Your long commute to work, rising fuel prices, and the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have left you drained of motivation and filled up with stress.
With all these things going on, you may consider taking a few days off from your usual, mundane routine to avoid these worries.
There are several ways you can unwind. Some individuals will pursue a hobby like painting or playing instruments. Others may take nature walks around their neighborhood. Meanwhile, some people may want to pack their bags and travel out of the country.
If you’re one of these individuals, you may want to consider taking a trip to Europe.
Why choose Europe as your next travel destination to take time off and relax? How do you get to different places in this country?
This article lists different European places you should think about visiting and what those places offer to provide a diversion for that much-needed leisure and relaxation.
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European Places to Go to Europe has a diverse culture and history, and there’s virtually no limit
to the number of reasons you should consider going there.
Suppose you think Europe’s culture and history aren’t enough to pique your curious mind. In that case, the region’s cuisines, sights, and sounds are something you should experience at least once in your lifetime.
Europe comprises around 50 sovereign countries, each with its own unique adventures for you to discover. From Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, the eye-catching auroras, to the ancient temples and party resorts of Greece, your motivation to visit Europe is almost endless.
While you may be interested in visiting famous European cities such as London, Paris, or Rome, why not try out these other exciting places for a change of pace?
Santorini, Greece
Poets have sung praises for Santorini and its 4,000-year-old history. You can find the popular volcanic island destination on the southern part of the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea in Greece.
Santorini offers a variety of activities for the holiday tourist. Aside from the breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea and signature white-walled buildings, the island offers cruises, sightseeing tours, sea sports, wine tours, and even cooking lessons!
To get to Santorini, you must take a plane from Athens to Thira (Santorini’s official name) or a ferry ride from Athens via the Port of Piraeus and Rafina.
Hveragerði, Iceland
If hot springs and spas are part of your relaxation plans, you should visit the town best known for its hot springs. Hveragerði is situated on top of Iceland’s lava fields that produce natural heat that spas and numerous other businesses in this hot spring town use.
Give yourself that well deserved pampering with the town’s clay mud masks and thermal baths. You can also try out their bread and beer made using geothermal energy.
You can reach Hveragerði by car through the Ring Road (Route 1) from Reykjavík or by bus from Mjódd Bus Station in Reykjavík to Hveragerði.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Are you a history buff who enjoys the sights of old buildings? Have you visited the ancient temples of Greece or the Colosseum in Rome and want more? Consider Dubrovnik in southern Croatia as your next go-to destination.
If you watched the hit TV series “Game of Thrones,” you should recognize Dubrovnik as the location where the show filmed the “King’s Landing” and “Qarth” scenes.
This city facing the Adriatic Sea is well known for its distinctive “Old Town” features filled with well preserved buildings surrounded by massive 16th century stone walls.
Because of its historical value and efforts to preserve its Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance structures, Dubrovnik became a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site.
UNESCO also refers to the old city as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” You can get to Dubrovnik by plane from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, or through numerous international flights. You can also access the city
through Croatia’s highway and road networks.
Champagne, France
If you’re into wines and enjoy touring historic wine cellars and rolling vineyards, Champagne is the place to consider on your priority list. After all, its name gives it away.
UNESCO recognized the historical value and wine production methods of Champagne’s hillsides, cellars, and houses and gave the region the World Heritage recognition in 2015.
The most convenient way to reach Champagne is by taking a 45 minute train ride from Paris to Reims, Champagne’s capital.
The Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is a region on Portugal’s southern coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This region is quite known for its sandy and picturesque beaches.
Many tourists taking a holiday in the Algarve often visit four of the largest towns within the region: Lagos, Albufeira, Vilamoura, and Praia de Rocha.
If you want to experience party life, visit Albufeira and check out the bars and clubs of “The Strip.” If you’re into a more refined taste, visit Vilamoura’s exclusive marina and golf courses. Meanwhile, for the more historically inclined visitor, Lagos is the place to go.
To get to the Algarve, take a plane ride to Faro Airport, located four kilometers outside Faro in the region. You can also travel on land from within Portugal or Spain.
Before You Travel
You may be excited to travel to Europe on your next leave. However, it can help if you consider the following essential things before booking your plane tickets and riding the taxi to the airport:
● Ensure that your passport is valid
● Travel light
● Pay in local currency
● Download the translation and map apps on your smartphone
● Validate or endorse your train and bus tickets
● Bring a power strip or multi-country adaptor
For more information on traveling to Europe, consult your travel agent for expert advice.
References
1. Old City of Dubrovnik
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/95/
2. Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1465/
