Europe is a continent chock full of complex cultures found in beautiful places with incredible histories. It draws millions of travellers every year offering everything from beaches to mountains, forests to cities, and all within relatively close quarters. Europe is a wonderful place to learn new languages, to taste new foods, and, best of all, meet amazingly diverse people from all different backgrounds and nationalities.
There’s something to be said about travelling to more than one country while you’re on the road. I know there is an age-old argument that to really know a place you must spend a significant amount of time there, and, of course, if you were to really understand France, you must focus on travel in France. But by crossing borders in one trip, you’re able to add the unique perspective of comparing more than one country, one culture with another. And, I argue there’s relevance to doing just such a thing.
Crossing borders allows for a unique perspective.
For starters, European countries are all so close that it’s incredibly easy to travel between them. The train connections are fantastic and often on a precise schedule (think German time). There are bus connections to every major city, and cheap flights often at rates of €50.00–100.00 no matter where you go on the continent. A Eurail Train Pass is a great option, as is overland travel with organized tours. And why not look into sailing trips around the Mediterranean?
Currency
The Euro is the main currency used in European Union countries. This makes travelling between them much easier and far less of a hassle to be able to avoid currency exchange counters.
Passports
With relatively open borders, you’ll give a miss to the long immigration lines and be able to move quite easily between EU countries.
Travelling from one country to next in Europe shows you just how many subcultures exist in such close proximity.
Subcultures
Travelling from one country to next in Europe shows you just how many subcultures exist in such close proximity. Take Switzerland, for example. Do you know how many languages are spoken there? Switzerland is a genuinely small country, but each corner has its own specific subculture. There is Swiss–German, Romanish, French and Italian all spoken and represented within Swiss culture, history, government, and in their institutions. That’s amazing! And that’s only one country, no need to delve into Belgium, Andorra, Germany (north to south varies greatly), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain, and more. There is a wealth of subcultures waiting to be discovered throughout most countries in Europe and visiting more than one is a great way to learn more about this amazing continent.
Discover how history can be monumental.
History
To physically stand where many fascinating events have occurred is incredible. Take in the feeling of sitting on the steps of the Vatican, or the Colosseum in Rome, or on the cliffs of Claire County in Ireland where many a New World settler saw their last piece of home. Europe is a place that often has histories that span over more than one country. From the First and Second world wars, to art and museums, to the present day. .
Food
Eating your way around Europe is a very good reason to travel to more than just one country. Italian food is known worldwide and searching out your favourite pizza alone makes the country well worth a visit, not to mention gelato, tomatoes, olives, wine, and that’s just the beginning. Also France and Spain, Portugal and Greece, all have amazing local delicacies and internationally famous dishes to match.
I fully advocate for eating your way around a country.
These are but a few reasons why travelling to more than one country in Europe is a good thing. Travelling this way exposes you to some of the most fascinating aspects of the continent. The intricately different and divergent cultures and everything they stand for all located in such a small area is truly an incredible thing. Have fun, safe travels, buen viaje, boa viagem, bon voyage, gute risen, buon viaggio.
Getting There
G Adventures runs a number of departures in Europe encompassing a wide range of departure dates and activities to cater to different tastes. We’re thrilled at the prospect of showing you this big blue planet of ours — check out our small group trips here.
