Europe stretches from Africa and the Atlantic in the west, to the Arctic and Pacific in the east. From the popular, metropolitan cities of London, Paris, Amsterdam and Istanbul to the un-mapped hinterlands of Russia or the step back in time to Moldova, Europe really does dazzle with diversity.
Highly developed infrastructure in most of western and central Europe provides mainly hassle-free travel, with many open borders and several countries using the shared currency of the Euro adding to the ease of getting around. That said, in most places, an hour’s train ride will have you scoffing different cuisine while reaching for another language to communicate with your waiter.
Have questions about travel in Europe? Chat in our Europe travel forum
There’s no shortage of budget travel advice for Europe travel, but much revolves around eating cheese and baguettes. There’s no problem with this, as long as you really, really like cheese and baguettes!
More interactive and interesting ways to save money is to investigate the cost of low-fare flights alongside train or coach travel, look into hostelling or — even cooler — the couchsurfing network for accommodation, and travel independently instead of on tours.
Europe has plenty of small businesses and licensed independent or small tour operators. Take advantage of their unique offerings, while paying back directly into the local economy. Many history students also offer walking tours of European cities for a tip: make sure you tip well and keep this burgeoning and interesting experiment in indie tourism running.
Travel destinations in Europe
Austria travel information
Austria is an amazing country that is sometimes hidden in the shadow of its more well-known neighbors Germany and Switzerland. Its days as a superpower may be over, but the green spaces, the gorgeous architecture, and the wine all make Austria special. READ MORE >>
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Bulgaria travel information
First-class ski slopes, picturesque seaside, magic-filled mountains and crazy nightlife –- Bulgaria is becoming a hotspot in the Balkans, and according to Lonely Planet, is a top travel destination for 2011. We like it too! READ MORE >>
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Denmark travel information
Denmark always ranks high on quality of life lists and is just behind Disneyland as “the happiest place on Earth”, according to Google. Is the home of Hans Christian Anderson truly a fairy tale? READ MORE >>
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England travel information
Thoughts of England lead to London, Manchester, Oxford and Bath. While its cities are stunning, there’s nothing wrong with picking up a backpack and hitting the hiking trails to explore the England seldom seen by tourists. Whatever you are looking for, you’re likely to find it while travelling in England … unless you’re looking for somewhere cheap, that is. READ MORE >>
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France travel information
Vive la France! From the rugged Atlantic shores of Brittany to the glittering coastline of the French Riviera; from the majestic Alps to the little-explored Pyrenees; from the elegant avenues of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence, there is something for everyone who wishes to visit France. READ MORE >>
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In terms of tourism, Germany tends to fly under the radar of its European rivals France, England, Spain and Italy. However, the Vaterland’s kaleidoscope of natural beauty, urban traditionalism merged with modernity, and its historical importance, give Germany legitimate claim to be the most underrated destination in Europe. READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Buy travel insurance
Imagine many small beautiful islands surrounded by an emerald sea and warmed by the Mediterranean sun; imagine white houses and traditional taverns on the coast; imagine the ruins of ancient Greece and the mind-blowingly tasty food –- you are almost certainly thinking about Greece. READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Buy travel insurance
Food, wine, coffee, uber-stylish cities and pastoral countryside. There’s a reason Italy is one of the world’s most-visited tourism destinations. Although internet access sucks, there’s plenty … READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Buy travel insurance
The Europeans know what they’re doing when they take their summer holidays in Malta. This Mediterranean island nation boasts more days of sun than any other European country, and is packed … READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Buy travel insurance
The Netherlands is a country known around the world for its liberal attitudes, its tolerance towards other people, and its impact on European history. Small villages, scenic canals and hard-partying University towns make the Netherlands a perfect mix for travellers. READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Buy travel insurance
Land of the Midnight Sun and of the elusive Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – Norway is a nature-lover’s paradise. While the country isn’t exactly a budget destination, there’s no charge to enjoy nature. Courtesy of allemannsretten (right of access), you can also camp for free. READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Buy travel insurance
Russia, the biggest country on the planet, remains a mythical place years after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Bears walking down the streets, people drinking vodka from dawn till dusk and in-between, snow and low temperatures year-round; how much of this is true? READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Buy travel insurance
Chances are that the name Scotland evokes certain images in your mind: kilts, tartan, bagpipers, sheep and rain. Dig deeper… READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Buy travel insurance
With its beaches and mountains, its cities and farmland, Spain has plenty more to offer than the coastal package holidays most people are familiar with. In fact, we’d recommend not going near the resort towns – avoid them and you’ll have a better experience in Spain. READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Buy travel insurance
Wales is a tiny country with a big personality. Though only 20,000 square kilometers in size, Wales manages to pack in epic castles, rugged shorelines… READ MORE >> Deals | Find flights now | Budget accommodation | Buy travel insurance
We need your help expanding our Europe coverage. If you have the knowledge and time to write-up a country (like our Italy travel page) please send us an email today.
Germany travel information
Greece travel information
Italy travel information
Malta travel information
Netherlands travel information
Norway travel information
Russia travel information
Scotland travel information
Spain travel information
Wales travel information
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Have questions about travel in Europe? Chat in our Europe travel forum
Since November 2006 the Indie Travel Podcast has evolved into an independent travel hub with regular audio and video podcasts along with articles by travellers from all over the world. 
Hosts Craig and Linda Martin started travelling in February 2006 and have been to over 50 countries. They were 