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Western Europe

Western Europe is an excellent all-round destination for 'virgin backpackers', romantic honeymooners or those travelling with Children. There is something for everyone from wine tasting in Bordeaux to dogsledding in Greenland.

For those interested in history, there can be few better regions than Western Europe to witness some of the world's oldest institutions still in working order. In England alone, for example, there can be found the Houses of Parliament in London, which was a palace in King Henry VIII's time and remains a palace today. It is the seat of UK power and has been so since long before iconic figures of British history such as Peel and Churchill stood in the chamber.

Western Europe can never be described as living in the past. It remains a vibrant centre of economic power and its cities (Amsterdam, Milan, Brussels and Paris) are full of examples of some of the latest architecture, music and art (and also home to the most famous artist works such as Da Vinci and Van Gogh) as that economic wealth breathes life into Western culture.

Travelling around Western Europe is now easier than ever, thanks to the ever-expanding European Union, which is breaking down borders for travellers, meaning that there will usually be familiar icons/symbols no matter where you go. The Eurostar shuttling between London, Paris, Lille, Avignon and Brussels also makes travelling convenient and economical (not to mention environmentally friendly!).

But that does not mean that Europe is bland and boring. Far from having assimilated the ways of each nation through the European Union, rather there have become some even more distinct cultural differences, as the countries of Europe seek to redefine themselves in an age of modern travel and freedom of movement.

Spain, for example, has seen huge regeneration in recent years and although it was once trapped under Franco's rule, it has moved into the 21st Century as an exciting and diverse country. From the rolling hills to the bustling streets of Madrid, the country is an example of most European cities, where the picturesque can meld seamlessly with the vibrant atmosphere of a town or city.

For those who enjoy skiing, the Alps are just one example of a mountain range in Europe where the snow is never-ending and the scenery utterly breathtaking. On the other hand, for those who prefer a city break, try the ultra-fashionable Milan, super-cool Barcelona or ancient Athens.

Western Europe can offer almost everything a traveller could want and while it is perhaps one of the more expensive parts of the world, there are many areas where travellers can find bargains and spend a comfortable trip without having to break the bank (such as the Euro-rail, or small boutique guest houses). On the other hand if you want the ultimate luxury, there are plenty of luxurious places to stay such as Palazzo Sasso on the Amalfi Coast or travel in style on the Orient Express, from Paris to Venice.

Top 5

  1. Stay a night at the impressive but chilly Ice Hotel in Sweden
  2. Drive through Italy at the wheel of the latest Ferraris (Rome or Milan)
  3. Opera and New Years Eve Ball at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna
  4. Experience a Volcanic White Mud Bath in Iceland
  5. Icebergs, Dogsledding and the Northern Lights in Greenland

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