How to have a Eurosummer Anywhere

Everyone has seen the whole ‘eurosummer’ trend on tiktok. It’s not necessarily a trend, as many of us live this life every summer, but now everyone wants to live this life. I get it! Eurosummer is the peak summer experience. Outside all the time, having fun, looking good- why wouldn't you want a eurosummer? The thing that is stopping most people from actually having a eurosummer is the lack of ‘euro’ in their summer. Around 745 million people live in Europe out of 8.3 billion people on this planet. This doesn't have to stop you from living your eurosummer dream. 

The eurosummer that most people want to experience is mostly the Mediterranean summer experience. Think of France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. Of course, it isn't fully restricted to these countries, but from what I’ve seen on social media, that is what people see as eurosummer. I’m a Latvian living in Ireland, so my ‘eurosummer’ either consists of rain and pubs, or garden work and Eastern European grannies. I do travel every year, though, so I've experienced all sorts of eurosummers.

The question is, how do I have a eurosummer in any part of the world?

Tapas and dinner outside 

Everyone has to eat, so why not do it outside? Here’s an idea - go out to a tapas restaurant with your friends and choose to sit outside rather than inside. Tapas are a Spanish style of

eating. They are small portions of food that you get loads of and share with company. If you don’t have a tapas restaurant, just order appetisers and share them with your friends. You get way more variety for dinner, and it's a nice way to try new foods. Sitting outside to eat is (in my opinion) the best part of summer. The warm evening air after a long day of walking around and hanging out with your friends is perfect for eating out in. Even if you don’t go out to eat, eat your dinner outside in your garden or on your balcony, or even just at an open window so that the warm air accompanies your meal. 

See what the European girlies are wearing

See what the magazines are saying the European girlies are wearing. Right now, it’s lots of linen, straight-leg trousers, flowy skirts, slim shoes, pops of colour, and shoulder bags. Looking good will make you feel good, so why not put a little bit of effort into your outfits? Don’t live in sweatpants and old oversized t-shirts, dress up every once and a while. 

Keep those windows open!

Many houses in Europe don’t have air conditioning, so what did we have to do? Open the windows! This lets in a nice natural breeze, and you can hear the birds sing and let the sun shine in. This is, in general, a healthier option over AC as it airs out the house, deters mould, and honestly just puts you in a better mood. It’s also cheaper, which is a plus. 

Swap those mixed drinks for cute cocktails

Are you just drinking vodka cokes or some basic mixed drinks? Level up your drink game by making yourself a little cocktail instead! Any spritz is perfect for feeling like you're abroad in Italy or France. The Aperol Spritz is the most famous one, a fruity, bittersweet cocktail. The Hugo Spritz and the Sarti Spritz are sweeter and better for those who have a sweet tooth. Try making a tinto de verano next time you're hosting! This is originally from Spain, and it’s the most refreshing drink you’ll ever have. It’s red wine mixed with a lemon and lime soft drink and garnished with some citrus fruits. 

Walk Walk Walk

Thinking of going on a quick trip to the shop? Walk! Meeting up with friends? Walk! Have nothing to do and the weather is nice? Walk! Walking is how most people in Europe get around. We are privileged enough that our cities and towns are far more walkable than many US cities, but if you can walk to your destination, do that! It is so good for both your physical and your mental health, and has so many more health benefits. I get it, sometimes walking is boring, especially if you're on your own. Try going on a hike, or go to the beach or a lake. Maybe go play a sport like tennis or padel. Move your body; it feels amazing to lie down after a long day of being outside and doing fun activities. 

first…second…THIRD spaces!

Find a café you like (preferably one with outdoor seating) and make it a plan to go out for a coffee every weekend with your friends. Chatter and soft music is the best background to a fun chat with your friends. Maybe find a park and have a picnic, or find a bench with a nice view. Having a set plan motivates you to get through the work you have to do, and stops you from bedrotting the entire summer. 

Some more little things you can do are play music at all times, swap out screen time for reading time, eat fresh fruits and veggies from markets, and learn to live slowly. Europe is far more laid-back in comparison to the US, so stop running around all the time and learn to slow down. 

For the best eurosummer outside of Europe, combine all of these and really imagine yourself on the French Riviera or the Amalfi Coast. What things do you do to live your best eurosummer?