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"Clarification: this is not a travel guide but an aid for all who write me asking for advice to travel around this part of the world. More important clarification: Europe has 50 countries (and 6 partially recognized) of which I have traveled (not even in depth) 10, so what you will find in this text is data and advice based on my experience in Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Hungary, England, Iceland, Portugal, Czech Republic and Sweden."
"DESTINATION EUROPE:
The most visited countries in the world are in Europe. In my case, the continent was never a priority among my destinations. When I started to travel, I dreamed of distant and exotic places (so maybe I went to Asia rather than the more "traditional" places) and Europe seemed very touristy and a little boring. He had the typical prejudices: "It is expensive", "it is too ordered", "it is going to remain the same for several decades", "is to know of great" (?), "Is to go to see museums and ruins", "is An easy destination. " Error. ERROR (I would hit). Now that I know her I feel that I came at the right moment of my life: in Europe it happens of everything and I love to be enjoying it at this age (almost 30).
In 2011 I went to Spain.
And I met Europe for the first time.
And I loved it.
Without planning, I spent more than a year (though not all of it) traveling through and living in Europe. I spent winters, summers, springs, autumns. I met several of the great capitals and many of them remained outstanding. I got lost in small towns and I realized that Europe seems small but it is huge and there is too much to see. So one of two: stay as long as you can or come with slow travel mode enabled. It is not worth going to hurry from one city to another. The beauty in Europe is the way.
ITINERARY
When I am asked what I recommend to know about Europe, I am left blank. In this continent there are 50 countries (and 6 partially recognized) and of these 56 I know 10: not 20 percent. When I looked at the map of Europe, sitting at the desk of my house, I felt that everything was close and that I could travel in a short time. Another big mistake. Europe is small (compared to, for example, distances in Argentina or Latin America) but very populated and varied. It is true that everything is close and that many countries can cross in a few hours, but each one is a world and deserves its time.
I know that doing the "great tour" of Europe may seem very tempting (for some reason, that's the most "famous" way to tour Europe), I also know that many can only come for 15 or 30 days and want to see everything possible , But my recommendation: do not do that marathon tour of one capital per day or a different country every other day. Yes, they are going to take the typical photos in all the famous monuments of Europe (is it useful?), But they will be exhausted, they will not have time to enjoy each place, they will spend a lot more than if they travel slowly And there will come a point where they will not know where they are.
European capitals are to live them: there is a lot to see, to do, to walk, to know. And in two days you can not. That's why I advise you to change the chip, slow down and route an itinerary with fewer places (and before traveling investigate: there are so many hidden gems ...). I would say 5/7 days per capital, and in the smallest cities and towns can be 3/4 days (minimum) (if it is for me, stay much more).
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* PERSONAL LIST
The European countries I traveled to are the following (not in this order) (if you click on the names you can read the stories I wrote about each place).
Germany. It was my journey to the roots: I traveled through the Bavarian region (small towns and cities like Munich or Regensburg) with my family in order to get to know the town where my mother was born. I fell to Munich, unknowingly, in the middle of the Oktoberfest. And I loved it. Germany remains in my memory as the country of green valleys, magical forests and craft beer.
Belgium. Did I say beer? I have never tasted beer as rich as in Belgium. This country was not in my plans (what country was in my plans?) But I went because being so close to Paris, why not? And I was surprised. I made a base in Brussels (what beautiful murals there are in Brussels) and I went to tour small towns.
Spain. Every time I go to Spain I feel at home (besides I'm in love with Barcelona, but that's another story ...). I do not know if it is the language, the shared history or the good vibe that seems to have between Spanish and Argentine, but this is one of those countries that I know I will always return. It has beach, party, good food, Mediterranean towns and lots of cultural variety.
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France. Do I say it or not? I say it. He did not want to know France. I was very neglected with this country (I have no explanation). I think that being so tourist gave me some dislike. And now? I am living in a coastal town in the French Basque country. Ja. And I will never tire of cheese, wine, food, Paris chimneys, art (in museums and in the streets) and that accent so but so seductive (and unpronounceable).
Hungary. Ay Hungary, how I love you. I grew up listening to my mom speak Hungarian, wearing clothes with typical embroidery, eating goulash and paprika. How could I not fall in love with Hungary? I went to Budapest to learn the language and then to travel the country with my family, and although I still have a lot to see, is another of those places that I tell them to go. Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
England. Ah ... the country of my dreams, one of those places that I always wanted to know (it must be for The Beatles, the Brit-pop, English humor - that accent, literature and many other artistic and cultural expressions that I like) . I went to London and to Liverpool and I was looking forward to much more."(http://viajandoporahi.com/datos-y-consejos-para-viajar-por-europa)
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