Europe Travel

Overview
Europe consists of a diverse set of countries that each have their own identity, language and culture. Based on the environment, culture, and economic similarities, Europe is divided into four different regions, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Northern Europe, and Southern Europe. Europe not only boasts numerous extraordinary heritage, but also leads the world in fashion, art, music, architecture and design. You are sure to be overwhelmed by its thrilling and surprising wealth of sights, sounds, peoples and parties.

When to go
Europe generally has milder weather than parts of Asia and North America at the same latitude. In general, northern Europe has longer, colder winters and shorter, cooler summers than southern Europe. In addition, winters are longer and colder, and summers shorter and hotter, in the east than in the west.
 
You can visit the land during any season, but May to June and September to October are considered the best time to visit the European continent. During the aforementioned season, Europe observes the most pleasant weather around the year.

Europe has a high season in summer and another in winter. Crowding is the main difficulty in the warmest months of June, July and particularly August. In some countries, such as France and Italy, many shops and restaurants close in August while locals take their own holidays, meaning that some cities can feel rather dead.

Shopping
European purchases typically fall into four categories, first is souvenir group -- those kitschy pencil sharpeners, keychains, boxed sweets and T-shirts. Second are mementos for yourself -- authentic items of apparel, collectibles and artisan crafts. Third are forgotten toiletries or replacement items for anything that gets damaged. Last are business acquisitions such as art, furniture or fabrics, many of which will likely be shipped home for you.

Boutiques
Shopping malls abound in major European cities and yet their department stores are uncannily similar to those in the US. Unless the exchange rate is exceptionally favorable, you'll find better bargains and more unusual merchandise at neighborhood boutiques.

Farmers Markets
Outdoor markets are both a venue to get fresh produce and a place to socialize. This is also where you'll find artist stalls featuring one-of-a-kind items such as clothing, matted photographs and sketches of local sights, regional music tapes and CDs, candles, jewelry, embroidered goods, wood carvings, and glassware.

Wine
If you're touring the wine regions of France, Spain, Italy and Germany, you may want to bring some of your favorite wines home. While you can take the chance of bubble-wrapped bottles in your checked baggage surviving a plane trip, a better option is to query whether the winery ships merchandise to the US or has an American distributor.

Nightlife

Nightlife in many European cities is among the best in the world. It is so full of life that cities anywhere else struggle to beat it. You will find everything you want as night owl in this vivacious continent. From top pubs, bars, and night clubs with all types of trendy music to theater to high culture (orchestra, ballet, opera) worthy of the royals, Europe is the best place to have a nightlife blast.

Trendy pubs and bars
Vibrant club scene
World-class theater

Calling Internationally: To call North America, just dial 001 and then the American number (area code then local number).

Electricity: Most European countries use a three-phase alternating current electrical generation and distribution voltage which is twice that of the US. It is between 220 and 240 volts, whereas in most of the Americas the voltage is between 100 and 127 volts.