking back in the Jardin du Luxembourg, but you can easily soak up this same experience at parks in your area. Bring some friends along or make it a solo date, then grab some snacks and sips, find a bench or spread out a blanket, and indulge in some prime people-watching.
4. Visit a museum or art gallery
No plans to wander the halls of the Louvre this summer? No problem. If you’re feeling the culture itch, set a day on your calendar to visit a museum, art gallery, or sculpture garden in your area. Even if you end up strolling around a local history museum, you can still transport yourself worlds away by taking the time to appreciate interesting artifacts and stories. Whether you make a date out of your excursion or prefer to take in the art solo, you’ll find that there’s plenty of culture to appreciate right here in your backyard.
5. Host a dinner party themed after a specific country
Throwing an elaborate dinner party is a great way to both romanticize your summer and fend off travel FOMO. Choose a country you’ve been wanting to visit and host a dinner party inspired by that country’s cuisine. For example, if you want to lean into the Italian girl summer trend, plan a menu around a delicious caprese salad appetizer, your favorite pasta dish, and Aperol spritzes, finished off with some gelato. Or channel a Spanish theme with a long, leisurely meal of tapas, sangria, and traditional dishes like paella. The right food and ambience are all you need to bring your dream vacation to you.
6. Book a staycation at a boutique hotel
If you’re craving a break from your busy routine, consider planning an escape closer to home instead of traveling across the globe. A little staycation is the perfect alternative to a pricey vacation, while still delivering a respite from your responsibilities and a chance to embrace the best part of European summers: slowing down. Book a stay at a nearby hotel with the vibe you’re going for, then take advantage of the opportunity to fully unwind for a day or two. You don’t need a plane ticket to experience the magic of Europe’s laid-back mindset.
7. Bake some classic European treats
Europe is obviously well-known for its incredible food, and the desserts are some of the things I personally dream about most often. Between macarons, cannolis, and baklava, there are so many incredible traditional European treats, and learning how to whip them up yourself is a fun way to channel those Euro summer vibes. It lets you explore all the love that goes into making these desserts, while giving you a passport-free ticket to your favorites. Invite some friends over, scour Pinterest for a classic recipe, and channel your inner Italian nonna or French pâtissier while you bake up something delicious.
8. Take a road trip
Still looking for a getaway, but not looking to cross the pond for a vacation? Whether you want to head out of town for a long weekend or you’re ready to commit to a longer trip, booking an Airbnb or VRBO within driving distance offers a break from day-to-day life without going overseas. Hop in the car with some friends or a significant other, pack your favorite road trip snacks, pull up a good playlist, and drive somewhere new. Options may include a quaint cottage in the woods, a cabin by the lake or the ocean, or even a beautifully furnished city apartment (preferably with a tiny balcony that’ll make you feel like you’re in Paris). The possibilities are endless, and a totally new landscape is just a road trip away.
9. Enjoy patio dining whenever possible
Any European summer vacation is sure to include some al fresco dining, so why not take advantage of the patio space near you? Gather a group of friends to check out a new spot or visit a tried-and-true favorite in your town. Eating a meal outdoors (and snapping a few aesthetically pleasing patio pics of your own) is the perfect way to enjoy gorgeous weather and amazing food, no matter where in the world you are.
10. Shop at your local farmers’ market
Is there anything more romantic than strolling around a local farmers’ market in the summertime? Forget markets in faraway places and support your own local farmers by spending a morning or afternoon at an outdoor market. Selecting in-season produce, locally sourced cheeses, and freshly baked bread is a fantastic way to shop (and eat) as if you’re in Europe. Plus, avoiding a trip to the grocery store can help you switch up your Sunday reset for the summer.
11. Read a book or journal at a coffee shop
One thing I personally would be doing if I were touring Europe this summer? Filling my bloodstream with as much local coffee as possible. Cute little cafés are a European staple, but you don’t have to travel overseas for a chic café experience. Grab a book or your journal, find a local coffee shop with a beautiful patio, and spend an afternoon sipping your coffee and enjoying the sunshine. Better yet, take a moment to be distraction-free and simply people-watch. Want to make the experience truly authentic? Ditch the iced vanilla latte and order your espresso straight.
12. Take a day trip to a vineyard or winery
France and Italy may be known for their incredible wines, but vineyards exist all over the world. If you live within driving distance of a vineyard or winery, plan a day trip and enjoy a wine tasting with friends or family. Traipse through the fruit trees in a cute outfit before tasting some fantastic reds and whites. Even if you aren’t far from your own city, a wine tasting can make you feel like you’re living a Tuscan summer.
13. Go on a restaurant tour of your own city
It doesn’t take a multiple-hour flight to indulge in some delicious food. To appreciate what your own town or city has to offer, take a tour of nearby restaurants for a day. Map out the must-try spots with some friends, start as early or late as you want, and eat your way through your own city. Of course, this tour isn’t just limited to full meals. You could create a tour based on drinks, desserts, or any specific cuisine your city is famous for (Chicago dogs? New York slices? Texas BBQ?). By the end of the day, you might just learn something new about your old haunts.
14. Go on a long bike ride
Dreaming of a summer vacation to Copenhagen or Amsterdam? Imitate an adventure in one of these cities by biking anywhere and everywhere you possibly can this summer. Biking is both a fantastic way to get moving and a wonderful way to slow down and soak in the sights around you. Plus, it’s wildly popular in many parts of Europe. Bike to the market and pick up some fresh flowers, or try out a new trail near you. It’s the ideal activity to bring a little more hygge into your summer at home.
15. Soak up the sunshine on a boat
Green with envy over the gondola lifestyle? Although you may not be floating through Venice this summer, there is likely a body of water near you ripe with opportunities to spend some time on a boat. From canoeing adventures to sunset sails, getting out on the water is the perfect way to romanticize the heat and enjoy the beautiful scenery near you. Whether you prefer to strike out on your own or would rather be steered straight by a captain or tour guide, finding a way to get on a lake, river, or bay in your area can be a fantastic way to explore without hopping on a flight.
16. Visit a sauna or bathhouse
European cities like Budapest and Helsinki are known for their bathhouses and saunas, but these relaxing amenities are increasingly popping up in cities throughout the U.S., too. Although they may lack some of the grandeur of a bathhouse in Hungary, some spas have taken on the communal, social inspiration of European bathhouses and adapted them for U.S. city dwellers. At the end of a long staycation of biking, farmers’ markets, and museum tours, a relaxing visit to a bathhouse or sauna is a fitting way to treat yourself.
Emma Ginsberg, Former Associate Editor & Podcast Assistant
Emma is a writer, editor, and podcast producer who created at The Everygirl beginning in 2021. She wrote for all sections on the site, edited the Entertainment and Community sections, and helped produce The Everygirl Podcast. You can listen to her with podcast host Josie Santi on the intros of The Everygirl Podcast and read her articles across the site.
Madigan Will, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan writes and edits content for every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she enjoys utilizing her big sister persona to connect and inspire readers—helping them discover new ways to maximize their everyday.
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