Amsterdam, Holland

This well-loved European holiday destination is perfect if you’re in the company of free-spirited friends who want a hip and happening place to have fun in. Book a houseboat if you can and then take a walk around the city to explore all its possibilities. You could also opt to get to know the area using a bike. This is one of the most popular modes of transportation here. Don’t worry too much about uphill climbs because this city is predominantly flat.

So what can you look forward to? Food, all the colors of tulips that you could ever want, the Van Gogh Museum, the famous cafes and canals, the Rijksmuseum and the notorious red light district. Amsterdam is also the city where Anne Frank’s house is located, a place that you and your friends might want to drop by to visit while you’re in the area.

London, England

London is not for penny-pinchers but it’s the perfect place to be if you want to hear how English used to be spoken. London is a city bustling with activity. It has history, culture, taste and music all rolled into one. This city offers plenty of excellent adventures for a group of friends who:

- want to know what English ale drunk in a real English bar tastes like

- want to experience Shakespeare retold in an English setting

- want to get a glimpse at how the world’s oldest monarchy lives

- want to relive the lives of many of the characters you only encountered during English literature class

- want to visit the famed English countryside

These and so much more you and your friends will love about London. Try to come in May until September or October. No, that won’t help you avoid the rain but those are the months that you and your friends will get to know and ultimately love this European city.

Madrid, Spain

For most of the year, this bustling Spanish city boasts of good, sunny weather, although you might prefer to go during spring. Many of the activities and parties that are well-loved by the Spaniards begin in March and April.

Madrid is excellent if you and your friends want to explore (and surprise) your taste buds. The restaurant scene is active, giving you plenty of choices about where and what to eat.

Rome and Florence, Italy

If you and your friends are art lovers, then you should consider a European holiday destination in these two cities. One should give you ample experience in high aesthetics but why make do with it if you can have two, right? Your Renaissance painters and sculptors made a home here and you’ll find some of the world’s most famous art works in their museums.

Friends who are architecture buffs will also have a fine time in these favorite European holiday destinations. Many of the places that tourists like you ought to see here are either free or charge very cheap fees. Come in spring or fall, as these places, particularly Rome, can be very hot during summer.

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Meteora, Greece

Walk around this wonderful part of Greece and you’ll behold breathtaking sights of ancient monasteries and the most gorgeous vistas of Europe. Photographers will find endless inspiration in Meteora so if you want to take home some photos, make sure you have enough film – or memory space – for the task. Nearby is Metsovo, a woodcarving community, and if you go there early enough, you can have purchase some of their works or even have something commissioned.

Cathar Country, France

A jewel amidst many other jewels, Cathar Country isn’t one of the most famous places in France. Consider that a good thing, though, as it means you can explore the beauty Cathar Country has to offer without having to jostle with thousands of other tourists.

In Cathar Country, you’ll find the magnificent walled city of Carcassonne. There, you’ll be able to enjoy a number of wonderful walking trails and affordable and abundant choices for lodgings while uncovering the secrets of Rennes le Chateau, exploring hilltop castles, and savoring the taste of Blanquette de Limoux, a sparkling wine produced from this region.

Asturias, Spain

This is the perfect place for travelers wishing to reacquaint themselves with the quiet but enchanting beauty of nature and the old way of living. Although the usual accommodations are available, your vacation in Asturias will become richer if you try to emulate the locals’ simple lifestyle and stay in casa rurales (rural houses) or posadas (historical inns). Stay away from those multiple-star hotels and resorts!

Take your time exploring and enjoying the solitude of the region’s plentiful prehistoric caves. Altamira, one of its most famous caves, is aptly referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art.

After your bout of artistic spelunking, you should pass through Ribadesella, a port town, by taking the pilgrimage route. Be sure to prep yourself up with a nice cup of cider and cabrales, a native variety of blue cheese.

Sardinia

This is the island for tourists looking for some peace and quiet amidst vivid and beautiful surroundings. Its culture is rich, old, and untouched and the various works of arts you’ll see here are refreshing and something you’ll wish to take home.

