Are you thinking about a European vacation this year? Dont let your dream trip sink to the level of the infamous National Lampoons European Vacation! Read on for some great tips from an expert on European vacation trips and make sure that your vacation in Europe is a relaxing success.

One:
Consider choosing a travel company who specialize in European vacation packages. The do-it-yourself approach to a holiday in Europe may suit you very well but it does need a lot more planning and possibly more knowledge of languages other than English. A European vacation package company will take care of many of the basic travel and accommodation arrangements for you;leaving you free to relax and enjoy your trip.

Two:
If you are planning a European vacation tour then make sure that you leave enough time to properly get to know each country that you visit. Europe is a very diverse place. You will find much that is familiar to you in the UK and Ireland but a lot that feels very different in Turkey or rural Greece. Do take time to enjoy the cultural differences and remember, that’s why you’re going in the first place!

Three:
Try to learn a few words of language for each country that you plan to visit. You don’t need to be at all fluent, but making the effort creates a big impression. The laughs to be had when trying to communicate can break the ice and form lasting friendships. Many people speak English in the Scandinavian countries, in Holland and in Germany. Fewer of the locals speak English in France or Italy. In Spain, Greece and Portugal, English is spoken widely in the tourist costal resorts but not elsewhere.

Four:
A cheap Europe vacation is easier to organise if you have plenty time to do the planning (easiest on the internet) and a long time to spend in Europe when you arrive. Being fussy about timing and travel schedules will make it harder to travel at bargain prices. There are a large number of very low cost no frills airlines in Europe now but they may not always operate daily services. Be prepared to be flexible if you want to save money. European travel is diverse and the possibilities are endless. Dont restrict yourself to air travel. You can travel Europe by train or travel Europe by coach and still have just as much fun.

Five:
The big cities and bright lights will be more expensive than the smaller towns and rural areas. Taking France as an example: you could stay three nights in a very nice hotel in Normandy for the same price as one night in a mediocre place in central Paris.

Six:
Please don’t forget to have fun. A European vacation can offer everything you ever dreamed of - but be prepared to be flexible and - more important,be prepared to try something new. Your Europe vacation will be a much richer experience if you do.

Gary Hill lives and works in Scotland. He travels widely in Europe and visits many European countries on a regular basis.
His website is full of great tips to make sure that you have a wonderful vacation in Europe.

You can also plan an Ireland Golf Vacation

You can also make plans to find your dream wedding location

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Europe or the “Old World” as it is often referred to, is one of the seven continents of the world and in terms of area, it is the world’s second smallest continent - the smallest being Australia.

Europe was the most popular international destination for Americans in 2004 and according to the latest research, American travellers highly regard the Old World not only for its history, culture, and cuisine but also for their historical connection with many Americans having fought in 2 World Wars, having a family link with or being able to trace their ancestry all the way back to Europe.

Europe is small geographically, but in terms of population it is probably the third-largest continent with about 11% of the world’s population representing a changed and changing tapestry of cultures, languages, and borders with 25 separate countries, and their citizens who increasingly identify themselves as European rather than English, French or Italian, now forming the European Union.

Whatever your idea and expectations of what constitutes a dream holiday, a European Vacation will fulfill your expectations beyond compare. It is a veritable traveller’s paradise waiting to be discovered and explored. And what is especially important for tourists is the absence of visa restrictions within the 25 countries forming the European Union.

Although there are variations, the European continent enjoys a very pleasant climate which is classified as temperate. The climate is greatly influenced by maritime tropical, maritime polar, continental polar and continental tropical air masses. But generally speaking, we have warm summers and cool winters - the perfect backdrop to an enjoyable European Vacation Tour.

Major Countries to Visit

There are so many countries to visit and diverse cultures and languages to experience and indulge that no one individual article or travel brochure can provide you with the full scope of what is available to see and do on your European vacation Tour - either individually or as a group.

