European Destinations

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  Austria

  Vienna · Central Europe

  Austria is famous for its stunning Alpine landscapes, world-class skiing in Tyrol, and the imperial grandeur of Vienna. The country is also the birthplace of Mozart, with Salzburg drawing music lovers from around the world.

  Austria is part of the Eurozone and offers excellent public transport, including a well-connected rail network that makes it easy to explore cities like Innsbruck, Graz, and the picturesque Wachau Valley.

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  Belgium

  Brussels · Western Europe

  Belgium is home to Brussels, the de facto capital of the European Union, as well as the beautifully preserved medieval city of Bruges. The country is celebrated for its chocolate, waffles, and world-renowned beer culture.

  Belgium is a multilingual country with three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Despite its small size, it offers diverse architecture, vibrant arts scenes, and easy rail connections to neighboring countries.

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  Bulgaria

  Sofia · Southeastern Europe

  Bulgaria is one of Europe's most affordable destinations, offering Black Sea coast resorts like Sunny Beach and Varna alongside ski resorts such as Bansko and Borovets. The country has a rich ancient Thracian heritage with impressive archaeological sites.

  Sofia, the capital, features a fascinating mix of Ottoman mosques, Soviet-era monuments, and modern European culture. Bulgaria became a full Schengen Area member in 2024, making border crossings with other Schengen countries seamless.

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  Croatia

  Zagreb · Southeastern Europe

  Croatia boasts a spectacular Adriatic coastline, with Dubrovnik's medieval walls famously serving as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Split's ancient Diocletian's Palace and the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park are among its top attractions.

  Island hopping along Croatia's more than 1,000 islands is a highlight for many visitors. Croatia became the newest member of both the Schengen Area and the Eurozone on January 1, 2023, making travel and payments more convenient than ever.

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  Cyprus

  Nicosia · Southern Europe

  Cyprus is a Mediterranean island known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and warm year-round climate. The UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Paphos and the Troodos mountain villages are among its cultural highlights.

  The island is politically divided between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north. Cyprus is an EU member and uses the Euro, though it is still working toward full Schengen membership.

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  Czechia

  Prague · Central Europe

  Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic, is best known for Prague's stunning Old Town, the iconic Charles Bridge, and its vibrant nightlife. Beyond the capital, charming Bohemian towns like Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary offer fairy-tale scenery and historic spas.

  The country is the birthplace of pilsner beer and has one of the highest concentrations of castles in Europe. Czechia remains one of Central Europe's most affordable and accessible destinations for travelers.

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  Denmark

  Copenhagen · Northern Europe

  Denmark is known for Copenhagen's cutting-edge design culture, the historic Tivoli Gardens, and a cycling-friendly lifestyle that defines daily life across the country. The Danish concept of hygge -- a focus on coziness and well-being -- has become world-famous.

  Denmark serves as a gateway to Scandinavia, with easy connections to Sweden and Norway. Note that Greenland and the Faroe Islands, while part of the Kingdom of Denmark, have separate travel rules and are not part of the Schengen Area.

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  Estonia

  Tallinn · Northern Europe

  Estonia is home to Tallinn, whose UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town is one of the best-preserved in Europe, with cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and ancient city walls. The country is also a global leader in digital innovation, known as one of the world's most digitally advanced societies.

  As an affordable Northern European destination, Estonia offers rich Baltic culture, forested national parks, and a quick two-hour ferry connection to Helsinki, Finland, making it easy to combine both countries in one trip.

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  Finland

  Helsinki · Northern Europe

  Finland is a land of natural wonders, from the Northern Lights and reindeer-filled landscapes of Lapland to the thousands of lakes and forests that cover much of the country. Finnish sauna culture is an essential part of daily life and a must-try experience for visitors.

  Helsinki, the capital, is celebrated for its design district, modernist architecture, and vibrant food scene. In summer, the midnight sun provides nearly 24 hours of daylight in the north, while winter transforms Finland into a gateway to the Arctic.

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  France

  Paris · Western Europe

  France is the world's most visited country, offering iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in Paris, the glamorous French Riviera, and the magnificent castles of the Loire Valley. French cuisine and wine are celebrated globally, from Michelin-starred restaurants to local boulangeries.

  Beyond Paris, France's diverse landscapes range from the snow-capped Alps and Pyrenees to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast and the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Excellent high-speed TGV trains connect major cities across the country.

