Booking.com reveals where Aussies are booking their European summer holidays

Australians are clearly keen to embrace some of ‘la dolce vita’ (the sweet life) after being cooped up with Covid restrictions, with searches for Italian holiday destinations now rivaling those of more common destinations.

New research conducted by Booking.com shows that Italian cities have clambered their way into the top 10 searched international destinations for the season alongside fan favorites London, Singapore, Bali and Queenstown, New Zealand.

And while most of the European summer has passed, it’s not too late to joint the party in Italy, check out of a rooftop bar in Greece or take in the Tapas in Spain with August and September set to be memorable months – with plenty of heat – for Aussies booking travel abroad.

International fashion distributor Shaun Birley has shared his foolproof guide for nailing European summer, starting with doing your own research.

‘It’s important to search for accommodation that is in close proximity to all the places you want to eat, drink, discover and capture for the gram – it makes a holiday experience far more convenient and of course much more fun,’ he said.

‘A great way to do this is by using the map feature when using the Booking.com platform, as some hotels have multiple locations and you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of nowhere, with nowhere to snack on that panini, drink your Aperol or walk around discovering new places and meeting new faces.’

One such option in Florence is the Duomo Secret Rooftop apartment right in the center of the city.

With an unrivaled view of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore guests are mere minutes from famous pizza-focused eateries, the Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio.

And if you’re worried about the heatwave currently sweeping across Europe, fear not, this two-bedroom apartment with a hot tub is fully kitted out with air conditioning.

In Rome, Suite Laura is a must-stay just 600 meters away from the Pantheon.

It’s pet-friendly by nature and nestled in one of the more relaxing parts of the city, with a kitchenette fitted with a toaster and a stovetop, as well as a coffee machine.

Short-term rentals like these two in both urban and rural areas are a key component of Booking.com’s overarching aim to provide customers with a diverse range of great stays.

Of the over 29 million total reported listings on the website more than 6.4 million listings are in homes, apartments and other unique places to stay.

Mr Birley’s next tip is to pack appropriately using specialized packing cubes so you can separate your clean and dirty laundry throughout the holiday.

‘Well, these are a lifesaver. Not only can you make sure that all your tops are in one section and pants in another, but you can also use these to separate clean and dirty clothes,’ he said.

‘Super convenient and a game changer, especially if you’re on a fast-paced holiday, jumping around from destination to destination. Better yet, packing blocks help you plan outfits, so you are ready to go as soon as you land.

For those worried about losing their luggage abroad, consider using the packing cubes to take carry on only so you’re never without your most prized possessions.

If you’re up for a bit of sightseeing Mr Birley suggests booking a walking food tour that allows you to take in the key points of a city with delicious delicacies promised along the way.

‘It’s such a great way to meet new people and get to know the locals. Not only are you enjoying walking around the city but eating foods that you may have never seen or heard of before,’ he said.

‘These tours also provide you with an opportunity to question your local guide about events and iconic areas that may not be mentioned in your travel book or advertised online.

‘We know so many people are getting travel inspiration from social media today, so make sure you share your top tours and attractions on your socials so others can add it to their list.’

To ensure you’re never caught with a flat phone battery and unable to Google your next port of call, Mr Birley recommends packing a power board within your luggage.

‘We know how important technology, especially over the past couple years, has proven to be,’ he said.

‘That’s not to mention the importance of it when it comes to traveling – using your smartphone for maps or Googling your next stop.

‘If you bring a power board with you, it means you don’t have to purchase and lug around six adapters. You can charge all your devices at once.

‘Having all your tech charged is essential to being able to create and post content on the go in real time. And whilst we are talking tech, hot tip – do NOT forget to automatically backup your smartphone once you connect to Wi-Fi so you don’t lose any of your amazing holiday photos. It’s in the settings for both Android and iPhone.’

To snap the best photos of your trip Mr Birley opts for low light settings, usually in the afternoon or at ‘golden hour’, so there is no fierce sun on your face – or need to squint.

‘I love using the InShot app for transitions, color grading and editing on the go, giving a crisp finish no matter where you are,’ he said.

‘Make sure you also capture video footage with Reels and TikToks as they are a great way to look back on your holiday.’