Europe travel

All You Need to Know about Schengen Visa for Indians

May 10, 2018 by Mrithyu

Today, Europe remains a premier destination for Indians to visit. As a result, there’s been an increased demand for Schengen visa for Indian passport holders in recent years. According to statistics from the Internal Migration & Affairs of the European Commission, Indians submitted over 700,000 applications for these visas in 2015.

schengen visa insurance

A Schengen visa is a unique type of visa that enables travellers to enter through one country and travel freely within 26 European countries without having to produce their passport at every border crossing.

India is one of Europe’s most significant tourist markets, with over 10 million travelling to Europe annually. This number is expected to increase to 15 million in 2020. Given the huge number of tourists that visits Europe, various queries have risen among Indians concerning this visa and its application. Here’s what you need to know about it.

Application Requirements

When applying for a visa to travel to one or more of the member states, you need to understand the requirements as well as the application process. If you’re planning to travel, it’s advisable you apply through the consulate or embassy of the nation you’ll be staying at the most.

During your visa application, keep in mind that you need to issue the required documents personally once you’ve scheduled an appointment at the consulate or embassy. It’s always advisable to schedule the appointment at least 15 days before your departure since that’s the approximated time required for the procedure taking place in the corresponding institution.

Each Schengen nation has more or less similar requirements in issuing visas to the concerned party. However, slight differences exist here and there, depending on the embassy or consulate on the needed documents besides the major identification papers and your current financial status. Some of the documents you can expect to present include:

A signed and completed Visa Application Form
You should provide an attached photo, which should have a passport format, a light background, and a full-face capture. It should also be recent.
The passport together with the copies of your former visas, valid for at least three months before your departure is necessary. The passport should have at least 2 blank pages.
Verification of accommodation for the entire duration of the planned stay in the Schengen area
You must demonstrate proof of adequate means of subsistence throughout the planned stay in the Schengen area. Bear in mind that this differs across countries.
You must secure travel health insurance, covering any health emergency with hospital care. The policy should cover expenses up to €30,000; the sum depends on the residing days and it should be valid in every Schengen country. You must purchase the policy before collecting the visa and in the event that you face visa rejection, you can cancel it.

For a minor, you require these extra documents:

The birth certificate
Both parents need to sign the application form
In situations where one parent has complete custody, you need to attach the family court order
Certified copies of passport/ID of both parents
A notarized authorization signed by either guardians or parents if the minor is to travel alone

Types of Schengen Visas

The three kinds of visas accessible to travellers worldwide are:

Uniform Visas

This kind permits the holder to reside in or transit through a Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period from the entry date. Depending on the travel purpose, you can obtain the visa for transiting through the airport of a Schengen nation without entering the nation or for residing within the Schengen area for a certain period depending on the visa’s validity.

Limited Visas

This visa enables the visa holder to visit and enter a particular country in the Schengen Zone. The visa holder can’t enter a different area that isn’t specified.

National Visas

These visas are for professionals and students who have to live in a Schengen nation for a particular period. They can be acquired under multiple and single-entry schemes.

Insurance for Schengen Visa

Schengen visa insurance is compulsory for most non-U.S. citizens travelling to Schengen nations in Europe. It’s also necessary for U.S. citizens travelling for more than 90 days to Schengen areas. This policy typically covers:

Emergency health expenses

This benefit is mandatory for this policy. In the event that you get sick or sustain an injury while on a trip, this benefit would cover eligible health costs.

Trip interruption

This benefit is applicable in the event that you need to return home earlier than you’d intended because of covered reasons such as the demise of a close relative.

Some of the insurance plans you should consider when travelling to a Schengen area include:

Patriot Plan

If you’re looking for a plan that meets Schengen requirements, the Patriot Plan is one of them. The insurance provider offers Patriot International, a plan that offers coverage for persons travelling outside their home nation whose destination doesn’t include the U.S. or its territories. The plan is accessible for groups, individuals, and families for 5 days minimum up to a maximum of two years. Furthermore, it has a complete package of global benefits.

Atlas Plan

Atlas Travel offers coverage for unforeseen medical costs and benefits of emergency travel such as emergency health evacuation as well as kidnap and ransom circumstances abroad. Some of the benefits you can expect under this coverage include outpatient treatment and hospitalization as well as an emergency reunion.

