Travel Guide to Europe

Europe

As one of the seven continents of the world, Europe offers travellers very unique experiences of different cultures and diverse landscapes.  Since the days of the Grand Tour in the 17th century, travellers have flocked to Europe to explore its grand cities and delight in the wide variety of sights, history, art, music, and food. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR EUROPE
Even with reciprocal health care agreements, travel insurance for European travel is important. Click Here for more travel insurance information.

Europe is no less beguiling to visitors now than in the days of the Grand Tour.  Fortunately for us, however, getting to Europe and travelling between countries is so much easier nowadays. 

The internet, budget airlines and affordable package holidays have opened up the wonders of European and world travel to people from all walks of life.  The introduction of the euro within many EU countries has eradicated the headaches often associated with currency exchange when travelling throughout Europe.

There are many options for travellers wishing to explore Europe these days. Europe’s impressive and ever-expanding network of motorways, tunnels, rail systems and bridges, as well as rivers and canals, provide a wide choice and variety. The Channel Tunnel (also known as the Chunnel) offers the option to travel between England and France in just over half an hour.  Another way to easily get around in Europe is via the huge network of ferry routes.  Cruises are also a very popular way to see Europe.

European Health Insurance Card

The European Union is an ever-expanding partnership of member countries.  Citizens of member EU countries travelling within the European Union should apply for the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).  The EHIC entitles the holder to emergency healthcare in a state-run facility, and makes the process of obtaining treatment much simpler.  However, the EHIC should not be used as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance!

Note:  the euro-wide emergency number is ‘112’.  This number was introduced to assist visitors by eliminating the confusion caused by different numbers between countries, as well as the associated language difficulties.  Multilingual operators are available to handle emergency calls.

Click on our Travel Guide pages to explore your destination further.  We highly recommend that you also follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) website, which is included on each destination page.  The FCO, via its ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign, provides valuable, important and updated travel advice. 

Know Before You Go: Country Advice for Europe