Go to Orgosolo to view political murals, head to Tiscali and explore an ancient village, and take a dip in Fordongianus’ various (still running) Roman baths. Make time to appreciate the precise craftsmanship and beauty of Santa Christina, a sacred well, and any of the island’s Nuraghe or bronze tower.

Dining is another unique experience in the island so remember to try out Sardinia’s roast meats, seafoods, and myrtleberry liquor called mirto. Festivals in the island are plentiful and extremely traditional; if you happen to visit the island on July, check out l’ardia di San Constantino, a horse race that will get your heart galloping in excitement.

Malta

The best time to visit the island is between mid-November and mid-May. Spring enriches Malta with plants in full bloom and a boat tour around the island will let you appreciate its lush and green color.

In Malta, the most important places to visit are the areas where battles fought by the Knights of St. John took place, the islands of St. Paul and Gozo, and of course, the Neolithic Temples, ancient structures that predate even the pyramids.

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Transportation

One of the best things about Europe is that you can go country-hopping by car. As long as you’re proficient with right-hand driving, you’ll have greater – possibly cheaper as well – means of exploring the best Europe has to offer. Fuel could be a huge drain on your money, but not if you choose the ideal car for travel; another thing you should keep in mind is that diesel costs less than gas in Europe. Lastly, take your time shopping for car rental rates to save on insurance and other rental-related fees.

If you don’t feel like driving, you can opt for train or rail passes. Train rides in UK can be quite costly, but they’re very cheap when you find yourself in Italy. Finally, there’s always the alternative of walking. It’s tiring but costs you nothing and when you find yourself in the beautiful cities of Venice, Rome, Paris, Cornwall, and Heidelberg, you may think that walking is the best option after all.

Accommodations

The cost of lodgings will, again, depend on your preferences. Summer in the Mediterranean regions like Italy and Greece can be especially hot and this might prompt you to pay more for air-conditioned rooms, lobbies, and restaurants.

Studios, condo units, cottages, cabins, and the likes are also available for transients, but you’d do better to book them in advance. It could be hard to negotiate when you’re an American in Holland and you’ll have to overcome huge language barriers.

Naturally, you can expect to pay less if you’re willing to rough it out and enjoy the quaint charm of traditional living in the European countryside. Authentic traditions, however, can be quite expensive, too, if you insist on renting out a room in an honest-to-goodness castle in Scotland or England or maybe a chateau in France.

Food and Dining

First-time travelers, beware: restaurants located in less popular and populated areas are actually more expensive than those in tourist-friendly areas like Brussels, Milan, and Madrid. Nevertheless, if you’re worried about draining your pockets too much, there are always tapas, snack bars, and the likes scattered all over Europe. They may not offer air-conditioned rooms to relieve you from the heat outside, but at least they’ll allow you to extend your vacation a day or two.

Vegetarians might have difficulties looking for restaurants catering to their preferences in Spain. Wine, overall, costs cheaper than what you’d expect to pay here in the US and, you can definitely expect to pay less and enjoy more if you’re willing to try out traditional cuisine or local dishes and the likes.

How to Lower Expenses for Your European Vacation

To end this with a perfect note, we’ll let you on a couple of secrets to keep your vacation expenses low while exploring Europe.

Be multilingual. Take the time and effort to know simple words and phrases of the local language. It’s hard to get advice about the best places to shop or dine when you can’t understand each other.

Don’t convert your money. Rather, just obtain cash from ATMs or pay by credit card. It saves you from paying conversion fees.

Use prepaid phone cards. It costs less than maintaining your postpaid subscription while you go around backpacking in Europe.

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Italy

Your family won’t have a hard time looking for Italy on the map – that’s the area in Europe that resembles a boot. As a European destination for a family trip, Italy offers plenty in terms of adventure. It has some of the world’s best beaches, coastlines, plantations and architectures that your family could visit and enjoy.

Italy also has some of the most famous ruins that your family mustn’t miss – the Appian Way, the Roman ruins, the Aqueduct and of course, the Colosseum. There are also plenty of museums that showcase the country’s best-known music, sculptures and paintings, produced by some of the most famous artists of all time such as Vivaldi, Verdi, Michelangelo, Titian, Raphael and of course, da Vinci.