If you’re planning to travel to a Schengen country, it’s imperative you familiarize yourself with the requirements so you can plan accordingly. Hope the guide above gives you a head start on your Schengen trip planning.

Filed Under: Schengen Visa Tagged With: Europe travel, indians, Schengen visa, schengen visa insurance, Visa Application Form

Stay Safe by Knowing Europe’s Safest and Most Dangerous Tourist Destinations

March 15, 2017 by Mrithyu

Spring Break is approaching, and summer is close behind it. For many people that means it is time to pick a location for an upcoming trip. But choosing where to travel, especially in another country, can be challenging. Crime rates differ not only from country to country, but even within specific countries. For example, one area of a country may be very dangerous with high crime rates, but you may be able to travel twenty minutes in a different direction and enjoy a very safe traveling experience. If an overseas trip is something you are considering, you will want to make sure to research to determine both the safest and most dangerous European vacation destinations.
Keep in mind that in some tourist-heavy markets, criminals focus specifically on tourists as targets. So not only is the overall rate of theft or violent crime high, but you would specifically be at a higher risk because you’re a tourist. What areas of Europe should you either avoid or be on high alert in this summer?

travelers

Different sources may identify different cities or countries as being the most dangerous, so you may want to conduct research on your own from several different sources and check out tourist message boards and other resources that provide firsthand accounts. That will give you the clearest picture of what to expect so that you can plan your trip accordingly.

WorldAtlas.com identified the 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe in a 2017 article, however many are in areas you wouldn’t typically consider vacation destinations, such as cities in the Ukraine, Lithuania, Russia, and Latvia.

But you might be surprised to know that Belfast and Glasgow also made the list! Every year many Americans travel to Ireland and Scotland for vacation, as the beautiful landscape, historical features, and attractions like famous golf courses are attractive to travelers. So while you might think of rolling green hills, you may not be thinking of potential dangers in these areas. This is a great example of why it is so important to research any foreign destination before booking travel.

Business Insider published in 2016 an article listing the 50 Most Dangerous Cities in the World. No European cities made that list, however it was strictly based on a homicides per capita number, so it did not take into account typical tourist-focused crime like thefts or muggings.

The same web site published an article later in the year taking a broader view of European crime which therefore serves as a bit better guide for tourists. Once again, many of the most dangerous cities are places like Belgrade and Kiev which you would typically not consider traveling to for vacation anyway. But Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London, and Rome all made the list.

Those cities are likely the first ones you are thinking of when you begin thinking about European travel, so you may be surprised to hear it suggested that they could be dangerous. However, you should always keep in mind that most highly-populated large cities are going to have more crime, and that criminals often tend to seek out tourist-heavy cities.

Conversely, there are many studies outlining the safest European cities. For instance, the Economist Intelligence Unit published a list of what it considered to the be the 15 safest cities in the entire world in 2016 based on a variety of factors, and 4 European cities – Zurich, Barcelona, Stockholm, and Amsterdam – made the list.
When considering the safety of European destinations, it’s unfortunately a necessity to consider the threat of terrorism. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office of Britain identified several places that are believed to have lower terrorism risks than others, including destinations that may not seem like obvious first choices, but which have some very appealing features, such as Switzerland and Iceland.

Italy and Spain have also been cited as popular safe European destinations so the key really is to research and compare information from different sources to get a complete picture as to what safety means from one report to another. Some reports may be referring to terror threats, while others are focused on targeting tourists from theft, pick-pocketing, and other crimes. The internet offers no shortage of firsthand accounts from travelers, so use the information here coupled with real travelers’ experiences to make your own perfect travel plans.

Filed Under: Europe Travel Tagged With: dangerous destination in europe, Europe travel, europe travel tips, safe destination in europe

Effects of Brexit on UK-Europe Travel

September 1, 2016 by Mrithyu

In June 2016 the United Kingdom voted in a referendum to leave the European Union. You can hardly have missed the headlines about “Brexit” – Britain’s exit from the EU. The historic move stands to cause as-yet unknown consequences for finances and social policy in the UK and beyond.

Brexit-travel

But how does it affect your travel plans – what does Brexit mean for travelers ? Will it be easier or harder to travel around Europe and the UK? What will Brexit mean to the cost of your vacation?

