Europe’s Best Christmas Markets

As the weather turns colder with occasional snowfall, a trip to Belgium in December prepares to welcome winter and Christmas holidays. Stroll through Plaisirs d'Hiver in Brussels, with its mesmerizing light shows and more than 250 wooden chalets offering different kinds of traditional products, from handmade crafts to delicious local foods. Take the Bruges tour to see its medieval castles that become even more beautiful under twinkling holiday lights and delicate snowflakes. Head to the Ardennes region, which boasts some of the best ski resorts in the country. And if it gets too cold outside, you can always take museum and art gallery tours or warm up with a cup of Belgium’s famous hot chocolate in a cozy cafe.

Croatia in December spells the arrival of winter; think snowy ski slopes, festive towns, and few tourists. The weather takes a dip in the north but the south coast still enjoys a few mild and sunny days. Much of the country celebrates Christmas, which in Croatia is a magical affair with numerous city markets and festivities. During December, a trip to Croatia is an absolute pleasure; from the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik to Diocletian’s Palace in Split, you can take your time exploring these old-world wonders.

Denmark transforms into a fairyland during its winters. As temperatures drop, the country is taken over by the warm embrace of the holiday spirit. From bustling Christmas markets in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus to vibrant winter festivals, there's no shortage of things to do in Denmark during winter. Experience the celebration of light at the famous Copenhagen Light Festival, hit the slopes on Copenhill, or cozy up in quaint cafés with hot cocoa and Danish pastries. A trip to Denmark in the winter promises an unforgettable Nordic adventure.

Visiting the best places in Europe in the summer has long been a grand procession. Outdoor enthusiasts rave about Europe’s magnificent natural scenery and memorable wild places. Culture vultures flock to the best European cities to revel in grand cultural history, with magnificent museums, opulent palaces, brooding castles, and glorious artistic legacies. Many fun-seekers plunge into Europe’s vibrant nightlife, colorful festivals and heaving live entertainment. Once you've ticked off the must-see places in Europe on your bucket list, you can indulge your culinary desires with Europe’s fine dining, street food, chic cafés and cheeky bars. Here is a brief introduction to some of the best destinations for summer, European holidays on offer, listed in no particular order.

Italy, Norway, Ireland, Germany, Scotland, Finland, Malta and Albania are among the must-see places in Europe. Ride Norway’s Bergen Line train through beautiful mountain scenery, gaze at the Schloss Neuschwanstein, the German castle that inspired Walt Disney, bask in Malta’s idyllic Blue Lagoon, and explore art and architecture in Italy. If you’re looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, we’ve got you covered—just follow this guide to the 10 best places to visit in Europe for your next European holiday destination! We picked this list of countries for their attractions, weather, tourism power, and more, and they each have spectacular reasons to visit, whether it is Renaissance cities like Milan and Florence in Italy, the Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands, or the number of whale species in Iceland. A European trip is also a great opportunity to explore multiple countries in a single trip. Try a Spain and Portugal tour to explore Roman ruins and elegant vineyards, or combine three destinations like England, Ireland, and Scotland to witness a tremendous blend of histories. However you decide to take a trip to Europe, a continent full of wonders awaits!

As an Alpine country, Switzerland is known for its stunning scenery, magnificent snowy slopes, and excellent ski resorts. It is home to some of the world's most beautiful winter destinations, such as Zurich, Davos, and Saint Moritz. So, naturally, many people dream of visiting Switzerland in December to experience the charm of a European white Christmas. With its magical wintry landscapes and centuries-old traditions, celebrating Christmas in Switzerland is indeed a special treat.

Sicily. The name conjures up images of long lazy days, sunshine, and summer holidays coupled with the style and glamour of an Italian holiday. With over 1000 kilometers of shoreline, one of the island’s main draws is its fabulous coastline. Surrounded by the blue, inviting waters of the Mediterranean, the island is famed for its golden sandy beaches, picturesque coves, and lively coastal resorts. From the tourist beaches of the north to the more rugged parts of the south, Sicily Island is a paradise in Italy waiting to be explored. We’ve picked 6 of the best beaches in Sicily, listed in no particular order, to showcase some of what this Mediterranean jewel has to offer.

Although trekking might not be traditionally associated with travel to Japan, this technologically advanced nation is surprisingly rich in stunning countryside, beautiful mountain landscapes and well-maintained nature trails. As such, there are loads of fantastic trekking opportunities to be had. The best part? While exploring Japan's well-marked trails you're sure to come across ancient temples, spectacular volcanic peaks and a wide range of absolutely breathtaking views. Apart from multi-day trekking, there are also several alluring one-day hiking trails in Japan which can be completed even by novice hikers. Trekking in Japan really is a must-do and to help you out, we've come up with the top six routes for you to try. Let's take a look!

Switzerland has been one of the most popular tourist destinations for many reasons. The snow-capped peaks, the stunning vistas, endless snow sports, or just relaxing by a roaring fire with a cup of world famous Swiss hot chocolate or cheese fondue in hand. Whatever your reason for visiting Switzerland, you just have to make sure that you’re visiting during the right time. Determining the best time to visit Switzerland will help you plan your entire holiday, and also let you finalize on what activities you’ll be able to do. So, read on to find out the best months to visit Switzerland, for your ideal holiday!

The best time to visit Norway is during the shoulder seasons, in spring (between May and June), and fall (between September and October), when the weather is amazing and there aren’t that many tourists. The summer high season between June and August is also fabulous, with lots of events, warm weather, and long days. However, the Northern Lights are best seen at higher altitudes and are mostly visible during the colder months, between September and March. A trip to Norway has much to offer tourists — from the architectural marvels in Oslo to the famous fjords, and the stunning northern lights that make the entire country seem like an otherworldly wonderland. Many of Norway’s charms are off the more minor roadways and into the quaint little towns. Find out in this article what the weather is like and when is the best time to travel to Norway.

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country and has one of the most unique geographies in the world. It’s a massive state full of natural sites that will definitely blow your mind. Kazakhstan’s historical landscape is kind of barren, and this has put a lot of people off traveling to this rather unique country. But there is something mysteriously captivating about the massive steppes, and the beautiful mountains. If you are planning to travel to the country, you have to consider the best time to visit Kazakhstan. See the architectural marvels like the Baiterek monument in the capital of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan.

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica may not be as well-known as the Pacific side, but it's an outdoor adventure that should not be overlooked if you seek an exotic location packed full of nature, wildlife, and white sandy beaches. Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast (the right-hand or eastern side when looking at a map) might be higher in humidity and have more rainfall, but what it loses in weather it makes up for with its diverse abundance of flora and fauna. The Caribbean coast is also much less developed than its Pacific cousin, meaning it sees fewer tourists — a plus point in our book and likely so for those seeking an adventurous trip in Costa Rica! You'll find rainforests to explore, superb surfing, snorkeling on coral reefs, reggae party towns, and some unmistakable Caribbean charm. Read on to discover just a small taste of what Costa Rica’s Caribbean vacations can offer you.