Bringing Euro Summer To You: 4 Ways To Spice Up Winter

It’s about that time of year when our Instagram feeds are ransacked with photos of crystal-clear oceans, jaunty cobblestone streets, mouth-watering European feasts and picture-perfect sunsets. It’s summer in Europe (in case you didn’t know), and they seem determined to make us aware of it.

If you’re thinking that it’s the end of August and you’ve nearly made it to the end of the season of Euro-envy, Euro summer seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. Stretching on well into the shoulder season, our social media feeds are sure to be serving up jealous-inducing content for weeks to come.

If, like most of us, you haven’t managed to escape Aussie winter for a few weeks of European sunshine, we’ve got you covered. An international flight might cost you an arm and a leg, but we’ve got a few simple hacks for bringing the joy of an overseas holiday to you, without you having to re-mortgage the house.

1. Bring a taste of Italy to your dining table.

Undoubtedly, one of the best parts of a Euro getaway is the cuisine. Whether it’s a fresh Greek salad, a delicious Spanish paella, buttery French pastries or the most delectable Italian spaghetti, the Europeans know what they’re doing when it comes to food. But that doesn’t mean you need to get on a plane to experience the joy of an exotic dish. A great thing about Australia is how multicultural we are. Why not gather a group of friends or take yourself on a solo date to one of many delightful European-inspired establishments?

Prefer to stay in? Our delicious array of authentic Italian dishes will have you transported to the heart of Italy from your living room. With recipes that originated in the Abruzzo region of Italy and have been passed down through the generations, you can be sure that our ready-made meals are as close as you’ll get to the pasta you’d be eating on an Italian holiday.

Does the sound of an Italian-inspired dinner party sound enticing? Check out our blog 5 Steps to Hosting the Perfect Italian Dinner Party for our top tips.

2. Send yourself on a mini-adventure.

Who says roaming the streets is only for cobblestone-lined winding alleys of Europe? Take to your local streets and embrace being a tourist for the day. Sure, you may have to rug up a bit more than you would in the South of France, but as we nudge towards Spring, there’s no better time to explore new neighbourhoods. If anything, a breezy Spring day is optimal over the scorching heat of Euro summer. Head to a gallery you’ve always intended to go to or check out a local market. Tourist-in-your-own-city can be a great way of discovering uncovered gems and taking yourself out of the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day. Bonus points if you pull out your best summer outfit (and perhaps a jacket), pack your camera and wear your most extravagant pair of sunglasses…you’ll be feeling like a European god/goddess in no time.

3. Carve out some relaxation time.

With the weather turning, it’s a great time to take yourself to the beach or the park. If you’re game, a cold-water swim can do wonders for the mood, and the endorphin boost will kill any lingering Euro-envy. Otherwise, simply taking the time to get lost in a good book or people-watch the day away, can be the perfect reset.

Spending the day out? Pack yourself some lunch with our delicious range of Grab & Go products, perfect for fresh and flavourful lunches when you’re on the move.

4. Have a Euro-inspired dance party at home.

Whether it’s flamenco-style on the streets of Barcelona, a jig in an Irish pub or clog-dancing in the Netherlands, there’s something magical about the idea of a good boogie in a foreign country. The common denominator: you! Sure, your living room may not be as inspiring as the town square in Florence, but some good tunes and an uninhibited dance truly can be a mood-changer (just ask our Managing Director!).

Being Aus-bound doesn’t have to be boring. You might not have the tan or the Instagram shots of your travelling friends, but you will have a few extra pennies up your sleeve. So what are you waiting for? Try these four simple tips and enjoy your much more affordable staycation!