It’s no secret that Aussies love a summer.
Why wouldn’t we? With clear skies, sandy beaches, and some of the best summer hotspots in the southern hemisphere, summer in Australia is as good as it gets. But winter inevitably rolls around again, and as days spent poolside turns into indoors, most Australians can’t wait to pack their bags and be transported to sunnier skies.
Enter, European summer! It’s a travel trend that has transformed into a cultural phenomenon, with an influx of travellers from Down Under making their way to Europe as soon as the calendar hits June. For young Australians, it’s become our form of pilgrimage. From dancing the night away in the party capital of Berlin to ‘finding yourself’ roaming the streets of Italy, embarking on a Euro summer is our new coming-of-age story.
So, why is Europe the ‘it girl’ destination on everyone’s lips lately, and what makes spending the summer there a rite of passage for young Aussies? Grab your passports as we explore the appeal of the European summer.
Insta-Worthy Aesthetics
With our social media feeds filled with European vacation content each Australian winter, it’s difficult to stave off the FOMO that comes with it. Seeing our friends and favourite influencers kitted out in dreamy linen outfits and drinking Aperol on the beach leaves us dreaming of a European vacation of our own. Away from social media, the Euro summer aesthetic has also seeped into other areas of pop culture. Popular film and TV, such as the hit series The White Lotus, romanticise the idea of spending summer in Europe and leave viewers craving to emulate the relaxed lifestyle depicted.
Vibrant Party Scene
Europe’s party scene is practically unrivalled. Whether you’re into the high-energy scene of clubbing or the more low-key vibes of bars and pubs, there’s something for everyone in Europe. Some destinations – such as Berlin, Barcelona, and Amsterdam- have a reputation for having some of the best nightlife hotspots in the world. With a drinking age equivalent to Australia’s, Europe offers a far more appealing party scene for young people looking to let loose in comparison to other destinations. The bars and clubs also stay open well into the night, sending young Aussies flocking to Europe to party before returning home to settle into a quieter life.
Endless Summer
Despite our reputation as some of the toughest people on the planet, bad weather is enough to send Aussies packing. When we’re used to heatwaves and near-constant sunlight, it’s almost in our DNA to go chasing the sun. As the European summer aligns perfectly with the turn of our winter, it’s unsurprising that the destination has become enormously popular with Australians. For young Aussies, we’re still transitioning from a time in our lives when summer meant three months of uninterrupted enjoyment. With full-time work and the responsibilities of adulthood putting a dampener on that for most of us, we’re seeking to recreate this in the form of an overseas summer vacation instead.
Easy Exploration
In Australia, you could spend the entire day travelling without ever leaving the state. With so many countries connected by a seamless transportation network, travelling around Europe is a dream for every Australian fed up with spending precious vacation time in the car. The accessibility of each country makes it easy to tick off your bucket list in quick succession or move on from anywhere that’s not quite your cup of tea without messing about with travel arrangements. It’s also much more affordable for backpackers on a budget and while summer is arguably the most crowded time to go, it’s all part of the experience.
Finding Independence
Embarking on a European summer feels like a turning point for many 20-somethings, signalling a shift into adulthood. For many, it’s their first major international trip without their family, bringing with it a whole new bunch of responsibilities. From booking accommodation and budgeting to wrangling their hungover friends together to make that once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing trip, pulling off a successful Euro summer brings a lot of satisfaction. With traditional markers of adulthood like purchasing a house also becoming less attainable for young Aussies these days, it’s also a way to have something to look forward to that feels more within reach.
Learn more about young Australians and travelling here.
