EUROPE Travel Guide: Where to Go, What to Do
Europe really does have it all – history, culture, storybook castles, memorable food and, yes, a little irresistible shopping too.
Over the years, we’ve explored Europe in all sorts of ways – on cruises, by train and through countless charming stays. Here are our favorite places, experiences and tips to help you plan your own European escape.
Where to begin
where to in Europe?
CROATIA
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MALLORCA
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PORTUGAL
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EXPLORE MORE OF EUROPE
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A CLOSER LOOK AT EUROPE
Contents: Europe facts and travel tips
Europe in a nutshell
- About – Europe covers about 3,930,000 sq. miles (10,180,000 sq. km).
- Population – It’s densely populated, with about 742 million people (in 2024).
- Countries in Europe – Europe has 44 countries (depending on how you count transcontinental nations). There are 11 with a coast on the Mediterranean Sea.
- Islands – Of Europe’s 2,400 inhabited islands, five are island countries – Cyprus, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom.
- Smallest country – Vatican City (yes, in Rome) is its own sovereign city-state and country.
- Languages – Europe has dozens of languages. The European Union alone has 24 official languages. English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Russian are among the most widely spoken.
What to know before you land
What to know before you land
Before you get swept up in dreamy villages, long café lunches and those “Wow, we’re really in Europe!” moments, there are a few practical details to sort out.
Entry rules (passports and the Schengen Area)
You’ll need a valid passport to travel to Europe.
Travelers from many countries (including the U.S. and Canada) can visit the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
A new system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is expected to roll out in 2026 (timing still subject to change). It’s a simple online pre-travel authorization – not a full visa, but something to factor into your planning.
Money matters
Many European countries use the Euro, but not all. The U.K., Switzerland and Norway, for example, have their own currencies.
Exchange rates fluctuate, but as a rough guide, 1 euro is around $1.18 USD.
Will you get by with English?
In most major cities and tourist hotspots – yes, absolutely.
That said, English proficiency varies across Europe. You’ll generally find it more widely spoken in Northern Europe than in southern regions.
Learning a few basic words (hello, please, thank you) goes a long way – and is always appreciated.
Don’t forget a plug adapter
Pack a universal adapter. It’s one of those small things that’s easy to forget and annoying when you do.
Most of Europe uses Type C or F plugs (two round pins), while the U.K. and Ireland use Type G.
Best time to visit Europe
Timing your trip can make a big difference, not just for the weather, but also for crowds and cost.
Complicating matters is the fact that many parts of the continent are wildly different from others. While it’s sizzling in the Mediterranean in summer, that’s not usually the case further north in the U.K. or Sweden.
Spring
Spring is the time of year for festivals in Europe.
Flowers burst into bloom at places like the Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam, and the weather is ideal for exploring outdoors.
Ski destinations in Iceland, the Alps and Nordic countries may still be open too.
Bonus: It’s shoulder season, so you’ll dodge the biggest crowds.
Summer
This is peak travel season in Europe.
July and August see many Europeans heading off on vacation, and popular destinations get busy. Temperatures soar in places like Rome, Greece and Turkey. Expect heat and sunshine.
In Northern Europe, it’s a different story – relatively mild, with occasional heatwaves perhaps.
Fall
Fall is one of our favorite times to visit Europe.
You’ll encounter fewer tourists in places like Greece and Italy, and the Mediterranean Sea is still warm enough for swimming after the summer heat.
By late October, though, some seasonal hotels, restaurants and tours begin to close.
Winter
Winter might not seem like the obvious time to visit, but it can be wonderful!
Join locals and cozy up in London pubs, Athenian tavernas and Roman trattorias. Museums offer a warm cultural escape, and cities feel far less crowded.
How to get around in Europe
Trains
Trains are the backbone of European travel.
They connect most major cities and many smaller towns, making it easy to get around without a car. From short city hops to longer scenic journeys, train travel is reliable, efficient and often very enjoyable.