So here is the briefest of brief descriptions of just some of Europe’s beautiful countries:

Switzerland - is Europe’s most beautiful country with fresh clean air and breath taking scenic beauty that will leave you spellbound. It is a veritable pictorial canvas populated with picturesque alpine mountains, lakes, cowbells, wild and rare orchids, alpine villages and peaceful meadows. Switzerland is a country for all seasons, both summer and winter. It is especially world famous for its neutrality, Swiss democratic referendums and its banking secrecy. Geneva is one of the 3 principal Swiss cities and is also the birthplace of the International Red Cross and the home of numerous important United Nations and other international organisations.

France - with its own distinctive character is renowned for its champagne, haute couture, haute cuisine, seductive lifestyle, the annual “Tour de France” cycling event and the world renowned Eiffel Tower. Of course, most tourists head straight for Paris which is often referred to as the most romantic city in the world.

Paris has its full quota of tourist attractions and the most famous smile in the world in the form of the Mona Lisa. But no visit to France can be considered complete without a “degustation” or tasting of French wines or more importantly, visiting a Chateau or two in Bordeaux or the Burgundy region. France is the wine growing country par excellence and many great French wines or “etiquettes” are universally accepted as models of perfection.

Ireland - is one of the most scenic destinations in the world with a judicious blend of rolling hills and beautiful architecture offering the visitor a stunning landscape. Your day starts with the renowned and hearty Irish breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, black pudding and a selection of breads. And of course, one of the attractions that Ireland is most famous for is its pubs. Chances are, after visiting Ireland’s pubs you will have trouble finding other pubs that compare.

Ireland is also home to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world with over 400 golf courses on the island. The lush greens and beautiful backdrops of Ireland’s natural scenery make a round of golf in Ireland one to remember - the perfect setting for an Ireland Golf Vacation.

Greece - The Greek nation is known as the founders of the Olympic Games. But the Greeks also had drama, art, philosophy, and science at its core from the very inception. When you talk of Greece you conjure up unforgotten Greek mythology and fascinating stories such as Jason and the Argonauts, Helen of Troy and the Trojan Horse.

Today, the same elements continue to thrive in the culture and values of the people, which is probably why over 15 million tourists visit the country every year. When going on holiday in Greece, you will most probably find that a large part of the important and interesting attractions are in Athens but the countryside and outlying Greek islands and beaches offer as much pleasure to the visitor.

Italy - welcomes you with a strong embrace of vitality, art, sculpture, famous paintings, its history, food and of course, la dolce vita. In Tuscany you can savor world famous Barolo wines and taste gastronomic antipasti, explore and wander through mysterious Etruscan and medieval towns. Or you can hop on the historic and nostalgic Orient Express and head for Venice for a breath of romance encapsulated in the grace and elegance of Palladian villas and Venetian palazzi, hidden gardens and arcaded streets echoing with the footsteps of lovers. Or take a boat ride in the famous “Gondolas”.

Sure, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but you can no doubt make a day, or days, out of it. The Eternal City remains unrivalled when it comes to the sheer aesthetic supremacy of its impressive and widely-venerated history. We recommend visiting Rome in the off-peak months between October and March and to try to book a hotel near, if not within, the historic district.

England - Enjoy England and discover a country of great contrast and diversity both in the places you go to and in the people you meet. Not surprisingly, London, the capital, has become a mecca for visitors and a great place to visit - with something to appeal to everyone. Regardless of your particular interests, the city has it covered. With countless museums and galleries throughout the city there has never been a better time to come and find out just how much it has to offer.

London is the place where the historic past and the vibrant present come alive together - a place where a blend of history, quaint English habits and culture, and the game of cricket have created an amazing and constantly evolving city.

Your European Vacation awaits you. Enjoy!

Stephen S Alison is a retired “bean counter” who spent 26 years in middle management positions for major US financial institutions in Europe and a further 10 years as an adviser/consultant to a number of European financial institutions. He owns and operates a number of “hand built” niche websites including:
http://www.online-travel-holiday-guide.com
http://www.european-vacation-tour.com
http://www.traveling-in-france.com

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