What Happened?
The UK joined the EU in the beginning of the 1970s. It has not been an easy relationship since then, and after a recent spell of political pressure the UK voted to leave the organization of member states in June. Initially, global markets fell massively and many international travelers put their vacation and business travel plans on hold. What now?

While the complete effects of Brexit on financial markets and the Brexit effect on UK-Europe travel will not be known for many years, there are some things you can understand now to help make travel easier and more affordable in the UK and Europe.

Cost of Travel After Brexit
One of the main ways Brexit affects travel from US is the exchange rate between the dollar and the pound (the currency the UK still uses.) In the immediate aftermath of Brexit, the dollar was worth a lot more against the pound meaning that dollars go much further in the UK. The pound has strengthened since but it is still better value to travel to the UK from the US than the other way around – UK travelers have seen the amount of foreign currency their pound buys drop considerably.

It is too early to see how the price of vacations, flights, and travel in general will change following Brexit. Last year there were a flux of deals on Atlantic airfares that made it much cheaper to travel between the US and the UK. European travel between countries was relatively cheap with price advantages from budget European airlines like easyjet.

Will buying flights remain so affordable? Travel companies claim to be working to keep costs down, but it is worth looking widely into prices before booking a vacation or flight in the near future.

Cost of Post-Brexit Medical Care
Currently the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) enables UK citizens to access reduced-cost or free medical treatment in other countries in the EU. While the benefits of the EHIC are lower than travel medical insurance, it is an advantage for UK travelers. The agreement will be negotiated and there may be a corresponding hike in medical costs for Brits. Any travelers in Europe from abroad should have travel medical insurance, as there is no free healthcare for non-UK citizens.

End of Free Movement Around Europe?
One of the benefits of the UK being in the EU was the ease with which UK citizens could travel and work in the countries within the European Union. But with the UK’s exit from the EU comes uncertainty about the future of travel across European borders.

One possible outcome of Brexit is that the UK could stay in the EEA – the European Economic Area – and by doing this could remain signed up to the “four freedoms” of the EU where people, capital, goods, and services can move freely within the area.

The UK could also take on the Swiss model. Switzerland is part of the European Free Trade Association and this organization has more limited scope than the EEA but still permits permit-free travel around Europe.

But in the absence of any kind of membership of the EEA or the European Free Trade Association, the UK would probably see its citizens needing a visa for business or vacation travel in other European countries. This outcome seems unlikely – the most probable final outcome will be that UK citizens will not need visas for vacation purposes in Europe but they will have to go through passport control when they enter a different country.

Citizens of other countries around the world still need visas for the UK and other European countries depending on their nationality – before travel all foreign visitors to the UK and Europe must check with local embassies for their visa status and what they need to do before they travel.

Filed Under: Brexit, Europe Travel Tagged With: Europe travel, travel tips

Best Holiday Parks Across Europe 2016

May 2, 2016 by Mrithyu

Spending time with family is one of life’s greatest pleasures, especially when you can do it at a place that’s fun. Holiday parks are a good choice when looking for something to do with your family. The following are some of the best holiday parks across Europe.

Holiday Park

Pierre & Vacances Port du Crouesty Holiday Village
This is a beautiful place to stay in southern Morbihan, France. The village has apartment buildings and houses available with kids’ clubs and four pools. This is a good place for babies, toddlers, and teens. Childcare is available for adults who want some time to themselves. There’s also a multimedia center, archery, bikes, Petanque and traditional Breton games, fitness sessions, board game loans, and much more.

La Croix de Vieux Pont Campsite
This campsite in Picardy offers all of the amenities you would receive at a hotel. It’s close to Disneyland Paris and the French capital. There are four swimming pools, indoor and outdoor, and plenty of activities for the children. There is a bowling alley, laser quest, kids’ club and many planned activities. Adults can enjoy relaxing near the gorgeous lakes with sandy beaches. There are also canoes available for rent. There is a bar and two restaurants available on the property.

De Eemhof Center Parcs Europe
This Amsterdam holiday park is everything you can expect to find when looking for a fun place for your family. There are waterslides, pools, beach, water sports, sailing, and cycling. The park is surrounded by nature with a wooded setting, which makes it perfect for exploring by foot or bike. There’s zip lining and archery available as well.

