Top 7 Activity Holidays to Try on A Solo Adventure Across Europe

We get only one life to live and explore, so why not do it on your terms? Solo adventure trips are a great way to let loose, explore places by yourself, and learn to love your own company. We are so attuned to people around us, that we often forget to connect with our inner self.

If you are planning the best activity holiday in the Alps there are plenty of amazing destinations to add to your bucket list.

This article will explore the top activity holidays that you can consider trying while on a solo adventure across Europe.

Hiking in the Swiss Alps

If you are a brave heart and want to peak your adrenaline rush, going for a hike in the Swiss Alps is an incomparable experience.

The Swiss Alps are a hiker’s paradise, especially with the breathtaking natural beauty all around. The picturesque mountain views and the countless trails in close vicinity make this an ideal vacation for every solo adventurist.

What’s great about hiking in the Swiss Alps is the convenience and accessibility. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an advanced hiker, there’s something for everyone. You can set out on solo and independent hikes or you can go on guided hikes to learn about the flora and fauna in the area.

Some of the most popular hikes in the area include the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Trail, and the Eiger Trail.

Kayaking in Croatia



Not every solo traveler is fond of extensive hiking and ragged mountain peaks. If it isn’t your cup of tea, a completely different experience is going kayaking in Croatia.

Known for its long coastline and crystal-clear water, Croatia is nothing short of paradise. The hidden coves and the tranquil beaches in the area are a great recluse from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city life.

Most of these beaches around Croatia have rental kayaking services, which you can pay for and avail of. The secluded beaches across the Adriatic Sea are a treat to the eye. If you aren’t experienced in kayaking, there are guided kayaking tours that you can join.

If possible, go on guided kayaking tours to explore Pakleni Islands or the Elaphiti Islands. Also, while you are renting a kayak, enquire about snorkeling around the area and explore the underwater marine life too.

Cycling in the Netherlands



This might not entice every person reading but if you want to explore the narrow streets of Amsterdam, cycling is one of the best activities.

The flat terrain further promotes the bike-friendly culture in the area. So, if you are planning a solo cycling adventure, the Netherlands is the perfect spot for it.

Also, you don’t have to carry your bike. Since cycling is so mainstream and encouraged in the Netherlands, it isn’t surprising that there are rental shops that give cycles for rent. Not only will we recommend you explore the area around the city but spare a few days to explore the countryside in the Netherlands too.

The coast of untapped yet charming villages in the countryside is a sight to behold, not to mention that the people are even more welcoming. Also, the Netherlands has a network of cycle paths, which you can set out on to explore the adjoining areas. You’d need to plan ahead of time for that.

Skiing in the French Alps



A complete 360 from the last activity, this one is for the hardcore adventurists who want to pump their adrenaline to the max.

While we highlighting hiking in the Swiss Alps, we had to include the French Alps too. But, not for hiking, the spots are ideal for your next skiing trip.

The French Alps offer some of the best skiing experiences in the entirety of Europe, so if you are planning to explore something you have never done before, we’d recommend giving this a go.

While you are planning your trip, ensure to check out Chamonix and Val d'Isere, which are two of the most renowned ski resorts in the area. Also, even if you haven’t gone skiing ever in your life, there are skiing lessons available for beginners, which you can avail.

Additionally, if skiing isn’t your thing, opt for snowboarding or snowshoeing. Those are a lot less intense but equally fun.

Surfing in Portugal



Like Croatia, even Portugal is known for their long stretch of coastline and beaches. So, while you are out there planning your next solo trip, surfing in Portugal is an absolute must.

Portugal's long coastline and consistent waves make it a surfer's paradise. However, we understand that not everyone is experienced in surfing. Don’t worry because surfing lessons for beginners are available across Ericeira, Peniche, or Lagos.

But, if you are an experienced surfer who wants to do it against the backdrop of the bright sun and the tropical weather, Portugal is the perfect spot for it. Also, the people in Portugal are very friendly, making it easier for solo travelers to make friends and explore the place around them.

While you are in Portugal, don’t miss out on exploring the local culture, cuisine, and hip nightlife that they are famous for.

Rock Climbing in Spain



Although fairly underrated, rock-climbing experiences in Spain are one of a kind. And, when we are talking about rock climbing, we aren’t talking about the ones that you find at recreational parks.

Instead, we are talking about the real deal, involving natural rock-climbing spots. A treat for adrenaline junkies, routes like Montserrat, Siurana, and Margalef are considered perfect for your rock-climbing expeditions.

Since it comes with a lot of challenging routes, we’d recommend opting for the guided rock-climbing tours so you don’t jeopardize your safety.

Paragliding in Austria



When talking about activities to do on a solo trip across Europe, we had to end the list with some sky action. Paragliding in Austria is not for the faint of heart. But, the surrounding landscape and the view of the place make it an ideal spot for you to experience freedom while flying up in the skin.

