9 Popular European Countries Without Air Conditioning

Historically, AC in Europe hasn’t been par for the course.

In fact, it’s one of the more pressing topics that Americans flying across the Atlantic in summer think about.

Will their hotel or rental have AC? What about cafes and restaurants? And is there a straightforward list of European countries without AC?

Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer.

Traditionally, Europeans have foregone AC in their residences and in many commercial spaces, from offices to shops to bars. But rising temperatures across the Mediterranean and summer heat waves that last more than a week have changed the game.

Today, even Europeans who grew up without AC are grappling with heat exhaustion and sickness, meaning the number of European countries without AC is lessening.

Still, while many of Europe’s formerly no-AC zones are starting to adopt cooling technology, the process is slow. According to one source from 2018, there are around 20 AC units per 1,000 inhabitants across Europe. That’s still a pretty low number compared to other regions, and especially the US.

If you’re looking for reliable information about European countries without air conditioning, start here. These are the most popular destinations where you may or may not find AC. Plan accordingly.

Popular European countries without air conditioning and high heat

Scenic view of the city of Porto in Portugal (Getty)

First, I’m covering countries without air conditioning across the board that regularly have temperatures in the 80s, 90s, and even 100s. (Looking at you, Greece and Spain!)

Croatia

Croatia is a newer tourist hotspot compared to the other Mediterranean countries on this list, but it’s been quick to adopt AC. You’ll find it in the vast majority of rentals, homes, restaurants, and more. That being said, Croatia also has many establishments that are partly in open air, making the coastal cities and towns more accommodating for heat in general.

Greece

Given its reliance on tourism and its steadily rising average temperatures, many locations in Greece that are open to visitors have AC. That includes private rentals and hotels, along with hospitality-facing spots like museums, restaurants, and clubs. Just make sure to look for reviews on how well the unit works if you’re paying for a private rental.

Italy

Compared to Greece and Spain, Italy has been a bit slower to adopt AC units. The vast majority of hotels have them, but not all private rentals come with units. Check the reviews to look at whether the AC unit worked and how well. Similar to Spain, you’ll notice more establishments have them in the south and around the coast. In areas further north, like Veneto and Lombardy, they aren’t yet standardized.

Portugal

Similar to Italy, Portugal has been a bit slower to adopt AC. However, you can usually rely on tourist establishments to offer solid AC, especially inland and further down south. That being said, not all units are as powerful as what we’re used to in the United States. If you’re heading off the beaten track, plan to skip out on AC.

Spain

Spain relies heavily on tourism, meaning the vast majority of rentals, hotels, and shops that are hospitality-facing likely have AC. That’s particularly true in southern and coastal areas. However, if you’re heading to the north (like Basque Country or the Pyrenees), don’t expect to have AC in every private rental, restaurant, or hotel. In short, it’s used where needed, but usually only where temperatures hover above 85.

Popular European countries without air conditioning and lower temperatures

Wondering what countries don’t have AC when you may or may not need it? These European countries don’t have many AC units, but it’s less likely to be a problem.

France

Heat waves in France have surged over the last decade, causing a sharp uptick in AC purchases. However, most are in residences compared to hotels and private rentals. If you’re visiting France in the summertime, you need to ask your hotel or hosts whether you can rely on AC. Remember that it’s still new to the country, meaning some rentals that have it might not make it available to you unless they feel its actually hot enough to warrant usage.

Germany

Germany skimps big time on AC thanks to many buildings having natural ventilation and the country’s historically low temperatures. That’s changing slightly thanks to rising temperatures, but the vast majority of hotels and private rentals come with heating—not cooling.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has even fewer AC units than in Germany, thanks to its low average temperatures. Don’t expect to have AC in your private rental or hotel, in many cases.

United Kingdom

Some newer buildings might have AC, but the vast majority of homes and commercial shops in the UK don’t have units. It’s uncommon in residential settings, along with hotels and private rentals. It shouldn’t be a problem thanks to the UK’s low temperatures, aside from those increasingly common summer heatwaves.

Hotels in Downtown Seattle Close to the Pier: 11 Picks for Non-Stop Fun

Seattle’s downtown isn’t quite like other major cities.

