“embrace the moment; Europe is your canvas, travel is your brush”
Handy Packing Checklist
Let’s get travelling !!
A long vacation in Europe, a ”Grand Tour” around the continent!! This is the start of a bucket list of dreams for many adventurous American travellers.
Charming cobbled stoned villages, brilliant museums and art galleries and add in breathtaking landscapes, you’ve got awesome destinations dotted all around Europe to visit.
No shortage of inspiration then for your travel bucket list.
I live in Europe and I’ve listed my ten unique European travel destinations to help get you inspired into getting started on your own travel bucket list.
So whether you’re a solo traveller, a family, a thrill-seeker or just someone craving a little cultural immersion I hope you find my article helpful.
1. Mallorca Spain
Well I have to include my home at the top of my Bucket List Travel destinations for you.
I’ve visited all the other places on this list, but when I come home I realise Mallorca is a hard act to follow. (why there’s even direct flights from the States too!!)
You’ll find lots of stunning scenery, natural parks, abundant wildlife, beautiful public beaches and hidden coves, water-sport activities and a vibrant nightlife too, if that’s your scene.
Palma, the capitol has plenty of places to visit, enough to keep you occupied for your whole trip if you want.
One major landmark, and pride of the city, is the Palma Cathedral, it dates back to the 13th century, and the old city ( Casco Antiguo ) that surrounds it is just a joy for visitors to explore.
OK I may be a tad biased, but don’t forget to put Mallorca on your bucket list.
It’s an island for making lasting memories in.
Budapest Hungary
A must visit travel bucket list destination, Budapest is a brilliant choice on a European tour.
It’s a capitol split onto two parts on either side of the Danube river called, unsurprisingly Buda and Pest, and a city with a legacy that spans back over centuries.
Budapest is just steeped in history and culture at every turn. Too much to list here but check out the
Buda Castle dominates the Buda side of the city. home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
Fisherman’s Bastion. a fairytale building with great views of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city.
For a relaxing few hours then the head off to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Relax in the thermal pools surrounded by grand Neo-Baroque architecture statues.
Don’t forget to ask for one of their mud baths too.
When you’re in Hungary you’ve got to try the Goulash Soup. But also try out Dobos Torte, A classic Hungarian layered sponge cake. Wash it down with the delicious Tokaji sweet dessert wine. Yumeee!!
So a quite tantalising blend of history, culture, and great culinary experience. Soak in the thermal baths, savour traditional Hungarian cuisine, and marvel at its iconic landmarks.
Budapest is a truly remarkable city.
Transylvania Romania
The region of Transylvania in Romania is best known in the West as the land of vampires and medieval folk-lore.
But there’s plenty more to love here. A little visited European gem, it’s renowned for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and beautiful Gothic charm.
Packed with amazing castles, fortified churches and quaint villages and just stunning landscapes,
Explore the legendary Bran Castle, of the Dracula stories. Hike the Carpathian Mountains passing through quaint villages and untouched wilderness along the way.
Transylvania has a timeless, untouched beauty mixed in with intriguing legends.
If you like to wine and dine then you’re in good hands here too. Great wine and traditional foods like Sarmale, Cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat, rice, and spices.
For your sweet tooth try Papanasi, A traditional Romanian dessert of fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and jam, served warm. Nice and just a little bit decadent.
Exploring ancient castles, trying delicious traditional cuisine, or just being awed by the stunning beauty of the countryside,
Transylvania is definitely a bucket list destination filled with adventure, discovery, and just a touch of mystery.
Santorini Greece
On the northern tip of Santorini island in Greece you’ll find the unique Oia and Fira villages.
Amazing whitewashed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, blue-domed churches, breathtaking sunsets and stunning panoramic views over the Aegean Sea. Real gems.
You’re surely going to love wandering through the labyrinthine streets and visiting boutique shops and art galleries.
Memorable dining too in cliffside restaurants. Eat a late dinner while watching the beauty of incredible sunsets.
A Santorini visit is one you’ll not regret, and not forget !!
Cinque Terre Italy
An amazing bucket list destination in Italy, so amazing in fact it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Cinque Terre, (translated as “Five Lands,”) are the villages stretched along the stunning cliffs of the Italian Riviera. Each village is charming in its own way with its own unique character.
Plenty to see on the village tours like the Doria Castle in Vernazza and more churches than you can shake a stick at.
You’re in Italy so great food is a given.
Check out the Trofie al Pesto: Hand-rolled pasta served with pesto sauce, a classic Ligurian dish. Acciughe al Verde: Anchovies marinated in a parsley and garlic sauce. Delish!!
Amsterdam Netherlands
One of my favourite cities in Europe. Culture and canals, the city of Amsterdam has plenty of both.
The historic architecture along the canals, and really vibrant cultural scene make it a bucket list must-visit destination.
Plenty of charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan and De Pijpto to explore where you’ll find cobblestone streets, quaint cafes and far out eclectic boutiques.
Want a culture hit then there’s the Rijks and the amazing Van Gogh Museums to see some of the best art in the world.
Amsterdam is a really captivating blend of old-world charm and sophistication mixed with a long cultural history.
Oh and great Coffee too!!!
Barcelona Spain
Barcelona is one of the worlds great cities. Its Catalan culture, architectural wonders and vibrant street life makes it a truly captivating vacation destination for American travellers.
Packed with incredible architecture like the iconic Sagrada Familia Cathedral by Antoni Gaudi and his Park Guell towards the north of the city.
Grand avenues cut through the city all lined with amazing historic buildings and boulevard cafes.
Brilliant street life and shopping in the La Rambla and backstreets of the Gothic Quarter. Oh when your strolling along La Rambla pop into the La Boqueria market and enjoy a “tapas” snack.
The market is an assault on all the senses including the taste buds!!
With its dynamic blend of culture, cuisine, and famed for its creativity, Barcelona promises an unforgettable Spanish tourist experience.
It’s got to be in the top ten in any travel bucket list
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BRAM CASTLE Dobre Cezar, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
BUDAPEST Photo by Tobias Reich on Unsplash
BARCELONA Photo by Stefan Roks on Unsplash
AMSTERDAM Photo by Massimo Virgilio on Unsplash
SANTORINI Photo by Alexander Psiuk on Unsplash
SANTORINI HERO Photo by Matthew Waring on Unsplash
CINQUE TERRE Photo by Rahul Chakraborty on Unsplash
PALMA Photo by David Vives on Unsplash