Why You Should Travel to Europe in 2024

The Louvre, Paris

Suppose you’ve been offered a dream vacation, anywhere in the world, all expenses paid with a fully planned itinerary. The fairy godmother offering this trip will even pack your bags for you. All you have to do is choose the destination, and all of the difficult, annoying minutiae of going on a trip will magically be taken care of. Briefly, you imagine all of the places you could go - visiting the penguins in Patagonia, climbing the Great Wall of China. All of the bucket list trips you’ve seen splashed across your Instagram feed come racing back to your mind: an African safari or a trek through the Australian outback, exploring the open air markets of Mumbai or laying on the beach in Bora Bora… 

But your fairy godmother won’t give you the months it would take to traverse the globe and travel to all of these amazing locales. She’ll give you, a week, say, or ten days, tops. 

What now?

Luckily, there's a part of the world offering a multitude of unique cultures, attractions, and terrains in close proximity to one another. Its travel infrastructure is well established and easy to navigate, and depending on the route, you can fly there in less than twelve hours. And those travel fantasies? It’s got tons of those - a boat ride through the canals of Venice, throwing a penny into the Trevi Fountain, taking in the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, a late dinner of tapas and Rioja in Spain.

Yes. If you’re ever presented with such a magical opportunity to travel, I think you should choose Europe. Travel is more than just seeing famed landmarks, it’s about engaging with cultures and people, and European travel experiences can immerse you in things you already love. Allow your passions to guide you across Europe. And if you still need a list of reasons why you should travel to Europe, read further:

Art & History

Europe offers a centuries old tapestry of culture and history, including world-class museums, spectacular theatres and storied music halls. 

I absolutely adore getting lost in a museum for a few hours on any trip, and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, the Louvre in Paris, or the Prado in Madrid never disappoint. Beyond artworks by old masters, the continent also has quirkier museums, like the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, containing the remnants of a doomed 17th century ship that sunk on its maiden voyage, or the Neon Museum in Warsaw which houses Cold War era neon signs from the former Eastern Bloc. 

Galleria Borghese, an art gallery and museum in Rome

The performing arts also shine, and theatres like the Teatro alla Scalla in Milan or the Vienna State Opera, opulently upholstered in velvets and damasks, are almost as much of a draw as the shows themselves. The music halls are similarly enticing, with some of the best acoustics in the world; Hamburg’s stunning Elbphilharmonie and the legendary Musikverein in Vienna are two standout examples.

🎨 Visiting Europe for the best art museums, galleries, and shows? Read about my recommendations for Europe’s best cities for art & history. 🎨

Architecture & Design

Europe has a kaleidoscope of architecture and design styles, making it an unparalleled destination for those seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the historical traditions of design. There are blockbuster buildings that are the talk of the architectural world - the continent is dotted with structures by Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava - but I love wondering through European cities and observing the small details found on old residences, like the vintage hand-pull doorbells that were common throughout Marseille, France.

The wide range of architectural marvels provides a showcase of the building and decorative arts’s evolutions through the centuries. From the whimsical modernism of Gaudi’s Barcelona to the colorfully intricate tiles of Portugal, the Scandi chic minimalism of Copenhagen or the classical grandeur of Rome, each destination offers a unique design philosophy.

Some of Europe’s design destinations are among its most unique, like the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen on the outskirts of Paris. The upscale flea market is a must-shop resource for those interested in interior design. The continent is overflowing with boutique hotels showcasing the latest interior trends, like the vibrant, trompe-l'œil heavy Hôtel Les Deux Gares in Paris.

🏰 Visiting Europe for the best architecture and design? Read about my picks for Europe’s best cities for architecture & design. 🏰

Architectural details in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal

Culinary & Wine

The spaghetti really does taste better in Italy

Europe is a gourmet's playground, boasting Michelin-starred restaurants, charming local bistros, and food markets that exhibit the region’s gastronomic excellence. Personally, I love the street food and quick bites that can be found throughout Europe, from currywurst in Berlin or pommes frites in Brussels to the cicchetti served in the bacari of Venice. 

The continent is also home to some of the world’s best vineyards, from the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany to the renowned cellars of Bordeaux. I’ve found that there is no better wine education than travel and a good vineyard tour. More than a walk through the grapes, a vineyard tour imparts details about the region’s soil, climate, and topography, and how this terroir impacts a wine’s flavor and mouthfeel.