It’s home to more than just commercial skyscrapers, out-of-place sculptures, and historic landmarks or placards. If you want to delve into the heart of the city, you’ll be spending a lot of time in downtown Seattle.

It’s home to Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the Seattle Center (home to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit), and the Museum of Pop Culture—just to name a few.

The Seattle Pier (Pier 62) is also one of the best waterfronts in any major city in the US. Similar to San Antonio’s River Walk, it’s become a defining point in downtown Seattle, letting you escape the hustle without actually leaving the city center.

Ready to check out the best hotels in downtown Seattle close to the pier? I’ve got picks for every budget and mood.

Hotels in downtown Seattle close to the pier

Hotels in downtown Seattle near the pier

The Paramount Hotel

This three-and-a-half-star hotel offers ‘simple luxury’ thanks to its service-oriented staff and its unbeatable downtown location. While the rooms are a little dated and its list of amenities is modest, you’ll have everything you need for non-stop fun in downtown Seattle. It’s one of the most popular pre-cruise lodgings in the city, too, which makes it ideal for shorter trips.

Hotel Sorrento

Looking for a storied boutique hotel for your downtown Seattle adventure? Hotel Sorrento first opened its doors in 1909 and has been painstakingly maintained since then. Expect modern amenities with tons of historic charm. Plus, you can eat or drink at the onsite STELLA, known for its local wines and professional mixology.

Palihotel Seattle

Located across the street from Pike Place Market and Seattle’s famous waterfront, Palihotel is one of the coolest boutique hotels in the city—and with an unmatched location, too. The Hart and The Hunter is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before wandering out into the action. Despite its location, Palihotel Seattle maintains its quaint, intimate vibe.

The Alexic Royal Sonesta

This four-star location oozes charm despite its place in the fast-paced West Edge area of downtown Seattle. It’s got a Peloton bike fitness center, full-service Chroma Spa, and a restaurant serving up contemporary American food and drinks. As an added perk, the hotel is a historic designation that dates back to 1901. Like Hotel Sorrento, it’s been carefully renovated and maintained.

W Seattle

Who doesn’t love a W Hotel? This four-and-a-half-star hotel brings you all the glitz of a luxury stay while incorporating the hype of downtown Seattle. Head into the Living Room Bar for a tasteful DJ set while you lounge by an oversized fireplace, then spoil yourself by heading back to your room to enjoy some of the best views in the city.

Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle

This boutique stay from Kimpton takes you into the heart of downtown Seattle with its perfect Fifth Avenue location. On the grounds, you can enjoy the popular Italian restaurant, Tulio, along with a daily wine hour. Just make sure the prices are right for you—room rates don’t come with too many amenities.

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

Located directly across from the Space Needle, this no-frills Hyatt stay lets you take on downtown Seattle at your own pace—and without breaking the bank. Whether you want a straightforward double room or a family-friendly suite with a kitchenette, there’s a room (and a great rate) for you. There’s even a basic on-site H-Bar with drinks and small bites.

Crown Plaza Seattle – Downtown by IHG

This award-winning four-star selection is geared toward large conventions but works for solo travelers and families passing through town, too. If you’re on the hunt for great views, you can even book a suite with panoramic views. The hotel also includes a fitness center, on-site dining at Regatta Bar and Grille, and natural toiletries.

Hotel 1000, LXR Hotel & Resorts

Welcome to one of the most stylish hotels in downtown Seattle, where the décor, views, and experiences are all fittingly imaginative and stylish. You’ve got unparalleled downtown views, along with unique amenities like pet services and something called a Topgolf Swing Suite. Plus, a bar called Rosebay and a restaurant called All Water Seafood. So long as you’ve got a bit extra to spend, you’ll enjoy splurging at Hotel 1000.

Mediterranean Inn

If you’re a little worried about staying smack in the middle of downtown Seattle, head to the Mediterranean Inn. You’re still within walking distance of the main attractions, but you’ll have a little more space to breathe in the Queen Anne neighborhood. Plus, the hotel offers a stunning rooftop deck for you to soak up the sights, along with tasteful and simple décor.

Southwest Airlines Has a New ‘Customer of Size’ Policy for Plus-Sized Flyers

Throughout the summer, Southwest Airlines has announced a series of major updates to its operations.

