From the Eternal City to the City of Light, the list of places to visit in Europe literally goes on and on. We start with the ever-popular trio of France, Italy and Spain (Paris, palaces, pizza, oh my!). Then, there’s the United Kingdom (hello, London) and Scandinavia to the North. And let’s not forget popular cities like Berlin, Prague and Budapest to the East and coastal gems like Greece and Croatia to the South. There is no way you could check off all these places on one European vacation — let alone a lifetime ⁠— but, with the help of your Fora advisor, you’ll surely to get your fix of European magic (and then some) wherever you decide to go.

Vineyards of Tuscany, winding streets of Amsterdam… Europe is an utterly enchanting destination. That’s why we advise that you take your time during your European vacation, to soak in the atmosphere of the places you visit, versus rushing to see as much as possible. (TL;DR: ditch the monument check-list and consider staying in a destination for longer.) Another pro-tip for Europe travel: despite what Pinterest may depict, Europe is crowded, especially in the summertime. Popular museums and monuments welcome a staggering number of visitors each day. So, plan ahead when you sight-see in major cities, and consider a European vacation during the off-season to avoid the continent’s notorious crowds.

Depending on your destination, you can’t go wrong with planning your European vacation for either spring or fall, when temperatures are mild (perfect for sightseeing) and summer crowds are out of your hair. If you’re traveling to the coast, remember that the regions along the Mediterranean remain pleasantly warm until the middle of autumn. Be sure to book your Europe trip with your Fora advisor, who can steer you towards the best months to visit — and tell you which months to avoid (for instance, most restaurants in Paris close during August.)

We’re glad you asked! Europe travel can easily be planned on a budget. First, your Fora advisor can find a wallet-friendly hotel that still feels authentic (there are plenty of them). They’ll also alert you to money-saving tips in the destination (for instance, many happy hours offer complimentary snacks with the purchase of vino). Next, cut costs by renting bicycles or using public transport instead of taxis, and opt for street food or a picnic instead of a pricey dinner.  Plus, when you book your Europe vacation with your Fora advisor, you’ll receive perks like free breakfast, hotel credits and more ⁠— freeing up your wallet for splurges elsewhere.

There’s a reason backpackers love Europe travel; the continent is one of the easiest to get around. A number of international train lines (such as Rail Europe) are convenient and comfortable, and connect many major cities and towns. There are also a number of domestic airports that can zip travelers from city to city at a low cost. Depending on your point A and point B, you may want to take the scenic route by renting a car. Work with a Fora advisor who specializes in Europe vacations, and they can recommend the best methods of transport.

Travel requirements to Europe vary country-to-country. Many European countries require US-based travelers to provide either proof of vaccine or a recent negative COVID-19 test. In many cases, a negative test is required to re-enter the US, regardless of vaccination status.  Your Fora advisor will alert you to your destination’s specific entry and exit requirements, and you can check out the official government websites for more information.