Europe Travel Guide

In-Depth Itineraries, Tips & Guides

Got Europe on your mind? I’m with you – the thought of sipping café au lait in Paris one day and hunting down the best pasta in Rome the next is pretty irresistible.

But let’s be real, planning this Euro trip can be a bit of a puzzle. Don’t sweat it, though.

I’ve done the legwork, sifted through the options, and laid out the best of Europe just for you.

And with a handy network of trains, buses, and planes at our disposal, hopping from one fairy-tale city to another is as easy as pie.

So, are you ready to turn those daydreams into an itinerary? Keep on reading, and let’s get this European adventure started!

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European Travel Guides

Best Of Europe Posts

A woman sits on the edge of a vintage bathtub, which is set up in a festive, makeshift photo booth decorated with red curtains, Christmas ornaments, and gold foil in Lisbon, Portugal.

Solo Traveler’s Christmas: Best Cities in Europe to Visit (and Ones to Avoid)

ByMelissa Byron

Are you planning to travel solo this holiday season? If, like me, you’ve been daydreaming about a European getaway inspired by the movie The Holiday, spending Christmas in a foreign destination might just be the perfect adventure! But let me tell you, some European destinations can leave you feeling lonelier than expected, making you wish…

Places in Europe I Won’t Visit Again: Where I Will Go Instead

Places in Europe I Won’t Visit Again: Where I Will Go Instead

ByMelissa Byron

Are these the worst places to visit in Europe? For your budget, they might be. While these destinations aren’t necessarily terrible, they’re not the best options for your travel experience. The title “Places in Europe I Won’t Visit Again” might sound harsh, but it doesn’t mean I hated these places or wouldn’t recommend them under…

Austria

  • Estimated Population: Approximately 8.9 million people.
  • Language: The official language is German.
  • Climate: Temperate climate with four distinct seasons; cold winters with snow in the alpine regions and warm summers, especially in the eastern lowlands.
Austria Travel Guide

Currency

Austria uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency, facilitating seamless transactions across most of Europe and supporting its strong, stable economy.

Train System

Austria’s main train system is ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen), offering extensive, efficient rail services across the country and into neighboring European nations.

Rental Cars

Renting a car in Austria with Discovers offers freedom to explore breathtaking landscapes, efficient service, comprehensive coverage, and competitive pricing for travelers.

Buses

Postbus, operated by ÖBB, provides extensive, reliable bus services across Austria, connecting urban and rural areas with modern, well-equipped buses.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

  • Estimated Population: Approximately 3.3 million people.
  • Language: The official languages are Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.
  • Climate: Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters in the inland areas; Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers along the coast.
Bosnia & Herzegovina

Currency

Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the Convertible Mark (BAM), pegged to the Euro for stability. Travelers find cash transactions common, though major cities accept credit cards.

Train System

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national railways, ŽFBH and ŽRS, connect major cities with scenic routes like Sarajevo to Mostar.

Rental Cars

When renting a car in Bosnia & Herzegovina, I always check with Discover Cars for the best pricing.

Buses

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s bus network, managed by private companies, connects nearly all villages and major cities nationally and internationally.

Croatia

  • Estimated Population: Approximately 4 million people.
  • Language: The official language is Croatian.
  • Climate: Mediterranean climate along the coast with hot summers and mild winters; continental climate inland with colder winters.
Croatia Travel Guide

Currency

Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna (HRK), with plans to adopt the Euro. While cash remains popular, credit cards are widely accepted, especially in major cities.

Train System

Croatia’s national railway, Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ), connects major cities like Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka.

Rental Cars

Discover Cars is a great option for when renting a car in Croatia. They offer the best pricing and have affordable insurance.

Buses

Croatia’s extensive bus network is a popular travel option, connecting major cities and smaller towns efficiently. The main site for information is Arrive Croatia.

Denmark

  • Estimated Population: Approximately 5.8 million people.
  • Language: The official language is Danish.
  • Climate: Temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers, characterized by frequent changes in weather.
Denmark Travel Guide

Currency

Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), symbolized as “kr.” It includes the subunit øre, with 100 øre equating to one krone. Widely used in Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, it is integral to all financial transactions.

Train System

Denmark’s main train system, DSB (Danske Statsbaner), offers extensive rail services connecting major cities and regions with efficient, punctual, and comfortable trains.

Rental Cars

Renting a car in Denmark with Discover Cars is easy and efficient. They offer comprehensive coverage, and competitive pricing for travelers.

