Background Information about Europe and the EU
Europe is a relatively small continent. Only Australia and Antarctica are of similar size. Europe counts 44 countries of which (European) Russia is the largest and most populated. Vatican City, San Marino and Monaco are the smallest.
Most Europeans are of the Caucasian (white) race and Christianity is the major religion. Over the past centuries people of different ethnicities and religions (especially Islam) migrated to and established themselves on the continent as well. It is now a very diverse population.
The European Union (EU) is the largest political organisation in Europe with 27 countries as official members. There are still new applicants and it may grow to 30 members. Hundreds of languages are spoken, but the EU recognizes 24 of them for official communication. The Euro is the common currency in the EU, accepted by most countries. Even though no such place officially exists, Brussels (Belgium) can be seen as the capital of the EU.
Travelling in the Schengen Area.
The Schengen treaty was signed in 1985 in the city of Schengen, Luxemburg. Members include all EU countries (except Ireland and till 2026 also Cyprus) and a few non-EU countries (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland). The United Kingdom is not part of the EU or Schengen.
The Schengen treaty enables very easy travel between (currently) 29 European countries. It allows anyone within the member countries (the Schengen Area) to travel freely, without internal border or passport controls. 450 million Schengen-citizens need to bring identification only.
Foreigners can stay within the Schengen area for 90 days out of every 180 calendar days and will have their passport checked upon entering and exiting the area. They can stay somewhere in the area for 3 months and then have to leave for at least 3 months. Exceeding this period will result in being considered an illegal immigrant with fines or worse as the result. There is no flexibility here! Only with the proper visa foreigners can stay longer or work within the Schengen area or EU. As per 2026 all foreigners need to apply online for an ETIAS authorisation before entering the area.
Illegal immigration is a big issue in Europe. People from unsafe and poor countries try to find a better life for themselves and their families in Europe, which is considered something close to paradise. Many of them come from Africa (by boat over the Mediterranean) or Asia (via the Balkan Route). Once they have entered Schengen (illegally), they can try to travel freely - but can not work anywhere. As a political refugee they may have the temporary right for housing and even get an allowance. This may be OK for a few people, but not for millions as it is now. Too many foreigners cost too much money and even change the European culture. EU-tax payers do not agree. More steps are taken to promote legal immigration and prevent illegal immigration.
Europe appears on top in many rankings regarding tourism and life style. France and Spain are the most visited countries in the world (before the USA). Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden are the happiest countries in the world. Vienna, Zürich and Copenhagen are with the best cities to live in. When it comes to safety and criminality then Iceland, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland are top (with New Zealand).
Travelling through in Europe.
Europe is a densely populated continent with excellent connectivity between its many cities and countries. Traveling within a country or between neighboring countries is easy and comfortable by train or bus. Climate awareness is strong and travelling by own car or plane is discouraged. In France short-distance flights within its borders no longer exist because of climate protection, offering high-speed train as an alternative. Germany and Spain are also promoting their own high-speed train systems. If you do need to fly within Europe, then there are regional airlines like Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Vueling and Transavia.
There are official records regarding the most countries visited within 24 hours and understandably they all took place in Europe. The overall record is held by two Swiss travellers who visited 30 European countries in August 2022 by any kind of transportation (incl. short flights). The record for travel by scheduled public transportation stands at 13 countries, while a guy from Latvia bicycled through 9 countries in 24 hours. All this is to prove that a) European countries are plenty and small and b) travel between countries is easy. See the Guinness Book of Records for more details.
There are many itineraries of what to see and do in Europe. Distances may be short and connections may be easy, but you cannot see all at once (especially foreigners who have a 90 day limit of stay within the Schengen area). You do need to focus on an area or visit this great continent a few times. No worries, there is lots to see and do in all wind directions and you do not need to stick to one country during your stay.
Do keep in mind that Europe is not cheap. The average 3-star hotel room may cost €80 and a simple meal €20 or more. In expensive countries like Switzerland, Iceland, Luxemburg, Denmark or Norway it will be a lot more costly to spend time and move around. Here you really need a good wallet. The cheapest countries in Europe are found in the East and South-East (the Balkan).
Explore some of the many European Highlights.
Must-see countries in Europe for culture are Italy and Spain. When it comes to nature I must mention Switzerland, Austria, Norway and Iceland. Foodies can be anywhere, because the European cuisine is with the best world-wide. When in France, Italy, Spain, Greece or Germany you will especially enjoy diner time. The Dutch are known for being open to everything, speaking excellent English and being the tallest people in the world.
If you are a city and architecture buff, then you are in for a real treat. Some of the most interesting places are found in Europe. This includes world-famous jewels like capital cities Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Prague, Vienna, Stockholm and Istanbul. For sports, concerts, royalty or history you can also consider London, Berlin or Madrid. Greece, Türkiye (Asia) and Egypt (Africa) are the starting points of European civilisation with lots of ancient cities and sights.
Europe is a prime destination for tourists from everywhere. Europeans travel within their own continent and foreigners come to visit. This has led to over-tourism where far too many tourists visit the same spot at the same time. Venice, Florence, Barcelona, Mallorca, Athens, Santorini, Luzern, Zermatt, Bruges, Edenborough, Neuschwanstein Castle and the Geirangerfjord all like and need tourists, but not all at once. It can get really, really crowded. I therefore recommend NOT to visit these areas in the high-season. Off-season you will have fewer people and lower prices. You will enjoy your trip a lot more.
Every season has its highlights, but the Christmas markets in Germany during December are warm, cosy, colourful and unique. During winter you can also look for and find the Northern Lights in Northern Europe (Lapland). Spring is the time for tulips.
Moscow and Saint Petersburg are also great European cities but should be off-limits for some time because of the Ukraine war.
Travel in a group or independently.
You can travel independently and arrange all transportation, accommodation and activities yourself, or travel pre-arranged. Do you want to be completely flexible or see and do more in less time? All options are available in Europe: Group Tours, Private Tours, River Cruises and Sea Cruises for all ages, budgets and travel styles, visiting one country or multiple countries. Almost all international tour operators and travel agents organise longer and shorter stays and tours in Europe.
For simple city breaks or beach vacations you don’t really need a travel agent or tour operator. Almost everything can be done online: flight bookings, hotel bookings, train reservations, activities. It will require some time to investigate and decide, but it is possible and feasible. Tours to actually see and discover a region with stays in multiple cities or countries, is a different story. That is less easy and arranging it on the spot, may take some experience.
Group Tours have the obvious advantage that a professional made all the bookings and arrangements for you. You just need to show up and be on time to enjoy the ride. No last-minute dragging of suitcases into a train department. No more remote hotels without vacancies. You see more in less time. The travel organisation knows the area better than you and can show you the known highlights and unknown treasures. As they book in bulk, it may even be cheaper than independent. ToursOnTheWeb features thousands of tours in Europe.
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