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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7 Norway Holiday Experiences that you should not miss

It is the land of the midnight sun. It is the land of the polar night. And it is the land of the northern lights (Aurora Borealis). This place is home to some of mother nature’s best spectacles. This land is the Viking kingdom of Norway and possibly one of the most scenic countries that I have stepped foot into.

 
From fjords to glaciers, from snow capped mountains to scenic roads and from one picture perfect town after another, Norway is full of spectacular sights and experiences. If you are the outdoor kind and love to dibble in a little bit of walking, hiking, cycling or driving, this country is tailor made for you, especially in the summer months.

 
These are 7 special holiday experiences from Norway that should be in every Norwegian holiday itinerary. While most of them are experiences to be had throughout the year, some of them are season specific, like the midnight sun in the summer months and the Northern lights in the winter months.

Midnight Sun at Lofoten Archipelago
 
Located well above the arctic circle, the Lofoten archipelago with its picture-perfect fishing towns, high mountains, gorgeous fjords and pristine white sandy beaches is possibly one of the most scenic zones of Norway and definitely one of my favorites. In the summer months, you can enjoy the midnight sun from the western beaches. In the winter, one can experience polar night and see the Northern lights.

While you are here, do book yourself a night or more in a rorbu, the traditional fisherman cabins for a true local experience.

Hiking in Jotunheimen


Jotunheimen is hands down the best Scandinavian mountain area! The hikes here are simple and offer breathtaking views of glaciers with lakes, crystal blue rivers, steep climbs and amazing mountain scenery. The hike across Besseggen is the most popular as it offers the best sights in the shortest hike.

Your local guide to Norway could potentially help you find some lesser known trails and routes for a more offbeat mountain experience.

Northern Lights at Tromso
 
Located in the northern most edge of Norway, Tromso is definitely one of the most sought after winter destinations in Norway. From late September to late March, chasing the Northern Lights is possibly the most popular tourist activity here. In addition to northern lights chases, winter holidays here offer opportunities to indulge in some reindeer sledding, cross country skiing and whale watching.

If you are visiting during the summer months, you will definitely get to experience the midnight sun, you can go on long glacier walks or you can simply go on a quiet fishing trip.

Glacier view at Fjaerland
I love this town because it gives me the opportunity to see a close-up view of a glacier without having to go on an arduous climb. The quiet fishing town experience is just an added bonus.

If you are visiting during the summer months, do opt for the ferry cruise from Balestrand to see stunning glacier views and to keep the photographer in you heavily engaged.

Flamsbana Train Ride
 
If you a big fan of train journeys across the world, you will definitely dig this one. One of the steepest train rides in the world, the Flamsbana or the Flam railway offers a great perspective of the Norwegian fjord landscape. Named by National Geographic as one of the top 10 train journeys in Europe, the Flam railway, in a matter of 60 minutes or so, gives you a whirlwind tour of amazing waterfalls, long tunnels, steep mountains, beautiful valleys and so many gorgeous fjord views that the hangover will last for quite a long time.

Atlantic Ocean Road
This 8.3 kilometre ocean road is possibly one of Norway’s top road trip circuits and definitely one of the most scenic road trips in Europe. With ocean tunnels, mind blowing bridges and a heady concoction of the ocean, fjords, snow laden mountains and lush green vegetation, this road stretch is a must-do, must-see and must-experience whether you are on a bicycle, motorcycle or in the cozy confines of an automobile.

Hiking and Camping at Nordkapp
 
If you are the hiking and camping type, Nordkapp is the place for you. Towering high above the arctic ocean, this steep cliff in the northernmost reaches of the European shelf is an ideal getaway to enjoy the midnight sun in the wild. Mountain climbing, hiking and fishing are popular activities to do here.

Note: The photographs in this post have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its original host page on wikipedia.

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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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The road to freedom: Great European Summer Road Trips

With big name routes and vast open spaces, America is naturally the first destination that springs to mind for a road trip. With summer fast approaching,the strongest Pound for many years, and excellent and affordable connectivity to the European Continent, though, Europe is a great choice for your next road tour. We've picked three of our favourite European trips - of many fantastic routes across North, East, South and West - from Northern Spain's lush hills and pristine beaches to Norway's Atlantic Road.

Northern Spain and Glitzy Biarritz



Spain's unspoilt North Coast has been creeping onto the travel agenda in the last few years, but this summer, this region comes into it's own with San Sebastian crowned joint European Capital of Culture for 2016. Fantastic roads mean that traversing the region is easy and flexible, but our favourite route starts in the far South-Western corner of France, in Europe's surf capital and the holiday resort of Queen Victoria, Biarritz. From here it's only a short drive over the border into Spain, touching the Pyrenees that act as the natural border between the two countries. San Sebastian is the first major stop, notwithstanding the coastline's beautiful beaches and seaside resorts. You can expect world class food in hundreds of eateries across the city's central grid and seafront, where Rio de Janeiro meets Eastbourne. From here, head inland to Pamplona, home of the annual bull run, before tacking West to sleepy Vitoria-Gasteiz, an authentic Spanish town. The last leg is North to Bilbao, a former industrial city that has been transformed since the opening of the Guggenheim Art Gallery on the city's riverfront.

Tuscany: Italy's gift that keeps on giving



There's a bit of everything, scenery-wise, in the Italian region that remains a firm favourite of road-trippers. Start on Italian's Ligurian coast in Pisa (Leaning Tower optional) before heading North and inland to Lucca, Montecatini Terme, and Tuscany's capital, Florence. All three offer culture, history and famous Italian dining- notwithstanding beautiful scenery in-between. From here it's South to precariously-perched hill-town San Gimignano, before stunning Siena. The road South from here offers breathtaking variety, from ancient forest to arid, open plains and even wild, free hot springs at Saturnia.

