By now, you’ve seen it all.  Tan lines and tousled hair on rocky beaches. Cliff-jumping into crystal clear waters and long legs stretched over boat bows. The Aperol spritzes sweating in the sun, and sunsets the color of Aperol spritzes. It’s a European summer, and it feels like everyone on your feed is having one. Except you. 

Just know, you’re not alone. That’s because, just one scroll away for all of us, are reports of the US dollar dramatically dropping in value; recommendations that now—more than ever—is the time to stay home, save, weather this economic storm with small indulgences like Labubus or a new phone case (sorry, couldn’t help it). But just because you’re not ticking off every Greek Island or braving the crowds on Capri doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the fruits of the continent. It does just mean importing a little joie de vivre—or la dolce vita, whichever country speaks your language—instead of exporting yourself elsewhere. 

Because we love you, we’ve compiled a failsafe, fake-it-to-you-make-it guide to recreating a European summer, right here at home. There may not be cobblestone streets or , but we’re promising you a pretty good time—or at the very least, gelato. Oh, and trust us when we say, we’ll be right there with you, taking our own advice. 

1. Switch up your diet  

Sorry, you’re on a strict regime now. Your grocery list is going to consist of olive oil, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta. Expect to toss these ingredients together over grilled bread at home, or go out for pasta, pizza, maybe a steak frites. We don’t make the rules (except we do). Don’t forget the mandated afternoon ice cream, and a tiramisu or tarte tartin for dessert. 

2. Sit outside

It sounds simple, but forgoing air conditioning while dining is actually a sacrifice few make. In Europe, it’s usually not a choice. Take to the streets—outdoor tables—or a park to share your meals, and relish eating with a side of sweat. 

3. Set your dating app location to Italy (or anywhere else)

The logic is simple: if you find a man in Europe to fall in love with you, then they can bring Europe to you.

4. Cycle a little 

Okay, you don’t need to buy a bicycle—but if you do have one or hire one, why not pedal around for the day, and see how they live. It’s environmentally conscious, good exercise, and very aesthetic.

5. Yes, Aperol Spritz

It’s a classic for a reason. It’s so incredibly simple that even you, with no European heritage or bartending experience, can whip up a batch for the gals like it’s nothing. Free pour a couple of shots of Aperol, add in half a cup of your cheapest prosecco, a splash of soda water and garnish with an orange slice. Honestly, just one sip is totally transportive.

6. Take a language course

Okay, I understand this is quite academic for summer, but if you're looking to broaden your horizons culturally and better approximate yourself to the life you’re bombarded with online, a little intro to French can’t hurt.

7. Work a LOT of white into your wardrobe

The girls abroad seem committed to a permanent rotation of white broderie anglaise, linen and denim—sure, with a little gingham thrown in. If you can’t live it, look like it. 

8. Watch Vicky, Christina, Barcelona

Woody Allen aside, this is one of the most seminal films ever made about the European summer jaunt, with the most chemistry that has possibly ever occurred between three actors. Scarlett Johansson meets Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz over many glasses of rioja in, you guessed it, Barcelona, Spain, and what ensues is heaven itself. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for this movie, and it's a must-watch.

9. Allow yourself ONE second-hand luxury purchase 

One of the greatest joys of shopping abroad is the 15 percent-ish tax refund that comes with being a non-EU resident—but, there's still a workaround at home. Head to Ebay or Poshmark, find yourself a little something from one of the Milan, Rome or Paris-based luxury fashion houses and offer low. You never know what they might let that Emilio Pucci scarf go for. 

10. Find a friend with a boat

For those living near the water, just do it. Do it for all of us.