Buses

For bus travel details in Denmark, consult Public Transport DK and Rejseplanen for comprehensive guides on routes, schedules, and ticketing throughout the country.

England

  • Estimated Population: Approximately 56 million people.
  • Language: The official language is English.
  • Climate: Temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool, wet winters; weather is often variable and can change quickly.
England Travel Guide

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP).

Train System

England’s main train system, National Rail, offers extensive rail services connecting major cities and regions with efficient, punctual, and comfortable trains.

Rental Cars

Renting a car in England with Discover Cars is easy and efficient. They offer comprehensive coverage, and competitive pricing for travelers.

Buses

For bus travel details in England, consult National Express for comprehensive guides on routes, schedules, and tickets throughout the country.

France

  • Estimated Population: Approximately 67 million people.
  • Language: The official language is French
  • Climate: Diverse climate with a temperate maritime climate in the northwest, Mediterranean climate in the southeast, and continental climate in the central and eastern regions; generally mild winters and warm summers.
France Travel Guide

Currency

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Train System

France’s main train system, operated by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français), offers extensive rail services connecting major cities and regions with efficient, punctual, and comfortable trains.

Rental Cars

Renting a car in France with Discover Cars is easy and efficient. They offer comprehensive coverage, and competitive pricing for travelers.

Buses

France’s main bus system, particularly in Paris and its surrounding areas, is operated by RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens). It offers extensive services connecting major cities and regions with efficient, punctual, and comfortable buses.

Germany Travel Guides

Your go-to source for all travel planning needs and guides in Germany.

Greece Travel Guides

Ireland Travel Guides

Get the best travel planning tools and Ireland-specific guides.

Italy Travel Guides

Malta Travel Guides

Access all-encompassing travel guides and planning resources for Malta.

Netherlands Travel Guides

Discover the Netherlands through our detailed travel guides and resources.

Northern Ireland Travel Guides

Find premier travel tips and guides tailored for Northern Ireland.

Portugal Travel Guides

Your ultimate resource for travel planning and guides in Portugal.

Romania Travel Guides

Explore Romania with our extensive travel resources and guides.

Slovenia Travel Guides

Get the essential travel guides and resources for an unforgettable Slovenia trip.

Spain Travel Guides

Dive into the best planning tools and comprehensive guides for Spain.

European City Finder

Where Should You Go?

Not sure which European City is the best for you? Find out what city you might enjoy the best with this 10-question quiz!

Take the Quiz

Best Booking Resources for Europe

When it comes to finding the best booking resources, you can trust recommendations from A Solo Woman Traveling. I have been traveling the world and planning my own trips since 2009! Here is a list of the best travel planning sites that I’ve worked with over the years.
I appreciate the user-friendliness of Skyscanner, and it’s an excellent platform for discovering the most outstanding deals available.
Skyscanner
Time and time again you can count on Booking.com to have the best deals. I often compare with other sites and they win for the best deals every time.
Booking.com
For European travel, there is no better tour organizer than Get Your Guide! I have booked a tour with them on almost every trip I have taken! .
Get Your Guide
If you’re an animal lover seeking to cut costs on your travel accommodations, here’s an exciting tip. Trusted Housesitters is a service that allows you to house sit, and in return for taking care of pets, you can stay there at no cost!
Trusted Housesitters

Who Needs A Visa For Europe?

The visa requirements for Europe depend on the nationality of the traveler and the specific European country or countries they plan to visit.

Europe is divided into several zones with different visa policies, the most notable being the Schengen Area, which includes many, but not all, European Union countries as well as a few non-EU countries.

For the Schengen Area, which includes countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many others, travelers from many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan, do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits). However, travelers from other countries may require a Schengen visa.

EU countries not in the Schengen Area, like Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania, have their own visa policies. Travelers should check the specific requirements for each country.

Post-Brexit, the UK has its own visa policy separate from the Schengen Area and the EU. For example, US citizens can visit the UK for up to six months without a visa for tourism and most business activities.

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and has its own visa policy. U.S. citizens, for instance, can visit Ireland without a visa for up to three months.

Countries in Europe but not in the EU, like Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey, have their own distinct visa policies.

It’s important to note that visa requirements can change, and the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected in the near future for visa-exempt nationals. ETIAS will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area.

As a travel blogger, I make sure I am updated with the latest travel and visa information to provide to all my readers.