A Solo Woman Traveling uses human-written content that contains affiliate links and is a member of Amazon Services LLC. When you make a purchase on a link, we may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for more info.

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!

Parisian Street with the Eiffel tower in the background.
Best of Europe

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.

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.

EU countries not in the Schengen Area, like Ireland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania (soon to be removed), have their own visa policies. Travelers should check the specific requirements for each country.

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.

Currencies in Europe

Uses the Euro
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Cyprus
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Uses the Pound
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Uses own Currencies
Albania – ALL
Bosnia and Herzegovina – BAM
Bulgaria – BGN
Czech Republic – CZK
Denmark – DKK
Hungary – HUF
Iceland – ISK
Liechtenstein – CHF
Moldova – MDL
North Macedonia – MKD
Norway – NOK
Poland – PLN
Romania – RON
Serbia – RSD
Sweden – SEK
Switzerland – CHF
Ukraine – UAH

*Need to transfer large sums of currency? For the best rates, I use XE!

Austria

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Croatia

Denmark

England

France

Germany

Greece

Ireland

Italy

Malta

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Portugal

Romania

Slovenia

Spain

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
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 Itinerary Ideas for Copenhagen
  • The Fontaine des Mers at Place de la Concorde in Paris, adorned with ornate sculptures and flowing water. The Eiffel Tower is visible in the background, framed by a cloudy sky.
  • The Colosseum
  • Picture of the city of Athens