A European summer vacation is often taken to be the pinnacle of travel dreams. Days spent sipping wine on sunlit terraces, wandering centuries-old lanes and marvelling at world-renowned monuments and art are some activities that entail this dream. In 2025, however, contrary to the spotless dreams, the reality for many tourists has turned out to be gruelling, torturous and testing, to put things mildly. From visa hurdles and air travel chaos to scorching heat and soaring costs, Europe's current travel landscape, riddled with uncharacteristic challenges, looks far from any ideal dream and is increasingly turning into a nightmare.
The first obstacle for many travellers, especially those from countries like India, is the mounting difficulty that arises in securing a Schengen visa. With peak summer demand soaring, embassies and consulates remain swamped with applications. Appointment slots disappear within minutes of opening, leaving hopeful travellers either in dismay, looking for alternatives, or scratching the fixture altogether.
Even when applicants manage to secure a date, they often face processing delays that stretch on for six weeks or more. Aashish Gupta, Consulting CEO of FAITH and Founder of Strategy Pluto, points out that the issue is not entirely new but has deepened with seasonal pressure. “Yes, it’s taken longer as there's greater scrutiny on ensuring that there’s a genuine traveller coming in,” he says. “It gets impacted because it’s the summer holidays, and the conditions require you to pre-book and have proof of tickets, proof of travel. If you get rejected, then all of that goes to waste.”
Travel agents have reported an increasing number of families and solo travellers compelled to cancel or reschedule their holidays owing to these delays. While embassies in countries like Spain, Hungary and Estonia are currently better off, the broader system remains gridlocked. The unpredictability of the process has come to be a serious deterrent for last-minute planners and first-time European voyagers. “If one wants to visit that country, then one has to meet their requirements with full documentation,” Gupta insists. “That’s very critical to avoid rejection.”
Even for those who manage to obtain a visa and land in Europe, the chaos doesn’t end. Technical failures, staff shortages and frequent strike actions have haunted major airports across the continent. Recent weeks saw dozens of flights cancelled without notice, especially in France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Entire terminals have stalled due to system outages, with travellers enduring delays at immigration counters, lost luggage, and endless queues. “Finally, there’s the issue of regional conflicts where sometimes flights get disrupted,” Gupta notes, referring to how geopolitical tensions further complicate the equation. Travellers are now advised to incorporate buffer hours into their itineraries and arrive early—sacrificing precious vacation time for contingency planning.
Europe’s weather has become another formidable obstacle in 2025. Southern and central Europe have been scorched by successive heatwaves, with cities like Rome, Athens and Madrid recording dangerously high temperatures. Sightseeing has become an ordeal for visitors unaccustomed to the sweltering climate.
Older public infrastructure is buckling under pressure. Public transport systems are overstretched, and many heritage hotels and guesthouses lack adequate air conditioning. “The European summer was extreme this time—absolutely because of changing environmental conditions,” Gupta observes. “Weather conditions are becoming more unpredictable, impacting the holiday cycle in Europe.” Popular outdoor activities like hiking or mid-day museum visits are now health risks rather than leisure pursuits.
Europe’s tightening border controls are also adding to traveller anxieties. The upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), set to be implemented later in 2025, will require non-EU travellers to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans. While intended to streamline immigration in the long term, the short-term forecast is far from sunny.
Experts have warned of increased congestion and longer processing times at major entry points. Some travellers are already reporting uncertainty and delays even before the system’s full rollout. The stricter policies reflect a shift in local attitudes, Gupta explains, with rising pushback against mass tourism and a greater demand for compliance. “There are destinations offering easier access… those will always be in higher demand,” he adds.
Europe’s allure is also diminishing under the burden of skyrocketing costs. Inflation and new tourist taxes have driven up prices across the board, from meals and museum tickets to accommodation. In hotspots like Paris, Venice and Amsterdam, hotel rates have reached record highs this summer.
Additional fees, such as municipal levies on short-term rentals, compound the problem. For Indian travellers, the weakening rupee makes even modest expenditures pinch harder. Gupta underscores the value of planning and documentation here too. “If one is not comfortable meeting the requirements, then I think one should plan alternate holidays,” he says. “Destinations that are safer, easier to access, and more value for money will rise in popularity.”
Europe’s cultural riches remain intact, but for 2025 travellers, especially from countries like India, the equation has become more complicated. Navigating visa systems, absorbing rising costs, coping with climate extremes, and dodging logistical minefields now require exceptional planning.
Unless you’ve planned well in advance, booked early, and built flexibility into your itinerary, it might be worth reconsidering your European summer this year. Countries in Southeast Asia or Central Asia—with their simplified visa processes, affordability, and increasing infrastructure for tourism—are emerging as strong contenders. “If there are more things to worry about than enjoying, people will definitely make different choices,” Gupta reflects.
Aashish Gupta sees the current crisis not as an isolated issue but as the outcome of multiple intersecting factors. “There’s a change that’s evident everywhere,” he says. “Whether it’s weather unpredictability, local protests against over-tourism, or tighter visa regulations—it all adds up.”
He cautions that destinations can no longer take tourists for granted. “Tourists will always go where the value of mental peace is higher. If travel is easier to plan and offers better value, they will switch. That’s the reality. Any country that wishes to remain in the tourism game must prioritise safety, compliance simplicity, value for money, and strong branding.”