The nearby Market Square has many shops for those who enjoy shopping. There are many restaurants and bars for adults who want to have a little fun of their own.

Yelloh! Village Le Serignan Plage Campsite
This holiday park is perfect for those who have young children, toddlers, and babies. They have a soft play area, indoor pool, and many options for accommodation for large families. There’s a kids club for children 4-12 years old, and on-site restaurants and a bakery. Just three miles down the road, there is a vineyard, aqua park, and horse riding. This is located in the Languedoc-Roussilon region of France.

Sunparks Kempense Meren
This park is surrounded by fields, lakes, and a beach, which is perfect for those who want to reconnect with nature. Many outdoor-based activities are available such as hiking and cycling. There’s also mini-golf, table tennis and badminton. An indoor pool and indoor play world is a hit with children. Accommodations are perfect for large families up to 8 people. When looking for a rural holiday park, this one in Belgium will offer everything you desire.

Le Clarys-Plage Campsite
This holiday park is located on the west coast of France. You will love the beautiful beaches, large swimming pool, waterslides, jets, Jacuzzi, and lazy river. There is a range of activities for all ages such as tennis, football and volleyball. With childcare options, adults can have time to relax. Kitchens are included in some of the accommodations, but you can find many restaurants a short drive away.
Pierre & Vacances Belles Rives

This is a village in Dordogne. It’s a popular choice for families looking for holiday fun. With 80 trails for backpacking and mountain biking, you will have endless chances to connect with the great outdoors. Kids can have fun crayfishing, climbing trees, and taking part in the activities organized for them. There’s also an outdoor pool for relaxing.

Al Gelso Bianco
Al Gelso Bianco is located in Tuscany, Italy. Seven apartments are available that can sleep two to eight people. There are cots available for larger families. A gated pool is available, and it’s all surrounded by a working farm, winery and agricultural estate.

La Chimenas
Las Chimenas is located in the village of Mairena in Granada, Spain. You can become one with nature by walking on the quiet paths, cool off with a swim in waterfalls, or just explore the villages surrounding the property. Children will enjoy geocaching, mountain biking, and the beaches nearby in Salobrena and Almunecar.

Casa do Canal
Casa do Canal in Algarve, Portugal is a beautiful place to visit. The beaches are the major attraction here. You have many different ones to choose from right outside your doorstep. After a long day at the beach, many visitors spend time eating at some of the restaurants serving classic Portuguese dishes. Children enjoy the surf school, organized activities, craft workshops, and cycling.

Europe has some of the best holiday parks in the world. Plan your next trip to one of these, so you can enjoy some quality time with your family.

Filed Under: Europe Travel Tagged With: Europe travel, holiday parks

10 Reasons for Winter Travel in Europe

February 8, 2016 by Mrithyu

When we think of European travel, we often think of our favorite countries in the summertime. We picture a sunbathed Eiffel Tower, bustling crowds on Riviera beaches, and Austrian mountain wildflowers. We imagine ourselves hiking through ancient forests, exploring romantic marketplaces, and watching lush pastoral scenes stream by our railcar windows. We forget winter tourism exists in Europe! Some of the most satisfying European travel experiences can be had when the snow is flying.

Winter-Europe

1. Less expensive attractions

Prices for some winter attractions, such as skiing, can be high. However, in most places, winter attendance is low, so prices are lower. Because they still welcome many visitors, large cities have fewer reasons to reduce prices, but small towns are more likely to offer discounts. Some attractions close down for winter—check schedules for your favorite destinations before traveling.

2. Smaller crowds

In summer, hundreds of millions of visitors flood into European countries to fulfill dreams of foreign travel. It can be difficult to book hotels and purchase tickets. Lines are longer and travelers must plan extra time to accommodate crowds. Not so in winter! Cold weather travelers enjoy shorter lines, with less time wasted waiting.

3. Winter events

To experience some of Europe’s most exceptional events, one must travel in winter. A famous example is Christmas markets. Entire itineraries are centered around these magical affairs. If you wear proper clothing and footwear, this could be one of the best places in the world to immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of winter.

