European summer! The first image that comes to mind is the sea, sand, and surf. But that’s not all there is to the world’s second smallest continent. Europe’s Schengen region offers a wealth of wonders to all adventurous hearts, from captivating seaside sceneries to exotic journeys into castles and romantic escapades into lone islands. And of course, who can beat the Schengen night life? This year, let nothing stop you from turning the summer of 2024 into a vacation of a lifetime for you and your family!

Portugal

Bordered by 1700 km of Mediterranean coastline, Portugal is a sea lover’s paradise. Several seaside destinations compete for attention by offering a variety of sporting and relaxation opportunities – from speedboat rides to walking trails. Choose from amongst the remote beaches of Carrapateira village and Praia Galapos or the peopled sands of Algarve. Each spot is optimally customized to meet the vacation interests of small families, large groups, and individual travelers, so that the experience is a guaranteed takeaway.

Places to stay at Portugal range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations located in the heart of the city as well as coastal suburbs. The ultimate blend of local culture and exotic flavor will surely help you create the best memories of this old-world charming country.

Sweden

Best known for its household brands IKEA and Volvo; the cosmic miracle of the Midnight Sun; and the historic Vikings, Sweden is synonymous with space and serenity. Swedish summer is the time when everyone enjoys long walks in meadows and the deep green forests inhabited by reindeer. Also of note is the celebration of the Midsummer Solstice across the country on the weekend closest to June 24th, amongst which Dalarna and the Bohusian Coast offer the most unforgettable food and cultural experiences. Speaking of cuisine, don’t forget to grab a bite of the Swedish Smorgasbord – an array of delicacies given in small portions along with beer and coffee.

There are several affordable places to stay in Sweden, depending on your vacation interests. There are accommodations that cater to the needs of the historically inclined, adventure enthusiasts, and even eco-loving families.

Slovenia

Visiting Slovenia means opening your travel doors to a wide range of experiences, and making room for your family’s diverse interests. The best recommended approach to exploring Slovenia is to set up base in its capital city Ljubljana, and then travel to different locations from there.

Topping the list of sight-seeing spots is the crystal clear Lake Bled, which accommodates a charming island and a cliff-top castle. Also in line are Postojna Caves, Postjama Castle, Predjama Castle, and the bell tower of Korper. Forest adventurers can revel in whitewater rafting at Triglav National Park and try out balancing acts on the wooden walkways of Vintgar Gorge. Sea and surf enthusiasts will love the coastal towns of Piran and Portoroz. And the ecologically driven, can make a bee-line towards Slovenia’s bee tourism, especially curated to showcase the country’s wealth of apiaries and hive colonies.

There are ample number of luxury and budget-friendly places to stay in Slovenia, depending upon the experience you are looking for. So, book your flight itinerary, get adequate travel insurance, and get set for a summer in Slovenia!

Croatia

Just by virtue of being situated along the Adriatic sea, makes Croatia the most sought-after summertime Schengen destination. The sea houses over 1000 islands and thus is well-known for its sailing and “island- hopping” expeditions. Each island provides delectable local cuisines which is a haven for food enthusiasts. One of the most frequented islands is Hvar, known for its exotic cocktail flavors, lavender plantations, and sprawling vineyards. Also remarkable are the Elaphite or “Deer” Islands, where the absence of modern-day transportation instantly gives travelers a 17th century feel. Croatia is a land of unusual adventures; so a must-see list of places and activities should include the Amble Trsteno Arboretum, Stork Spotting in Cigoc, sunset viewing in Zadar, and hiking in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Croatian summers are humid and warm thanks to the constant sea spray stringing the air. But the exceptional experiences you will take home with you will definitely make your stay worthwhile.

Greece

A trip to Greece during summer is guaranteed to invigorate all human senses against the backdrop of sun, sea, and sky. Athens, Santorini, and Pompeii have always been talked about for their marine charm. So also have the Greek islands of Crete, Milos, Naxos, and Rhodes. But it wouldn’t harm to try out the relatively lesser known sisters of these Greek hotspots such as Skiathos, which offers an ideal combination of nightlife and relaxation or Skopelos, which is home to olive and plum groves as well as pine forests.

A trip to Greece calls for extensive walking on naturally rustic land. So, make sure you have comfortable footwear for your hikes. Summers are generally dry but hot, so it is a good idea to carry sunscreen as well.

Iceland

Iceland is perhaps the most mystifying of all tourist destination in the Schengen region primarily because of its misconstrued notion of being the iciest place on Earth. But that’s far from true. You’ll find Iceland pretty much as scenic, picturesque, and warm as any other Schengen country. Against the backdrop of snow and glaciers lie hot pools, fjords, and waterfalls! Dare yourself to take a plunge into the Silfra Fissure for an out-of-world snorkeling experience. Other Icelandic adventures that you absolutely must include in your itinerary are birdwatching at Lake Myvtan, glacier climbing at Langjokull, hiking in Hornstrandir, walking through the flower meadows of Flatey, and whale watching at Husavik.

Undoubtedly, Europe holds the best summertime experiences compared to any other continent in the world. So, get set to explore sunshine, adventure, and happiness all in one complete package. Put together a flight itinerary, complete with hotel confirmation, and travel insurance and give your family the vacation they have always dreamed of.