When to Visit: Peak season in Europe is generally the Summer months, from June to August. However, it tends to be incredibly busy, especially in tourist hubs such as Italy and France. Head to lesser frequented destinations such as Albania and Slovakia for a less crowded experience. If you're more flexible, visit in shoulder season, so March-May or September-November.
Autumn and Winter have their own draws too! Autumn leaves are particularly spectacular - head to cities like Paris and London, or out to nature in Germany, Slovenia, and the English Countryside. Christmas is another special time, with lively Christmas markets throughout Europe. Some of the best are in Germany, The Czech Republic, Vienna, and Belgium. Or if you're into Winter sports, head to the Alps, with popular ski destinations in Switzerland, Italy, France, or cheaper options in lesser known Estonia.
You'll find the cheapest deals from January to March, however this tends to be the coldest time to visit, and some tourist destinations may be running at reduced capacity.
Currency: The vast majority of Europe uses the Euro (€), however make sure to check beforehand as many countries don't! For example, Türkiye uses Turkish Lira, Poland uses Polish zloty, Croatia uses Croatian Kuna and The United Kingdom uses the British Pound.
Getting Around: Europe is one of the best continents to travel around as it's well connected via public transport. To travel between cities and countries your best bet is generally to take trains, which are frequent and convenient. Look to the Eurostar as well as Interrail, a train pass that allows you to travel around the continent. Alternatively there are plenty of cheap flight and coach options.
What to Pack: Most European countries are seasonal destinations, so keep in mind the weather will vary depending on the time of year. Pack plenty of layers, and an umbrella just in case! Don't forget your adaptor - most of Europe is a standard two prong European adaptor, however Britain uses a three prong (type G).