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  Germany

  Berlin · Western Europe

  Germany is Europe's largest economy and a cultural powerhouse, offering an extraordinary range of experiences. Berlin's layered history, Munich's legendary beer gardens and Oktoberfest, the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine Valley, and the dense trails of the Black Forest draw millions of visitors each year. Germany's world-famous Christmas markets transform cities like Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne into magical winter destinations.

  The country boasts one of Europe's best rail networks, with high-speed ICE trains connecting major cities efficiently. From the cutting-edge museums of Hamburg to the vineyards of the Moselle Valley, Germany rewards travelers who venture beyond the well-known highlights.

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  Greece

  Athens · Southern Europe

  Greece is the cradle of Western civilization, and its capital Athens is home to the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, standing as enduring symbols of ancient democracy and philosophy. Beyond the mainland, Greece offers some of the Mediterranean's best island hopping, with Santorini's dramatic caldera views, Mykonos' vibrant nightlife, and Crete's rugged gorges and Minoan palaces among the highlights.

  Greek cuisine -- from fresh seafood and souvlaki to feta-laden salads and flaky spanakopita -- is a major draw in its own right. As one of Europe's more affordable summer destinations, Greece delivers stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and warm hospitality without the price tag of Western Europe.

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  Hungary

  Budapest · Central Europe

  Hungary's capital, Budapest, is often called the "Pearl of the Danube" and is famous for its grand thermal bath complexes, including the ornate Szechenyi and Gellert baths. The city's unique ruin bars -- built in abandoned buildings of the old Jewish Quarter -- have become a nightlife phenomenon, and the Hungarian Parliament Building on the Danube is one of Europe's most photographed landmarks.

  Hungary is one of Central Europe's most affordable destinations, offering excellent value for food, accommodation, and culture. Note that Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (HUF), not the Euro, so you will need to exchange currency. Beyond Budapest, the wine region of Eger and the shores of Lake Balaton are well worth exploring.

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  Iceland

  Reykjavik · Northern Europe

  Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts, where volcanic landscapes, erupting geysers, massive glaciers, and thundering waterfalls exist side by side. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, the Golden Circle route, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights (September to April) or the midnight sun (June to July) make it one of Europe's most unique destinations.

  With a population of just under 400,000, Iceland feels refreshingly uncrowded outside Reykjavik. The country is expensive compared to mainland Europe, but its otherworldly scenery -- from black sand beaches to steaming lava fields -- offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth. Whale watching from Husavik and hiking on glaciers are among the many adventure activities available.

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  Italy

  Rome · Southern Europe

  Italy is one of the world's most visited countries, and for good reason. Rome's ancient Colosseum and Vatican City, Florence's Renaissance masterpieces including Michelangelo's David and the Uffizi Gallery, Venice's romantic canals, and the stunning Amalfi Coast offer an unmatched concentration of art, history, and natural beauty.

  Italian cuisine and wine are legendary -- from Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta in Bologna to Tuscan wines and Sicilian street food, every region has its own culinary identity. With excellent train connections between cities and a warm Mediterranean climate, Italy rewards both first-time visitors and those returning for the tenth time.

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  Latvia

  Riga · Northern Europe

  Latvia's capital, Riga, is renowned for having one of the finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture in the world, with over 800 buildings in the style concentrated in the city center. The medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and a lively cafe culture that blends Baltic and Scandinavian influences.

  Beyond Riga, the seaside resort town of Jurmala offers wide sandy beaches along the Baltic coast, while the Gauja National Park provides scenic hiking and medieval castle ruins. Latvia is one of Europe's more affordable destinations, with a growing food scene that highlights locally foraged ingredients and modern Nordic-Baltic cuisine.

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  Liechtenstein

  Vaduz · Central Europe

  Liechtenstein is a tiny Alpine principality nestled between Switzerland and Austria, spanning just 160 square kilometers with a population of around 40,000. Despite its small size, it offers dramatic mountain scenery, with Vaduz Castle perched above the capital as the residence of the reigning prince. The country is popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer, with well-maintained trails offering panoramic Alpine views.

  Liechtenstein has one of the world's highest GDPs per capita and is known as a financial center with an exceptionally high quality of life. It uses the Swiss franc and shares an open border with Switzerland, making it easy to visit as a day trip. The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein and the postage stamp museum are cultural highlights in Vaduz.

