For years, summer has been the season for European vacations. We love to dream about leisurely afternoons at sidewalk cafés in Rome, with plenty of sunshine and nowhere in particular to be.

But, lately, those dreamy summer holidays have come with an unwelcome guest: extreme heat. And, according to new travel research, some Americans are starting to wonder whether they'd rather visit Europe when the weather cools down.

Perhaps it's time to trade our summer sandals for a light autumn sweater.

Europe's Summer Heat Is Losing Its Appeal

A new report from Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison company, says that scorching temperatures are influencing vacation plans. In the company's survey, 62% of respondents said extreme heat made them less likely to book a summer trip to Europe.

There's only so much sightseeing we want to do when the pavement is radiating heat, and we're searching for the next patch of shade. Exploring ancient ruins and wandering through beautiful city streets should be enjoyable, not an endurance test.

Travelers Are Moving Their Vacations, Not Canceling Them

The interesting part is that many travelers aren't abandoning their European dreams. They're simply looking at the calendar a little bit differently.

Squaremouth found that 18.4% of travelers had canceled, changed, or reconsidered their summer plans in favor of a fall getaway. Among those who changed their plans because of the heat, 48% decided to travel at a different time of year, rather than cancel their trip altogether.

That means the dream vacation is still happening. It might just involve a September departure instead of July.

September Might Be the New Sweet Spot

Autumn brings a different kind of beauty to Europe. Imagine spending a September afternoon exploring the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik, enjoying an outdoor lunch in Tuscany, or watching the sunset over a Greek harbor.

In many Mediterranean destinations, early fall still has warm weather without the intense summer temperatures. In fact, Squaremouth reported more year-over-year travel insurance sales for fall trips to destinations like Croatia, Italy, and Greece.

Of course, September isn't guaranteed to be cool everywhere, and popular destinations can still attract plenty of visitors. But, if you enjoy exploring on foot, a little relief from the summer heat can make a big difference.

Summer Doesn't Get to Have All the Fun

Summer will always have its charms, especially for families working around school holidays and anyone who loves long beach days. But, there's plenty to love about Europe once the calendar flips to September.

If you've been dreaming about a European getaway, but dreading the summer temperatures, perhaps it's worth looking a little further down the line. That autumn holiday might just turn out to be exactly what you've been waiting for.

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