Multiple centers enable you to book tandem paragliding tours and fly across the mesmerizing Tyrolean Alps or the Salzburg Mountains.

If you are worried about personal safety, there are comprehensive classes, which can help you figure things out without any compromise at all.

Conclusion

Planning your solo adventure trip across Europe just became a lot more fun and exhilarating. These individual spots offer you extremities when it comes to adventure. So, you get to experience the best of both worlds. From mountains to beaches, these activities cater to all your bucket list wishes.

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9 European Holidays not to miss this Summer

Indian travellers seem to have always an affinity towards European destinations. This could be due to Bollywood movie scenes shot around the spectacular European destinations, could be the ability of today’s India to spend more and travel farther or it could simply be the fact that the rest of the world loves to visit Europe and Indians wish to follow their footsteps.

Do you have such affinity towards Europe? Do you have any dream European holidays on your bucket list? Or even better, are you thinking of traveling to Europe this summer with your family and friends? Well, if you are, here are 9 of the best European holiday ideas for this summer and hopefully some of these can find their way into your European holiday itinerary.

Romantic Paris



One of the world’s most visited cities, there is no better time to explore Paris than the summer months. Gorgeous weather and bright sunshine adds a jump to your step as you explore a city where art, creativity, fashion, food and wine merge into one. Whether you are walking by the banks of the river Seine as portrayed in the Bollywood movie ‘Befikre’, lost in the magical world inside the Louvre, partying at one of the many summer festivals, watching a live opera show at the opera house, feeling a sense of peace at the Notre Dame or Sacre Coeur churches, enjoying a fine dining session at one of the city’s famous restaurants or shopping for designer labels till you drop, a summer holiday in Paris offers all this and much more.

Fairy Tale South Germany



Think cuckoo clocks, mouth blown glass, the world’s first long distance automobile journey and the forest that gave the world some of its best fairy tales! South Germany’s Heidelberg, Black Forest, the Bavarian Alps, Lake Constance and Stuttgart are this and much more. Perfect for outdoor lovers, South Germany is a beautiful combination of outdoor adventure and fairy tale wonders.  And what’s even better is that the Indian heartthrob destination of Switzerland is just a short drive away.

Beaches of Spain

Spain offers a perfect combination of local culture, delicious food, vibrant nightlife, soccer lovers and pristinely beautiful beaches. If you are looking for a beach holiday in Europe, Spain will comfortably lead the way in all top lists. After all, it is difficult to beat the 200 km long white coast of Costa Blanca, the lush forests and spectacular beaches of Tenerife, the island life of Mallorca, the beach parties of Ibiza, the sea side resorts of Costa Brava, the quiet and sunny coastline of Costa del Sol, the mind blowing Canary islands and last, but not the least, the culture, nightlife and beaches of Barcelona, Spain’s 2nd largest and one of the most popular cities.

National Parks and Islands of Croatia

One of the hottest destinations in the world at the moment, Croatia, straddles the Adriatic Sea on the South and the West and the highlands and mountains in the north. This entire South East European country is steeped in rich culture, spectacular coastlines, lush green islands and some of the prettiest natural landscapes present on mother earth. Be it the heritage coastal city of Dubrovnik, the river valley of Krka National Park or the majestic Plitvice National Park, Croatia packs quite a serious punch.

Norway’s Midnight Sun



Tucked up in the upper reaches of the Northern Hemisphere, Norway is the place to witness the magical beauty of the Northern Lights. In the summer months, the aurora borealis is not much visible and hence the midnight sun is celebrated. With some of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, gorgeous fjords, mighty glaciers, absolutely beautiful cities, a high happiness quotient, some of the world’s most green energy and an unbelievably easy access to the Arctic Circle, Norway deserves a special place in a European holiday itinerary. 

Liberal Amsterdam

A hot favourite with the younger generation due to the liberal smoking laws, this Venice of the North, is certainly a sight to behold. With year round lively festivals, lovely canals that criss cross the city, bustling coffee shops, the famous Red Light district, the heritage canal ring, heritage structures in windmills and medieval wooden houses and an amazing collection of museums, Amsterdam is definitely one of the top attractions of a European holiday and hence it finds a mention here. The best way to explore Amsterdam is on a bicycle just like the locals do.

Cultural Overdose in Italy



Home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world, Italy is like most of European holiday packages rolled into one. From delicious pizzas to lip smacking gelato, from trendy fashion to India like motorcycle mania and traffic and from a beautiful language to their famous hand gestures, Italy throws so many charms at you that you will definitely fall in love with her. The canals of Venice, the beautiful island of Sicily, the might of Rome, the food of Bologna, the Renaissance city of Florence, the heritage city of Naples, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, the rocky coastline of Amalfi, the beautiful countryside around Lake Garda and the list just goes on. Italy deserves a special holiday just on its own and do make sure that you manage to get as long a break from work as you can, as Italy is totally worth it.

