It’s the weekend – what to do this time around? Surf the web? Watch the telly? Go to the same pub as last weekend and the weekend before? Why not change it up and take a short break abroad?
Weekend breaks in Europe are a terrific way to discover this diverse yet compact continent, and each trip can be completely different. Transportation to Europe is so well-developed now that you can travel to any major destination in the continent from anywhere several times every day. Deregulation of airlines and the ensuing rapid increase of budget airlines has increased competition and flights while decreasing prices. Sure, most of budget airlines are no-frills and barebones, but you’re taking the plane to get somewhere, not for terrific ride, and the plane will certainly get you there with no fuss. If you are looking for a memorable ride, consider taking a train on your short breaks abroad. If you aren’t going very far, trains are an efficient way to connect you from one point within a region to another without the hassle of airport security. As a bonus, you get to watch the European scenery whiz by and sit closer to the European culture you came to explore on your short breaks to Europe.
Once you arrive, what you can do in just a weekend break in Europe is constrained only by your imagination. Europe has enough variety to satisfy any interest; you just have to search for it. Culture is inescapable. Each country in Europe has cultivated its own brand of arts, music and style for centuries. There is everything from world-renowned museums holding timeless classics to small contemporary galleries displaying the avant-garde. Ornate concert halls host concerts with virtuosos playing enduring classics, and nightclubs and venues throb with young musicians honing and redefining their proud cities sound. Watch the architecture change and subtly recite the country’s history as you stroll down the street.
If you generally spend your weekends at the pub or in a football game, you won’t be hard-pressed to find watering holes and sports fans. Defend your fierce loyalty to your club (let’s not get aggressive here, fellas), but see how sports fans in Europe cheer on their teams. Drink their beers and bring back good stories to your own mates. If they’re smart, they’ll join you on your next short break to Europe.
