An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Europe
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Whether you’re an experienced traveler or planning your first trip to Europe, there’s lot to consider when it comes to exploring the continent. From figuring out what mode of transportation is best to choosing which countries to visit, it can be overwhelming trying to plan the perfect European adventure. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this series of blog posts, we’ll share our insider tips and advice on everything you need to know about exploring Europe. So get ready for your next big adventure – Europe awaits!
Start by doing your research –
– Read travel guides, talk to friends who have been there, and look up popular attractions online
Exploring Europe can be an adventure in itself, but to make the most of your vacation, it’s important to do your research first. You can start by picking up a few travel guides – these are full of invaluable information about different locations such as where to stay and what kind of food you might find there. Additionally, if you know friends who have already explored the area, talking to them is a great way to pick up tips that aren’t always included in guidebooks. Once you’ve gathered initial ideas, searching online for popular attractions is a great way to get a feel for what lies ahead on your Eurotrip!
Planning your trip
Once you’ve decided where you want to go, start planning your trip by booking flights and hotels
After you have decided what city or country you want to travel to, it is time to plan the trip. Booking flights and hotels are usually two of the first steps in planning a vacation. When booking flights, try to get the best deals possible. You can compare flight prices and find discount codes online through sites like Kayak or Skyscanner. While these tickets may look cheap at first glance, make sure to read carefully before committing to a purchase as there may be extra baggage fees or other charges that will increase the price of the ticket. A great way to save while booking hotels is by looking into Airbnb options such as renting an entire house or apartment on your stay. This often gives more option for cheaper accommodations, especially if you are traveling with family or friends.
Passport
Don’t forget to pack your passport and other important documents!
When travelling abroad, it’s important to make sure you are well-prepared for any potential issues. Your passport is one of the most essential documents you can have and should be kept in an accessible place prior to departure. It’s also a good idea to bring along a photocopy of your passport as well as copies of other important documentation such as your driver’s license, visas, and tickets. As long as you have all your paperwork organized and accessible when you travel, it can only help make your journey that much smoother!
Activities
When you’re in Europe, take advantage of all the different activities and sights there are to see.
Europe is a continent filled with incredible experiences, and it would be such a shame to not take advantage of them while you are there! Visit bustling cities like Paris, Madrid, or Berlin and explore the culture and nightlife through taking part in them. When you visit smaller villages, go on epic day hikes through quaint towns or stroll down cobblestone streets while admiring old churches. Nature lovers should spend time in Norway or the Alps and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in different cuisines as well! Experience traditional dishes like English Fish & Chips and share plates at a cozy Italian trattoria with friends. Whether you’re an adventurous type looking for beautiful sights or someone who wants to immerse themselves in unique cultures, Europe has something for everyone.
Food
Be sure to try some of the local food – you might be surprised at how much you like it!
If you’re travelling to a new place, sampling the local cuisine is a must-do activity! Trying some of the region’s iconic dishes is an easy way to immerse yourself in the culture and get a real feel for the area. Be sure to go with an open mind – you never know when you might surprise yourself with a newfound favorite! Even if you’re not adventurous with food, be brave and sample something outside of your regular diet – there will be something that tickles your taste buds. Don’t forget to take pictures of your ultimate favorite dishes so you can look back fondly on your experience.
Pictures
And finally, don’t forget to take lots of pictures so you can remember your trip forever.
Documenting your travels is a great way to immortalize your experiences. Taking lots of photos throughout your trip will enable you to look back and cherish those memories for years to come. Not only do photographs help you remember the people, places, and events, but they can also be used to create photo albums and slideshows you can share with friends and family when you get home. Furthermore, modern photography has never been easier with technology like digital cameras and smartphones that make it simple to capture high-quality shots in any situation!
Europe offers something special for everyone–storied cities, winding alleyways, beautiful beaches, top-class museums and more culture than one lifetime can absorb. No matter your travel style–Europe offers something to excite every traveler.
For a truly undiscovered European destination, try one of these lesser-known European locations. These spots provide an authentic “get away from it all” vibe.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is an enchanting European city with a fascinating history, famed for its numerous museums, world-class art collections and picturesque canals that wind their way through its streets. However, Amsterdam also faces serious issues like environmental pollution and traffic congestion.
At the annual Light Festival, illuminated artworks are showcased throughout the city to address themes like climate change and rising sea levels. Some installations, like Surface Tension, portray these effects with breathtaking visuals while also challenging viewers to reflect upon them.