Norway's Atlantic Road: the modern marvel



At just over 5 miles, Norway's Atlantic Ocean road might be a more a jaunt than a full-blown road trip, but making this short stretch onto a longer trip makes for a memorable experience. Traversing a remote archipelago, the 1989 road constitutes an architectural marvel, sweeping up, down, and all around, and even catching a few waves itself. Summer really is the optimal time to visit- think long evenings and beautiful sunsets. Norway's reputation for expense can be off-putting, but travelling by car helps keep costs down.

You can take your own car across the continent, and most easily to Spain or France, or you can rent once you're there- just remember to get fully covered including comprehensive excess insurance in case of any problems. Europe's road trip possibilities are endless; and a tantalising proposition for a summer break. Bon voyage, and enjoy!


Photo Credits: All the photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia under the Creative Commons license and each photo has been linked to the original page on wikipedia.

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5 Unlikely Holiday Destinations in Europe

When most of us think of a European holiday, we think of Paris, London, Amsterdam, Spain, Switzerland, Greece or even Germany. These are great holiday destinations, but there is more to Europe than these extremely popular cities and countries. There are places that offer sensational landscapes, rich cultural past, exceptional experiences and all this at great value for money. Here are 5 such unlikely holiday destinations in Europe:

Romania – Land of the Dracula


This Balkan country is the land of the Dracula. It is one of the cheapest countries to travel in Europe and also one of the most culturally vibrant. The Transylvanian Alps, Carpathian mountains, the Danube river and the Black Sea make this country a paradise for spectacular landscapes. From the painted monasteries of Southern Bukovnia to the megalomaniac monuments of Bucharest, from the biosphere reserves of the Danube Delta and the Black Sea Lagoons to the monasteries and deserts of Oltenia, from the baroque cities and traditional German villages of Banat to the traditional wooden churches and mountains of Maramures and from the medieval cities of Muntenia to the ski resorts of Transylvania, Romania offers travelers a lot of avenues to choose from.

I would go to Romania for its medieval churches, monasteries, laid back villages, friendly people and for the scenic Danube delta.

Poland – Eastern Europe’s Highlight


One of the largest countries of Eastern Europe, Poland offers great history from the  second World War. It’s unique mix of culturally strong beautiful European cities and relatively unspoilt countryside makes it a top holiday destination in Europe. From the sandy beaches with dunes and cliffs on the Baltic coast to the magnificent medieval cities of Krakow and Lublin in the South, from the picturesque backwaters of Podlachia to the warm and camping friendly countryside of Warmia- Masuria, from the beautiful Renaissance era town of Zamosc to the red-brick Gothic castle at Malbork and from the metropolitan center of Poland with Warsaw and Lodz to the birdwatcher’s paradise and inland dunes of Greater Poland, Poland has enough charms to keep you spell bound on your holiday.

Whether you are a culture buff, bird watcher, outdoor enthusiast, cyclist or even a party animal, Poland would appeal to you.

Norway – Northern Lights 


Arctic Circle, Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Midnight Sun are some of the top things that come to mind when someone mentions Norway. A rugged landscape shaped by the Ice Age, Norway is famous for its amazing scenery that includes forested hills and valleys, mountains, a long coastline with fjords and some of the world’s greatest waterfalls. One of Europe’s sparsely populated countries, it is home to the most beautiful road in the world at Atlanterhavsveien, the largest glacier on European mainland at Jostedalsbreen and the northernmost part of Continental Europe at Nordkapp. Norway is also a top place in Europe for its party life.

If polar ice, ancient Sami culture, picturesque fjords, arctic islands and lots of adventure is what you seek, then Norway would be your perfect getaway. The easiest way to get here is to take flights to Oslo from many places in Europe or by taking the famous Norwegian cruises.

Iceland – Volcanoes and Ice


This Nordic country is home to glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and lots of rugged geography. This is one of those countries to visit if you are a outdoor, nature and scenic landscape buff. Due to its proximity to the arctic circle, one can also experience the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights here. From the lava fields and waterfalls of North Iceland to the largest city of Reykjavik, from the ice covered volcanic crater at Snaefellsjokull National Park to the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland at Gullfoss and from the whale watching site of Husavik to the geothermal hot springs at Geysir, Iceland has many of nature’s special sights that are bound to keep you captivated.

All you have to do on your trip to Iceland is to stray a bit away from the capital city and the rugged geography will come into view.

Serbia – Balkan Music and National Parks


Considered as one of the earliest settlements in Europe, Serbia is the birth place of many Roman Emperors. Home to the famous tennis stars and all-night party clubs, its capital, Belgrade has been voted as one of the most up and coming capitals of Europe. One of the top things about Serbia is its famous Balkan music with its traditional brass bands and trumpet festivals. Summers are popular for outdoor activities and national parks, while winters are known for ski slopes and mountain cabins. From the medieval 12th century monastery of Studenica to the Fruska Gora National Park that is dotted with ancient monasteries and wineries, from the breath taking Djerdap national park to the medieval castle in Golubac and from the famous ski resort of Zlatibor to Vrsac, one of the most beautiful cities in Serbia, this South East European country has attractions for every season.

Be it culture, history, scenic nature, wineries, nightlife, music, castles, churches or wildlife, Serbia has all this and more. You are bound to enjoy this beautiful Balkan country.

Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Flybe.

Note: The photographs in this post have been borrowed under the Creative Commons License and have been linked to their respective host domain pages.

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