First-Hand Tips on 4 Countries for Your First Summer Trip to Europe!

Spending your summer vacation in Europe can be a thrilling and life-changing experience. With vibrant cultures, sumptuous cuisine and majestic structures, it’s hard not to think of Europe months away from now. So while you have enough time, pack your trusty gladiator sandals, maxi dress, light cardigan, stylish crossbody bag and your sunscreen essentials in your luggage as you travel to top destinations in the world.

Italy

Visit Rome if you’re after the rich history of the Roman Empire. Though Rome is mostly modernized at this time, you can still see the ruins and old structure continuously being restored at the city center. Don’t forget to wear your strappy gladiator sandals and light dress when you take a snap at the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. If you want to see the seat of Catholicism, spend the early morning at Vatican City. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water as you have to get in (long) line to see St. Peter’s Basilica or the Sistine Chapel. Beware of pick pockets as they are plenty in Rome. Of course, don’t forget to taste original Italian cooking!

France

Spend three days in Paris for your trip to France. Wear comfortable sandals, sneakers or flats as you will need to walk far to visit the magnificent structures Paris has to offer. Surely, you can use the train to go from Notre Dame Cathedral, to the Louvre, to the Eiffel Tower then to Arc de Triomphe but you’ll be missing on a whole lot of great views when you’re underground. Depending on your location, hotels can be very expensive. Instead of bringing US dollars, might as well have them changed to Euros before travelling as currency exchange can be very expensive in Paris (and they’re very scarce in some locations). Most shops are closed on Sundays so better do you shopping during weekdays. Plus, drinking water can be really expensive. Average cost is €2 per 500ml bottle.

Belgium

If you want a different kind of scenery with a culture influenced by the Vikings, get your backpack ready for a trip to Brugge. It’s a relatively smaller city than Paris with fewer locals but you can see old homes date back to the 17th century. You can get the finest tapestries and Belgian chocolates in Brugge. During your trip, don’t forget to taste their most famous French fries (originally Belgian fries), Mussels, Belgian waffle, chocolates and their beef stew.

London

Take an adventure to London and you’ll fall in love with the British ways. From the London Eye to Big Ben and Parliament, to Westminster Abbey to the Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, you can easily visit them via their very efficient Tube and red double decker bus using just one Oyster Card.
Royalty at its finest is the key when you visit London. You’ll also feel secured with polite people all around the area. If you’re looking for a location that’s friendly to tourists and very near public transport to and from the airport, stay near Paddington station. You can be very near Hyde Park, Tesco and the St. Mary’s Hospital where Prince George was born. Never leave London without taking a bite of their famous steak and fish and chips!