Europe

Europe stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Ural Mountains and the Caspian Sea in the east, giving it a huge variety of climates and landscapes in a relatively compact area. In a single trip you can move from Mediterranean coasts to Alpine peaks and then on to medieval towns or ultramodern capitals.

Culturally, Europe is a dense mix of languages, cuisines, and traditions, shaped by ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the modern era of the European Union. Travelers experience this history in walkable old towns, world-class museums, and UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered across almost every country.

There are around 44 countries in Europe as defined by the United Nations, ranging from large nations like France, Italy, Germany, and Spain to microstates such as Monaco and San Marino. Because borders are relatively close together, it is common to visit multiple countries in one itinerary, especially using trains or low-cost airlines.

For visitors from North America, Europe often feels both familiar and different at the same time, with widespread tourism infrastructure but also strong local identities from region to region. This makes it a flexible destination whether the goal is relaxed sightseeing, food and wine, outdoor adventure, or nightlife.

Travelers can expect generally good infrastructure, including extensive rail networks, frequent budget flights, and a wide range of accommodation options from hostels to luxury hotels. In the Schengen Area, many countries share open internal borders, which makes crossing from one member state to another feel almost like moving between U.S. states.

From North America, most visitors arrive by direct transatlantic flights into major hubs such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Rome, then connect onward by air or rail. Cruise ships also call at ports in the Mediterranean and northern Europe, but flying is by far the most common entry method for international tourists.

Europe offers varied places to stay, including centrally located hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and hostels that cater well to both budget and midrange travelers. Large cities usually have well-defined central districts that are convenient for sightseeing, while smaller towns often cluster lodging around historic centers or main train stations.

Within Europe, long-distance trains, high-speed rail lines, and regional routes connect most major cities and many towns, making rail a popular and often scenic way to travel. For longer jumps or tighter schedules, low-cost airlines link hundreds of city pairs, while local public transit and walkable centers make it easy to get around once you arrive.

Europe is linguistically diverse, with major language families including Germanic (such as English and German), Romance (such as French, Spanish, and Italian), and Slavic (such as Polish and Russian). English is widely used in tourism and hospitality sectors, especially in northern and western Europe, which helps visitors navigate even when they do not speak local languages.

Many European Union countries share the euro as a common currency, simplifying payments across a large part of the continent. However, some countries, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and a few EU members, maintain their own national currencies, so travelers may encounter several during a multi-country trip.

Popular activities in Europe include exploring historic city centers, visiting museums and art galleries, enjoying regional food and wine, and taking part in local festivals. Outdoor options range from hiking in the Alps and fjords to sailing in the Mediterranean and biking through countryside regions such as Tuscany or the Netherlands.