Tips for Visiting Europe During Summer
Europe is the most popular destination for international travelers from all over the world. A study conducted in 2016 showed that 58% of the travelers counted on the report had visited Europe that year, which was almost three times as many as the second most visited continent, Asia.
If you are curious about visiting Europe this summer, here are some top tips how to enjoy the best trip possible with advice about where to go and the most efficient ways to get around the continent.
Where To Go:
There are so many countries in Europe and each one is different. You will need to decide whether you are looking for beaches, culture, cities, nature or something else to your interests. Before booking you will also need to check latest travel information regarding the corona virus and if there are any entry requirements.
These are some of the most popular summer destinations in Europe to consider adding to your itinerary:
France:
Not only is France the most visited country in Europe, but according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, France is also the most traveled to country in the world with around 86.9 million visitors annually. The Palace of Versailles, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Mont Saint-Michel and the Castle of Chambord are just a few of the many attractions you can visit in France. France shares borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain and Andorra, making it very accessible by bus and train.
Spain:
This lovely country located on the Iberian Peninsula has registered up to 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so you can be certain you will not be at a loss for interesting things to see. Spain is also known for painters like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Joan Miró, and there's no shortage of spectacular museums ready for you to visit. Some of the most efficient methods of transportation to reach Spain are the ferries and buses which connect you directly to the Spanish Islands, Morocco, Italy, Portugal and France.
Italy:
Especially known for its influential culture, beguiling art and magnificent architecture, Italy has a plethora of cities and attractions for you to visit. Some of the most popular cities within Italy are Florence, Venice, Rome, Milan and Naples. Immerse yourself in history by visiting the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Valley of the Temples and the Teatro Antico of Taormina. The country directly borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, making buses and trains very efficient transport to use when you visit Italy.
How to Get Around
These are some of the best ways to travel around Europe:
Bus:
The most efficient way to travel around Europe is by bus. Besides being the most affordable method of transportation, buses also give you the advantage of arriving and leaving directly from the city center. They can then take you to the most remote locations, all while providing you with supreme comfort. Booking bus tickets for destinations around Europe is also quite easy with convenient apps that can be downloaded on your smartphone.
Train:
A little more expensive than buses, trains bring you a similar experience but at a higher speed. Each country in Europe has a specific national train operator that offers various types of trains, such as a high-speed train, a regional train, or a night train. Traveling around Europe by train will allow you to take in splendid scenery, which is particularly recommended for specific routes like the Glacier Express in Switzerland or the El Transcantábrico in Spain.
Plane:
Sometimes the distance between your countries of departure and arrival might be too long to travel by either bus or train. In these cases, Europe has a handful of low-cost airlines that can provide you with a quick trip to or near your desired location. It's usually best to book these tickets online several weeks ahead of your departure.
Top Things to Consider Before Departing
- Work out how much money you have and this will help you to plan accordingly. There are lots of ways to travel Europe on a budget but extra money will mean more luxury and better places to stay.
- Do you want to travel with a suitcase or backpack.
- Make a list of everything you need to pack.
- Check travel insurance.
- Book accommodation in advance - hotels and hostels get busy from May to September.
- Check entry requirements and safety advice.
Hopefully this article has given you a clear idea of where to go, how to efficiently travel around Europe and also inspire you to explore this incredible continent.