Best of Eastern Europe in Prague

Once a capital of Bohemia, Czech Republic’s capital Prague, offers a magical experience to all its visitors. Untouched during the world wars, the cathedrals, church towers, bridges, cobbled paths, castle and museums make for fabulous sightseeing during the day. And during the night, this city morphs into the perfect party destination. In fact, such is its popularity that it is often referred to as the top nightlife destination in Europe. A not to miss activity in this magical city is to watch the city go by from inside a boat on the Vltava River.

Natural Wonders of Iceland



Photo Credit: Iceland Tourism

If you love unusual yet fascinating nature, Iceland will definitely appeal to you. With massive waterfalls, sizzling geo thermal springs, innumerable volcanoes, lava forests, icebergs and glaciers, this Nordic country simply oozes raw appeal. A visit to Iceland is like seeing the raw beauty of mother nature’s creations. Whether you are driving to the mighty Gulfoss waterfall, watching the sunrise at Snaefellsjokull National Park or listening to the adrenaline junkie in you by doing glacier hiking, ice climbing, ice caving, volcano climbing, kayaking, river rafting or off-roading, the natural wonders of Iceland are sure to make you tick off all the adventure activities on your bucket list.

So, which of these holiday ideas are finding their way into your European holiday itinerary? Is it one or a combination of a few? While planning your European holiday, do ensure that you cover all bases such as a good travel insurance plan, a solid forex card, a comfortable airline given that the journey will be about 7 to 10 hours long depending on where you are located in India and last, but not the least, a proper Schengen visa.

Note of advice regarding the Schengen visa: The Schengen visa is easy to get, but there is some protocol to be followed. You need to apply for your Schengen visa from the country where you intend to fly into or the country where you intend to stay the longest duration. This is pretty important to know. A lot of Indian travellers have been known to goof up here. Once you have selected your embassy, take an appointment with an approved agency like VFS with all the necessary documentation, flight tickets, hotel bookings and the all-important travel insurance for Schengen visa. If you have followed all the necessary protocol, you should get your Schengen visa on your passport soon and off you can go with your family and friends on your dream European holiday.

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Four European Legends That Will Stir your Interest While Travelling to Europe

Verdant greenery, ancient sites, amazing cities, and a vibrant culture – what else could describe the continent of Europe? From the stories of great kings to those of gladiators, there is a lot to explore in this gracious territory of the mighty. And while you traverse from city to city, province to province, just like a wanderlust seeks an adventure away from the craziness of everyday life, why not get acquainted with the locals.

And when it comes to mingling with the locals, conversing in their language, trying their food delicacies, and of course becoming a part of their culture, why not turn a keen ear to some local legends. Yes! You heard it right, Legends that will interest your mind, tickle your curiosity, and leave you with great conversations. So, before you head out to European holidays, buying the valuable foreign exchange, and booking the right accommodation, do take a look at these impressive legends.

Portugal – The Cock of Barcelos



Ever heard of a verdict in a murder case given by a cock. Then you should surely go to Barcelos and spot the rooster who saved the life of an innocent man. Legend says that long time ago a murder was committed, and a Galician pilgrim was blamed for it. Mysteriously, the roasted chicken that was placed in front of the judge for dinner came to life to prove the pilgrim’s innocence.

France – Broceliande Forest



King Arthur and his advisor Merlin are quite popular in Europe. But did you know Merlin had a secret lover, Viviane. Legend says that Merlin taught her everything about magic, and she imprisoned him in nine invisible rings of air prison. These air prisons kept him back from returning to Arthur. Till date, the locals believe that Merlin’s tomb hides this prison of air.

Norway –Selma



Zoology has listed millions of creatures, but some of them still continue to be a mystery. One such creature is Selma, the 30 feet long serpent that is spotted by a very few. Legends say that the creature was first spotted back in the 1880s. Legend also says that the creature is spotted by very few on dusky evenings near the lake Seljordsvatnet, close to Telmark, Norway. While many stories describe it as a harmless being, still something strange popping out of water in the middle of a wonderful evening will surely terrify you.

Netherlands- Flying Dutchman



Popular among sailors, the Flying Dutchman is a ghost ship doomed to sail the oceans forever. In 1795, a Dutch ship captained by Bernard Fokke got lost in the storm. Legend says that if anyone spots the ship, a streak of misfortune hails him and his family. However, very few people have spotted this ship, so there is no need to worry.

With several such small and big legends spurring around different provinces in Europe, we are sure that your Europe trip will be exciting and filled with amusement and fun. And when you are returning back from this alluring region, make sure to collect some souvenirs to remind you of the amazing trip.

And when you are left with excessive forex, you can surely convert the Euro to INR through various forex services. Or keep it back for another exciting tour to this wonderful region.

