Europe has always been the romantic venue of choice by many people all over the world. The banks of the Seine and the lights of Pairs, the Eiffel Tower and the streetside cafes, to name a few, have been dreamed of by starstruck lovers and ecstatic honeymooners. In Italy the gondola rides of Venice continue to be favorites, while Switzerland has its Lake Geneva and the Alps for the romantic tourists. Germany entices couples along the Danube, with the ancient castles and the breathtaking mountainscapes of Bavaria, while Holland still has its acres of tulip fields and levees decorated with functioning old-style windmills.
Currency is no problem in Europe, where the dollar remains strong and continue to be the main medium of international monetary exchange; language is no barrier as most everyone understand English; transportation and accommodations the least of all troubles. So many airlines operate flights to Europe every day, rail lines crisscross the continent and there are hotels, pensions, inns and out-of-the-way cottages in every conceivable form and service level there is absolutely something for anyone going to Europe as a romantic getaway. Indeed the only problem in going there is to decide which place to go first.
The solution to this problem may be found in what you intend to do while on the romantic vacation. History buffs can start with Germany, Poland and Central Europe; music lovers with Paris; while the religious always begin with Rome and the Vatican. Winter sports vacationers usually target the Alps of Switzerland, and art lovers do well with the Louvre Museum in Paris and Prado in Spain.
In going to Europe for a vacation (or anywhere for that matter) there are several reminders worth taking note of. The tips will make your trips more enjoyable and the preparation less hassling, minimizing the problems and mishaps vacationers normally experience in going anywhere.
1. Plan your trip in detail- Once you have decided where to go, find as much information about the place you’re going to. Unless you have been there before, there should be many things you may need to know, such as transportation options, hotel rates and alternative places, distances to places you wish to visit and the relative amounts of time needed to go from one venue to another. There is no use planning going to five places in a day when you have time only for two or thereabouts. Visiting a place also means seeing it, not only getting there.
2. Book in advance your flights and accommodations- Most especially during peak tourist season and as much as possible, unless you are the adventurous kind like college students on a lark. Prior to finalizing your reservations, however, it is good to research for alternative places and airlines. Ask friends who have travelled to your intended places and inquire what they think of the hotel or airline. Also, do not be afraid to ask at your alternative hotel what they think about your choice, their competitor. But a few days before your departure confirm your reservations just to be sure.
3. Travel as light as possible- There is no point in getting harassed by minding your luggage and tipping overworked bellboys and porters. Unless you are going to a gala gathering, take only a few formal clothes and much informal outfits with you. You can always buy what you need in any city you go to.
4. Study the language- A few phrases in the native language can do wonders to get you along beautifully with the locals. There is also an advantage if you understand what they are talking about without letting them know it. Sometimes you get juicy secrets that way.
These are just a few practical tips on how to enjoy a romantic European vacation, and there are many others. However, the best one is, once you made preparations the best you can, simply enjoy your vacation and make romance while there. It is then purpose of the vacation anyhow, lest you forget.
