How to Travel in Europe with Friends
Traveling to Europe with friends creates memories you will cherish for a lifetime. But proper planning is essential to ensure everyone will have a great time. Otherwise, what was supposed to be a fun holiday could become a complete disaster. Here are some suggestions on how to travel Europe with friends and make it a holiday you will remember for the rest of your lives!
Experience Interrailing
Interrailing is a fantastic way to explore Europe and visit its many beautiful cities. It’s an ideal option for friends who want to explore more than one European country and has plenty of time to spend on train travel. For this option, you will need to get an Interrail Pass, which allows you to travel to various European countries within 30 days.
Using the Interrail Pass, you can choose as many cities as you wish to visit and have the freedom to decide when to travel and how long you will spend in each place. One of the most popular itineraries to consider is the one that begins in the French city of Toulouse and ends in Cologne, Germany. It’s a 14-day train journey, taking you through Barcelona, Nice, Genoa, Rome, and Zurich, before arriving at your final destination of Cologne.
Another option is to explore the Scandinavian region with your Interrail Pass. Starting in Amsterdam, you can take the train to Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stockholm, Hamburg, and Antwerp. If you want to shorten the trip, you can skip Norway and head straight to Stockholm from Copenhagen.
Go Island-Hopping
Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful islands. So, it’s not surprising why island hopping is a popular activity on the continent. On your island-hopping trip, you’ll visit as many islands as possible, venture into secluded bays, and enjoy some water activities while indulging in delicious foods and drinks on your boat.
There are many European countries to enjoy an island-hopping adventure with friends. One of these is Greece, home to thousands of islands and islets scattered across the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian Seas. When planning to travel or tour around Greece, start your journey in Athens and spend a couple of days exploring ancient sites and bustling markets and trying out delectable Greek delicacies. Next, head to the world-famous island of Santorini. Here, you can hike across pretty villages and spend some time at the beach.
From Santorini, make your way to the nearby island of Paros. Go swimming and cliff diving with your friends. Then head to the party island of Mykonos. It’s worth spending a few days here to soak up the island’s vibrant nightlife scene. If you still have time, visit Crete, home to gorgeous beaches and fascinating archaeological sites. From Crete, you can then head back to Athens.
Try Backpacking
Europe is one of the world’s best destinations for a backpacking trip. Backpacking appeals to young travelers who want to discover the world on a budget and would not mind sacrificing comfort. When you go backpacking, you’ll sleep in hostels, explore places at your own pace, eat street foods, and perhaps, go hitchhiking if needed. It’s a fantastic way to discover the country’s local culture since you will interact with locals when taking public transportation and visiting local markets.
Before you head off for your backpacking adventure, come up with a plan. Map out your routes, plan your itineraries, and book your accommodations. The best place to start your European adventure is in Central and Eastern Europe. Begin your journey in Budapest and spend a few days discovering the city. From here, travel to Krakow and spend a couple of days exploring its picturesque Old Town. Next, make your way to Berlin, Germany’s bustling capital city, home to fantastic museums and art galleries. From Berlin, head to Prague and spend one to two days discovering the beautiful Czech capital.
The Balkan is also a great region to explore on a backpacking trip to Europe. Budapest is the best place to start your journey. From here, head to Novi Sad and into Belgrade and Sarajevo. If you still have time, continue your backpacking adventure to Kotor, Albania, Skopje, and Sofia.
Spend Some Time Outdoors Camping
One way to enjoy a memorable European holiday with friends is camping. Europeans love to camp, so it’s not surprising to find many scenic campgrounds all over the continent. From the picturesque Alpine region to the coastal villages of Italy and the stunning countryside of the UK, you’ll find many fantastic campgrounds in Europe to spend a night or two with friends.
There are several great campsites across the UK, making it one of Europe’s most picturesque places to go camping. Some of the most popular places to camp are in England’s Lake District and the Highlands in Scotland. These areas have many camping grounds, with some offering the option for glamping, a more luxurious way to camp. For instance, the Castle Guards Farm Retreat in Cumbria offers glamping pods that accommodate six guests. These pods have comfy beds and other modern amenities for a more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
In the Highlands, you can stay in Ardgay Glamping Pods, a glamping site set in the rural village of Ardgay. You will sleep in a fully furnished glamping pod with an ensuite bathroom, dining area, kitchenette, and comfy beds.
Hire a Car and Go on a Road Trip
Another adventurous way to discover Europe with friends is on a road trip. Europe has some of the world’s most scenic roads. From the coastal regions of Italy to the picturesque countryside of France and the rugged landscapes of Iceland, road-tripping Europe is an incredible experience, especially if you do it with friends!
If you want a more adventurous way of driving around Europe, head to Iceland and conquer the Ring Road, which encircles the entire nation, taking you through the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. It covers a distance of 1,333 km, which would take around 12 to 13 hours. But to make the most of your journey, you should take a week or so, giving you plenty of time to stop and marvel at the majestic sceneries along the way.
Travel by Canal Boat
Traveling along the canals is an excellent way to try something new when seeking a trip to explore Europe with friends. This unique way to travel provides you with beautiful scenery of rolling hills and lush greenery, all while relaxing and going at a leisurely pace.
There are many places to experience canal boating, a canal boat holiday in the UK is a great option when seeking a trip full of adventure and beautiful countryside. You can pack all your own things and create a unique experience without the distractions of everyday life. In addition, this is a great way to spend some wholesome time with friends.
You can tailor your journey to suit you; whether you’re looking for short routes, dog-friendly barges, or longer journeys, the choice is entirely yours. Canal boats also provide the perfect way to stay and travel at the same time. With all your belongings in one place, you can easily move onto your next spot.
