The Ultimate Travel Guide to Experiencing Europe
Europe is a vast continent, covering 10,180,000 sq. km. An interlocking jigsaw of fifty sovereign states, with a rich and varied history, each boasting a cacophony of traditions and cultures to explore. In Europe, a fifty-mile drive can open up a whole new world. Enjoy The Ultimate Travel Guide to Experiencing Europe!
Whether you want to lounge on the glistening beaches of the Mediterranean, marvel at the Renaissance architecture of Florence, or get a little tipsy at Oktoberfest, Europe has it all. The continent truly caters for everyone.
But with such a large and diverse place, travelers can quickly get overwhelmed. Not just with the shock of so many cultures and languages, but where to even begin!
Ultimate Travel Guide to Experience Europe
That’s why we’ve compiled the Ultimate Travel Guide to Experiencing Europe. We’ll give you the top tips on how to get around, finding the best hostels and working out where you want to go – as well as some hidden gems off the beaten track.
So, buckle up, and let’s get started!
Where to Go in Europe
Before we carry on, you’re going to have to accept, you’re not going to see everything. In fact, no one can! It’d take several lifetimes to explore most of Europe’s main attractions, let alone any secret wonders. Don’t try to cram it all in, you might have six months, but do you want to spend it racing from one destination to the next. Or would you rather take it a little slower, and smell the roses, experience the city, be a local for a bit.
Once, you’ve accepted you won’t see it all, the rest is a little easier. What do you want to see most? To get your ideas going, here are some of the classics.
Top Five Cities in Europe
- Paris, France – The City of Love. The French metropolis tops every list for a reason: incredible food, amazing art, history, and architecture. If you’re looking to make your trip unique, head to the raised gardens of the Promenade Plantee, wind your way past the pink houses of Rue de l’Abreuvoir or venture down into the catacombs with a guided tour.
- Rome, Italy – The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Vatican, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain… need I go on. Rome packs over 2000 years into the city limits. If you have eyes, then you have to see this.
- London, UK – A dozen cities in one, from the bustling streets of Notting Hill to Covent Garden, and the Georgian streets of Chelsea. Full of gothic cathedrals, incredible museums, and rich history. Just make sure you get yourself a pint!
- Prague, Czechia – The city is fast becoming one of Europe’s tourist capitals. Head up to St Vitus cathedral and stare out across the sea of terracotta roofs. From the castle to the old town, Prague offers the best Eastern Europe has to offer.
- Barcelona, Spain – The city contains some beautiful and unusual architecture and some of the best food on the continent, all under the golden Spanish sun. You’ve got to see the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia – a cathedral unlike any in the world!
Off-the-beaten track
- Reykjavik, Iceland – Far off in the chilly north, Iceland is often overlooked; however, aside from majestic waterfalls, humongous glaciers and geological marvels, the city of Reykjavik is worth a visit alone. It’s also known as one of the party capitals of Europe. After your night out, head to The Blue Lagoon, for the ultimate relaxation experience.
- Galway, Ireland – Though Dublin is Ireland’s most famous city, Galway offers a genuinely Irish feel. Nestled on Ireland’s stunning west coast, this is a hidden gem on the edge of Europe.
- Budapest, Hungary – Hungary’s capital can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any of the great cities of Western Europe. The monumental buildings of this ancient city make this the jewel of the East. Plus, Budapest has a wild nightlife and delicious cuisine. Perfect for a traveller in search of adventure.
Natural Wonders in Europe
While millions flock to Europe’s cities every year, the continent is more than a metropolis. The rich and varied landscape spans from the frozen reaches of Sweden and Norway to the sun-kissed sands of the Mediterranean Sea. Here are some top recommendations.
- Swiss Alps – Formed 45 million years ago, the towering Swiss Alps include some of Europe’s highest peaks, including the iconic Matterhorn. If you’re into extreme sports, here you can ski, paraglide, or go swimming in the Alpine lakes. Or else, just enjoy the verdant valleys.
- Isle of Skye, Scotland – The Isle of Skye is a magical place, a rolling landscape of mountains and valleys, worn by time. The fairy pools are a particularly popular spot, and on a warm day, you can even take a dip!
- Black Forest, Germany – Deep in this ancient woodland, forget about your daily worries. The forest has a fairytale feel, while the dozens of lakes and towns are ripe for exploring.
