Winter Here, Summer There - Time to Head to Europe
When winter hits Australia, one of the most popular travel destinations for Aussies is Europe. It’s the perfect time to escape the cold and soak up some sun, culture, and carbs. From visiting family overseas to wandering through historic cities and eating your way through pasta, pastries and paella, Europe has something for everyone. But if you want the trip to go smoothly (no missed flights or museum heartbreak), a bit of planning goes a long way. Here’s your no-stress guide to organising your European holiday from Australia.
1. Start Planning Early - Flights Sell Out Fast
If you're heading to Europe this winter (aka European summer), hopefully you've already locked in your flights because by May, prices are high and seats fill fast. Ideally, you should start planning 6 to 12 months ahead, especially if you're travelling during the peak summer months (June–August). But if you’re doing a last-minute dash, don’t panic you might still find decent deals on less direct routes or mid-week flights.
Popular airlines for Australians flying to Europe include Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Emirates. You’ll also find more budget-friendly options like China Eastern, China Southern or Philippine Airlines, often with extra luggage included. Handy if you’re travelling with family or doing a bit of shopping.
Tip: Always book through trusted travel sites or directly with the airline to avoid headaches later.
Ronda, Spain
2. Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
Seriously, don’t risk it. Travel insurance is a must: for flight delays, lost baggage, medical issues, and everything in between. Some Aussie credit cards offer basic cover if you book flights with them but always read the fine print. For full peace of mind, get comprehensive cover that includes trip cancellations, hospital visits, and luggage.
Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory
3. Sort Your Visas Before You Go
Heads up: from 2026, Aussies will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before travelling to most European countries. It's not a visa, but a mandatory pre-screening form you’ll need to complete online before your trip if you're entering countries in the Schengen Zone (like Italy, France, Spain, Greece and more). It’s a quick and easy process, but if you're planning your Europe trip for 2026 or beyond, make sure this is on your checklist.
Malaga, Spain
👉 Visiting the UK? You'll also need a separate Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, which is already being rolled out. This applies to all Australian travellers — even kids. It lets you stay in the UK for up to 6 months and costs just £16. You can apply here: gov.uk ETA application.
4. Don’t Forget Your Medicare Card – It Might Help in Europe
Here’s a handy bonus a lot of Aussies don’t know: your Medicare card can actually get you subsidised medical care in some European countries. Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs) with Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. If you're visiting any of these, you may be eligible for essential treatment through their public health system. Just make sure you pack your Medicare card. It’s a small thing that could make a big difference. It’s not a substitute for travel insurance, but it’s definitely worth knowing about. Full details here: Services Australia – RHCAs
5. Lock in Your Accommodation Early
The earlier you book, the more options (and better deals) you'll find. I usually go for Booking.com or Airbnb, depending on the trip. If you’re planning to hire a car, check if it’s cheaper to book it together with your flight as sometimes bundling saves money. And don’t forget about things like parking or road tolls in Europe if you’re driving!
Pisa, Italy
6. Book Attractions in Advance
Some of Europe’s most famous sites sell out months in advance — no joke. The Alhambra in Spain, for example should be booked at least six months early. I like using the GetYourGuide app. It’s easy, has great day tours and entry tickets, and they’ve got awesome customer service (I got a refund instantly once when a tour got cancelled).
Tuscany, Italy
7. Pack Smart: Luggage Tips That Work
First things first get yourself a solid suitcase. I go for something sturdy with a colourful luggage strap so I can spot it at the airport (and not grab someone else’s by mistake). Vacuum-seal bags are a lifesaver for saving space, and AirTags are amazing for tracking your luggage if it goes walkabout.
Pecs, Hungary
8. Pack Light (But Pack Smart)
Go for clothes in neutral colours that you can easily mix, match, and re-wear. It’ll save space and still keep you looking fresh in every city. A lightweight scarf is one of my top tips: it’s super handy on chilly nights, during flights, or when visiting churches where you need to cover up a bit. Don’t forget your travel-size toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, and moisturiser, perfect for carry-on or quick hotel stops and always, always bring a good travel towel - trust me on this one.
Florence, Italy
9. Don’t Leave Without a Good Travel Towel
My go-to is a quick-dry, sand-free towel that’s compact and super light. It dries fast, doesn’t smell weird, and rolls up to fit in your day bag or backpack. Whether you’re heading to the beach in Greece, hiking the Dolomites, or staying in hostels with questionable bath towels, it’s a game-changer. Mine also comes with a neoprene wet bag, which I use for toiletries or to keep wet swimmers away from the rest of my stuff. It’s so versatile, I use it as a beach bag too.
10. Add a Lightweight Picnic Blanket to Your Luggage
This one’s underrated, but if you’re planning to visit parks, do mountain hikes or even have a cheeky wine at sunset on the Seine pack a compact, waterproof picnic blanket. Mine weighs under 1kg, folds small, and is perfect for sitting on damp grass or sandy beaches. Plus, it’s machine washable. Easy win.
+1. Final Travel Tips from One Aussie to Another
Download your airline’s app and keep all your bookings in one place. Bring a portable charger, save offline maps (Google Maps lets you download whole cities), and keep both digital and paper copies of your ID and bookings. Don’t overpack your itinerary. Europe is made for slow wandering, long lunches, and spontaneous moments. Leave space for detours, gelato breaks, and hidden gems you didn’t plan on.
Budapest, Hungary
✈️ Ready to Go?
Europe is calling and with the right prep, your trip will be unforgettable. If you’re still getting your travel essentials sorted, check out our lightweight towels and compact picnic blankets — perfect for Aussies on the go.
Happy travels, legends!
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