European Travel Tips

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European travel is in most parts, not different from any other travel only all-inclusive are rarely available therefore it becomes more important to look over your budget, plan and book ahead of time and research, research, research!!!

Europe is huge right now, with the Euro at it's lowest ever and with a global financial crisis, European tourism is booming and there's no better time to discover all that this amazing continent has to offer.

Travel Guides

I seriously recommend that you purchase a good European travel guide before you leave. Rick Steves' travel guides are excellent as they offer different books for different European destinations and different traveling needs.

Consulting a travel guide allows you to plan ahead and budget more efficiently. These guides offer a huge range of information on transportation, food, touristic attractions, activities, low-cost lodging and so much more! Travel guides to Europe are more or less a survival guide because Europe can be a complicated travel destination if you aren't prepared.

Transportation

Europe's transportation system is vast and complex! Again, researching beforehand will allow you to make smarter choices as to what type of transportation to use. One of the great things about Europe, is that they've made traveling from one country to another fairly easy but not at any cost so it's important to test and compare the prices of different transportation methods. Again, Rick Steves' website on European Travel offers a ton of information on all of Europe's travel options and transportation methods with price comparisons and links to some of the most important ticket counters throughout Europe.

Destinations

I strongly suggest that you visit Rick Steves' European Travel Site if you're looking to travel to Europe. He's the expert on European travel and his website literally has everything you need to know before, during and after your travels! Rick Steve has compiled a list of his favorite European destinations and here are some of them:

1. Austria This great country has so much to offer, from sight-seeing to shopping to great outdoor adventures, this country is sure to keep you on the go.



2. Belgium and the Netherlands Both these destinations are ideal for outdoor lovers with magnificent hiking and biking opportunities, great shopping, art and it's unique landscaping, Belgium and the Netherlands are sure to make your European vacation one to remember.



3. Eastern Europe This destination is great but requires you to do some beforehand preparations. It is highly recommended that you get proper vaccinations and health checks before departing because Eastern European health care is lacking and disease control is not monitored very well. This is also a relatively expensive destination so reading-up on how to save money would be preferable and staying away from major in-city locations is another way of saving a little.



4. France What's not to love about this country? Experience everything from outstanding culinary expertise, shopping, luxurious hotels, art, history, and not to mention outrageous landscaping and amazing sight-seeing and attractions! An extra bonus is that the prices of air tickets for France have dropped significantly so a little Paris getaway has never been so affordable!



5. Germany This country has something for everyone. From wine lovers to hikers to art collectors, Germany is rich with all sorts of attractions and activities that are sure to please the entire family!



6. England If you've always dreamed of going to London well now's the time! With so much to see and do, Great Britain is far from boring. Great Britain is also a great gateway to other great destinations like Ireland, Scotland and many other countries.



7. Ireland If you're thinking about traveling to your Europe, this is a must-see destination! There's absolutely nothing Ireland doesn't offer! Great lodging, food, shopping, a ton of outdoor activities and sports, golfing, hiking, museums as well as Ireland's many surrounding islands and a course while there, a good ol pint of Guinness should ease the Irish spirit in you in no time.



8. Italy Italy is another wonderful destination. Attention beach lovers, Italy has a huge range of beaches to satisfy even the pickiest of swimmers. With hot temperatures year-round and picturesque beauty, Italy is sure to awaken the child in you. Plus, Italy has some of the most beautiful architecture and some of the best eating in the world. No wonder Italy ranks on top in European favs!

These are only a few, Rick Steve also mentions Greece,Portugal, Scandinavia,Spain, Switzerland and Turkey as must-see European destinations. Just remember, when planning a European vacation, make sure you do plenty of research, book in advance(2-3 months prior to departure) and compare transportation prices and all that's left after that is a great, relaxing vacation to enjoy!

If you would like to get more info you can also view my interview with travel agent Johanne Germain, who talks about why Europe is back on the travel map!