4. Beautiful scenery

If you’re not a winter person, you may not be excited by snow-covered hills, gently falling flakes, or icicles hanging from architectural wonders. However, with an open mind, you can experience traditional European scenery on an exciting new level in winter. Far-north destinations such as Scandinavia take special pains to incorporate ice and snow into attractions. Don’t forget, the mild south still offers beaches, sundrenched greenery and warmer temps.

5. Local encounters

With smaller crowds and a slower pace, winter travel in Europe offers a very special advantage: more opportunities to meet the locals. It’s natural for residents to withdraw from teeming crowds in summer. When temperatures cool and crowds thin, there’s time and space to slow down and meet visitors. Research off-the-beaten-path restaurants, trails and remote destinations.

6. Easy travel

Transportation in all forms can be better during European winters. Trains, cabs, rental cars and boats all are more laid-back. Winter scenes, viewed through the windows of your favorite mode of transportation, are likely to be much more enjoyable when not blocked by crowds of people. Summertime sidewalks often are crowded with bodies heading every direction. In winter, it’s easier to get around and more enjoyable to walk.

7. Indoor adventures

Some indoor attractions gear up especially for winter and provide robust offerings not available during warmer months. One exciting example is concerts in beautiful architectural venues. Many cities know tourists will be looking for memorable winter experiences, so they pay special attention to organizing cold weather adventures. Don’t forget to add museums, libraries, houses of government, indoor shopping centers, and famous homes to your list of wintertime trip activities.

8. Souped-up shopping

Breathtaking Christmas markets and other winter shopping experiences can be one of the most satisfying European winter activities. Wintertime crowds are forced indoors. As a result, shopping venues provide special events and beautiful displays not found during summer. Shop owners are often thrilled to see new customers and treat them with special care.

9. Beaches

Admittedly, southern Europe in the winter cannot offer the sunbaked, sultry beach experiences many crave. Instead, winter beachgoers love having large expanses of sand to themselves—a perfect place for walking, spending time with loved ones, thinking, and leaving the cares of daily life behind. Although many attractions close for the winter, any location is likely to offer at least a few diversions. In these regions, prices are lower and travelers can further reduce costs by walking between destinations.

10. No bugs

The lack of annoying little creatures of the outdoors can make winter one of the best times to travel in Europe. Simply slip on a hat, scarf and jacket, and trade your sneakers for boots, to keep cold breezes at bay. This winter travel advantage will lie at the top of your list if you really hate bugs and at the bottom if you don’t mind them.

For better or worse, European winters offer interesting alternatives for travelers. Cold-weather continental adventures can be especially attractive to those who have traveled to Europe before and are looking for something new and different. Don’t let winter keep you from exploring the world and enjoying the pleasures of European travel!

Filed Under: Europe Travel Tagged With: Europe travel, travel tips

Best Christmas Markets in Europe

December 2, 2015 by Mrithyu

Christmas is a beautiful holiday. With all of the lights, good cheer, and food and drinks, you can’t help but be joyful. If you’re in Europe for the Christmas season, you may want to visit some of the best markets available. You’ll get a true European Christmas experience.

ChristmasShopping

Brussels, Belgium
The Plaisirs d’Hiver/Winter Pret festival starts with the opening of one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. It started about 13 years ago, and it’s been growing ever since. Theatrics are part of the market located at the Gland Place. You’ll also see 240 wooden chalets, countless handmade crafts, and souvenirs. You can also enjoy many Belgian foods such as moules, caricoles, fires, and waffles. Of course, you can’t forget what the country is known for – chocolates and beer. There’s plenty to choose from as you walk throughout the market. If you’re looking for some activities, go ahead and join the ice skaters at the end of the market or ride the 160-foot Ferris wheel.

Copenhagen, Denmark
The market in Copenhagen, Denmark is located in Tivoli Gardens. The country celebrates Jul or Yuletide during this time of year. You’ll enjoy four miles of lights, crafts, and many stands with iced doughnuts with black currant jam, steamed hot mulled red wine laden (glogg), and if you can make it around 6 in the evening may be able to see the town crier.

