Travel to Europe: Your Ultimate Guide to History, Adventure & Pastry Overloads

Europe is a solo traveller’s dream—a mix of bustling cities, fairy-tale villages, ancient ruins, and food that will absolutely ruin your diet (but in the best way possible). Whether you’re wandering through the streets of Paris, chasing the northern lights in Scandinavia, or attempting to order coffee in Italian without sounding like a tourist (good luck), there’s something for every kind of traveller.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to explore. With efficient trains, budget airlines, and visa-free travel across most of the continent, hopping between countries is as simple as grabbing another croissant.

Must-Know Travel Tips for Europe

Before you start planning your itinerary around bakeries and castles, here are a few tips to keep your trip smooth:

  • Visas: Mostly Easy, But Check First – If you’re from the U.S., Canada, UK, or Australia, you can travel to most of Europe visa-free for up to 90 days. But if you’re planning a long-term stay, check the Schengen visa rules so you don’t get kicked out just as you’re starting to feel at home.
  • Cash vs. Card – Credit and debit cards work almost everywhere, but some smaller shops, markets, and countryside cafés still prefer cash. ATMs are easy to find, but watch out for sneaky currency exchange fees.
  • Trains, Budget Flights & Walking Shoes – Europe’s train network is legendary, but budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet can get you between countries for the price of a fancy coffee. Also, bring comfortable shoes—European cities love cobblestones, and your ankles might not.
  • Packing for All Seasons – Spain in July? You’ll melt. Norway in December? Bring layers. London? Always pack an umbrella. The key to packing for Europe is versatility—layers, comfy shoes, and a small bag for all the snacks you’ll inevitably buy.
  • Staying Connected – Free Wi-Fi is common, but not always reliable. Grab an eSIM or local SIM card to navigate, book transport, and avoid standing in the middle of the street, frantically trying to load Google Maps.
  • The Food Situation is Out of Control – Croissants in France, tapas in Spain, pasta in Italy, bratwurst in Germany, and stroopwafels in the Netherlands—every country has at least one food that will change your life. Just accept it.
  • Solo Travel Safety – Europe is super solo-travel-friendly, but watch for pickpockets in tourist hotspots, be cautious with drinks in party cities, and avoid late-night empty streets in places you’re unfamiliar with.

Europe is a mix of history, adventure, and way too much good food. Whether you’re backpacking, city-hopping, or slow-traveling your way across the continent, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Now that you’ve got the essentials, it’s time to start planning your European adventure! Whether you’re sipping wine in Italy, hiking in Switzerland, or thrift-shopping in Berlin, this guide has you covered.

Countries

Explore Europe’s Top Destinations

Every country in Europe has its own unique charm—whether it’s castle-hopping in Scotland, island escapes in Greece, or strolling through the historic streets of Rome.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Click on any destination below for travel guides packed with expert tips, must-visit spots, and itineraries that’ll have you booking flights in no time. Let’s dive in!

Top Europe Travel Guides: Your Go-To for Planning

Looking for something specific? You’re in the right place! These articles are like the hidden gems of travel planning—too good to skip, but they didn’t quite fit into the country guides. Packed with insider tips, practical hacks, and inspiration, these reads will have you mapping out your dream European adventure before you even finish your coffee.

Solo Travel in Europe: Freedom, Adventure & Zero Need to Compromise

Thinking about traveling solo in Europe? Great choice. This is one of the easiest and most rewarding regions to explore on your own—whether you’re wandering through medieval streets in Prague, café-hopping in Paris, or hiking the Scottish Highlands.

The best part? No waiting around for travel buddies, no compromising on plans—just you, your itinerary, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether that means spending an entire afternoon at a museum, changing your plans last-minute, or just sitting in a piazza with an espresso, it’s all up to you.

Why Europe is a Solo Traveller’s Dream:

✔️ Incredibly Easy to Get Around – Europe’s train network, budget flights, and walkable cities make solo travel stress-free. One minute you’re in Spain, the next you’re in Portugal, all without needing to plan months in advance.

✔️ Safe & Solo-Friendly – Most of Europe is very safe for solo travellers, with low crime rates and good infrastructure. Pickpockets exist in tourist hotspots, but a little street smarts go a long way.

✔️ You’ll Never Feel Alone (Unless You Want To) – Hostels, co-working spaces, walking tours—Europe is packed with solo travellers, backpackers, and expats. Meeting new people is easy, and if you’d rather be alone? No one will bat an eye.

✔️ A Dream for Food Lovers – Whether it’s pasta in Italy, tapas in Spain, pastries in France, or pierogi in Poland, eating alone is totally normal here. You won’t get weird looks for enjoying a long meal solo.

✔️ So Many Different Cultures in One Trip – A one-hour flight or train ride can take you from one country, language, and cuisine to another. You can ski in Switzerland, hit the beaches in Greece, and go pub-hopping in Ireland—all in the same month.

✔️ Lots of Free & Budget-Friendly Activities – Museums, hiking trails, street markets, historic landmarks—Europe is full of things to do that don’t cost a fortune. Even in expensive cities like London and Paris, there are plenty of free attractions and budget-friendly food options.

Solo Travel Tips for Europe:

Start in a Solo-Friendly Destination – If you’re new to solo travel, places like Portugal, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia are safe, easy to navigate, and packed with friendly locals.

Use Public Transport & Rail Passes – Trains are your best friend in Europe. Consider getting a Eurail pass if you’re planning to visit multiple countries.

Book Accommodation in Advance for Popular Spots – Cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Prague can book out fast, especially in peak season.

Be Mindful of Pickpockets – Keep an eye on your stuff in busy areas, metro stations, and tourist hotspots. A crossbody bag with zippers is your best friend.

Eat Where the Locals Eat – Skip the overpriced tourist traps near landmarks. If a restaurant is packed with locals, you’ve found a winner.

Go With the Flow – Some of the best travel moments happen when you ditch the itinerary and embrace spontaneity. Don’t be afraid to change plans, follow recommendations, or take a detour.

Solo travel in Europe is an adventure that’s as fast-paced or as slow as you want it to be. Whether you’re backpacking, city-hopping, or taking your time to soak it all in, one thing’s for sure—you’ll never run out of places to explore.

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Wrapping Up: Your Next Solo Adventure Starts Here

Europe is one of the best places in the world for solo travellers—easy to navigate, packed with history, and filled with experiences that are just as enjoyable solo as they are with company. Whether you’re hiking in the Alps, sipping wine in Tuscany, or exploring the castles of Scotland, every day brings something new.

Now that you’ve got the essential travel tips, solo travel hacks, and destination guides, it’s time to start planning! Click through to explore our country-specific guides for in-depth advice, must-visit spots, and itineraries to help you make the most of your European adventure.