Note: The photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikimedia under the Creative Commons license. Each picture has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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Top 10 places to visit in the Netherlands

The Netherlands - also called Holland - is known for its treadmills, tulips and legal drug and prostitution policy. However, the country is so much more than this. You don’t see everyone in a treadmill, smoking weed while holding some tulips. One thing is true, you’ll see every Dutch person on a bike! The most popular city is Amsterdam, but there are many beautiful places in Holland. Fortunately, the country is not that big so traveling doesn’t take too much time. This way you can see the whole country in a couple of weeks. Here are ten of the best places you can visit in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. It’s famous for its many (legal) coffee shops and the Red Light District where the prostitutes sell themselves behind glass. However, the city has much more to it. There’s a lot to do, popular sights include the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Begijnhof. While walking through the city, you’ll see the most beautiful canals and bridges. Just watch out for the cyclists! 

Maastricht

Travel all the way to the south of Holland, where you’ll find beautiful Maastricht. The atmosphere and people are very different. You’ll probably think you’re not in Holland anymore, it’s unexplainable. In the city you’ll find magnificent churches, basilica and museums. After a long day of exploring, get a drink at one of the cosy bars or cafes on the Vrijthof - the square of the inner city. Don’t miss out on the famous “Flan” (Dutch: vlaai), a delicious pie consisting of pastry and filling. So good! 

The Hague
The Hague is also known as the government city of Holland. The city has many monuments and beautiful districts. Plus, it’s located near the coastline of the North Sea. So when you’re visiting on warm days, you can take a dive in the ocean. Other things you can do and see in The Hague are The Peace Palace, Palace Noordeinde, shopping, visiting Madurodam - a miniature version of Holland -, Sealife in the nearby Scheveningen or the Omniversum. The last three are especially fun for children. 

Rotterdam

Thanks to the impressive architecture, Rotterdam might just be one of the most attractive cities in our top 10. Among the modern high rise there are lots of fun places to discover. If you tired from walking, take a cruise or water taxi and see the metropolis in a different light. Rotterdam is perfect if you want something else than your regular city trip. 

Utrecht

In the center of the country you’ll find Utrecht. It’s Holland’s crucial point when it comes to the railroads, high-end waterways. Utrecht’s history goes way back, which can be seen in the buildings and the city center. Popular sights here are the Domtoren and associated church, museum Catherijneconvent (medieval religious art), Rietveld-Schröderhouse and the castle (De Haar). In the evening you can get a drink at one of the bars near the canal for a perfect view. 

Groningen

For Groningen you need to go all the way up to the North. It’s not that far in comparison with traveling in other countries, though Dutch people might disagree. They are not used to travel for more than an hour within their own country. Unfortunately - depending on where you’re coming from - a trip to Groningen can take up to 4 hours. Groningen is known for the many students that reside here. They bring a little extra spark to the city with their events and enthusiastic lifestyle. This city is definitely worth a visit. 

Haarlem

Amsterdam may be the capital of the city, but Haarlem is the capital of the province North Holland. This historic city is known to have one of the most beautiful stations. Thanks to the combination of historical buildings, waterside views, windmills - windmill De Adriaan can be found in central Haarlem - and many options to grab a drink, it’s a unique city which is sometimes overlooked. 

‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch)

Den Bosch has two main sights: the St. Jan Church and the Jheronimus Bosch museum. Furthermore the city also has some unique canals. Are you visiting Den Bosch in February? Chances are you’ll find a crowded city packed with dressed up people who are celebrating a festival called Carnaval. This festival is also celebrated at the same time in the rest of the province (Breda) and in the whole province of Limburg (Maastricht). 

Nijmegen

Nijmegen is known as the oldest city of the Netherlands. It was already here as a part of the Roman Empire and during this time the Roman soldiers of the tenth legion were settled here. On the Waal’s hill you can still find a big fort they built in that time. What not to miss in Nijmegen? The historic parcs, the Valkhof Museum, restaurants and bars at the Waalkade and open air festivals. Are you visiting in July? Every year the greatest walking event in the world takes place in Nijmegen. Next years marks the 100th edition of the The Four Days Marches. Thousands of people walk 30, 40 or 50 km a day. And if you don’t like walking, you can party for a week long during the Four Days Festival. 

Breda

Breda is a combination of a historic and modern city. Many medieval buildings are still intact, such as the Castle of Breda or the church, but you’ll see many modern touches to the city. In the center you’ll find most of the bars and pubs and while strolling through the city center, especially the historic feeling is tangible. Take a look for yourself! Fun fact: famous DJ Tiësto is born in Breda.

Tip: when you are traveling a lot, it could be wise to take a (cheap) prepaid phone with you. This way you are in control of your expenses. You can easily top up your prepaid credit online at Recharge dot com.

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