Traveling through Europe has long been a popular pursuit for people of all ages, from students and couples, to families and retirees. The breadth of possible vacations in Europe is enormous, with countless destinations and all kinds of different ways of exploring them. Among the most popular countries in Europe for travelers are
France,
Italy,
Spain,
Germany,
Greece, and
Portugal, which are frequently on the itinerary of tour groups and cruise ships. They are popular for good reason. What trip to Europe would be complete without a stop at the
Eiffel Tower, or a perhaps glimpse of the
Colosseum or the Ancient
Acropolis of
Athens?
The United Kingdom and
Ireland are also among the top travel destinations, with many people drawn to the rich history and cultural attractions in these areas. Less visited regions such as Scandinavia and Eastern Europe often prove equally as interesting and exciting. Some formerly lesser visited countries have become more popular in recent decades, like
Croatia, which offers culture, beautiful beaches and coastal areas, as well as vibrant cities.
Popular stops through southern Europe may include the Mediterranean coastal cities of
Barcelona,
Marseilles,
Cannes,
Nice, and Monte Carlo, island hopping through
Greece, soaking in the sights of Italy's Amalfi Coast, or enjoying the history and culture found in cities like
Rome,
Madrid,
Lisbon, and
Athens. In the north,
Paris,
Frankfurt,
Berlin, and
Vienna are some of the main stops, but the small towns and villages found in the country side can be equally enchanting. In Eastern Europe, it's easy to step back in time and enjoy the architecture as you wander the streets of
Prague and
Budapest.
There are many ways to see Europe. Trains are an extremely convenient way of seeing many of the countries, with an extensive rail system connecting countries, major cities and small towns. Ferries and cruise ships are popular along the Mediterranean Sea and also in some of the northern regions, such as the Baltics and Scandinavian countries. Those who want a little more freedom may choose to rent a car.
Europe is also a year round destination. The months of July and August are by far the busiest, when Europeans take holidays and travelers from around the world come to enjoy the fine weather. The coastal areas fill up with people escaping the summer heat retreat to the beaches. One only needs to take a drive along the French Riviera during these months to fully appreciate this fact. The spring and fall are great times for those looking to sightsee and explore the ancient sites without the full intensity of the summer heat. Winter is definitely the slower time of year for travelers but the mountains, which offer world class skiing, draw the winter sports enthusiasts.
