For Britons, mainland Europe is right on their doorstep and this is one reason why more and more Brits are visiting their neighbouring countries for short breaks. Whether you are looking for historical towns and cities or beautiful beaches, Europe has something to offer for people of all ages. If you have never been to mainland Europe before, here are a few tips that may just help you along the way.
Image credit: archer10 (Dennis), license Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Which Countries to Visit
If you only have a short period of time for your getaway, it will probably be wise to select one or two destinations rather than trying to visit too many places during one trip. You will also have to take into account the way in which you are travelling. If you are able to travel by air, you will be able to visit places further afield than if you were to go by car. For first time travellers France is a good option as it is the nearest country and also one of the most diverse. Some of the places you can visit in France include Tuscany, Provence and Burgundy. You will be able to find some amazing restaurants in these areas that serve some great local wines.
When to Go
It is always quite difficult advising someone when he or she should visit a certain area, as there are many different factors to take into account. If you like nice weather then you may also have to put in with larger numbers of tourists as many people will also choose those times of the year. When travelling through northern Europe the weather is usually at its best in July and August, the further south you go you are more likely to have nice weather for longer periods of time. Other times of year are also popular for visitors to Europe. Easter, Christmas and the New Year are all times when families get the chance of traveling together. You may find that your children’s school holidays dictate when you can travel, if that is the case then you will have to work out what the forecasted weather is likely to be at that time of year.
How to Get Around
Europe is an easy place to visit if you have your own car, you will be able to get to mainland Europe either by tunnel or by ferry from the United Kingdom. Having your own transport will enable you to get around at your own pace without having to rely on public transport. Another option you have is too purchase a pass for the European train network. These passes can be great value for money, especially if you are planning to visit a number of destinations during your holiday. If you don’t have your own car or you are not keen on travelling by train, you might want to look into renting out a car for the duration of your holiday. You may find that you are able to visit many places that other tourists are unable to if you have your own vehicle.
Accommodation Options
You will be able to find a wide range of accommodation options across mainland Europe, from campsites and guesthouses to luxurious hotels and resorts. If you are travelling alone you should be prepared to pay more for your accommodation, as most places will charge more for a single room than a double. If you have access to a car then you might find that some good accommodation deals can be found out of the town and city centres. Whatever budget you have, you should be able to find suitable accommodation.
Nicole Abrahams is a writer currently working on a freelance basis for Snowfinders UK, the one-stop website for independent and impartial advice on skiing trips, snowboarding ventures and mountainside tours and packages.
