Europe: How the West Is One
Of Europe's numerous countries, there are only about a dozen that outsiders regularly think of as potential vacation spots. In this guide to European travel we will use the Web to explore travel opportunities to the continent and illuminate some methods of travel that will make navigating Europe easier. This guide will help you acquire the basic tools to book your vacation, and position you to get the most out of your trip to Europe.
Expand All Guide SectionsEurope Travel Basics
The continent of Europe, although often considered small, is actually comprised of 45 countries. Over half of these are members of the economic organization called the European Union, one-quarter use the euro as their currency, a handful share the same languages, and each one has a unique history and culture. In this section are sites that will provide an informative background to the countries that comprise Europe, lending inspiration even to the seasoned Euro-traveler.
Dulcinea's Insight
- For a list of the countries that comprise Europe, consult Aneki, an online almanac, which provides a simple list along with brief facts on each country.
- On many travel sites, Europe is sometimes designated as either Eastern Europe or Western Europe, though politically speaking these terms are increasingly passé. They were used primarily during the Cold War to describe the "Iron Curtain" separating the Soviet-controlled "East," including the countries now referred to as the Balkans, from the "West," which includes nations such as France, Spain, and Germany. It's just as easy to divide Europe into western, northern, central, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean, but in truth many of these designations overlap.
- The European Union is primarily an economic partnership between, as of January, 2008, 27 European countries. Other candidates are currently in negotiation. The EU application process requires adherence to the Copenhagen criteria, a set of rules that essentially requires a secular and democratic government, among other stipulations. Explore Europa (a "portal to the EU") for a simple list and map that profiles EU countries and current candidates.
- The Euro currency, which was another step toward integrating EU members, began in 2002. But not all EU countries use the Euro. Those who do are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain. Three other countries-England, Sweden, and Denmark-still use their own currency but also accept the Euro. [current as of January, 2008]
- The links accompanying the travel guidebooks we recommend in this section will take you to each book's page on Amazon.com, where you'll be able to read professional and customer reviews and purchase the book. All of these books can, of course, be purchased from other bookstores online and off.
Dulcinea's Picks
For a background on 20th century European history ...
The European Union's European Navigator
(ENA) provides historical background and useful official documents and clippings exploring the formation of Europe. The perspectives are drawn primarily from government officials, lawmakers, journalists, and other writers, and each section introduces you to different angles of modern European history.
For printed travel guidebooks ...
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door
2007 was written by a seasoned and Europe-obsessed travel writer who has also produced other books, television and radio series, and a Web site that we profile in the "How will I get around when I'm in Europe?" section of this guide. He updates his series of printed travel guides yearly, with country and region additions including a general Europe guide. One Amazon.com user recommends this book especially for new travelers to Europe, and another suggests reading the book in its entirety before departure. You can access portions of the book online at Rick Steves' Web site.
Let's Go Europe
is an annual Europe guide from the Let's Go travel series that covers the continent very thoroughly. This guide is best for the ambitious traveler-one who is considering tackling several European countries at once, rather than just one or two.
Europe on a Shoestring
is from Lonely Planet, the well-known travel-guide publisher that also produces "Shoestring" guides on individual countries and regions. The Europe edition is a popular resource with students and other travelers interested in getting the most out of their money. Emphasis is on the western European countries, but one reader notes that the 2007 guide has been updated to include every European country. Lonely Planet also posts extensive Europe travel content online.
For travel articles in newspapers, magazines, and blogs ...
Budget Travel
is an online travel magazine that covers all regions, and has an especially thorough and innovative section on Europe. Emphasis is on thrift, spotlighting surprising locales and affordable hideouts. Also check out this index of articles on Europe, including pieces on "Italy's Newest Art District," "Paris's Top Baguettes," and "Ditch the Crowds," a profile of the Andalusia region of Spain.
Independent Traveler
published this article, "Planning a Trip to Europe: Your 10-Step Guide," with the soloists in mind, but the advice is pertinent to anyone going to Europe. Get simple tips for booking accommodation and transport, and link to multiple resources: airlines, accommodation finders, and users' trip reports.
For resources on tourist attractions ...
World Travel Guide
is an encyclopedic travel resource with a page devoted to notable tourist attractions in many European countries. Click on the name of the attraction for more information about the sight as well as contact information and amenities available, such as parking.
TimeOut
is the popular event magazine covering dining, music, readings, lectures, art shows, comedy, and more. Check out the "City Guides" section for a directory of events and sights in dozens of European cities.
Free in Europe
is an ultimately helpful listing of free tourist attractions in numerous European countries, despite its cluttered layout. The site lists churches, cathedrals, shopping areas, gardens, and more, and includes direct links to the destinations' official sites where applicable. Be aware that some links on this site do not work, but the majority do and are quite useful.
Europe Travel Requirements
It's good to be well informed about the history and culture of the countries you'll be visiting in ... read more »
Getting to Europe
This section highlights sites to get you from here to there, specific to the type of vacation ... read more »
Europe Hotels
Accommodation choices in Europe are vast and varied, from high-class hotels to quick and easy ... read more »
Getting Around in Europe
Although the romance behind European travel is traditionally linked to the locomotive, the ... read more »
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