Some of the must-not-miss destinations include: Rome, the Vatican, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, Umbria, Capri, the Amalfi Coast and of course, the French Riviera. If you and your family stay in these areas for one to three days, you could see all the important sites and sample the cuisine within just two weeks. That should give you ample time to know what it’s like to have a Roman holiday.

France

What would a European holiday destination for families be without a trip to France? If you and your family love the outdoors and wish to see the picture-perfect countryside, France is the ultimate destination for you. Many travel agencies offer adventure trips designed for families that include trail hiking, rock climbing and even water rafting.

For those who prefer to soak in French culture, this European destination is simply one of the most remarkable. Aside from staples such as the Eiffel Tower to get a view of Paris, the Trevi Fountain to make a wish and the Louvre museum for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa and other priceless art, you and your family could go visit a few of France’s national parks (they have over 30), its beautiful beaches and quaint major towns are famous for spectacular views and unforgettable entertainment. And while you’re there, you can sample the distinctive cuisine served with the famous French flair.

Spain

No hablo Ingles? No problem. A short visit to Spain will have you and your family speaking in Spanish phrases (and maybe sentences) in no time. Winter can be characterized by low temperatures in places like Madrid, so it’s best to go during spring, summer or fall. These are the seasons when may of the areas in Spain come alive with music, poetry, singing, dancing and ritual through the annual fiestas. Some of the most famous include the celebrations in Pamplona, Valencia and Seville. You and your family could also enjoy those held in Granada, Zamora, Valladolid and Toledo at Corpus Christi.

Of course, a trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without sampling the country’s famous cuisine, learning a few of its famous dances such as the flamenco, watching a bullfight and viewing its famous sculptures and paintings. If you and your family want to learn more about famous artists such as Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Diego Velazquez and El Greco, this European holiday destination can teach you a lot and keep you coming back for more.

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Clothing According to Climate

An extra sweater, a light raincoat, and a compact umbrella will get you anywhere in Europe, but additional changes to your wardrobe could better prepare you for the varying weather of this lovely continent.

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland make up Northern Europe. This region has the best summers in the continent, not too hot but not too cold either. Winters can be quite harsh, but never extremely so, especially when you head to its southern areas. This is also the place where you can witness and experience the Midnight Sun, a phenomenon which keeps the sun on sight 24/7 for the duration of the summer.

Climate varies a lot in Eastern and Central Europe, which is made up by Ukraine, Switzerland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Germany, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Austria. Summers may be warm to cool while winters are humid, cloudy, and can be moderate to cold.

Luxembourg, Ireland, Holland, France, the UK, and Belgium make up Western Europe. This region has mild winters but experience a considerable amount of rain. It also has moderate summers, but they get cooler as you head north.

Finally, you can enjoy the hottest, not to mention driest, summers if you move down to Mediterranean and Southern Europe, which consists of Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Monaco, Malta, Italy, Greece, the southern region of France, Cyprus, and Croatia. Spring and fall brings in rain while winters are quite mild.

Books

Phrase books in non-English speaking countries are a must; knowing the right way to say ‘hello’, ‘good morning’, and ‘how much’ can get you a long way. Having guidebooks or even just small travel maps with you are a must; you’re less likely to waste time looking for things to do, places to visit, and wondering which lanes are two-way.

Converters

Not all European accommodations can offer converters for whatever electronic gadgets and chargers you’ve brought with you. It’s better to have one or two converters with you to ensure that your mobile phone, camera, and laptop are fully charged at all times.

Pocket Sewing Kit

Even if you don’t know how to sew, crises have a way of making you acquire new skills. A sewing kit can save torn buttons and other clothing mishaps, preventing you from the unnecessary expense of buying new clothes.

Toiletries

In the interest of hygiene and convenience, it’s best to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste, travel-sized soaps, shampoos, and shaving kit, and extra sets of medications.

Daily Essentials

Your personal care kit should include a hand sanitizer, moisturizer, sun block, lip balm, mosquito repellent, combs and clips, basic makeup like powder and mascara, napkins, panty liners, and decongestant.

Take a laundry kit with you even if you’re staying in hotels and resorts. It should include travel detergents, a sink stopper, a braided clothesline, several clothesline clips, and a travel iron.