Amsterdam’s Golden Age canals are lined with tilting gabled buildings that house treasure-packed museums and creative drinking, dining and design scenes. Taking a boat tour along these canals is one of the best ways to get an appreciation for Amsterdam’s unique architecture as well as an efficient way to see all of its main tourist attractions in a short amount of time.
Another must-visit museum is the Van Gogh Museum, featuring an impressive collection of works by the renowned artist. With more than 5,000 pieces on display, visitors can explore works by Van Gogh side by side in its expansive gallery.
On-site are a large cafe and library, as well as educational workshops that can be scheduled on request. The museum houses an impressive display of prehistoric finds as well as the town’s original charter document.
For animal enthusiasts, you won’t want to miss visiting the Zoo. This expansive park is the perfect way to spend a day and it’s free to enter. Plus, there are various indoor areas so you can stay dry even if it rains.
Take advantage of Amsterdam’s excellent public transport system, which features trams and metro lines running throughout the city. Trams run within central districts while metro lines link out to surrounding suburbs.
Amsterdam’s most iconic sights can be found around Dam Square, such as the 17th-century Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis). Furthermore, you’ll find nearby New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and Madame Tussauds wax museum. Additionally, National Memorial Statue pays homage to Dutch soldiers who perished during World War II.
Berlin
Berlin, known as “the City of Lights and Air,” is one of Europe’s iconic tourist destinations. With its captivating architecture, vibrant culture, and endless entertainment options, visitors to Berlin are never bored when in this vibrant capital. Furthermore, Berlin’s unique blend of modernity and history continues to attract artists from around the globe.
Spend a couple of days exploring Berlin and its many attractions. Public transport is easy to get around with an extensive network of subway lines, trams, as well as buses. Plus you can use your BerlinWelcomeCard for discounts on public transportation within the city!
The city is renowned for its museums, which showcase some of the world’s greatest collections. The Altes Museum and Neues Museum stand as two of the best, boasting astounding exhibits covering over 6,000 years of history. Other noteworthy landmarks include Bode Museum, Pergamon Museum and Alte Nationalgalerie.
In addition, the Botanical Garden is one of the city’s top attractions. It houses an herbaria with over two million plants and hosts various events like its annual “Botanical Night,” a festive celebration that makes it ideal for visiting during winter months.
Another must-see attraction in Berlin is the Berlin Wall, a symbol that marked an ongoing division between East and West for decades. In 1989, this barrier fell, ushering in a new era of German unity and signaling the end of Cold War tensions.
Visiting the museum is like exploring a time capsule, offering an intriguing insight into life on both sides of the Atlantic. Exhibits cover topics such as fashion, religion, printing, art and military history.
For an unforgettable sightseeing adventure, consider taking a classic boat cruise along the River Spree. Not only will you see the city from a different perspective, but you’ll also learn about its historical buildings as you sail by.
As part of your Berlin exploration, don’t miss Charlottenburg Palace. Built in the 17th century, this stunning palace overlooks a tranquil park beside the river and boasts an impressive collection of art and china that are worth taking time to discover.
Stockholm
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is an enchanting city where waterways meet land. It also houses an exciting tech-innovation community and some of the world’s leading tech companies such as Spotify.
Gamla Stan, where the city was founded in 1252, offers a medieval atmosphere that appeals to tourists who love discovering its fascinating history. The Old Town is comprised of cobblestone streets and winding alleyways with plenty of must-see sights, attractions, cafes and authentic restaurants that will leave you with lasting memories.
Experience the city like never before on foot with a free walking tour led by an expert guide. Or opt for a more flexible itinerary by purchasing a digital pass that grants access to as many museums and historical sites as desired from 1-5 days.
One of the attractions when visiting Stockholm is taking in its stunning art collection. Subway stations have been transformed into gallery spaces with magnificent painted caves, Roman sculptures, fountains and unique installations.
Another fascinating destination is the Vasa Museum, home to an iconic 17th-century ship that sank in 1628 and was recovered decades later. This remarkable vessel is both the world’s best preserved 17th-century vessel and Scandinavia’s most visited museum.
For photography lovers, Fotografiska gallery and cafe/restaurant offer stunning views over Stockholm as well as contemporary art exhibitions. If photography is more your thing, be sure to visit their top floor for stunning views over the city and organic cuisine.
