Once you have identified your cheap traveloptions to Europe, including cheap plane tickets, cheap fares, cheapdeals, discounthotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, youshould do a little research so that you can get the most out of your vacationto Europe.
2018 will be a popular year for travel to Europe,particularly during the summer months. Anincrease in the number of nonstop routes from the U.S. and Canada, not onlyfrom traditional airlines like Air Canada and Delta, but also from discountairlines such as Norwegian Air, have resulted in competitive flight deals. Still cheap tickets to Europe are far fromthe only reason to go.
Today it is easier to access emerging destinations acrossEurope including Budapest and Porto. Offthe beaten path destinations such as the Balkans and British Isles are wherelocals can be found who take great pride in sharing their cultures uniquecustoms, language, cuisine, and natural wonders.
European life and culture is best when savored. Given that there is no way to see and do itall, dont even try. Slow your pace andenjoy one delicious moment at a time.
The following are things you should know prior tofinalizing your trip to Europe, according to Jess Simpson:
Justbecause you have a passport that does not mean you are ready for overseastravel. Travel within the 26 border freecountries of Europe (known as Schengen Zone) requires that your passport mustbe valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure.
Borderlesstravel within Europe is a breeze with nary a border check between countries inthe Schengen Zone. Not all countries in Europe are part of theSchengen agreement. Border checks andstamps are required when traveling from the zone to Europes hottest summerdestination Croatia, along with other non-Schengen EU countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, andUnited Kingdom. Make certain that yourpassport has enough pages to cover potential new stamps.
Newsummer flight routes have resulted in great deals. Nashville started offing nonstop service toEurope this year for the first time in 20 years, with a British Airways flightto London. Philadelphia has new directflights to Prague and Budapest via American Airlines. Air Canada is making emerging destinationeasily accessible with nonstop flights from Toronto to Bucharest, Porto, andZagreb; and between Montreal and Lisbon.
Ultra-lowcost Norwegian Air continues to introduce new routes between the U.S. andEurope including non-stop service to London from Austin and Chicago. Even residents on the West Coast are seeingmore nonstop and cheaper fares to Europe with new services including Iberiasnew nonstop from San Francisco to Madrid.
Airtravel between European countries has become easy and cheap as a result of thegrowth of ultra-cheap airlines, including Irelands Ryanair, Britains EasyJetand newcomers such as Romanias Blue Air.
In thesummer ferries connect bustling mainland port cities and island paradisesthroughout the Mediterranean. Overnightferries crisscross the Adriatic during the summer, connecting Italian portcities such as Ancona and Venice to the beaches of Croatia and Montenegro.
Traintravel is summers hottest ticket by virtue of being inexpensive, convenient,and comfortable, as well as being free of long check-in and securitylines. Eurostars new route from Londonto Amsterdam takes just over four hours and comes with premium perks includingfree Wi-Fi, food, and drinks. When itcomes to traveling major distances, night trains offer excellent value and aunique experience.
Contemporaryart is plentiful with new openings and installations. Paris have unveiled the Rem Koolhaas-designedMarais arts center Lafayette Anticipations. Visitors to Florence can take in the juxtaposition of classic and modernwith the opening of the citys first contemporary art gallery, CollezioneRoberto Casamonti. Other importantmuseums that opened this year are the National Museum of Contemporary Art inAthens and Belgrades Museum of Contemporary Art.
Manyof Europes most popular destinations are in crisis due to over-tourism. Savvy tourists would be wise to visit themduring non-peak seasons when crowds are thinner, prices cheaper, and the localsare more open to engage.
If youmust travel during the summer consider visiting Wroclaw, Poland which wasrecently voted Europes Best Destination for 2018. Famous for its picturesque market square andcolorful architecture, this city is composed of 12 islands and 100 bridges,offering tourists a fresh perspective on Europes history and future.
Newinfrastructure projects and outfitters are geared toward active vacations. From Austria to Albania, Europe is a hikersparadise with trails for every fitness level. Learn to kitesurf on Europes southernmost point in Tarifa, free diveoff the coast of Madeira, or climb Frances majestic Ceuse.
The following are ways that travelers can be part of thesolution when visiting popular destinations instead of the problem and enhancetheir own experiences:
Learn some local language
Engage local tour companies and guides
Eat where, and what, locals eat
Respect local customs
Support artisans and handcrafted goods
Exercise patience and kindness
Slow down
Immerse
Savor
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