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. ... read more »
Europe Travel Requirements
It's good to be well informed about the history and culture of the countries you'll be visiting in Europe, but it's also wise to take note of the general technicalities of travel abroad, including safety and security, entry requirements, and practical tips pertaining to your destinations. Below are a handful of sites that will guide you through the process, providing tools, resources, and documents to cover the logistical aspects of your trip to Europe.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Before reading this section, consult the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide for general information directed at United States travelers going overseas. You'll find sites with information on visas, passports, security and safety, as well as other general resource sites to help you prepare for your journey, whether you're looking for packing tips or insurance comparison sites like InsureMyTrip.
- As with any overseas trip, whether for study, business or pleasure, U.S. residents should utilize the Department of State and its Bureau of Consular Affairs prior to a European trip. At this site (included below for security, customs, and visa information) you will find very comprehensive information about your travel destinations, including travel warnings and requirements specific to each country.
- You can also register your trip using the department's free service, allowing you to be easily contacted in the case of a family emergency back home or a crisis where you are traveling.
- Fortunately, the countries listed in the Department of State's travel warning list seldom include any in Europe. But with heightened terrorism concerns, you are advised to check this oft-updated list regardless of your destination.
- Be advised that August is a national month of vacation for most every country in Europe. While July will also be quieter, in August cities are particularly changed, with businesses closed for at least a week and most workers vacationing in the country or abroad. Therefore, the best destinations in early summer are cities, whereas mountain, beach, and generally more remote resorts are popular later in the summer.
Dulcinea's Picks
For security, customs, and visa information ...
The U.S. Department of State
puts together a comprehensive guide called "Background Notes" that covers every country in the world for the benefit of travelers. These guides are updated frequently and will give you an encyclopedic rundown of a country, shedding light on military and political situations and noting whether the U.S. government has issued any warnings. After exploring the link above, take a look at the "Consular Information Sheets" page, which explains the foreign entry requirements for every country, including vaccination and visa needs.
For practical tips ...
Europe for Visitors
is the reference site of Durant Imboden, a well-known U.S.-born European travel writer who has been mentioned in publications like USA Today and The Washington Post. His site is an important tool both for the first-time and seasoned European traveler. The section "Other Practical Information and Travel Tips" provides some important links and advice on safety, learning languages, traveling on your own, cameras, tax-free shopping, and more. Also check out the index to "General Advice", which provides insight on insurance, money, luxury travel, packing, and beyond.
World Travel Tips
is an independent site that includes user input and pinpoints what makes each country in the world unique: What is its population? What are its major cities and unique towns? What customs should you be aware of before you arrive? For example, the country profile page of Russia quickly and clearly brings you interesting cultural anecdotes, and profiles some potential travel destinations.
For other travelers' advice and stories ...
TravellersPoint
is a relatively new travel site specializing in destination guides by a hired staff of travel writers, and has an accommodation section that's very useful for last-minute hotel and hostel deals. Browse the "Europe Forum" to discuss travel ideas and experiences with other site users (free membership is required). Site users can also contribute their experiences in the "Blogs," "Photography," and "Forums" sections.
My European Adventure
is the blog of California resident Daniel Scriver, who spent 40 days traveling around Europe in 2006. He documented his whirlwind trip with photos and video in this neatly designed blog.
RealTravel
is one of the largest travel sites on the Web, depending on traveler input for its vast amount of content. Users upload travel photos, create blogs chronicling their journeys, review accommodations, and generally aide their Web-surfing peers in a better understanding of the locations they've visited. Visit the "Europe Blogs" section and choose the countries that interest you to view illustrated diaries of others' experiences.
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 »
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