10 most popular destinations in Europe, Summer 2011

For many travelers, a European vacation is synonymous with summer. Nevermind that it’s the time of year when much of Europe is at its most expensive and most crowded – these spots are popular for a reason. A quiet stroll by the Seine in Paris isn’t nearly as enjoyable or romantic if it’s cold and raining out, after all.

In other words, despite the fact that a trip to Europe this summer will cost you more than it would if you waited a few months, European trips remain extremely popular. Which ones are most popular is a different question – and one that could drive your vacation planning choices.

If you already know that you’ll be visiting Europe during the summer, which means you’re going to an expensive destination during its most expensive season, then one way to avoid the highest prices (and the biggest crowds) is to avoid the places that top the popularity list. Conversely, if the places on your must-see list are the most popular spots, you’ll know you’ve got to do research even further in advance of your trip to find the best deals.

Here, then, are the most popular European travel destinations for summer 2011, based on what people are actually searching for on our sites.

1. London
London is usually the undisputed most popular city in Europe in the summer. It’s home to one of the busiest international airports on earth, let alone in Europe, and England’s weather is such that a summer trip is just about the only time you stand a chance of seeing the sun consistently.

>> Find cheap tickets to London

2. Paris
France still tops the charts as the most-visited country in the world, so it’s not surprising that France’s capital and main international gateway ranks so highly on our list. With two major airports to choose from, you also have a few more options for flights into Paris.

>> Find cheap flights to Paris

3. Rome
All roads may not lead to Rome anymore, but most travelers find themselves in the Italian capital at one point or another in their lives. Finding deals on airfare can be a challenge when you’re flying to Italy, so be sure to check flights into Milan or Venice as an alternative.

>> Find cheap tickets to Rome

4. Barcelona
Although capital cities tend to dominate lists about most popular destinations for flights, that’s not always the case. Barcelona isn’t Spain’s capital, but it’s one of the most popular spots for European vacationers. No doubt its proximity to the beach helps immensely.

>> Find cheap flights to Barcelona

5. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of those cities that ranks highly on the popularity meter despite its small size, partly due to its long-time draw for backpackers intrigued by the relaxed attitude in The Netherlands toward drugs (among other things). There are, of course, many other reasons to visit.

>> Find cheap tickets to Amsterdam

6. Frankfurt
On a list of popular European cities to fly into, Frankfurt stands out from the rest. Most people who fly to Frankfurt are en route somewhere else – this being Lufthansa’s hub – rather than flying to Frankfurt to stay.

>> Find cheap flights to Frankfurt

7. Dublin
Dublin is one of the most popular city breaks in Europe, so it’s one of those places that can get crowded throughout the year as Europeans from the continent zip over for a long weekend. In the summer, however, the weather’s more reliably nice – which is a huge bonus.

>> Find cheap tickets to Dublin

8. Nice
Paris may be the biggest international gateway for France, but there’s also an airport in Nice – and if you can fly directly to the Mediterranean, why wouldn’t you? If you have trouble finding cheap fares on direct flights to Nice, look for flights to Paris and then get a short flight to the southern coast.

>> Find cheap flights to Nice

9. Madrid
Spain’s capital city is almost in the geographic center of the country, and the fact that summers in Spain’s center can be blisteringly hot is only one reason that Madrid is famous for its nightlife. Do as the locals do – relax or sleep during the heat of the day, and party all night.

>> Find cheap tickets to Madrid

10. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is easily the most popular destination in Scotland, whether you’re going for the famous Festival Fringe in August or at any other time of year. The historic city is where most visitors concentrate their time, and with good reason. It’s picturesque and packed with attractions.

>> Find cheap flights to Edinburgh

photo by Matito