Backpacking vacations around Europe have always been a popular rite of passage for young Americans. It’s a chance to explore the world and get some life experience. If you don’t have your parents supporting you, it might seem well out of reach. There are options, though.

The best way to learn a language is undoubtedly to be completely immersed in it. After all, this is how children learn their native language. Far more effective than any book or a one-on-one lesson, nothing beats actually going to spend some time in a foreign country when taking a course in the local language.

The Mediterranean, with its blending together of different cultures, wealth of history, and crystal-clear waters, is among one of the most-visited bodies of water in the world. But with such popularity comes disadvantages – overcrowding caused by tourists, increased prices, and difficulty finding affordable accommodation, particularly during peak season.

Spain. It’s one of those countries that you just have to see. It’s exotic, it’s exciting, and it’s historical. They are just three reasons why España is worthy of anyone’s travel list. But there’s a lot of Spain, and only a small amount of you.

For anyone who grew up expecting holidays to be spent on a beach or by a pool, the idea of heading North for a trip seems weird. Especially in the height of winter. Surely, the thinking goes, if you’re getting out of a cold country to take a holiday, you go to a warmer one?

City breaks give you the chance to experience a country's art, history, and culture, without you needing to spend an extended amount of time in one location. They are ideal for couples, solo travellers, and families, and you will find that most European cities cater to every interest.

It’s not a part of the UK that gets as much love as it should. But it definitely should get some love. Wales is easily one of the most beautiful and best-preserved parts of Great Britain. Not just in terms of some astounding environments but in terms of a storied and impressive legacy amongst the other kingdoms of the islands. The next time you’re looking for some immense sights to see and nature to experience, head Wales-wards.

One of the most incredible aspects of visiting Eastern Europe is enjoying the unique history and architecture of the area. And nowhere is the past showcased more brilliantly than in the castles that dot the landscape. Want to get swept away? Let's discover some beautiful Eastern European castles:

Ireland offers the visitor a wide variety of attractions, from busy towns to some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. The Emerald Isle will more than meet the expectations of the most seasoned traveler. There follows a list of ten Irish destinations. 

The Greek islands are magical. With hundreds of gorgeous little islands to explore there is something for everyone from the wild party goer to the exploring family to the quiet nomad. And whoever you are, you can be sure the charming beauty of the Greek islands will make you fall in love. It's a place that has magic in the air and it's noticed by everyone who is lucky enough to visit. 

Located in central Europe and situated between Austria and Romania, Hungary is a landlocked country with a population of just under 10 million.  We’ve put together a list of 20 unique towns and cities that we think offer visitors some fantastic things to do and see while in Hungary. Some are large cities, bustling with tourists, while others are smaller, lesser-known towns that provide a more relaxing experience.

Italy is a beautiful country filled with amazing food and remarkable culture. For many, Italy is a dream vacation destination for foodies, culture enthusiasts and wine snobs alike. However, the beautiful beaches of Italy are not often the first reason for someone’s vacation to the country, as many cite the food, the wine, or the historic cities as to why they are visiting.

We charter captains like to think of ourselves as a different breed, with a whole vocabulary of our own.

Who hasn’t dreamt of spending weeks backpacking through what many consider to be the most beautiful and magnificent continent of the world? If you are lucky enough to have already saved up all of your pennies and dimes, bought your ticket and have sketched out a rough plan of where you’re heading, then all you need to know now is how to not run out of money while you’re backpacking Europe.

Europe is one of the most beautiful continents in the world, and perfect for exploring with a loved one. From cosy cafes and incredible dining experiences, to ancient history and stunning architecture, many cities and towns in Europe offer the perfect backdrop for a mini break with your better half. Here are five of the most romantic cities in Europe to get you started…

From the sandy beaches of Dover and the Devon coast to the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District and the Peaks of the north, England is full of wonderful camping locations and sites to suit every type of camper.

If you’re looking for romance, you won’t find a better city than Paris – with good value holiday accommodation, fine dining and an abundance of secluded spots to take your loved one, it’s a must for a dreamy weekend away.

The Norwegian fjords have been rated among the most beautiful travel destinations in the world. A cruise around this majestic part of the world will take you through a wealth of incredible towns and cities including Bergen, Tromso, Stavanger and the most northerly point of Europe, the North Cape. Along the way, you will experience some of the most breath-taking views and spectacular scenery in the world. Norway fjord cruises can be a truly amazing experience, and is found on many bucket lists.

The Lake District is an enchanting holiday destination for nature lovers. Offering some of the most amazing walks in the midst of forests, mountains and lakes, it looks like a melodious stanza from the poems of William Wordsworth.

Here we take a look at five of the best walks in the Lake District…

With transport links constantly improving, it's easier and faster than ever to get out of the UK and explore Europe. Bargain flights make a weekend break a real possibility, but what about an overseas daytrip? It seems a bit ambitious, but in fact it's very easy to hop on a ferry for one of these amazing France day trips.