- Greek Santorini – The Greek Islands are amongst Europe’s most beautiful sights. But Santorini is unique. Azure waters, dazzling sands, and iridescent whitewashed towns perched upon the hillside.
- Norwegian Fjords – Norway is renowned for its Fjords, a narrow saltwater formation – like a lake, but connecting to the sea. The precipitous sides and breath-taking views are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’ll leave you wondering why the Vikings ever sailed away.
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Getting Around
Europe is big. I mean, it is a continent. So, you’re going to need to consider how to get around.
Plane
Budget: low-high
Low-cost airlines have made plane-hopping much more affordable. Plus, with hundreds of airports across the continent, it’s never been easier to pop from one side to the other. However, luggage can cost you extra, so you’ll need to travel light.
Car
Budget: medium-high
Petrol in Europe can be pricier than elsewhere in the world. But, if you’re hiring a camper van, you’ll save on accommodation. It’ll also give you the freedom to go wherever you want. Just remember, A to B might be a lot further than you thought. You will need an International Driving Permit.
Train
Budget: medium-high
Europe’s public transport system is amongst the best in the world, as tracks weave all over the continent. If you’re only making a few short trips, buy tickets individually. However, for longer train-hopping journeys, get an Interrail Pass– this allows you to travel on almost any train in Europe. There are also multiple different types of pass, so tailor your trip to your needs.
Bus
Budget: low-medium
Buses aren’t just the poor man’s train – they’re a great way to get around, particularly between those hard to get to places. Megabus – which covers the UK – offers tickets for as low as 1 GBP. But there are similar companies across the continent, with some offering unlimited passes for six months travel.
Saving Money
Europe can be a little pricey, with museum tickets, travel expenses and fabulous food all requiring you to dig deep into your pockets. However, these are some cheats to do Europe on the cheap.
Hunt for hostels – Websites such as Hostelworld are an encyclopaedia of hostels in Europe, allowing you to search at your leisure for the best bargains. There are even luxury hostels, which include swimming pools, saunas and cinemas. Most of the hostels are run by travellers who fell in love with a place and never left, making them a goldmine for tips on the local area.
Airbnb – In recent years, Airbnb has taken the world by storm. It provides a cost-effective way of booking accommodation while maintaining your privacy.
Travel passes – Some cities offer travel passes allowing unlimited transport at a fraction of the cost. Amsterdam, for instance, has a range of city cards which will enable unlimited use of public transport, as well as free entrance to the city’s top attractions.
Avoid summer – Yes, the weather is beautiful. But your wallet takes the hit. In summer, prices across Europe are hiked up, and everything is booked. In winter, you can see discounts up to 40%.
Free museums – In London, all the museums are free! Wonderful right. Many other cities do similar deals, in Paris, the first Sunday of the month is when all the main museums are free; while Berlin has a select few museums that won’t cost you a dime.
Essentials to Pack
Travel Guide: Travels guides are the Bible of the seasoned nomad. Chock-full of top tips on where to go, what restaurants are good, and more importantly, what to avoid. Lonely Planet Guides are a personal favourite.
Daypack: A backpack or satchel will serve you well in the busy city streets. Just be careful, pickpockets are at work in some of the bigger cities.
Earplugs: Some hostels can get a little rowdy. A pair of earplugs will serve you well, whether trying to kip on a plane or a train.
Adapter: The UK and Europe don’t use the same plug sockets, get an all-in-one travel adapter, and you won’t need to worry about charging your phone.
Visa Requirements to travel to Europe
Make sure you know the visa requirements for your country of origin. From 2021, US citizens will require a visa for entering Europe. However, the good news is, once you’re in, you’re in – allowing you to travel freely anywhere in the Schengen zone (accept the UK following Brexit).
Don’t get caught out; do your research!
There you have it. Get planning, and enjoy the trip of a lifetime!
Josh Dudick
Josh is the owner and lead writer at Daily Wisely. His career has taken him from finance to blogging, and now shares his insights with readers of Daily Wisely.
Josh's work and authoritative advice have appeared in major publications like Nasdaq, Forbes, The Sun, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, Fortune, The Street, MSN Money, and Go Banking Rates. Josh has over 15 years of experience on Wall Street, and currently shares his financial expertise in investing, wealth management, markets, taxes, real estate, and personal finance on his other website, Top Dollar Investor.
Josh graduated from Cornell University with a degree from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at the SC Johnson College of Business.