The most recent change isn’t related to their historic choose-your-own-seat arrangement, nor their new approach to those coveted companion passes.

Instead, Southwest made a critical update to its ‘customer of size policy’, which affects plus-sized passengers who normally travel with the budget carrier. In the past, Southwest has offered plus-sized travelers who need more than one seat to purchase two when booking the flight, then apply for a refund later on.

However, starting January 27^th, 2026—the same day that Southwest Airlines will end its open-seating policy—passengers won’t automatically be provided that refund.

Let’s take a look at the changes.

The new policy from Southwest Airlines affecting plus-sized passengers

Starting on January 27 of the coming year, plus-sized passengers who purchase two seats when booking their flight will only be eligible for a refund if they meet three new requirements.

These requirements are:

The flight must depart with at least one open seat. If the flight is fully booked, passengers aren’t able to apply for a refund later on.
Both seats must be within the same fare class.
Refund requests must be filed within 90 days of the flight.

I think those last two requirements are fairly par for the course, but the first requirement has raised eyebrows considering the vast majority of Southwest Airlines flights are fully booked—or even overbooked.

Some advocates for plus-sized rights in air travel have also pointed out that charging for two seats brings up the question—do you pay airlines for ‘butt space’ (aka one seat) or for passage between two locations?

Think of it like charging tall passengers for added leg room when, for them, it’s a necessity instead of a luxury. In other words, some believe that passengers are being nickel-and-dimed to pay extra for basic accommodations.

For many, being mindful of plus-sized passengers is an important part of modern plane etiquette. If you notice someone is uncomfortable on the flight (whether or not they’re plus-sized), it can make a world of difference if you make an effort to be accommodating.

Choosing not to recline your seat, for example, can have a positive impact—even if it’s small. That’s doubly true if some passengers are being double-charged for flights based on their size.

I Have 5 Tips for Visiting Athens from Its Top-Rated Tour Guide

Cutting to the core of an ancient city like Athens isn’t easy, even for an experienced traveler.

Not only are you seeking out highly complex and antiquated landmarks, but you’ll also be competing with hordes of tourists just to see the sites and read a few placards. Even tourists who go above and beyond to book private tours and get off the beaten path might still leave Athens feeling like they barely scratched the surface.

If you’re just passing through on your way to the Greek Islands, maybe that’s not an issue for you.

But if you’ve been dreaming of exploring Athens for a while, then booking a few basic tours and buying a few museum tickets won’t do the job. Worse, you might overspend on a subpar experience, wasting both time and money.

Once again, I’ve got a magical little recommendation for you: book with local tour guides.

Even better, book a tour with Panos, Athens’ top-rated tour guide from ToursByLocals. And just to clarify, this isn’t sponsored content: I’m passionate about recommending tours from local guides, and ToursByLocals does it well. (Maybe you could tell by the name?)

If you’re sick of booking pricey, basic tours and you’ve got an upcoming trip to Athens, here’s what you need to know from one of its most expert, experienced tour guides.

5 tips on visiting Athens from a top-rated tour guide

Tip #1: You need a tour guide with academic qualifications in Athens

Just about anyone can make a profile, get registered, and start offering tours online—but they might be hobbyist guides instead of professional ones.

Expert tour guides like Panos are qualified to show you Athens because they’ve actually gone to school to learn about history, archaeology, and even hospitality. Panos holds a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees in topics that relate specifically to the Mediterranean and Ancient Greek civilization. He also has language certificates in English, French, and German.

On top of that, Panos is a licensed tour guide with the Greek Ministry of Tourism, meaning he’s officially certified to show you the best in Athens.

Here’s my point: general tours in cities as complex and culturally rich as Athens simply won’t show you what’s really going on underneath the surface. You won’t learn or experience anything you couldn’t find online or in a book.

Tip #2: Athens has unofficial archaeological sites, too

Did you know that Athens is dotted with unofficial sites and landmarks that tourists and underqualified tour guides don’t know about?

One of Panos’ favorite parts about offering tours is taking tourists away from the crowds at popular sites to show off other ruins that don’t get as much coverage. Some are even covered in greenery and virtually empty.