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  Lithuania

  Vilnius · Northern Europe

  Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, boasts one of the largest and best-preserved Baroque Old Towns in Eastern Europe, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, along with a thriving arts and cafe scene, makes it a compelling cultural destination. The Hill of Crosses near Siauliai, covered with over 100,000 crosses, is one of the Baltic region's most striking pilgrimage sites.

  On the coast, the Curonian Spit -- a narrow sand dune peninsula shared with Russia's Kaliningrad region -- is a UNESCO-listed natural wonder with towering dunes and pine forests. Lithuania is one of the most affordable countries in the EU, offering excellent value for travelers seeking Baltic amber, hearty cuisine, and off-the-beaten-path European charm.

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  Luxembourg

  Luxembourg City · Western Europe

  Luxembourg is one of Europe's smallest yet wealthiest countries, and its capital, Luxembourg City, features a UNESCO-listed old quarter with dramatic fortifications perched above deep gorges. The Bock Casemates -- a network of underground tunnels carved into the rock -- and the Grand Ducal Palace are among the city's top attractions. Despite its small size, Luxembourg is remarkably multicultural, with nearly half its residents being foreign nationals.

  Luxembourg is a major European financial center and the seat of several EU institutions, including the European Court of Justice. The country made worldwide headlines by becoming the first nation to make all public transport free in 2020, making it exceptionally easy to explore by bus and train. The Mullerthal region, known as "Luxembourg's Little Switzerland," offers beautiful hiking through mossy rock formations and forests.

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  Malta

  Valletta · Southern Europe

  Malta is a sun-drenched Mediterranean archipelago with a history stretching back over 7,000 years. Its megalithic temples, older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge, are among the world's most ancient freestanding structures. The capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with Baroque architecture, grand churches, and the stunning St. John's Co-Cathedral housing Caravaggio masterpieces.

  Malta is a popular destination for diving thanks to its crystal-clear waters, underwater caves, and shipwrecks. English is one of Malta's two official languages (alongside Maltese), making it very accessible for English-speaking travelers. The warm climate year-round, affordable prices compared to much of Southern Europe, and compact size -- you can drive across the main island in under an hour -- make Malta ideal for short breaks.

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  Netherlands

  Amsterdam · Western Europe

  The Netherlands is famous for its picturesque canal-lined cities, world-class museums, and flat cycling-friendly landscapes. Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Anne Frank House, while its canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  Beyond Amsterdam, travelers can explore the vibrant nightlife of Rotterdam, the historic university city of Leiden, and the stunning tulip fields of Keukenhof in spring. The country is compact and well-connected by train, making it easy to visit multiple cities in a single trip. The Dutch cycling culture is unmatched, with dedicated bike paths linking nearly every town and village.

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  Norway

  Oslo · Northern Europe

  Norway is renowned for its dramatic fjords, including the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and the mighty Sognefjord, which rank among the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. The country also offers the Northern Lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.

  Bergen's colorful wooden wharf of Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while Oslo impresses visitors with striking modern architecture like the Opera House and the Munch Museum. Norway is one of Europe's most expensive countries, but its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures are well worth the investment. Note that Norway is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area.

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  Poland

  Warsaw · Central Europe

  Poland offers a compelling mix of medieval history, vibrant cities, and remarkable affordability compared to Western Europe. Krakow's beautifully preserved Old Town and the haunting Wieliczka Salt Mine are among the country's most visited attractions, while the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is an essential and deeply moving historical site.

  Warsaw, the capital, was meticulously rebuilt after World War II and now features a fascinating blend of reconstructed historic architecture and modern skyscrapers. Gdansk on the Baltic coast charms visitors with its colorful merchant houses and maritime heritage. Poland uses the Polish zloty rather than the Euro, which helps keep costs low for travelers.

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  Portugal

  Lisbon · Southern Europe

  Portugal is one of Western Europe's most affordable and rewarding destinations, offering a warm climate, excellent food and wine, and a rich maritime heritage. Lisbon, the hilly capital, enchants visitors with its iconic yellow trams, historic Belem district, and vibrant neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto.

