Europe Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips!

The end of summer and the arrival of cooler weather brings a riot of autumn colors to Finland in August. The forests take on warm foliage of russet and gold, and the wildlife becomes more active as they prepare for the onset of winter.August is the shoulder season for tourism in Finland. The summer holidays have ended, and the flight and accommodation options are much cheaper. With fewer tourists, you will find it easy to stretch your travel budget to extend your stay and see more of Finland.

With winter waning, days becoming longer, and temperatures rising, May is the time of year Finns begin venturing outdoors to enjoy the spring sunshine — and you should too. From hiking in the backcountry to exploring the lake district to celebrating Labor Day with the locals, there are many exciting things to see and do on your visit to Finland in May.

February is the last winter month in Croatia. The weather is still chilly, but the days are reasonably long. Being the off-tourist season, you will get great deals on hotels if you visit Croatia in February. Soak in the beautiful Adriatic views minus the tourist crowds, head to Platak for a thrilling ski adventure, enjoy the infectious energy of carnivals, and visit the lovely coastal town of Trogir, a Unesco World Heritage site. Croatia in winter makes for an excellent destination.

October brings crisp and cool weather to England. The countryside is bathed in vibrant autumn hues, which is perfect for enjoying a leisurely walk in the park or going on a hike. There are also a plethora of exciting events taking place in England in October. Plan a road trip, attend popular festivals and concerts, take a river tour or join in a Halloween party—there is so much to do and see in England during October. And the best part is that you will avoid the peak season tourist crowds when you visit England’s top attractions.

The short Scandinavian spring brings a burst of color to Finland in April. While the north of the country is still in the frigid grip of the dark Arctic winter, southern Finland blossoms into warm weather with blue skies. You can experience excellent spring skiing and snowboarding if you visit Lapland during this time. In Helsinki, join the Finns as they emerge from the long winter and celebrate the arrival of spring. With longer days, warmer weather, and fewer tourist crowds, you will find plenty of things when you visit Finland in April.

Winter transitions into spring in Finland in March and yet, the country’s popular winter activities are still open. So visitors can take advantage of both spring and winter attractions during this month. Head to Lapland to enjoy the exhilarating snow sports and sleep under the animated lights in a glass igloo; explore the capital of Helsinki to get a taste of Nordic art, culture, and cuisine; and discover the stunning Finnish Lakeland and landscapes. Finland has a wide array of tourist activities and destinations you could choose from.

The Scandinavian winter makes its way to Finland in November. The Finnish landscapes are adorned with a white blanket of snow, transforming the country into a hub for snow sports and winter activities, especially Lapland in the north. Take this opportunity to enjoy a snowmobile ride across the Arctic tundra in Rovaniemi, or go for an invigorating session of ice-swimming in Helsinki. November offers a fun-filled Finland holiday with an array of snowy wonders.

As winter transitions into spring, the weather in Turkey can get unpredictable at the beginning of March. But from mid-March onwards, spring is clearly in the air and temperatures start warming up.Explore the splendid Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, get lost among the geological wonders of Cappadocia, or go see the beautiful Duden waterfalls and Ottoman-style houses of Antalya. There are many attractions and hidden gems to discover if you visit Turkey in March.

July falls in the middle of the Turkish summer and is part of the high tourist season. This is an excellent month to explore the country’s rich history, culture and architecture. Sleep in a cave hotel in Göreme in the extraordinary Cappadocia region; explore Istanbul’s sumptuous Topkapi Palace and its colorful Grand Bazaar; visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Ephesus, home to spectacular ancient ruins; and laze on the lovely beaches of Antalya. There is no shortage of places to visit and activities to enjoy if you visit Turkey in July.

Croatia in April offers plenty of sunny days with spring blossoms in abundance and fun festive spirit in the air. The whole country is in a celebratory mood for Easter festivities. Tourist crowds are also low during this time, making this an ideal time to visit popular sites like the walled city of Dubrovnik, the charming town of Hvar, and the historic neighborhoods of Zagreb. Best of all, accommodations and activities are not too expensive. So take advantage of this opportunity to explore Croatia and enjoy many fun outdoor activities.

England glitters with Christmas decorations in December. The days get shorter and the nights darker during this time of year, which only adds to the mood of the festival of lights. When visiting England in December, expect to see crowds of holiday shoppers as well as travelers, particularly in city areas. But this is what the merry holiday season is all about. Check out the famous Christmas market in Birmingham and witness the Winter Wonderland at London’s Hyde Park. Explore historical and cultural attractions of England, from the prehistoric monuments to ancient palaces and castles to the Harry Potter studio tour.

A thick blanket of snow engulfs the vibrant autumn foliage as Finland transitions into a long and cold winter starting in October. In the north, the first snow has arrived, instigating the ski season, while in the Finnish Laplands, the Northern Lights are beginning to glow in the night sky. October also marks the end of the tourist season in the country. So if you visit Finland in October, you will find flights to the country are much cheaper and accommodation bargains easier to find.

With the northern parts of Finland located inside the Arctic Circle, the country is a winter holiday heaven in January. From dog-sledding expeditions, and steamy saunas in traditional log cabins, to cold-water dips in the Arctic Ocean or Lapland lakes, you can find plenty of things to do in Finland in January. And if the winter condition gets too harsh for you, there are also plenty of indoor attractions around the country to keep you engaged and entertained to make your Finland holiday memorable.

The Finnish Lapland is the mythical home of Santa Claus, and Rovaniemi is a must-visit if you want to meet Father Christmas himself and get into the festive spirit. The snow-blanketed landscapes make this an ideal time to enjoy outdoor pursuits like dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and Arctic swimming. You can also relax in steamy saunas, marvel at Helskini’s diverse architecture, and enjoy Nordic cuisine. A trip to Finland in December conjures images of a winter wonderland with snow-capped trees, fleet-footed reindeer, dog sledding through the snow, and the magical Northern Lights.

Iceland is a tempting travel destination for avid admirers of nature and landscapes. Decked up wall to wall with fascinating geysers, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and ice caves, nature truly goes no-holds-barred with Iceland. Whether you crave the adrenaline rush of a glacier hike and ice-caving adventure in Vatnajökull National Park, seek the thrill of whale-watching in the Northern Atlantic waters of Húsavík, or yearn to explore the geothermal wonders of Geysir in the Golden Circle, Iceland promises an abundance of experiences. With several captivating options in front of you, planning a trip to Iceland may appear rather daunting. So, here’s our comprehensive guide to planning a trip to Iceland, covering everything from budgeting to itinerary suggestions.