Introduction to Europe
Most people dream of travelling to (or around) Europe at least once. This continent is filled with natural beauty, cultural heritage, amazing cuisine, and an amalgam of languages. There are so many authentic experiences awaiting in Europe. Europe is a top choice for travellers with Italy, France and the UK being the leading countries for incoming tourists.
The hardest part about travelling to Europe is choosing your destination. There is a long list of must-see places so why not start with a road trip in Europe. For example, if you are looking for a culturally and historically alive place, head to the south of Europe. If you fancy a royal treat, lush rolling hills and epic teas, United Kingdom is your place. For modern architecture, dramatic fashion and stunning nature, we think you head north to Scandinavia.
On the other hand, if you seek out glorious natural scenery, Norway, Switzerland, and the Baltic region will leave you in awe. For the best culinary delights stop in Portugal and for the coolest brews, head over to Austria or Germany. Which European country will you visit first?
Find your romance in Paris and France
Known for its romance, Paris is one of the most visited destinations in the world. We encourage you to also venture beyond the capital, to fall in love with the whole of France.
Discover the beauty of Italy
One of the most popular and well-known countries of the world, Italy has been at the centre of civilization for millennia. Italy is perfect for history and food lovers.
If you are an outdoor lover, you will be thrilled to know that Europe is incredibly diverse in landscape. The continent has an abundance of natural wonders that will give you a real sense of wanderlust.
Coastal sites, national parks, stunning mountains and tall volcanos, all beautiful places waiting to be discovered. Head to Croatia for its national parks, fly to Romania for its delta full of wildlife or spend a week hiking in Austria.
Gorges are another example of a notable landscape that you will find in Europe. Think of the Verdon Gorge in France or the beautiful Cheddar Gorge in the UK. And when it comes to mountain ranges, the Dolomites and the Swiss Alps are a bucket list destination for many travellers. Other must-see landscapes in Europe are river valleys and fjords in Norway, pristine beaches in Greece and rugged terrains on Spanish islands.
Whether you are a beach bum who fancies chilling on a sandy beach, a nature lover who wants to get lost in the pristine forests of Finland or a wine lover who needs to hike through all the vineyards in France, Europe will have something special just for you.
Culinary Diversity in Europe
Can you think of amazing food? Then come to Europe to discover its incredibly diverse culinary scene If you come to the continent looking to satisfy your gastronomic cravings, you won’t be disappointed. The cuisine for each European country is unique on its own but shares some similarities in ingredients and cooking techniques. Central European cuisine such as Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, and Switzerland share a large number of elements.
They are renowned for their beers, goulash, sausages, and fondue. In Eastern Europe, you will discover exotic flavours with some Asian and Middle Eastern influences. And in Northern Europe, there are exciting aromas that you can expect from the Irish, British, Icelandic, and Lappish cuisines which include delicious meat-based bakes and fish dishes.
But perhaps there is nothing more exciting than the Southern European cuisine. With flavours influenced by the Mediterranean, you can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Think about those yum Italian pizzas, pasta and desserts, olive oil and cheese dishes from Greece or paella and tapas from Spain. We will travel for food!
Sample the best food in Paris
Can you imagine anything more indulging than sampling a variety of dishes in Paris? France is well known for its international chefs, sophisticated bistros and Michelin restaurants
Traditional Hungarian Food
Known for its hearty dishes, Hungarian food is incredibly addictive. For every foodie out there, Budapest is the place to be if you want to try goulash, fluffy desserts and amazing street food.
Cultural attractions in Europe enable travellers to marvel at so many interesting creations. If you are a cultural traveller, there are plenty of places to go to in Europe to satisfy that.
Visit the Roman Colosseum and Pantheon in Italy, the Acropolis in Greece, and the Skellig Michael of Ireland. There are also a number of museums to add to your bucket lists, such as the Louvre Museum in Paris, Vatican Museum in Rome, and the National Gallery in London.
For more cultural explorations, take time to stroll through the cobblestone streets in many old towns and villages in Europe. Visit medieval towns in the UK, stunning Roman towns in France and exciting well-preserved villages in Romania.
These are some of the most notable landmarks and attractions to visit when you travel to Europe:
Germany – The fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein is located on a picturesque hilltop. It is arguably the most visited tourist attraction in Germany. Other must-see sights include the Brandenburg Gate and Cologne Cathedral.
France – The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic landmark in the country. Make sure to visit the Palace of Versailles, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral, too. Here is a list with all the places to visit in Paris.
Italy – The ancient ruins of the Colosseum is a bucket list item for many travellers who wish to visit Rome. Be sure to drop by the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the canals of Venice as well.
