Europe Travel Guide: Best Places, Top Packages & Useful Tips

Europe is always waving to the people worldwide. It comprises profound history, philosophy, literature, and arts. Where’s your bucket list place to go in Europe? How do you find it appealing? Do you have any good plans to visit?

In this guide, you will learn everything you ought to know about Europe travel. We’ll get you covered on basic information, destinations, packages, and tips for preparing your trip.

General Map of Europe

Credit: https://x.com/ | Cartoon Map of Europe

Before you head to Europe, capture a general view of Europe. Europe is a continent in the northern Hemisphere (in the upper half of the world, summer is June–August).

You can see clearly from the map that it is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. And it connects Asia in the east, and most people call it Eurasia.

How Many Countries in Europe?

Europe has about 44 countries. The whole continent is large. So, try to find useful information in the following table, which will make your travel here more doable.

You might get a little stressed since there are so many choices you can make. But if I get a chance to tell you, I would say:

• If you want a historical trip in Europe, just head west~
• If you fancy the world of snow, the north is good for you!
• If you want to chill out, the South is full of sunshine and passion!
• If you’re on a budget, go to the east (also accompanied by rich culture)~

Weather in Europe

Europe has diverse landscapes (mountains, rivers, plains, peninsulas, etc.), which make a huge difference among the countries, resulting in various climates. Getting aware of the weather conditions in Europe is good for you when hanging out.

• Western Europe: always being mild but unsettled (frequent rain showers)
• Northern Europe: cool and chilly
• Southern Europe: warm & dry with soft coastal breezes
• Eastern Europe: warm days but cooler nights (especially in mountainous areas)

New Requirements for Europe Travel

Except for preparing for traveling in Europe, like visa application, hotels & flights booking, and your travel plans, there’s another thing you may pay attention to for those visitors coming from visa-free countries.

In late 2026, you might have to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to enter most countries in Europe. As a travel authorization, it’s used for enhancing security and reducing illegal stays. ETIAS lasts for 3 years or until your passport expires, so you don’t have to frequently apply for one.

Popular Places to Travel in Europe

Credit: Unsplash, Jovana Jelovac | Barcelona Streets, Spain

First of all, let’s break down some of the most popular places (cities or attractions) in Europe. You must be very familiar with these cities’ names, but you may not be good at traveling to them. So, follow me and see the city's highlights all at once.

Of course, there are many other places to visit in Europe. What a blend of energy and history. Open your Google map and stroll around a wide range of charming cities on this large continent. Do not forget to take everything slow~

Lesser-Known Places to Travel in Europe

Credit: Unsplash, Daniela Turcanu | Scenery of Brasov, Romania

Sometimes, the less-stepped destinations can also drive us crazy for their surprising beauty and hidden treasures. Do you ever decide to hop on a journey like this? Then, you’ve come to the right place today. Let's see some of the little-known destinations that can be added to your bucket list!

So, relate to what you want and make a choice. There’s a lot more to explore.

On Trip.com, you'll still easily find nice hotels even if you're at lesser-known places in Europe. Look for low-cost & cozy trip in Europe~ 😀

Best Days for Backpackers to Travel in Europe

Credit: Unsplash, Mathias Reding | Istanbul, Turkey

Backpackers are looking for cheap, fun & crowd-free trips to Europe.

The popular time is never the best time for you. Go when it’s shoulder season: April – early June (sunny but not scorching) or September – October (summer crowds leave). Portugal, Greece, and Italy are some of the perfect choices!

During November – March (except December), you’ll find hotels at huge discounts and no lines at attractions. Better skip Scandinavian places (Norway or Sweden) for their cold weather (unless you want to enjoy a snow wonderland). In this case, Spain & Turkey (a country of stray cats!) are nice places to go.

Or some of you guys still want festival and busy vibes. You can start your visit in peak Summer (late June to August). Remember to book hotels at least 2-3 months in advance! Epic festivals like Sziget in Hungary (musical & cultural events) and La Tomatina in Spain (the biggest food fight in the world!) are both worth participating.

There are other events and activities you can take part in for sure. The advice mentioned above is just some of the unlimited fun.

Local Hints for Your Travel in Europe!

Congratulations! You’ve known the core secrets for Europe travel. Here’s the last thing you need to know to help you better integrate into local life!

• Better not buy SIMs at airports (high costs) – Europe eSIMs on Trip.com
• Free Museums Days – Louvre, Rome (1^st Sunday/month), etc.
• Try night trains/buses when crossing different countries in Europe – save on a hostel & new experiences
• Take a city walk in major cities – authentic life, culture & scenery
• Talk to locals – for better advice & connections