Emergency Essentials

If you have vision problems, make sure to take with you an extra set of disposable contact lenses as well as an extra pair of glasses if you have any. Pills for motion sickness, diarrhea, and indigestion should also be included in your first-aid kit.

Travel Essentials

Lastly, make sure you have an adequate amount of cash with you as well as all your ID, credit, and ATM cards. Double-check to ensure your travel papers, plane tickets, and reservation sheets are complete. Don’t forget your driver’s license and passport!

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Greece

Greece is one of the best European holiday destinations for you and your family if you have several kids in tow. Aside from the spectacular views, it’s also, according to a survey by the U.K. Post Office, a budget-friendly location.

School-age kids will love Greece if they’ve taken up Greek literature. The romance and mystery presented by Mt. Olympus, Knossos and the Parthenon, among others, will help introduce them to the country, its people and culture. You’ll love that many of the attractions here offer huge discounts for children, while others let those 18 and below in free of charge.

England

For more lessons in history and culture, why not spend a European holiday with your kids in England? This destination has plenty to offer in terms of zoos, parks, museums, restaurants and even beaches. Take a day trip to see the famous Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the impressive Big Ben. The famous Wax Museum of Madame Tussaud can also be found here.

If you have kids who adore video games, they’re in for a big treat. Segaworld is a large indoor area dedicated solely to providing interactive games and entertainment. A day spent here is something that your kids will never forget.

Italy

Another incredibly spectacular place to spend a holiday with kids is Italy, a favorite European destination. Italy is a country that combines the spectacle of great cities with the romance of resort towns and the peace of little areas carved on the side of the mountains. It’s also the home of some of the most marvelous beaches and countryside views. Your kids will find many of the buildings and landmarks here quite familiar; a day’s visit to the Tower of Pisa should give them a great treat.

Spend time with your kids exploring the city of Rome, with all its famous sculptors, paintings and architectures. If the day is especially hot, you could spend it in front of one of the fountains that litter the city. As for food, you’ll be glad to know that you are in the country where pizza was invented. So take your pick of the pasta and the pizza and give your kids an experience that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

Cruising

If you want a holiday where you can have fun with your kids even while you’re traveling to your European holiday destination, why not try a European cruise? Cruises are well-organized mini-vacations in themselves. Many even offer trips that are especially designed for kids and young adults. You could choose a trip based on the given itinerary, location of shore excursions and even type of ship.

A cruise can be more relaxing and since the trip is managed for you, you don’t have to worry too much about the hassle of changing airplanes, finding the right terminal, going to your designated hotel or booking connecting flights. If you want to be able to explore different European holiday destinations from just one type of transportation, consider cruising.

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Paris

It’s probably no surprise that the City of Lights is the very first holiday destination mentioned here. Paris is the city of art, culture and romance. For some reason, the way the city has been designed to look makes you feel that it’s Valentine’s Day everyday.

Instead of hurrying up from one destination to the next, try to give way a little to your lazy side. Spend a day in one of the city’s lovely parks, take a stroll in Montmartre or walk the streets in the St. Germain des Pres. Don’t forget the Latin Quarter and the Jardin des Plantes and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Or you could take your place in one of the many cafes that line Rue de Buci. You could spend hours and hours on end here seated across the table talking. Of course, the Eiffel Tower is unforgettable at sunset and well into the hours of the night when darkness hangs over the lights of Paris.

Just a warning, though: like love, Paris can be overwhelming for the overly enthusiastic and over-indulgent. Try to keep the romance down a notch and you’ll both be able to explore the city and get to know each other better.

Venice

As one of the most romantic cities in the world, the city of Venice offers you one of those few opportunities to explore its major attractions from a vantage point that showcases it best: the water. Instead of taking a walk during your first day, go and hire a gondola so you and your significant other can glide across the water in relative peace.

If the gondola isn’t an option (during certain times of the year, the waterways can get congested with them), try the vaporetto. It’s a small boat that is capable of transporting groups of people across and along the water. The ride, while public, can be very romantic, as long as you choose your route well. Get on the ground at certain stops for a sip of cappuccino or for lunch.

