Why Europe

Why travel to Europe you ask? Why not Asia, Africa, South America, Oceania? We are not saying one shouldn’t visit those other continents but, whatever you want to believe, we Americans inhabit a country which was shaped more by the history from Europe, than any other place in the world. That’s not to say that civilizations from those continents haven’t contributed but, even in those countries Europe history has left its imprint on their societies and culture. It’s just one of reasons why the the world has been traveling to Europe more than any other continent for decades and still do today.

Europe is the birth of Western Civilization which has transformed most of the world into what it is today. European culture has created such ideas like; “All men are created equal”, “No taxation without representation”, “The people united can never be defeated”, A free press, Limited government, Innocence until proof of guilt and Judgment by a jury of peers. Nowhere is its history of European thinkers, traditions, conflicts, art, music, industry, science and culture documented better than in its museums and historical sites.

Now take into consideration that the rest of the world travels to Europe more than any continent. With the expansion of the middle classes in China and India, Asians now are annually visiting Europe in greater numbers than Americans. Europe has even impacted those two ancient cultures. Communism was conceived in Europe as a response to the industrialization of the economy but, is now the form of government in China and in India you see a form of economic capitalism.

The many ways in which America is inextricably link to Europe is why millions of Americans flock to Europe, year after year.

Europe is only the second smallest continent next to Australia yet there is more diverse culture packed into Europe than any other place on the globe.

Europe is only the second smallest continent next to Australia yet there is more diverse culture packed into Europe than any other place on the globe. It has 87 distinct ethnic groups, 33 are majorities in at least one country, the remaining 54 make up ethnic minorities. Many of which possess varying traditions and cultures unique to themselves. 92 different dialects are spoken of which 44 are giving official status in countries. The European Union recognizes 23 official languages.  For the cuisine lover it’s a virtual smorgasbord  of pasta, crepes, tapas, cheese, sausages, breads, pastries and chocolates. All to be complimented with either a glass of Pilsner, Chianti, Champagne or Cappuccino.

This all makes visiting Europe and virtual plethora of culture and traditions. The history, music, cuisine, arts, religion, language and I could go on, make it truly fascinating.

Visit amazing cities like London, Paris, Rome and Berlin and other large modern metropolitan cities. viewing the iconic European landmarks of Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum and the Brandenburg Gate.

Visit amazing cities like London, Paris, Rome and Berlin and other large modern metropolitan cities. viewing the iconic European landmarks of Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Coloseum and the Brandenburg Gate.  Visit their distinctive historic neighborhoods & museums, stroll through parks with majestic fountains and shop on the Avenue des Champs Elysées in Paris or Oxford Street in London. Float on the canals of Venice, Amsterdam and Bruges. 

Visit places of history where battles were fought, castles of kings, cathedrals of worship and museums that preserve their artifacts, art and rich history. See out of the way, small medieval villages where time has stood still.

Europe’s natural beauty has just as much to offer no matter what mode of transportation you choose. Cruise up and down the famous Rhine, Danube, Seine and Thames rivers or not  Norway’s majestic fjords. Cruises of Baltic, Mediterranean seas are worthy for any true sea traveler. Hike the trails through the Swiss Alps, the Cinque Terra and the Black Forest. Zip on a train thought French wine country, Poland’s rural farm lands and by Spain’s famed heartlands. Drive along the Romantic Road in Germany, the Amalfi coast in Italy, French wine country or through Irelands lush country side for the avid auto enthusiasts.

You can travel freely throughout most of Europe without the fear of getting caught up in severe civil unrest and conflict. Almost all European governments are stable democracies that are open societies that allow freedom of press and civil protest with and emphasis on civil liberties and human rights. Public demonstrations are normally confine to certain areas, usually in large cities, and are controlled closely by the local police and security forces.

Other than the Balkan conflict in the 90’s and the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, there has been very little conflict and war since WWII. They are currently political tensions between the Russian Federation and the United States so travel there may not be under the most ideal of situations.

European countries also have some of the lowest rates of serious crime in the world. Robbery, murder and other felonies, are minimal but, one should always be cautious of ones surroundings. The most common crime in Europe is pickpockets and tourist scams. Perpetrators will normally work in large crowded tourists areas or transit vehicles targeting unsuspecting victims. Local law enforcement and security is always present around some of the most famous sights and in museums.

According to a survey done by Legatum institute out of the 25 top safest countries in the world 18 are European countries. View the country safety rankings from the Legatum Prosperity Index at our Safety page.

In the case of any medical emergencies European countries offer some of the best and most accessible health in the world. Countries maintain high levels of comprehensive, advanced and responsive emergency disaster and health teams just about wherever you travel.

The largest percentage of American ancestry is from Europe. According to the US census, out of the 15 largest ancestry groups, eleven of them come from European countries. Those eleven countries alone comprise 54.3% of the total US population. For those Americans of European ancestry, going there for many can be an enriched experience because it is the origin of their families. Many of today’s Americans of European ancestry had grandparents and great grandparents migrate to the US from Europe. They brought with them their language, religion, food, dress and much more. There is just so much European culture infused into America that going there can have great appeal not just to those of European descent but for all who visit.