🍷🧀  Visiting Europe for its unmatched culinary, wine and spirits? Read about my picks for Europe’s best food & wine destinations. 🍷🧀

Landscapes & Terrain

For travelers seeking more adventure than a simple city tour, Europe is home to breathtaking scenery and varied terrains. Waterways beckon from the beaches of the Mediterranean to the fjords of Norway, while mountain ranges like the Alps, the Dolomites, and the Pyrenees provide an outdoorsman’s paradise from summer to winter.

Beach & Sea

Europe has a bounty of beaches, from the pristine white sand of Sardinia to the black sand beaches of Santorini. Germany’s Sylt is often referred to as the “Hamptons of Europe,” while Portugal’s Comporta is the untouched beach destination that has been swiftly gaining in popularity. Personally, I love nothing more than taking a dip in the Mediterranean - the sea’s high salt level feels amazing on the skin.

A beach club in the Cinque Terre in Italy

Those who fancy sailing over sunbathing will relish the boating culture along the Ionian Coast of Greece or Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Those lucky enough to be yachting will love France’s Côte d'Azur or the Amalfi Coast.

🏖️ Visiting Europe to enjoy its coastline and beaches? Read about my picks for Europe’s best beach destinations. 🏖️

Mountains

Both summer and winter mountain enthusiasts will find something to love among Europe’s diverse mountain ranges. In the warmer months, hiking and trekking trails crisscross the landscapes, leading adventurers through alpine meadows, dense forests, and pristine lakes. Via ferrata routes provide a thrilling mix of rock climbing and hiking, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Come winter, Europe's mountain regions become playgrounds for winter sports enthusiasts. The Alps, in particular, boast world-renowned ski resorts like Chamonix in France, Zermatt in Switzerland, and St. Anton in Austria. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can carve their way down meticulously groomed slopes or challenge themselves on off-piste routes. For those seeking a more tranquil winter experience, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing open up a quieter side of the mountains.

In both seasons, mountain villages serve as a charming retreat, where visitors can experience local culture, indulge in regional cuisine, and unwind amidst stunning natural landscapes. Personally, I love being surrounded by nature in a relaxed, slow-paced environment.

⛰️Visiting Europe to hike its peaks? Read about my picks for Europe’s best hiking destinations. ⛰️

Alpe di Seceda in Val Gardena, the Dolomites, Italy

Fashion

Europe is a haven for fashion enthusiasts, and home to its major capitals - from the haute couture in Paris to the avant-garde designs in Milan, and London’s eclectic fashion scene. Those seeking an edgy and alternative scene will find it in Berlin or Antwerp, while fans of minimalist chic will enjoy the shops of Stockholm or Copenhagen. 

Aside from simply soaking up the street style of these cities’ inhabitants, I love to explore concept stores or discover shops of emerging designers. Shopping is, of course, an evergreen activity for any fashion fan, and if you plan to pursue luxury shopping in Europe, be sure to read my in-depth guide here: Luxury Shopping in Europe: How to Prepare and What to Expect.

Wellness

Europe is a playground for those needing to relax and unwind. It has no shortage of wellness destinations, enticing travelers with rejuvenating spa treatments, thermal baths, and yoga sessions, promoting both physical and mental well-being. Germany’s Baden-Baden is a centuries-old spa town featuring a traditional Roman bathhouse as well as luxurious wellness resorts like the Villa Stephanie at one of my favorite hotels, Brenners Park. 

A geothermal hot spring outside Reykjavik, Iceland

Many of these rejuvenating retreats are set against breathtaking natural backdrops, like the cliffside spas of Santorini, Greece overlooking the azure Aegean Sea. Tuscany in Italy is renowned for its vineyard retreats, where vinotherapy treatments meet the charm of the countryside. A modern wellness scene has emerged in Ibiza in Spain offering luxurious medispas and holistic healing centers. Yoga and meditation retreats abound, providing a perfect balance of relaxation and tranquility.

Cultural Events

There are a myriad of seasonal events throughout Europe which offer unique cultural experiences and have become travel destinations in and of themselves. From the magical Christmas markets of Strasbourg, France to the spring tulip festivals in the Netherlands, these events allow for a deeper immersion into local traditions, artistry, and festivities. Munich’s Oktoberfest, actually in late September, is the perfect time to experience Bavarian customs, while July’s Festival of San Fermín, famous for its running of the bulls, is a fascinating view into Spain’s Basque country. Personally, I love visiting locales during cultural events, there’s no better way to learn about a culture than to be right in the heart of it.