Go ahead and wander – Venice is supposed to be explored that way and it can be particularly romantic. At sundown, when it’s time for dinner, make sure you head to the Rialto, where some of the city’s best restaurants are located.

Rome

One of the most romantic Hollywood movies was inspired by this city (Roman Holiday starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn), so there really is no reason why you shouldn’t find your own romantic Roman holiday here.

Rome is a city built for lovers – the tables at its cafes are designed for intimate exchanges, its wines are heady and the market is alive with blooms. You could even make a wish and hope for it to come true with a simple toss of a coin. And yes, you could pledge forever (or hope for it) with the Bocca dela Verita or Mouth of Truth.

When in Rome and looking for romance, don’t go for the obvious. Seek out the city as you would a mystery and since there are two of you, who knows what sorts of discoveries you will be able to find? This favorite European holiday destination has plenty to offer and won’t run out of anything soon.

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Step 1 Making General Plans

Plan as early as six months prior to your preferred vacation date. Make a list of places you wish to visit. Consider the amount of free time you can allocate to your vacation. Make sure you have at least a day or two to dedicate to a single city to make the most out of it.

Start learning the various foreign languages you expect to speak when you finally head off to Europe. Overcoming language barriers will help save money in more ways than one.

Step 2 Start Paying

Once you’ve got your itinerary for your European vacation ready, you should start making arrangements for your flight. Shop online for the best airfare deals. Be sure you know the dates of public holidays as they could make a significant impact on your travel plans. Besides the usual holidays, Europe also celebrates Assumption Day on August 15 and the Epiphany on January 6. Munich has Oktoberfest, but celebrations could start as early as September while Venice has Carnevale on February.

Allocate three months for preparing paperwork if you need to renew your passport or apply for visa. This is also the best time to start shopping for shoes that can get you around Europe, walking the cobbled lanes of old English town and cross the thresholds of the best French restaurants.

If possible, transact with just one or two persons for your travel arrangements. This would entitle you to more discounts. Advanced bookings for accommodations would also help you in saving money. Remember that your choices aren’t limited to just rooms and suites of hotels and resorts. You can also rent out cabins, lofts, apartments, cottages, and condo units.

Step 3 Choose Your Method of Transportation

If you are proficient with right-hand driving then you can save a lot of money by renting out a car; make sure your rental dates coincide with your arrival and departure date on the cities you’ll visit.

Transportation, however, can also be an adventure. You might be familiar with the Metro in Paris and the Underground in London, but are you aware of the trams, buses, and the T-bana in Stockholm? In Venice, you’ll have to ride the waterbus or vaporetto – and yes, there are always gondolas for scenic tours – and funiculars in Lisbon.

Rail systems can be quite complex in the large cities so make sure you have your map with you at all times. Purchase a multi-day or daily pass as well as frequent checks because they offer greater traveling convenience.

Step 4 Start Packing

Yes, it’s now time to pack and your motto shouldn’t be ‘pack everything possible’ in case of emergencies but to ‘pack lightly’ for traveling convenience. Yes, it’s nice that you prefer to pack for all sorts of emergencies, but if such items are also sold in Europe then it’s best not to pack them with you.

Choose clothing that will provide you the appropriate protection from whatever weather you expect to greet you in Europe. Make a list and be sure to double and triple-check it every week and until the day prior to your departure date. Register your travel arrangements with the State Department and make photocopies of your passport, ID cards, and other pertinent papers.

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Book only with trusted and established travel agencies.

Don’t try to save a few dollars by booking a vacation with an agency you’ve never heard of before. That way, you can be assured that there will be no problems about your travel papers or your accommodations.

Protect your belongings.

Probably the number one safety concern that most tourists have during a European holiday – or any holiday, for that matter – is loss of belongings. When you’re carrying money or valuables, you’re fair game to pickpockets, thieves and other local criminals.

If possible, try to carry as few bags as you can when you travel. That way, you don’t have to a lot to worry about. Keep all valuables in a bag that’s close to your body. Avoid individuals or groups that seem suspicious.

Don’t draw too much attention.