Tip #3: Pro guides make the past feel present

Piggybacking on my first point (that your Athens tour guide should have some academic qualifications), Panos is incredibly passionate about his work. He’s not a tour guide out of necessity, but because he loves to dig into how Ancient Greek civilization helped steer humanity and how its influence can still be felt today.

One of Panos’ goals as a tour guide is to show his visitors that, despite how different people from around the world are, we also have a lot in common. Greek civilization still lives on today, and Panos can make direct connections between the historical timeline and modern life. You won’t get that one on a short, basic tour.

Tip #4: The Acropolis and Plaka are barely the start

If you’ve been researching or planning a trip to Athens, you’ve probably looked into visiting the Acropolis and exploring the historic Old Town of Plaka. But one of the most consistent tips on visiting Athens is that you need to explore the city beyond those main attractions.

Panos can take you off the beaten path and away from well-known locations for a more genuine experience that fellow travelers won’t get. In short, you’ll go home with stories and photos that your friends and family didn’t—even if they’ve also been to Athens.

Tip #5: Forget the stereotypes you know from popular media

When I asked Panos what he wished tourists wouldn’t do when visiting Athens, he mentioned avoiding stereotypes. Whatever you’ve learned about Greek culture from popular media, let it go during your time in Athens—this city and its residents aren’t like what you’ve seen in movies or on TV shows.

Fun fact about Athens’ top-rated tour guide: Panos has some far-out destinations on his bucket list

Panos says he’s been lucky to visit many destinations that were high on his bucket list. A few that he hasn’t explored yet are Mongolia, Socotra (an island off the coast of Yemen), Madagascar, Bhutan, and Guatemala.

Check out my other ToursByLocals exclusives on Berlin and Mexico City.

England’s Norwich Castle Reopens After $37 Million Facelift

Over the last five years, East Anglia’s Norwich Castle has been quietly undergoing a serious renovation.

After revamping all five floors of Norwich Castle thanks to funding upwards of $37 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the location has become one of England’s most accessible and dynamic castles.

In fact, it’s the first time that all five floors have been open to the public. That might not sound like a big deal, but the construction of this former prison-castle began in 1067, meaning the inner workings of some floors of Norwich Castle have been closed to the public for almost a millennium.

If you like castles, history, and a few macabre tales, it’s easily one of the coolest day trips you can take from London, so long as you’re willing to spend the night. Here’s what to expect from the newly reopened Norwich Castle.

New exhibits and galleries at Norwich Castle

William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England, ordered the construction of Norwich Castle following the Norman Conquest of England. Despite its large size and grandeur, it was used as a prison (aka a ‘gaol’) up until the late 1800s.

By 1915, Norwich Castle had become a scheduled monument, and was then made a ‘listed building’ in 1954. In English parlance, that means that it’s protected and managed by national entities; currently, it’s managed by Norfolk Museums Service.

Despite its role as a prison, Norwich is also home to many artworks and archaeological finds from the region. In short, visitors won’t be bogged down with dark topics—at least, not for the whole visit.

Norwich Galleries are home to artifacts, natural history specimens, regimental history, and decorative and contemporary art. Currently, there are also four exhibits open to the public, mostly focused on contemporary art, and multiple events and workshops scheduled for the rest of the year.

But the main star of the show is the renovated Castle Keep, which showcases the grounds’ role as a medieval gaol.

Are There Lizard People in Denver Airport? Inside the Denver Airport Conspiracy

Of course, there aren’t any lizard people at Denver International Airport.

At least, not that anyone can prove.

But the Denver Airport conspiracy, which revolves around the idea that there are lizard people roaming the airport’s subterranean tunnels, has been going strong for thirty years. That makes it one of the most enduring travel rumors out there.

And also one of the cheekiest.

Rather than shy away from the rumors, Denver Airport has leveraged its alleged lizard inhabitants as part of its marketing campaigns as early as 2018. Just the other day, I saw an Instagram post from August 3rd that made me laugh out loud.

In short, while there’s zero evidence of roving lizard people in Denver Airport, travelers and airport staff seem to love the idea. It’s definitely a marketing win for the DIA team, too, so long as the Denver Airport conspiracy remains harmless and playful.