Dresden, Germany
Have you ever seen a four-ton fruitcake? Well, you may get to if you visit Dresden during the Christmas season. The fruitcake is part of the parade, which is led by the “Fruitcake Maiden” also known as the Stollenmadchen. The parade makes its way through the entire Striexelmarket, which is where you’ll find 230 craft booths all decorated in lights. The traditional of this market dates back to 1434, so if you’re lucky enough to go, you’ll be part of the oldest running Christmas market in Europe.

London, England
The Christmas shopping seasons starts early in London – November. That means you can enjoy it no matter if you’re there before the season or right during it. The celebrations start with a Regent Street ceremony in which they snap on the Christmas lights and have a parade. Then they open the Trafalgar Square ice skating rink. You can also enjoy the toboggan slide, Ferris wheel, and of course all of the stands in Greenwich Market in December. You’ll also get to attend some concerts, which are held regularly throughout the season.

Munich, Germany
The market in Munich might be small, but there’s a lot that’s packed into it. There’s a 100-foot Christmas tree in the middle. You’ll then get to munch on sausages and potato pancakes and gingerbread as you walk around the “Heavenly Workshop.” You can even take the Munich trains around it. Don’t miss the Town Hall’s pub because you’ll see kids dressed up as angels selling cookies, arts and crafts. There’s also music every night at 5:30 and carolers on the balcony of Town Hall. It’s a true Christmas atmosphere that everyone should take advantage of at some point in their life.

Filed Under: Europe Travel Tagged With: Christmas, Europe travel

The Perfect Time to Visit Europe

October 16, 2015 by Mrithyu

Europe is a beautiful continent. With so much to do throughout the year, many people wonder when is the best time to visit it.

The best time or season to visit Europe depends on what you want from your vacation. Most people who are considering a Europe vacation have a goal in mind. They may want to pick a time that is less expensive, more beautiful, hotter, colder, or less or more touristy.

Airplane

This is something you should consider when you are trying to determine when is the best time to go to Europe. Before you do that though, you probably want a little more information.

Less Touristy and Less Expensive

The best time to go to Europe when there aren’t many tourists around is November and December. Since there aren’t many tourists, hotels and tourist activities offer discounts. They are still in business and need to attract as many people as possible. Just be sure to check with the attractions you would like to visit during your vacation, as they can have reduced hours during non-tourist seasons.

Flights to Europe from the United States are cheaper from November to late March. This is because most people are flying within the United States to visit family during the holidays.

Working Around Dry Summers and Wet Winters

If you want to visit Europe when it’s less likely to rain, go to Italy and Greece April, May, September or October. The best time is the Spring because it’s right after the rains of the winter, so the land is green and luscious. There aren’t many tourists around yet, so you’ll still be able to experience what real life is like in the area by meeting a lot of locals.

Other areas you may want to visit during May, June, September and October are:

France
Spain
Portugal
Greece
Turkey

Escaping the Heat

Spain is uncomfortably hot during July and August, so it’s not the best time to visit the country. You should plan on traveling to central Spain during the late spring and early fall. This is when the weather is not hot yet or is cooling down from the summer. It’s when most of the festivals are held because of the weather being much more tolerable.

Catching Oktoberfest

Many people want to visit Bavaria to experience popular Oktoberfest. What most people are often disappointed about is that the event isn’t in the middle of the month, it’s the first weekend of the month and starts in September. Oktoberfest starts the last two weeks in September and ends the first weekend in October. Plan your Munich trip based on that information.

Vacationing in the Summer

If you must take a Europe vacation in the summer, you may want to choose Scandinavia. It has the best weather in Europe during the summer months. You’ll be comfortable because the temperature isn’t too hot, and it doesn’t rain much. The other advantage is that the days are the longest in the summer, so you have plenty of time to see all of the sites.

Highest Festival Time

If you love European festivals, you’ll enjoy Edinburgh International Festival. It’s during August and September. Just keep in mind that this is the busiest time for tourists and the prices for hotels and attractions can be the highest, but you’ll be able to experience everything Scotland is known for with the locals.

Beautiful Scenery

The flower festival is in September for Amsterdam, so you’ll see flowers everywhere. You will find the scenery beautiful in Britain during the month of May because the gardens will be in bloom. It’s before all of the tourists get there too, so it can be much more affordable.

