Europe already looks good on virtual tours and travel blogs, but it’d be nicer to see it up close. It’s a place where the contemporary meets the classical, the old merges with the new, the magical combines with the mellow things in life.
If you haven’t decided where to go exactly, this list could help you out. These European countries have been considered dream destinations for various reasons. Check them out here.
1. Iceland
Iceland has qualities that make it an ideal place to visit: eco-friendly, gender-equal, safe for solo travelers, and modern but traditional as their love for their heritage shows. With its volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, and mountains, it’s the quintessential nature trip.
- There are many things to do in Reykjavik, such as exploring important cultural and religious landmarks on foot and driving to nearby attractions by arranging a car rental in Iceland.
- The height of Icelandic adventure is venturing into the highlands, which are uninhabited, unspoiled, and untamed, during the summer. You’ll be rewarded by awesome nature reserves, but you need to be really careful.
Renting a 4×4 vehicle like this cozy camper is a must when navigating rugged mountain roads in Iceland. You can ask the rental company for guidance on laws and conditions of such roads. It’s also important that you inform the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue about any plans of traveling to these parts of Iceland.
2. Germany
Germany has been dubbed as Europe’s economic powerhouse. It has a long history of innovations from book printing to MP3. One can learn a lot from Germany that it has become a top choice for international students.
Your trip to the country can combine history, arts, culture, and literature. Some notable examples are:
- Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany and highly recognized in research. Touring the academic institution is not without exploring the city of Heidelberg and their ties.
- Cologne is historic and fun to visit with Christmas markets, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and the Chocolate Museum. More importantly, it has the House of 4711 where the eau de Cologne originated.
- The Black Forest located in Baden-Württemberg features paths, pastures, woods, rivers, and castles. It is famous for being the inspiration of some of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales.
3. France
Picking France as a travel destination is not really surprising. The country is a prominent figure in fashion, film, food, and other facets of daily life. French is also one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with some of its words used in English. Whether you are looking for a Nice vacation, a Paris vacation, or looking to storm the beaches of Normandy, France has the ability to delight all with its cuisine, weather and beautiful scenery.
Are you headed to France for a peaceful or packed holiday? Some options include:
- Nice is one of the most popular places in the French Riviera or Cote d’Azur. Originally a winter vacation spot for the elite, Nice is becoming an accessible, albeit pricey, resort town to most people.
- Normandy has been etched in history for the D-Day landings in 1944, and tourists can visit the landing beaches to pay respects. It is also in Giverny, Normandy where Claude Monet lived and got inspired to paint.
- Paris offers many attractions that may be less crowded. There’s Musee d’Orsay and its impressionist collection, the Arc de Triomphe, and Cité Florale.
4. Greece
Dreaming of a Mediterranean beach holiday? Spending a summer in Greece means boating, swimming, and sunbathing with a book you’ve been wanting to read.
According to the Greek National Tourism Organization, the paradise has 6,000 islands but only 170 are inhabited. Here are some choices:
- Crete is the biggest island and can be the focus of your holiday. Of its many beaches, Elafonisi Beach stands out for its pink sand, wildflowers, and shallow waters.
- Santorini is a crowd favorite, especially among lovers. The group of islands is famous for its Caldera and volcanic beaches.
- Rhodes is known as the site of the Colossus of Rhodes and a well-preserved medieval city. One of the interesting beaches on Rhodes is Anthony Quinn Bay, which has a nice back story.
Tips for a Nice Trip
Planning makes things like traveling easier and safer, particularly during these times. Here are a few new-normal travel tips to keep in mind:
- Choose flexible dates or booking options for your vehicle rental, accommodation, and flights.
- Boost your travel insurance.
- Opt for less-crowded attractions, or take a vacation off-season.
- Follow health protocols.
- Be informed always.
- Consider getting vaccinated.
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