Europe never gets dull. It has stood the test of time in numerous ways. With its vast historical wealth, it’s a destination that practically begs for multiple visits. Travelers can return year after year and still discover new sights each time. Touring Europe always leaves visitors in awe of its stunning landscapes, rich history, and remarkable artistic and culinary variety.
Exploring Europe allows travelers to follow in the footsteps of influential historical, political, and religious figures, offering insights into pivotal moments in our shared history. The continent’s rich array of attractions is its greatest allure: from the cradle of democracy in Athens to the Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, the charming canals of Venice, the grandeur of Paris under Napoleon, and the magnificent Moorish palaces of Andalucia. A European trip provides the chance to savor genuine Italian, French, and other delectable cuisines and wines.
Europe is incredibly diverse. As the smallest continent with 50 countries, 7 territories, 4 partially recognized republics, and 27 EU members, Europe offers a vast array of travel experiences. With over 100 languages spoken, it’s perfect for both short visits and extended stays. Whether your itinerary covers multiple stops or focuses on a single area, Europe promises unforgettable memories. The variety in architecture, landscapes, climates, and historical sights ensures there’s something for everyone.
Top destinations include France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and the UK. Lesser-traveled gems like Sweden, Norway, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Belgium also offer priceless historical and natural treasures.
One unique feature of Europe is the proximity of its countries. For example, France borders Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, allowing for quick and easy travel between them, often by train. This proximity means you can experience different cultures, ecosystems, and landmarks within a short distance. European countries are steeped in tradition, reflected in their architecture, arts, history, and natural surroundings.
Travelers visit Europe for various reasons. Some are drawn to Paris, France, for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and cafes. Others go to Germany for its sausages, bread, beer, and countryside. Italy attracts visitors to Rome, Venice, and Vatican City. After researching Europe, you’ll find specific countries, regions, and cities that appeal to you personally.
THE SCHENGEN AREA IS one of the main achievements of the European project. It started in 1985 as an intergovernmental project between five EU countries – France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg – and has gradually expanded to become the largest free travel area in the world. Schengen is the name of a small village in Luxembourg, on the border with Germany and France, where the Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Convention were signed in 1985 and in 1990 respectively.
The border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 420 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes (anyone legally present in the EU). Free movement of persons enables every EU citizen to travel, work and live in an EU country without special formalities. Schengen underpins this freedom by enabling citizens to move around the Schengen Area without being subject to border checks.
Today, the Schengen area covers over 4 million square kilometres with a population of almost 420 million people, and includes 29 countries:
On 1 January 2023, Croatia became the 27th country to fully join the Schengen area.
On 30 December 2023 the Council agreed to lift the air and sea internal border controls with Bulgaria and Romania. Both member states fully apply the Schengen acquis from 31 March 2024. From that date onwards controls at internals air and sea borders will be lifted. Following this first step, a further decision should be taken by the Council to establish a date for the lifting of checks at internal land borders.
Controls at the internal borders with Cyprus have not been lifted yet, and Ireland is not part of the Schengen area.
BENEFITS OF FREE TRAVEL
For non-EU citizens holding a work permit, traveling within the Schengen Area has certain rules and benefits, depending on the type of permit and the specific country’s regulations where the permit is issued.
The experience of discovering countries of European Union has given people a better understanding of other cultures as well as European history and improved their foreign language skills. But travelling is about so much more than just seeing the sites, trying the culinary delights or learning about other cultures: it’s also about the incredible friendships you’ll form and the people you meet!