Travel Insurance for Europe
Many UK residents prefer to spend their holidays in another European country instead of having a staycation. If you are planning a trip to Europe, here is some essential travel advice and a few ideas for places you might like to visit.
Emergency Contact Information
The general European emergency number is 112. This will put your through to the police, emergency medical services, and the fire department. Each country will have their own local emergency numbers, so you should research them before you leave for your trip in case you need to use them while you’re away. If you need consular services while you are travelling in Europe, you should make a note of the contact details and location of the nearest embassy in the city you will be staying in.
Travel Safety Tips
Each country and region will have their own laws and entry requirements and it is important that you research them thoroughly and follow them to the letter. Road safety laws will be different in each country, so you should look them up online so that you can drive safely while on your trip. You should check the GOV.UK site to see if you need an international driving permit (IDP) and you can apply for an international driving permit on the Post Office website.
You will need a Schengen visa if you are planning to travel to one or more countries in the Schengen area for a period of longer than 90 days in a 180-day period. You should make several copies of your travel documents in case they get lost or stolen and you need to replace them. Print out copies and leave them with family members and friends, and keep a copy in your hotel safe. You should also have digital copies that you can access on your phone or laptop.
Before traveling to another country in Europe, you will need to apply for a UK EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). This is not a replacement for the emergency medical cover provided by travel insurance, and you should purchase a policy when booking your trip.
When planning your travels to another European country, you should make sure your trip is covered by travel insurance. If you are only taking a short one-off trip, you will need single trip travel insurance. You can cover the multiple trips you take within one year with annual-multi trip travel insurance or if you are planning one long trip to several countries, you can get cover with worldwide travel insurance. For essential travel advice for the European country you are travelling to, check out the FCDO travel advice.
Places to Visit in Europe
There are 50 sovereign states in Europe, so you won’t be short of places to visit. We have created a list of some of the most visited European countries and the reasons so many people like to travel there.
France
France is a popular destination for UK tourists because it is just across the Channel, and can be reached by plane, taking the Eurostar, or by taking the cross-Channel ferry. Tourists have the option of staying in a port town, visiting a ski resort, or vacationing in the countryside, or staying in the capital of Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Fance is known for its wine, food (especially cheeses, pastries, and desserts), fashion, and the relaxed atmosphere. France is easily recognisable for its ornate chateaus, iconic landmarks, and mild weather.
Spain
The beauty and uniqueness of Spain is what inspired artists such as Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí. It is France’s next-door neighbour, but the culture couldn’t be more different. This country offers travellers the opportunities to swim in the water of the Mediterranean Sea and travel to the stunning inland cities. People come here to experience the fiestas, flamenco dances, bullfights, and flavourful food, such as paella, gazpacho, patatas bravas, churros.
Italy
Italy is known for its famous cities such as Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Pisa, and Naples. People who travel here can try culinary classics such as pizza, pasta, and risotto, and revel in Roman history, art, and classic architecture. Italy has a diverse landscape, with rolling hills, the Italian alps, and its long coastline. Some of the most popular tourist landmarks are the Sistine Chapel, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Rialto Bridge, and Pompeii.
Germany
Germany is an affordable vacation spot for travellers and is popular with backpackers because of its friendly locals. People are drawn to Germany because of its history and for the chance to see historical sites such as Auschwitz, the Holocaust memorial, and the Berlin Wall. People often choose to stay in Berlin, but Munich, Franfurt, Hamberg, and Düsseldorf are also top tourist cities. If you are planning on seeing multiple cities, the most reliable way to get around is by train. Germany is perhaps best known for its beer, music, comforting food, Christmas markets, castles, and the Bavarian Alps.
Greece
Greece is a family friendly destination, and it is perfect for adults who want to experience the nightlife. Travellers can choose to stay on mainland Greece or go to one of the islands. If you want to do some island hopping, you can take a short flight or a ferry. A trip to Greece is the ultimate way to learn about Greek history; you will find plenty of ruins and archaeological sites dotted around the country. There are plenty of restaurants that serve fresh seafood year-round and there are hiking and water sport activities to do during the warm, sunny days.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a laid-back country, and when most people envision it, they think of tall windmills, fields of tulips, wooden clogs, and delicious Dutch cheeses. Visitors can opt to stay in the countryside or in the city, with the capital of Amsterdam being one off the most visited cities. People generally prefer to travel by bike, but in places like Giethoorn, you will spend more time cruising on the canal. Many people like to visit the museums and galleries dedicated to famous Dutch artists, such as Vincent Van Gogh, Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Hieronymus Bosch.