Leave the bling at home and use only the most important stuff during your European holiday. A cheap watch should suffice or if you have to wear any jewelry at all, use only a pair of stud earrings. Wear clothing that’s similar to those worn by the locals. Avoid shirts that advertise strong political or ethical views. Try to look as neutral as possible to avoid becoming an easy target.

Familiarize yourself with the local area.

Just because you’re a stranger to the area doesn’t excuse you from being uninformed. Prior to your trip, go online and seek out information about your European destination. You could also look for tips and advice in online forums or go to websites that offer tours of the area – they will often post information about the place that you can use.

Buy a map and try to familiarize yourself with the area. Check where your hotel is located on the map and try to locate the areas you plan to visit. Look at landmarks, roads, streets and buildings in relation to your hotel. You might also want to locate police stations and public information offices so you’ll know where to run to in case you encounter any problems.

Don’t do what you won’t normally do at home.

Even if you’re back home in familiar grounds, you wouldn’t walk into a dark, deserted alley, would you? You also wouldn’t allow a total stranger to accost you or take you to an area that’s unfamiliar.

Even with a map or a GPRS, you might find many of the local places in Europe difficult to navigate. Since you’re not a local, there are plenty of little streets and alleyways that you might want to steer away from. Best stick to main thoroughfares and roads where there are more people and tourists like you.

Avoid picking up a fight.

You know what they say: ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Don’t try to argue with the locals regarding their practices or try to disparage their culture. It’s not your right to do. As a tourist, you came to your European holiday destination to see the sights and enjoy yourself – not to change things or lecture the residents. In case of tension or confrontation, it’s best to just simply walk away.

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Amsterdam, Holland

If you visit Amsterdam in the months of April to May, you’ve come at the best part of the year to see the country’s famous tulips in full bloom. Amsterdam is also a biker’s paradise; you can go anywhere anytime with two wheels. For art and history lovers, there’s the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Royal Palace. Try dining at the Indonesian rijsttafel and check out Reguliersdwarsstraat for the hottest night scene.

Florence, Italy

After viewing Michelangelo’s David, you can proceed to Duomo and enjoy scenic views if you climb up the dome of Brunelleschi or the bell tower of Giotto, go shopping and take pictures on the Ponte Vecchio, delight in great works of Renaissance arts in the various museums in Florence, and of course visit any number of restaurants lining the city to have a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. You never know what lasagna or pizza truly tastes like until you’ve eaten it in Italy.

London, England

No European vacation is complete without a trip to the most famous English city of all. London is a haven for art lovers, history buffs, and Broadway fans. It’s a terribly expensive place to go to, but it’s also very tourist-friendly because everyone speaks English.

Westminister and Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, Tate Modern are must-see places. If you’re an avid historical romance reader, you shouldn’t forget to drop by Hyde Park and walk the same paths along Serpentine Lake that your favorite fictional characters must have used.

Madrid, Spain

Enjoy works of Picasso and other great Spanish artists in Madrid’s Reina Sofia and Prado. Indulge in rich Spanish cuisine in tapas and upscale restaurants. Madrid is Europe’s answer to New York and you won’t lack for entertainment at anytime of the night.

Paris, France

If you love living the good life, the French capital is definitely the place to be. Summers in Paris are exciting, but make sure you’re prepared for how congested the city can be. Springtime is supposedly the ideal time to visit, but in truth, Paris is lovely all-year round.

Besides checking out the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, Paris also has the Montparnasse to offer for jazz lovers and countless cafes and restaurants to give you a solid introduction to French cuisine. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you should also check out the catacombs and see a whole new – dark – side to Paris.

Rome, Italy

After worshipping in the Vatican, you should also check out Testaccio and the various nightclubs the Eternal City has to offer. Everything in Rome is a must-see so make sure you prepare for a good day’s amount of walking. Rome is also a shopper’s haven so take your time looking around or you might end up overspending.

Venice, Italy

For couples wishing to immerse themselves in their feelings of infatuation or love, they should head down to Venice, an antique, car-free city with love in the air 24/7. If you visit on February, letting go of all your inhibitions is the only way to enjoy Carnevale, the city’s most famous festival. Besides taking gondola rides and stealing kisses in pitch black canals, make sure you check out the Doge Palace as well.

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