Europe Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips!

With the warmest temperatures and longest days of the year, a trip to Norway in July is a crowd favorite. And if you are prepared to jostle with tourists, especially in popular destinations, summer offers spectacular weather that is perfect for outdoor activities. Cruise through magnificent fjords, explore the Lofoten Islands or go on day hikes to any of the country’s majestic peaks. You will find plenty to do in Norway in July and longer days guarantee that you will never run out of time.

January might be the coldest month of the year in Portugal, but there is also a catch. Compared with the abysmal weather of northern European countries, Portugal in January is still a sunny respite. Of course, the Mediterranean’s wet winter phenomenon affects both the mainland and the islands. But if you dig deeper, you will find a few dry stretches. So, hug the sun-sprinkled southern shores of the Algarve or visit Sintra's Pena Palace minus all the maddening crowd. Catch some mammoth swells in Sagres atop your surfing board or ski down the slopes of Serra de Estrela. Make the best of the low season and create a memorable Portugal holiday experience on a soul-satisfying budget.

At first glance, Norway might not seem like an ideal vacation destination for February. But look a little closer and you will find the most romantic month of the year has a lot going for it in this Scandinavian country. Full of local festivals and still covered with a soft blanket of snow (especially in the northern regions), a trip to Norway in February also offers a chance to catch the elusive Northern Lights. Is there anything more romantic than that? Read on for more details.

Norway is a winter wonderland full of delights in December. Attractive old towns in the southern part of the country, such as Bergen, take on an even more impressive appearance with the run-up to the Christmas and new year celebrations during this time of year. While in the north, snow provides no end to outdoor activities, from skiing and reindeer-herding to capturing the magic of the Northern Lights. So while it may be time to slip on your thermals, there is no denying that a trip to Norway in December is a must.

August is the tail end of summer in Norway. The weather across the country during this time of year is as spectacular as ever, and exploring Norway in August means discovering its highlights before the infamous Norwegian chill rears its head. Longer days and warm temperatures offer endless opportunities for outdoor excursions. However, be prepared for high-season crowds and skyrocketing prices. This is also the perfect month for scenic hikes in fjords as well as surfing, fishing, and island-hopping. Similarly, several major festivals like the Bergen Food Festival and the Nordic Light Photo Festival add flavor to the month.

June rings in summer in Portugal with warm, sunny days. Street parties pop up in Porto and Lisbon, the Atlantic coastline finally warms up to the summer sun in places like Algarve, Azores, and Madeira, and music festivals amp up the party ambiance all over the country. The country is yet to experience the heat of July and August as well as the surge of visitors, but June weather in Portugal is warm enough for unforgettable outdoor moments like hiking, sun-bathing and island-hopping. A trip to Portugal in June allows visitors to combine the weather benefits of spring with the activities and destinations of summer.

A harbinger of spring, the month of March offers pleasant weather conditions with plenty of sunshine. Discover the wonders of Oslo and take a train to some of the country’s most famous fjords. If you are interested in outdoor activities, you might want to take part in winter sports festivals that are held in the mountains between Oslo and Bergen. Else, explore Museum Island and Akershus Fortress or enjoy epic adventures in the Arctic region.The sky is the limit on a trip to Norway in March.

Considered the wettest month of the year, Portugal in November unravels itself only to the most discerning traveler. The country will definitely dish out an inspirational holiday if you know where to look. You can tee off on a budget tour in Vilamoura, score some sunshine on the southern coast of Algarve, seek cultural connections in the centuries-old harvest festival of Saint Martin's Day, or castle-hop in the country's east. Armed with a flexible plan to battle sudden showers along with the right clothes and rainwear, you can bid travel woes goodbye. Throw in crowd-free and cost-controlled perks of a low and slow November, and this Portugal experience is sure to make even your bestie turn green with envy.

Many areas of France are beautiful in March. Spring is just starting, bringing flowers, fresh produce and slightly warmer temperatures, without the hordes of crowds that descend during the summer. Especially if you choose to travel to France earlier in the month, you’ll likely benefit from cheaper flights, better hotel rates and more space to visit the main attractions.

It used to be said that you should avoid a trip to France in August like you would a boring auntie at Christmas. There was a time in the past when the shops of Paris and Normandy would be shuttered as everyone headed to warmer climes further south, in turn ramping up transport and accommodation costs in the French Riviera. Not so anymore. Sure, the French go out on trips of their own during this time of year and schools are on a summer break. However, not all establishments hang the ‘en vacance’ note in the window and a number of destinations from Paris to Chartres host special events too.

Gifted with a Mediterranean climate (despite not bordering the Mediterranean Sea) and 300 days of sunshine per year, Portugal pleases even the pickiest traveler. Come December, the country rustles up a festive fare of insane experiences. From Christmas market-hopping in Rossio Square in Lisbon to catching tall waves in Ericeira, from skiing down the slopes of Serra da Estrella to exploring a rustic village in Algarve, visitors looking to round off their year on a high note will find plenty to do in Portugal in December. Although the wet winter season has kicked in by this month, the weather is moderate with pleasant days and chilly nights, especially in the southern part of the country like Lisbon and Algarve. With December being a low season, expect fewer crowds and fewer prices during your trip to Portugal.

With an enviable coastline of 13,676 kilometers and a dry, sunny Mediterranean clime, Greece is the first choice of many when it comes to a beach break during European summer. From the white sandy beaches of Ios Island to the red and black beaches of Santorini, or even a pink one in Elafonisi in Crete, a shade card of bewildering beaches is there to explore. Greece in August is at the peak of the summer season and, with soaring temperatures, now is a perfect month to swim and sunbathe. And as nights settle, wild island parties break out, inviting you to unwind and make the most of your Greek vacation.

Greece in February might not be suitable for the perfect Instagram post. The sky is overcast, the weather chilly with frequent bouts of rain, and snow can be seen as far down south as Peloponnese and Crete. But do not disapprove of the destination just yet! Greece in February is a beacon for budget travelers who are excited by out-of-the-box experiences. Now is the time for a crowd-free cultural exploration of Athens and to indulge in the gastronomic capital of Thessaloniki. While snow seekers can ski down the intimidating slopes of Mount Parnassus, sun-seekers can still find some warmth and relief in the southern islands of Rhodes and Crete. Safe to say, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit when on a trip to Greece regardless of during which month you are visiting.

Spain in December can be a great month to explore the country, even though it is a popular summer destination, especially since a lot of celebrations and fanfare take place at this time of year. Like most parts of the world, Christmas is the most important festival in this winter month in Spain! However, besides this festive extravaganza, there are plenty of other activities in Spain in December!

November is rarely taken into account when planning a trip to Spain, but traveling to Spain in November can offer lots of activities for all tastes! The weather is milder than in most other European cities. Rain is fairly common in most parts of the country, but the south can be a tad sunnier. Since November is the low season in Spain, you will find fewer tourist crowds and more affordable prices across the country. Booking a trip to the country in spite of a bit of rain allows you to enjoy festivals and celebrations.