Travel advisors booking last-minute international vacations this summer may find more options—and cooler temperatures—by steering clients away from Europe’s hottest destinations, according to Avanti Destinations.
The custom FIT tour operator reports a 10 percent year-over-year increase in last-minute bookings since launching a dedicated booking phone line and email service in 2024 for departures within seven to 30 days.
The company says the trend reflects continued demand from travelers making spontaneous summer plans, while advisors seek destinations with better availability and more comfortable weather.
Travelers Seeking Cooler Destinations for Summer
For clients looking to escape this summer’s heat across much of Southern Europe, Avanti recommends northern European destinations such as Finland, Sweden and Norway, where availability remains strong.
“While the popular European destinations such as Italy, France, England and Spain have been suffering from extremely high temperatures so far this summer, the northern countries are the cooler alternatives to suggest to independent clients who still want a European vacation. We have excellent availability in Finland, Sweden and Norway,” said Gina Bang, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, in a media statement.
Bang also recommends steering Italy-bound clients away from the country’s major cities in favor of smaller coastal destinations such as Santa Margherita and Nervi, where Avanti has recently added new beachfront hotels with availability. She noted that Central Europe, including Prague, is also experiencing milder temperatures than Southern Europe this summer.
For travelers willing to venture farther afield, Bang suggests destinations currently in their winter season, including Chile, Tasmania and Australia‘s Northern Territory. Experiences such as stargazing in Chile’s Atacama Desert, wildlife viewing in Tasmania, and exploring Uluru and Kings Canyon offer comfortable, dry conditions. However, she noted that Patagonia and Peru are currently in their peak travel season.
Beyond Europe, Avanti says advisors can also find good availability in Koh Samui, Thailand, and Japan‘s Alpine region, which offers relief from the country’s typically hot and humid summer weather.
For more information, visit book.avantidestinations.com.
