Are you putting together your Europe bucket list? Wondering where exactly you should go in Europe for a stunning travel experience? Europe is a vastly diverse and interesting continent, offering something for everyone from river cruises to beach breaks, wine tastings to skiing. Depending on your interests, you are sure to find something to suit your travel style. For a little inspiration, here are our 10 best picks for a European vacation. How many will you visit?
1) Portugal
Portugal may not be as well-known as Spain or as iconic as France, but this underrated country has so much to offer you can’t leave it off the list of best places to travel in 2015. Portugal has everything – tiny villages, medieval castles, sun-soaked beaches, fine wines and delicious food. The country is beautiful and highly cultural, with a stunning coastline and a range of activities on offer from wine tasting to swimming in the ocean.
2) Switzerland
Switzerland is the top of the list if you love snow, mountains, and scenery. This alpine country boasts a collection of standout scenic vistas from the Matterhorn to Lake Geneva. Switzerland has castles and villages from the Middle Ages, and you can go hiking in the mountains. Small towns offer the perfect indulgence – Swiss chocolate made locally.
3) Spain
Surely a European icon if ever there was one, and definitely one of the best places to visit in Europe, Spain is a uniquely varied country with plenty to see and do. You can soak up the culture in Barcelona and visit the iconic places there including the cathedral, or relax on a beach in the Canary Islands or Mallorca. If you don’t want a beach break, head to the mountains in Northern Spain for walking and sightseeing.
4) Austria
Beautiful sights are everywhere in Austria. Vienna is a stunning place to relax and wander around, while the lakes of the Alps plus the valleys and meadows are just perfect for an outdoor break.
5) United Kingdom
You can’t go wrong with a trip to the United Kingdom, whatever you want to do or see. You have the rolling hills in the Cotswolds, the beauty of the northern moors in Yorkshire, the stunning coastline of Devon and Cornwall, or the vibrancy of the cities of London, Manchester, and Bristol. And that’s not even counting the scenery and things to do in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom has something for everyone and is in this list of best European countries by USA Today.
6) Italy
You’re going to love Italy if you love food and drink. The pizza and pasta, the ice cream and the red wine… you’ll never want to leave. Italy has some glorious cities and art galleries, and there is also the chance to walk in the mountains, chill out in a café, or simply stroll around a Tuscan village with not much to do but relax.
7) Germany
With Germany you have the twin attractions of vibrant, busy cities plus the beauty of a forest and valley landscape. Germany also offers a wealth of different culinary and beer-related attractions, making this a well-rounded destination for a vacation.
8) Iceland
One of the most beautiful countries in the world, Iceland offers so many different experiences it is hard to know where to start. From hot springs to volcanic beaches, waterfalls to the Northern Lights, Iceland is a place you will never forget.
9) France
France is justifiably one of the most popular countries to visit in Europe. The landscape is diverse and attractive, and the cities are ideal for exploration. And then, of course, there is the food. You are spoiled for choice in this culinary destination.
10) Ireland
The Emerald Isle is a glorious place for a vacation, with miles of green countryside and rolling hills, a beautiful coastline, and friendly villages with free-flowing Guinness. Ireland is definitely a place to visit on your European vacation.
Europe consistently ranks in the list of best places to travel, and it is no surprise as the wealth of sights and locations on offer is second to none. Choose your favorite location, book your tickets through the range of affordable travel agents and travel websites on offer, sort out your international travel insurance, and you’re good to go. Have fun!