Europe is an old world destination, home to rich and diverse cultural history from 44 different nations. The region has survived countless wars and plagues, and today it flourishes as a popular tourist destination for visitors around the world.
Where to start?
Most people who visit Europe for the first time tend to tour Western Europe. My first trip to Europe was as a 14-year-old on a cruise through the Mediterranean and then specifically to France a few years later. I'd recommend starting similarly by planning a trip through the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Greece. Spend each day exploring the museums, walking through the historical parts of town, and trying the local cuisine.
If it's your first visit, go in September when it's still warm but the crowds have cleared out. Take advantage of the impressive rail networks to get from one place to the next.
You may want to plan a follow up trip to visit Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. The farther north you go, the more likely you are to see the Northern Lights! More experienced travelers are likely to be more keen on Central and Eastern Europe. To start, take a week in Croatia to see the cultural and natural attractions of this beautiful country.
