Share the article
The European summer holiday is a huge bucket list trip for millions of travelers every year.
You dream of landing, packing your bags and going straight to a seaside cafe for a cold drink.
But right now A huge wave of frustration affects international arrivals across the continent, and it all comes down to one three-letter acronym: EES.
The Entry/Exit system is the new biometric border control that is being rolled out throughout the Schengen area. It requires non-EU travelers to do this submit facial scans and fingerprint data at the border.
While the goal is to modernize the immigration process, the immediate reality for travelers is massive delays at airports, hours of waiting in winding lines, and a whole lot of stress before the holidays even officially start.
If you want to spend your hard-earned free time actually enjoying Europe, instead of staring at the back of someone’s head in the customs line, you need to be smart about your destination. The absolute best travel hack right now is booking a flight to a European country that falls completely outside the EES jurisdiction.
Being here 5 incredible European summer getaways where you can skip the biometric scanners, bypass the airport chaos and head straight to the beach ✈️.
Albania: the alternative to the Amalfi Coast
If you’ve always wanted to experience the breathtaking beauty of southern Italy, but don’t want to deal with the overwhelming crowds or the new border scanning delays, Albania is your golden ticket. The Albanian Riviera is quickly becoming travel’s worst-kept secret, offering exactly the same crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea as Italy and Greece, but at a fraction of the cost.
- The atmosphere: Unspoilt Mediterranean beauty, rugged coastal routes and incredibly affordable fish dinners right on the water. It feels like you’ve stepped into a time machine and traveled to the Amalfi Coast thirty years ago, before the tourist boom.
- Where to leave your suitcases: Go straight south Ksamil. The beaches here feature soft white sand and vibrant turquoise water. You can rent two comfortable sun loungers and a parasol for the day for less than the cost of a single cocktail in Rome.
- The EES loophole: Albania is completely outside the European Union and the Schengen area. When you land in Tirana, simply hand over your passport for a quick, traditional stamp and walk out the door to begin your journey.
Montenegro: the Croatian coastal alternative
Dubrovnik and Split are iconic, but they are also packed with cruise ship passengers and subject to strict Schengen border rules. A little further south along the Adriatic coast lies Montenegro, a small country that has an incredible amount to offer when it comes to landscapes.
- The atmosphere: Dramatic, towering dark mountains that drop straight into deep, mirror-like bays. It has the historic charm of old walled towns combined with a surprisingly glamorous hunting scene.
- Where to leave your suitcases: Kotor is the ultimate base camp. The old town is a maze of cobbled streets and medieval squares, perfectly hidden in the corner of the Bay of Kotor. If you want more of a party and beach club atmosphere, take a short drive along the coast to Budva.
- The EES loophole: Montenegro uses the euro as its currency, which makes spending money super easy, but it is not actually part of the EU or the Schengen zone. You bypass the fingerprint machines completely.
Cyprus: the alternative to the Greek islands
Trying to fly to Santorini or Mykonos during the summer rush is chaotic enough, and the new border system only adds to the headache. If you want that perfect island energy, incredible ruins and endless sunshine without a line, look further east to Cyprus.
- The atmosphere: A huge, sun-drenched island that offers a perfect separation between deep centuries-old history and modern, luxurious seaside resorts. The food is a great mix of Greek and Middle Eastern flavors, and the locals are incredibly hospitable.
- Where to leave your suitcases: Set up camp Paphos. It’s right on the coast, which means you have fantastic ocean views, but it’s also home to absolutely breathtaking archaeological sites. You can spend the morning exploring ancient tombs and the afternoon floating in the Mediterranean Sea.
- The EES loophole: Here’s the best part: Cyprus is a member of the EU, but is currently explicitly exempt from the rollout of the EES in the Schengen area. You get all the benefits of an EU island destination without having your face scanned at a kiosk.
Ireland: the Scottish Highlands alternative
Not everyone wants to sweat it out on the beach during the summer holidays. If your ideal trip involves dramatic green cliffs, wearing a cozy sweater and drinking a perfectly tinted pint in a lively pub, Ireland offers an experience like no other.
- The atmosphere: Wild, windswept nature, historic castles and a local culture known worldwide for its hospitality. The road trips here are legendary and offer some of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world.
- Where to leave your suitcases: Skip the hustle and bustle of Dublin and take the train straight there Galway. It is the cultural heart of the west coast. The streets are filled with live musicians, colorful storefronts and great seafood restaurants serving fresh oysters.
- The EES loophole: Ireland is part of the EU, but operates under the Common Travel Area agreement and has fully withdrawn from the Schengen Zone. When you fly to Dublin or Shannon you will encounter a simple, traditional immigration counter with no EES delays.
Turkey: the alternative to the south of France
The French Riviera is beautiful, but the price tag is astronomical and the border crossing is currently a huge hassle. If you want luxury beach clubs, incredible shopping and beautiful water, the Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, is the place to be.
- The atmosphere: An intoxicating mix of East and West. You get world-class ultra-luxury resorts and huge marinas alongside ancient bazaars, incredible spices and historical ruins.
- Where to leave your suitcases: Bodrum is the absolute pinnacle of summer luxury in Turkey. It’s chic, vibrant and packed with luxurious restaurants and beautiful beach clubs. If you want something more relaxed but just as beautiful, visit the seaside resort of Antalya.
- The EES loophole: Turkey straddles Europe and Asia and is completely separate from the EU and Schengen agreements. You can arrange a simple e-visa online before you fly, get a quick stamp at the airport and go straight on holiday while the rest of Europe waits in line.
Keep your summer stress-free
Your vacation time is far too valuable to be sitting in a terminal staring at an immigration scanner. By simply shifting your focus slightly east or choosing destinations that operate outside the Schengen bubble, you can still experience the absolute best of Europe.
Whether you want the beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera or the incredible pub culture of Galway, these five spots guarantee that your summer holiday starts the moment you step off the plane.
