Europe may be the world’s second smallest continent, but its wide variety of culture and geography easily make up for its lack of size. From the Eiffel tower in Paris, to Buckingham Palace in London, it is filled with many recognizable tourist destinations. However, it also holds many less charted sites that allow a more culturally enriching visit.
There are 47 countries in continental Europe, although only 27 are members of the European Union. Technically speaking, however, Europe is not a true continent, only a peninsula of Eurasia, a continent comprised of Europe and Asia. But it has always been considered its own continent, with the Ural Mountains in Russia serving as Europe and Asia’s dividing point.
The many languages of Europe showcase the continent's diverse nature. Depending on who you talk to, there are between 30 and 40 major languages present in Europe. The most spoken languages are German, English and French, respectively. Europe has been a tourist destination for thousands of years. During the medieval period people traveled throughout the country on religious pilgrimages. Today, it seems most people either have, will, or want to plan a trip to Europe. A trip to Europe is often seen as a rite of passage. From college backpackers, to honeymooners, to retirees and everyone in between, Europe sees a wide variety of tourists. Part of its allure to people of all ages is the fact that there are endless options of types of trips to take.
Europe’s small size makes it possible, both logistically and financially speaking, to visit many different areas in one go. Airfare tends to be very reasonable between countries and the public transportation is excellent, with trains and buses extensively available throughout the continent.
Another perk to traveling in Europe is the wide selection of accommodations available. No matter what your budget and preferences may be you will be sure to find a place to lay your head at night.