The world returns to some semblance of normality following the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Last year for instance, it was estimated the number of Canadians searching for vacation quotes in Europe surged by around 2000% in 2022! Let’s see which are the best destinations in Europe for this year.
The idea of taking a trip to a faraway land is special to each of us and for a variety of reasons. It should be luxurious for the individual whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or something different. It might be you are going to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary, it could be that you just want to celebrate life itself!
Whatever your reason for travel, you want to make the occasion memorable, enjoyable, and fun for all involved. With that in mind, here are some countries in Europe to consider for your next trip.
Croatia
With its picturesque towns and sensational scenery, Croatia – in part thanks to the hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones – has become hugely popular among all tourist destinations in Europe for vacationers.
Perfect for families, honeymooners, large groups, and solo travelers alike, part of Croatia’s popularity is the fact some of its most popular spots are easy to reach with Hvar, Split, Dubrovnik, and Pula all two-and-a-half hours or less of one another.
GOT enthusiasts can visit Dubrovnik’s city walls, the scene of King’s Landing, and Trsteno Arboretum, which became the setting of the Garden of Red Keep.
Throw in Croatia’s love of festivals, wine, and national parks it is a stupendous country to visit, perhaps especially when booking Europe tours and exploring the stunning coastlines and beautiful scenery.
Norway
If adventure is more your thing, then a trip to Norway will not disappoint. Check out the Northern Lights or visit one of the country’s 42 national parks, which offer hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing adventures.
Doing so provides the chance to see Norway’s beautiful mountains, lakes, and fjords – a real dream destination for lovers of beautiful landscapes.
Montenegro
An absolute gem of a destination, and one that offers travelers an array of things to do, from beautiful mountain and coastal regions to cities brimming with history.
For mountain bikers, the 6.6km Osmica trail is extremely popular, while for the walkers and hikers, the 10km Wolf Trail and Babina Glava take you through birch forests and limestone karsts, and offer glorious high-altitude scenes.
You can go canyoning, ziplining, and rafting in Montenegro’s natural spaces, with the Tara River, located at Durmitor National Park, offering wild river rapids and cascading waterfalls.
Moreover the cities of Budva and Cetinje, and the town of Kotor are perfect for history buffs and lovers of artisan coffee shops and farmers’ markets.
Bulgaria
With its Black Sea coastline, forest trails, clear lakes, and festivities and sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Bulgaria.
If you are a meat lover, then there are barbecue stands aplenty. With a passion for grilling – known as Skara – you can try the delicious skewers, steaks, and meatballs on offer. Throw in a bustling nightlight and a love of craft drinks in the capital Sofia, and there is a little something to suit all tastes.
In addition: Romania
If you’re looking to discover a destination that combines medieval history, stunning natural landscapes, and a touch of the mystical, Romania should be on your list. You can explore famous Romanian castles such as Bran Castle aka Dracula’s Castle, or take a scenic drive on the Transfăgărășan Highway, one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
You can go hiking in the Carpathian Mountains or birdwatching in the Danube Delta. For the culturally inclined, the vibrant arts scene in Bucharest, often dubbed the ‘Paris of the East,’ or in Sibiu, will not disappoint. Or perhaps you’d like live like back in the days by staying in rural Transylvania at a village house, just like King Charles of the UK.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or someone looking for a romantic getaway, Romania offers something for everyone making it a must on your European travel itinerary.