Consider What You Want and Plan a Vacation

Now that you know the best times to visit Europe, start to think about when you would like to go. There’s a place for every time of the year. Just decide what’s most important to you. If you can’t decide on just one time of year, decide to visit your most preferred time and then go again at a different time. You may just find that each area of Europe provides enough fun to enjoy the continent no matter when you go.

Filed Under: Europe Travel Tagged With: Europe travel

Traveling Europe on a Budget

August 5, 2015 by Mrithyu

Due to a recent strengthening of the dollar, the American press has been touting the appeal of European travel on a budget. CNN Money offers one of the best explanations of what’s making travel in Europe cheap. Add this fact to time-proven, cost-effective travel strategies, and American travelers can relax and enjoy European experiences without worrying about money—at least until the dollar weakens again.

travel1

Planning is key to inexpensive travel in Europe
No matter what the exchange rate, traveling in Europe on a budget requires planning ahead to learn about discounts, off-season prices and other cost-effective options.

The cost of air travel, lodging, food and attractions varies widely among different European countries, and prices rise sharply during busy times. There are pluses to less-popular locations and the off season, however. Crowds are thinner, lines are shorter and there are more opportunities to meet local residents.

Low-priced European transportation
Getting from one place to the other is, of course, one of the priciest parts of a European trip. Thanks to the Internet, it’s easy to find discounted airfares. Entire airlines have been set up to provide budget travel. However, savings can be eaten up by travel costs to cities from rural airports, and some travelers are uncomfortable with bare-bones flights.

Travelers to Europe save money by resourcefully compiling the best combination of international flights and in-country travel. For example, rather than returning to America from the original airport, one leg of the trip can be removed by flying out of the last city visited. Groups save money by renting cars, instead of purchasing multiple Eurail passes.

Once in Europe, a Eurail pass is cost-effective for solo travelers. However, visitors should consider purchasing passes that apply only to destinations they plan to visit.

For some destinations, buses are the best option. Adventurous travelers prefer bicycling, a perfect way to get to know the country. For the same reason, while in cities, visitors should consider walking when they can.

The most cost-effective European lodging
A second priciest portion of European travel is lodging. As with everything else, hotel rates are often lower in the off-season. However, many more options exist, such as rented rooms in private homes. This is common and, with a little common sense, is safe. A formal version of this is the bed-and-breakfast.

Hostels don’t provide as much privacy as more expensive hotel rooms, but they cost less and costs can be reduced further by using the hostel kitchen. For travelers who prefer of hotel rooms, a great deal of money can be saved by sharing.

It’s important to ask for itemized bills and review fees. It might be possible to further reduce lodging costs and airfare by purchasing package deals or staying with relatives.

Trimming travel food costs in Europe
The most effective way to eat cheaply in Europe is to purchase food at grocery stores. Stocking up on food removes the temptation of purchasing too many restaurant meals.

Every traveler will, of course, want to partake of the famous restaurant foods of Europe. However, if budget is a concern, there are many ways to save. Lunch is almost always less expensive than dinner. Hotel breakfasts are notorious for high prices.

It’s often cheaper to order drinks at the bar then at the table. Ask about the day’s special, which is sometimes reserved for locals unless travelers ask. Remember not to over tip — Americans are used to adding 15% to 20% but European tips are customarily less. Ask other customers to learn what’s normal.

Attractions are still attractive off-season
Low-season prices for European attractions, such as museums, sporting events and theaters, often are lower than during peak times. Because attractions look harder for visitors at this time, coupons might be available. A bed and breakfast host or hotel concierge will know where to find them. Some travel packages include discounted tickets to attractions, and lesser-known attractions usually cost less.

As in the United States, many tourist locations allow visitors to enter for free during the last hour of the day or on special days. Entertainment guides list activities that are free for everybody.

When travelers need cash, it’s advisable to get it from a low-fee ATM instead of the bank. Banks often waive ATM fees for customers who bank with American affiliates.

All of these costs are lower when the dollar is strong. It is expected that American travelers in Europe will be able to look forward to this advantage for some time. However, even when the dollar weakens, these budget options will make it possible to visit Europe on a shoestring.

Filed Under: Europe Travel Tagged With: Europe travel

10 Best Countries to Visit in Europe

June 18, 2015 by Mrithyu

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?

Europe

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!

Filed Under: Europe Travel Tagged With: Europe travel, Schengen visa