Visit Millesgarden, an idyllic sculpture garden and art gallery on Lidingo Island about 30 minutes from downtown. Originally the residence and garden of late sculptor Carl Milles, today it houses both an art gallery and antique collection – as well as a charming cafe.
Traveling solo, with friends or family? Stockholm is the ideal spot for relaxation and unwinding. Its vibrant coffee culture, known as fika, allows you to stop for a cup of joe any time of day – it’s an easy way to take time out from city life and reflect.
Mittenwald
Mittenwald, situated on a low, ridged stretch of the River Isar in Bavaria, is an attractive Alpine village with plenty to do. It makes for an ideal day-trip destination in the Alps.
The town was an important stop along the ancient Roman trade routes linking Venice and Italy in the south to Munich and Bavaria in the north. Nowadays, it serves as a popular rest stop for tourists traveling to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck or other Austrian mountain destinations.
Mittenwald is home to a violin-making museum that honors the legacy of Mittenwald’s most renowned craftsmen, the Klotz family who constructed instruments here during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the Staatliche Berufsfachschule fur Musikinstrumentenbau Mittenwald still trains Geigenmachers – student luthiers – in order to keep this tradition alive.
One of the delights of visiting Mittenwald is taking a leisurely walk along its cobbled old town streets, lined with murals depicting themes connected to stringed instruments. Some paintings date from centuries ago; others date from the 19th century.
Additionally, there are numerous stone ruins and monuments from the town’s early history. One such stone commemorates Martin Luther’s supposed stay in the town on his way to Rome in 1511; another 1983 marker commemorates this event.
At Platzl (“little plaza”) in the centre of town, a wooden raft is installed to commemorate its role as an important transport channel and river rafts for north-south trade. You can also take a leisurely walk along the River Isar to reach its waterfall and gorge in southern part of town.
Families will love this idyllic spot, with kids running around in the sunshine and taking in some fresh air while you sit back on a bench. And for outdoor adventurers, you can go hiking in Karwendel range or take a cable car up to Hohe Kranzberg mountains in the northwest.
The village also features the Jakobsweg (St. James’ Way), a network of pilgrim trails leading to Ettal Abbey, Linderhof and Neuschwanstein castles.
Traveling to Europe
Traveling to Europe can be a life-changing experience that you will never forget; with the right preparation and research, you can ensure that your trip will be as successful and enjoyable as possible. Start by doing your research–read travel guides, talk to friends who have been there, and look up popular attractions online.
Once you’ve decided where you want to go, start planning your trip; book flights and hotels in advance so that everything is ready when it’s time to leave. Don’t forget to bring all of the important documents along with you – especially your passport! Make sure you take advantage of every opportunity during your stay in Europe; visit all of the amazing attractions, sample some of the local cuisine, or even see a show!
Capture every moment on camera so that it stays with you forever. All that’s left for now is to plan your trip – so what are you waiting for? With a few simple steps, you’ll be on the adventure of a lifetime before you know it. Bon voyage!
FAQs for Top 5 European Destinations
1. What are the most popular tourist destinations in Europe?
The five most popular tourist destinations in Europe are Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Each of these countries offer something unique and memorable to visitors.
2. How can I find out more information about visiting these countries?
Your best source of information on visiting each of these countries is through their websites or through a reputable travel guide book. Most countries have dedicated tourism websites which provide comprehensive information on attractions, accommodation, activities and events in that country. Travel guide books also give good insights into what to expect when travelling there and include helpful tips from experienced travellers.
3. Are there any seasonal considerations I should take into account?
It is important to take seasonal considerations into account when travelling to any of the top 5 European destinations as each one offers its own unique experiences depending on the time of year you visit them. Some places may be better suited for sun-seekers during summer months while others may offer winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding. It’s important to research carefully before booking your trip so you don’t miss out on the best experiences available!
4. Are there any budget options available?
Yes! While each country may have different costs associated with accommodation and daily living expenses, there are still plenty of budget-friendly options available for those looking to explore Europe without breaking the bank. Hostels are great places to start looking if you’re looking for a cheap place to stay and food markets often offer delicious local dishes at reasonable prices. Group tours or day trips can also be a cost-effective way to get acquainted with a country’s culture without spending too much money upfront.
5. Is it safe to travel around Europe?
Generally speaking, yes it is safe to travel around Europe – provided you use common sense in terms of your personal safety and wellbeing precautions such as researching your destination before arriving, being aware at all times of potential risks (such as pickpocketing) and following local laws & regulations wherever possible during your stay.