• Lady walking in fountain, Budapest, Hungary

August Travel News

Hi from Rick: Traveling Cool When It’s Really Hot

Earlier this summer, many of our travelers happened to be vacationing in Germany for a record-breaking moment there…the hottest day ever recorded. Happy travels?

Unfortunately, "hottest days ever recorded" are becoming commonplace. Thanks to the impact of climate change, heat records are routinely shattered and tragedies like the recent wildfires in France, Spain, and Greece are becoming far too common. From a traveler's perspective, the potential for extreme summer heat is simply part of the European experience.

Of course, the easiest way to avoid the heat is to visit Europe in the cooler months — or take a summer "coolcation" to a chillier country like Iceland, Scotland, or Norway. But if your plans are set and a heat wave is on your horizon, there are plenty of ways to still have a great trip… Read more

In this issue


Lady in striped shirt with ice cream cone

Tips for Beating the Heat in Europe

Heat waves are becoming the new summertime normal across Europe — and while Europe is doing its best to adapt, travelers need to as well. With the following advice in mind, you can enjoy… Read more


Gullfoss waterfall, Golden Circle, Iceland

Iceland in 24 Hours

Iceland may be cold and remote, but in recent years, this island nation, long considered too out-of-the-way for most travelers, has become a can't-miss destination — especially after Icelandair started luring… Read more


Rick holding Convertible Carry-On in hotel room, Greece

Video of the Month: What Does Rick Pack in His Carry-On?

Whether he's traveling for two weeks or two months, in the north or in the south, Rick's packing mantra is — pack light! Watch


Selfie of Cameron Hewitt above mountain valley, Switzerland

Cameron’s Blog: Red Tape, Heat Waves, and Overtourism

Midway through 2026, Cameron Hewitt considers some of the big stories in European travel, from new red tape (EES) to heat waves to the current state of the "overtourism" crisis… Read more


frescos on left man on right

Summer Trip Reports

Join us for two Monday Night Travel summer trip reports: On Aug. 10 Ben Green shares his tips for Venice and the Veneto, and on Aug. 17 Cameron Hewitt reports on Germanic cities and alpine wonders… Register


Lisbon, Portugal

New Tour! Slideshow: Heart of Portugal, Day by Day

Our journey begins in hardworking Porto, where red-tiled roofs tumble down hills and port wine ages just across the postcard-perfect river. From here, your Rick Steves' Europe guide leads… Read more