  Porto, in the north, is the birthplace of port wine and features a stunning riverfront lined with colorful buildings. The Algarve coast in the south draws sun-seekers with its golden cliffs and sandy beaches, while the Azores islands offer volcanic landscapes and world-class whale watching far out in the Atlantic. Portuguese cuisine, from fresh seafood to pasteis de nata custard tarts, is a highlight of any visit.

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  Romania

  Bucharest · Southeastern Europe

  Romania captivates travelers with its mix of medieval castles, wild Carpathian Mountains, and a vibrant cultural scene. Transylvania is home to Bran Castle, popularly associated with the Dracula legend, as well as the fortified Saxon churches and charming towns like Sibiu and Brasov.

  Bucharest, the capital, offers a striking contrast between grand Belle Epoque buildings and the massive communist-era Palace of the Parliament. In the northeast, the painted monasteries of Bucovina are UNESCO-listed masterpieces of religious art. Romania became a full Schengen Area member in 2024, and it remains one of Europe's most affordable countries, using the Romanian leu rather than the Euro.

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  Slovakia

  Bratislava · Central Europe

  Slovakia is a compact Central European country that offers dramatic mountain scenery, medieval castles, and excellent value for travelers. Bratislava, the capital, sits directly on the Danube River and is just an hour from Vienna, making it easy to combine both cities in one trip. Its charming old town features pastel-colored buildings and lively cafes.

  The High Tatras mountains provide outstanding hiking in summer and affordable skiing in winter, while the sprawling ruins of Spis Castle are among the largest castle complexes in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Slovakia uses the Euro, making transactions straightforward for visitors from other Eurozone countries.

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  Slovenia

  Ljubljana · Central Europe

  Slovenia is a small but remarkably diverse country often described as Europe's hidden gem. Ljubljana, the capital, features a picturesque old town centered around a hilltop castle, a car-free riverfront designed by architect Joze Plecnik, and a thriving cafe culture. The iconic Lake Bled, with its island church and clifftop castle, is one of the most photographed spots in Europe.

  Beyond Bled, Slovenia offers the vast underground chambers of Postojna Cave, the dramatic Skocjan Caves, and the soaring peaks of the Julian Alps in Triglav National Park. Despite its small size, the country packs in Alpine mountains, Mediterranean coastline, rolling wine country, and dense forests, all within a few hours' drive.

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  Spain

  Madrid · Southern Europe

  Spain is one of Europe's most popular destinations, offering a rich blend of world-class art, stunning architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and legendary cuisine. Barcelona dazzles visitors with Gaudi's fantastical Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, while Madrid is home to the Prado Museum and the lively tapas scene of La Latina.

  Andalusia in the south features the Alhambra palace in Granada, Seville's flamenco culture, and the whitewashed hilltop villages of the Costa del Sol. Spain's diverse regions each have their own character, from the Basque Country's culinary excellence to the Balearic and Canary Islands' beach escapes. With warm weather, affordable prices, and some of the world's best food and wine, Spain rewards travelers of every style.

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  Sweden

  Stockholm · Northern Europe

  Sweden blends Scandinavian design, natural beauty, and a rich cultural heritage into one of Northern Europe's most rewarding destinations. Stockholm, the capital, is spread across 14 islands and features the well-preserved medieval old town of Gamla Stan, the ABBA Museum, and the Vasa Museum housing a remarkably intact 17th-century warship.

  Swedish Lapland in the far north offers Northern Lights viewing, dog sledding, and the famous Icehotel, while the southern countryside is dotted with red wooden farmhouses and tranquil lakes. Sweden's famous fika tradition of coffee and pastries is woven into daily life. Note that Sweden uses the Swedish krona rather than the Euro, so you will need to exchange currency or use a card.

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  Switzerland

  Bern · Central Europe

  Switzerland is synonymous with the Alps, and for good reason. The iconic Matterhorn, the Jungfrau region, and the glacial lakes of Lucerne and Interlaken offer some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery on Earth. The country's efficient rail network, including panoramic routes like the Glacier Express, makes it easy to take in the views without a car.

  Zurich and Geneva are cosmopolitan cities known for finance, international diplomacy, and high culture, while smaller towns like Zermatt and Grindelwald cater to skiers and hikers alike. Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, watches, and cheese, and while it is one of Europe's most expensive countries, the quality of infrastructure and scenery is unmatched. Switzerland is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area, and it uses the Swiss franc rather than the Euro.