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Visiting Europe This Summer? Here’s How to Keep Your Cool — Especially for Us Fabulous 40+ Travelers
- Anne Marie aka Baldgirlwilltravel
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 7
I just recently spent five weeks in Europe in early summer 2025, visiting Krakow, Poland; Porto and Lisbon, Portugal; and Florence and Bologna in Italy. And let me tell you — it was HOTTTTT.
Europe in the summer is magical but also notoriously hot, especially in July and August. And this year was no exception — in fact, it was hotter than usual in many cities.
As a Black woman over 40 — and proudly menopausal — I know firsthand that heat can feel extra intense for us. Between hot flashes, hormonal shifts, and just plain ol’ summer sun, you need to be prepared so you can actually enjoy your travels (and still look cute doing it!).
Here are my top 5 tips for staying cool and comfortable in Europe this summer, plus some must-have items to pack.
1️⃣ Hydrate Like Your Life Depends On It (Because It Kinda Does!)
Europe has plenty of free, clean drinking water fountains in major cities — especially in Italy and Portugal. Take advantage! I recommend bringing a collapsible refillable water bottle with a crossbody strap, so you can stay hydrated without carrying something bulky.
👉 Here's my favorite - the Collapsible Water Bottles 40 OZ Motivational Water Bottle with Straw and Paracord Handle
2️⃣ Dress Smart: Light, Breathable, and Fabulous
Leave the synthetic fabrics at home. Instead, pack cotton and especially linen pieces — they’re breathable, lightweight, and perfect for that effortless, breezy summer look.
I love a good linen dress, flowy pants, and oversized shirts. I’ll share some of my favorite pieces from my LTK shop below so you can look great and stay cool.
3️⃣ Create Your Own Shade (Literally)
Don’t rely only on hats — add a UV umbrella to your arsenal. It makes a huge difference when walking around sun-soaked piazzas. A neck fan and a handheld fan are also clutch for those moments when you just need an extra breeze.
4️⃣ Time Your Sightseeing Like a Local
Aim to explore major sights early in the morning (before 10 AM) or after 5 PM, when the sun isn’t at its peak.
And please — do yourself a favor: book tickets to popular attractions ahead of time (at least three weeks prior). Long lines in that heat are no fun at all.
For guided tours (which help you skip lines and get insider stories), I recommend checking out Viator — they have fantastic options all over Europe.
5️⃣ Double-Check That AC!
A lot of Airbnbs in Europe don’t have air conditioning, or hosts limit how much you can use it (yes, even in the middle of a heat wave!). Always check listing details and read recent reviews carefully to confirm AC availability.
When in doubt? Book a hotel and make sure it has strong, reliable air conditioning. You can usually filter for this when searching, and always read reviews to see what guests really say about it.
Extra Tip: If You Can… Avoid Summer Altogether
If possible, visit Europe in the spring or fall. Fall is my absolute favorite — fewer crowds, milder weather, and the golden light makes the city even more magical.
Ready to Travel Together in 2026?
If you’re thinking about a new adventure with like-minded sisters, come join me in 2026!
Bali Meet-Up (2026) — Save $300 if you book this summer using code BALI300.✨
Ireland Meet-Up (2026) — Save $350 using code IRELAND350.
Both discounts are available through Labor Day 2025, and payment plans are available so you can secure your spot early and stress-free.
Let’s Stay Cool and Keep Exploring!
Got questions or want help planning your next stylish escape? Drop a comment or send me a message — I love helping you step into your free, authentic, and unapologetic travel era.
Ready to Shop?
Now that you have the ultimate list of closet staples, it’s time to fill in the gaps in your wardrobe! I’ve linked all my top picks in my LTK shop, so you can grab the exact pieces I recommend.
And don’t forget—subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch my closet staples series and see my top picks for all of these essentials!
Because style has no expiration date, and neither does your confidence.
Happy shopping, ladies!
Hang out with me and some Fly 40+ Sistas in some cool places.
Visit my dedicated Meet Up Page to learn about my upcoming girls' trip for Fly 40+ women!
Interested? Link HERE for more details! Grab a spot today! We are going to have a Time!!!
Thank You For Reading!
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This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates, and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
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