United Kingdom – The country offers a host of notable tourist destinations including Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Add them all to your London itinerary.
Spain – The La Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks. But Spain has more to offer tourists including Park Guell, Casa Mila, and the Guggenheim Museum. Add Seville and Madrid to your list for a full Spanish exprience.
Greece – When in Greece, be sure to check out attractions like the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon, and Meteora. We recommend staying in Crete for a few days, visiting Santorini for a romantic weekend and experiencing Mykonos with friends and family.
Switzerland – There is more to Switzerland than the Alpine summit. The top attractions here include the Rhine Falls, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Zurich.
The Netherlands – The Netherlands will spoil you with a host of great attractions that include the Anne Frank House and Keukenhof (for springtime tulips). With so many things to do in Amsterdam, it's easy to see why so many tourists have the city on their bucket list.
Croatia – The Plitvice Lakes National Park is hands-down the best attraction in Croatia. You can also add the Old Town of Dubrovnik and Sibenik to your itinerary.
Czech Republic – The romantic Charles Bridge is the most photographed tourist attraction in Prague, Czech Republic. Additionally, don’t miss the Astronomical Clock and the gorgeous Castle when you stay in Prague.
Portugal – Portugal is a haven for cultural and natural tourist attractions. Among the best destinations to go to are the Azores, the Tower of Belem, and Sintra National Palace. Stay in Madeira for a unique island experience and take a few days trips from Lisbon to learn more about the lessern known towns in Portugal.
If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad - Jane Austen
Plan an amazing European itinerary
An amazing European itinerary that will spoil all your sensesPlanning your first Europe itinerary is such an exciting time. Whether you decide to backpack across the old continent or explore it in luxury, a good Europe itinerary will require some research.
Travelling to Europe might offer a lot of possibilities for your enjoyment, but the real key to a successful experience is proper planning. Here are a few things to know before you go:
- Each country in Europe will impose different visa restrictions and policies on visiting tourists. Make sure you comply with these requirements or you could be denied entry. Make sure that you check your passport’s validity period before you go, too. Once you enter a country in the European Union, you have free movement all around the EU for up to 90 days depending on your passport.
- In general, flights to Europe can be expensive. But if you book during the shoulder season or find low-cost airline carriers, you can travel to the continent on a budget.
- There are no vaccinations necessary to travel to Europe. But, ideally, you should purchase insurance before you travel. Quality health and medical care are easily accessible in Europe but will be expensive.
- It is generally safe to drink tap water in most parts of the continent. But avoid drinking water directly from rivers and lakes.
Where To Stay
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Packing guides
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Europe is a great travel destination all-year-round. It is, therefore, possible to visit this continent whenever you wish or get time off work. Remember that in January and February, prices are the lowest, especially in popular destinations like France or Italy. Paris in winter is fantastic, so worth adding it to your list.
The weather condition can largely vary in the continent, depending on your intended destination. If you are travelling to Southern Europe, for instance, you can expect sunny days all year long. During winter rainfall can be pretty common, so no beach time should be expected. However, it's ideal for romantic walks on the beach. Spring and fall bring milder weather conditions.
August is the most crowded time of the year, especially as tourists flock to the seaside towns and beaches. For those looking to experience the best ski resorts and other winter activities, visit from November to January. There are also lots of Christmas markets to visit in Austria and Germany and some incredible winter markets in the UK as well.
What to wear in Italy
Italian fashion is world-renowned. Italians know how to create the most amazing ensembles which look good throughout the year, on all seasons
What to wear in France
The French are masters of creating stunning fashionable outfits which look incredible all year round
Travelling to Europe is generally safe and fun. Here are a few things you should know before you go.
Depending on where you go, the weather can be extreme. For example, visiting Norway for Northern Lights will be an incredible experience during winter, but do prepare for proper snow and cold. Many parts of Europe rarely get sunny days and experience a lot of rainfall (we are looking at you, United Kingdom). Make sure to pack the correct travel gear and clothing so you can be comfortable. It also pays to do your research about the local weather forecast prior to your arrival.
Getting around in Europe is super easy, especially if you explore the main cities. But it is best to plan your travel ahead of time if you are going to unknown or remote destinations. Always bring a map and communication devices. We recommend renting a car for some awesome road trips. For those who prefer public transport, the train infrastructure in Europe is pretty sweet.
In terms of crime, Europe is generally safe. But it is important to be vigilant as petty crimes such as pick-pocketing can happen in popular cities like London or Paris. Just practice common sense and avoid dark alleyways at night, especially if you travel as a solo female.