Are you thinking about a European vacation this year? Dont let your dream trip sink to the level of the infamous National Lampoons European Vacation! Read on for some great tips from an expert on European vacation trips and make sure that your vacation in Europe is a relaxing success.

One:
Consider choosing a travel company who specialize in European vacation packages. The do-it-yourself approach to a holiday in Europe may suit you very well but it does need a lot more planning and possibly more knowledge of languages other than English. A European vacation package company will take care of many of the basic travel and accommodation arrangements for you;leaving you free to relax and enjoy your trip.

Two:
If you are planning a European vacation tour then make sure that you leave enough time to properly get to know each country that you visit. Europe is a very diverse place. You will find much that is familiar to you in the UK and Ireland but a lot that feels very different in Turkey or rural Greece. Do take time to enjoy the cultural differences and remember, that's why you're going in the first place!

Three:
Try to learn a few words of language for each country that you plan to visit. You don't need to be at all fluent, but making the effort creates a big impression. The laughs to be had when trying to communicate can break the ice and form lasting friendships. Many people speak English in the Scandinavian countries, in Holland and in Germany. Fewer of the locals speak English in France or Italy. In Spain, Greece and Portugal, English is spoken widely in the tourist costal resorts but not elsewhere.

Four:
A cheap Europe vacation is easier to organise if you have plenty time to do the planning (easiest on the internet) and a long time to spend in Europe when you arrive. Being fussy about timing and travel schedules will make it harder to travel at bargain prices. There are a large number of very low cost no frills airlines in Europe now but they may not always operate daily services. Be prepared to be flexible if you want to save money. European travel is diverse and the possibilities are endless. Dont restrict yourself to air travel. You can travel Europe by train or travel Europe by coach and still have just as much fun.

Five:
The big cities and bright lights will be more expensive than the smaller towns and rural areas. Taking France as an example: you could stay three nights in a very nice hotel in Normandy for the same price as one night in a mediocre place in central Paris.

Six:
Please don't forget to have fun. A European vacation can offer everything you ever dreamed of - but be prepared to be flexible and - more important,be prepared to try something new. Your Europe vacation will be a much richer experience if you do.

Gary Hill lives and works in Scotland. He travels widely in Europe and visits many European countries on a regular basis. His website is full of great tips to make sure that you have a wonderful vacation in Europe.

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