Europe is, for the two of us, the most rewarding continent to travel. In just a few hours by plane (or a few days behind the wheel) you can go from the Norwegian fjords to the beaches of Greece, from Alpine peaks to Portugal’s stretch of the Atlantic. And the best part? You can visit most countries without a visa, using euros or a card, and with no long-haul flights, so even a long weekend fits in nicely.
On this page we’ll help you choose a country. Below the text you’ll find a grid of specific countries with our guides, tour offers and stories from the road. We’ve travelled a good chunk of Europe, from Iceland to Albania, and here we sum up the practical bits: when to go, how to pick by the type of holiday you want, and where you can save. No empty superlatives, just what worked for us. ☺️
When to visit Europe
The best season in Europe depends on whether you’re heading south or north. The Mediterranean (Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Montenegro, Albania) has the most pleasant weather in May, June and September. The sea is already (or still) holding its warmth, but without the peak crowds or the searing heat of July and August. If you’re purely after swimming and the crowds don’t bother you, high summer works too — just expect higher prices and temperatures above 35 °C.
The north and the mountains have a shorter window. Norway, Iceland, Finland or the Swiss and Austrian Alps are best for hiking and trekking from June to September, when the roads and trails are clear of snow. The Nordic countries come with a summer bonus of long days, and in autumn and winter the chance of seeing the northern lights. Cities (France, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Hungary) are great year-round — spring and early autumn offer sensible temperatures and prices, while Advent brings the atmosphere of the Christmas markets.
How to choose a country
Before you start pinning down specific places, we recommend getting clear on what you mainly want from your holiday. With that in mind, choosing a country gets much easier:
- Sea and beaches: Croatia and Montenegro by car, Greece for laid-back island life, Albania as a cheaper tip, and Portugal or Spain for the Atlantic option.
- Mountains and trekking: Switzerland and Austria for the classic Alps, Slovenia as a smaller and more affordable alternative, Norway and Iceland for wild nature, and Georgia and Slovakia for mountains at a reasonable price.
- Cities and culture: France, Italy and the Netherlands for the classics, Poland, Hungary and Romania for less money, Germany and Denmark for easy long weekends.
- Nature and quiet: Finland and Iceland for silence and space, Ireland for green coastlines.
Budget makes a big difference. The priciest are Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and the Nordic countries. On the other hand, you get the most for your money in Albania, Romania, Poland, Hungary or Georgia. If you’re not sure, click on a specific country in the grid below — for each one we have a practical guide with prices and tips from the road.
−57 %
−44 %
−39 %
−39 %
−35 %
−33 %How to save when planning
For the two of us, the biggest savings come down to timing and booking early. Both flights and accommodation in popular destinations get cheaper when you book 2–3 months ahead, and it helps a lot to avoid school holidays and long weekends. The very same hotel can be tens of percent cheaper in September than in August. If your dates are flexible, compare prices across the whole week — Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest for flights.
- Keep pricey countries short: in Norway, Iceland or Switzerland it pays off to do a few intense days rather than a long holiday.
- Eat like a local: markets, bakeries and lunch menus instead of tourist restaurants by the sights will noticeably ease your budget.
- Car vs. budget flight: for nearby countries (Austria, Slovakia, Poland) a car is usually cheaper and gives you more freedom; for distant coastlines an early-booked flight often wins.
- Watch out for hidden fees: factor in airport transfers, city-centre parking and motorway vignettes (Austria, Slovenia, Hungary) right at the planning stage.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to travel around Europe?
Which European country is the cheapest?
Where to go in Europe for the sea?
Do I need a visa for European countries?
Is it better to travel around Europe by car or by plane?
Where to go for mountains and trekking?
How far in advance should I book accommodation and flights?
Which country is good for a long weekend?
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