But what’s behind these wild rumors? And why have some Americans strung together wild ideas about the airport’s construction and ongoing operations?

Let’s dig in—and let’s leave our doubts at the door. From here on out, we’re stepping into conspiracy territory, and we’re not asking questions. It will be easier that way.

Lizard people in Denver Airport: origins

DENVER, CO – October 20: Airline traveler Kenny Cuyler from Las Vegas takes pictures of pictures of gargoyles statues on display in the Conspiracy Theories Uncovered gallery at Denver International Airport October 20, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Denver International Airport opened its doors in 1995, quickly becoming an important hub in the center of the country. (In 2021 and 2022, DIA became the world’s third busiest airport in the world, just to highlight how busy it is.) One factoid quickly attracted conspiracy attention.

Denver Airport spans a whopping 52 square miles for a total of 33,531 acres. That makes Denver the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere, second only to Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Airport globally.

All that spaces makes it easy to hide lizard people—but why did they build DIA in the first place?

We need to look at the capstone that was laid when the airport was completed. Airports, along with other commercial enterprises, often create a capstone that lists information like the construction date. DIA decided to create a time capsule to be opened in 2094, which was buried beneath the capstone.

But forget the time capsule—we need to zero in on that capstone, which was graciously donated and laid by Denver’s local Masonic lodge.

It ties in well to one of the three dominant theories on how lizard people ended up at DIA. Here they are:

Freemasons constructed DIA in order to conduct their secretive, fraternal operations on its grounds, which may or may not involve lizard people.
The Illuminati might be using it as a base for their dark plots, alongside populations of lizard people.
The New World Order could also be one of the groups working in DIA, where it launches covert operations for global dominion with the help of lizard people.

Denver Airport’s capstone also reads ‘New World Airport Commission’, a shout-out to a group that doesn’t actually exist. Is it a reference to a famous song by a Czech composer? Or is it a nod to the New World Order and its horde of lizard people?

I’ll let you decide.

(A quick note: Freemasons are a real-life fraternal organization and not a conspiracy group, meaning you might know a few Freemasons in your daily life. Growing up, my soccer team used to rent practice space on a Freemason property—so I’d hate to paint a nefarious picture of the group.)

“Blucifer” and other artwork that helped inspire the Denver Airport conspiracy

A 32-foot sculpture commissioned three years before Denver International Airport opened was finally installed in the median of Pena Boulevard leading up to the terminal. (Photo By Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The capstone is the most damning evidence that the Denver Airport conspiracy might hold weight, but many passengers are more focused on the artwork and exhibits dotting the grounds. They’re… weird, to say the least.

These are the most compelling pieces of art that hint there might be lizard people in Denver Airport:

“Mustang”, aka Blucifer from Luis Jimenez, is a 32-foot-tall blue mustang with glowing red eyes. According to Jimenez, the piece was meant to honor the Wild West spirit. Unfortunately, part of the sculpture fell and tragically killed Jimenez, which has helped keep the DIA conspiracy alive.
“Notre Denver”, two stone gargoyles that loom above the baggage claim area. Are they a callback to the historic gargoyles protecting Notre Dame in Paris? Or are they menacing spirits helmed by the lizard people hiding in the tunnels underground?
“Children of the World Dream of Peace” and “In Peace and Harmony with Nature” from Leo Tanguma are large-scale murals that depict scenes of war, destruction, pollution, death, and gas-mask-wearing soldiers. Are these pieces thought-provoking works of art or depictions of what the Illuminati has planned for our world?

Final food for thought: the underground tunnels

Capstones and stallion sculptures aside, if you’ve invested any time into researching the lizard people at Denver Airport, you’ve probably looked into the underground tunnels. DIA has acknowledged the presence of underground tunnels, which extend to the airport’s borders and house things like the inter-terminal train.

Some underground tunnels are home to offices and other workspaces, meaning they’re open to select airport employees. Also, lizards, if you’re going by conspiracy theories.

According to believers in the DIA conspiracy, one tunnel leads as far as 100 miles toward Colorado Springs’ North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) center. Some also believe it’s the stomping ground of the Freemasons, Illuminati, and New World Order, and their scaly cohorts.