If you’re covering multiple destinations, Eurorail is your friend. You can get a pass that gives you unlimited train travel over a set amount of time.
Car rental
If you want to explore smaller towns, the countryside or off-the-beaten-path coastal areas, renting a car gives you much more flexibility. A few tips:
- Smaller is better – Rent a small car! Roads can be winding and narrow, especially in villages and rural areas. (We regretted the “free upgrade” to a bigger vehicle given to us on one of our Mallorca trips.)
- You drive on the left (sometimes) – Don’t forget. It’s not just the U.K. where you’ll have to drive on the left. There’s also Malta, Ireland and Cyprus.
- Check licence requirements – Some countries require an international driving permit.
Where to stay in Europe?
Hotels
From well-known chains to smaller boutique offerings, hotels in Europe offer a high standard of accommodation. Many come with a big dose of character too.
And we can think of plenty of romantic European hotels that totally fit the bill if you’re traveling as a couple!
Booking.com
This is a great site for finding hotels, especially in Europe.
You can filter by rating (for example, places with a 9 out of 10 or higher score), location and budget – or use the map view to zero in on the perfect spot.
We use Booking.com all the time for our hotel needs. We especially love the flexibility offered by their free cancellation policy.
Vrbo
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is a great option if you prefer a private apartment or home.
All accommodations are fully self-contained.
Our best Europe travel tips
1) Don’t try to see everything in one trip
Europe isn’t a checklist.
Pick one or two countries – or even just one region – and enjoy it properly. Then return again for more!
2) Learn about gratuities
Tipping isn’t one-size-fits-all in Europe. In some countries, service is included. In others, a small tip is expected. A quick check on the etiquette before you go saves awkward moments.
3) Pack light
Dragging huge bags around Europe is no fun. Cobblestone streets, stairs and train platforms are not suitcase-friendly, so keep your packing list to a minimum.
And leave those high heels at home. Bring comfortable walking shoes or travel sandals instead.
4) Learn some of the lingo
English may be widely spoken in many European cities, but don’t expect everyone to understand you. Learning even a few local words makes a difference.
5) Book tickets ahead of time
Popular attractions (and even some restaurants) can book out well in advance, especially in summer.
If there’s something you really want to do, reserve it early.
FAQs about traveling to Europe
Is it better to use cash or credit cards in Europe?
Both are fine.
Cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for smaller purchases, taxis and local markets.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
In most of Europe, yes. So you don’t need to buy bottled water.
But you might want to avoid tap water in some countries, including the Greek islands, Turkey, Cyprus, Albania, Montenegro and Bulgaria. Check locally before drinking.
How many countries should you visit on a 2-week trip?
If you want to see lots of European cities, then you can visit three to five countries (like France, Italy and Spain) in one 2-week vacation. But we don’t recommend it.
We’re big fans of slow travel. Pick fewer places and enjoy them more.
How far in advance should you book?
Going in summer? Book at least two months in advance (preferably four or more months ahead).
In the off-season, you’ll be fairly safe booking a few weeks before you travel.
Is Europe expensive?
It depends where you go. You’ll pay more for a trip to the UK, France, Iceland, Germany and Switzerland than you will for a trip to Poland, Lithuania or Albania.
Timing matters too. Summer is peak pricing, while shoulder seasons are often more affordable.
Our top travel tips and resources
→ General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, with loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
→ Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. (We especially like Booking.com’s flexible cancellation policy!) You can also find excellent discounted rates on Expedia, especially for hotels in the U.S. and Mexico.
→ Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
→ Flights: For the best flights, we search on Google Flights first. Expedia and Kayak are then perfect for snagging the cheapest tickets. (They’re often non-refundable, though, so for more flexibility, we book directly with the airline, even if it costs more.)
→ Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
→ Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
→ Car rental: Renting a car can be a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies for the lowest rates.
→ Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
→ Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
→ Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find cool hotels and other useful trip planning info.
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