Lately, South East Asia and America tend to be topping the list of travel destinations for backpackers looking for a bit of adventure. But it’s important that you make sure the route you take on your journeys is what you want to do, rather than what everyone else is doing. Traveling is your time to be a little selfish. It’s a time for you to find yourself, enjoy yourself and experience all of the things that you’ve always wanted. So, if you’re looking for an alternative adventure and want to stray from the beaten backpacker path, you might prefer to head to the European Continent. There are plenty of places to go, but here are some of our favorites that you might like to check out too!
Paris, France
Okay, Paris may seem like a bit of cliche and isn’t the most secret travel destination. Around 6.9 million people visit every single year. But with good reason. Paris is the city of love! With astounding monuments like the Eiffel Tower, renowned museums like the Louvre, churches like Notre Dame and endlessly romantic, side street cafes filled with crepes and good coffee, Paris is bound to capture your heart. Just remember to buy Euros before heading there. As with many capital cities around the world, things can be a little expensive, so you should be prepared to splash the cash on this leg of your venture. If you want to go all out, book a night at the Moulin Rouge with a meal and champagne.
Barcelona, Spain
If you’re toying with the idea of a beach retreat on the one hand and a city retreat on the other, Barcelona offers you the best of both worlds. Check out stunning architectural feats like the Sagrada Familia, admire the artistry of the Placa Espanya and explore the Gothic quarter for a couple of days. Once you’ve appreciated the local cultural sights, you can head to Barceloneta Beach to catch some rays on the sand and dip your toes in the sea. Perfect!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you fancy traveling in the colder, autumn or winter months, Amsterdam may well be the place to go. The city has endless indoor activities that will enrich you. Book in advance for a tour of Anne Frank’s house. The experience will bring tears to your eyes but is deeply humbling and informative. The Van Gogh Museum is also worth checking out. It is home to the largest collection of the artist’s work and has a free audio guide that will take you on a journey through his life and works. Finish off the trip with a riverboat trip down the city’s famous canals.
Remember, these are just some of the wonderful gems that Europe has to offer! There are so many more places to check out, so use these examples to whet your appetite for Continental adventure. Visit one or two and plan your journey from there on out! Countries are relatively close to one another, so make the most of your time on the continent by visiting as many as possible.
