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Vacations in Europe

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Most popular europe flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to europe, last minute vacation packages to europe, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in europe, tips for finding europe package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Europe and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $526; Family vacation $442; Romantic vacation $591; Luxury vacation $601; Budget vacation $374.

Why should you book a vacation package to Europe?

By booking packages, you can ensure that your itinerary includes your destination's major sights and experiences. Packages are also a great way to cut the cost of visiting Europe. With the right deal, you can combine luxury accommodation, access to the sights and a rental car, and have money left over to shop for souvenirs.

When should you book a vacation package to Europe?

Booking European packages is an excellent way to save money and make travel easy, and you can make even bigger savings by traveling at the right time of year.

In southern Europe, peak season lasts from around June to September, but cheaper shoulder season breaks in May or October can be almost as sunny. In the north, the peak season is shorter, so look for affordable packages in fall and spring. However, expect price spikes around Christmas and local events like Oktoberfest in Munich or Bastille Day in Paris (14 July).

Where should you stay in Europe during your vacation?

For any vacation type in europe:.

The Four Seasons Hotel George V is perfectly located for sightseers in Paris and is an Art Deco gem with gorgeous views of the Eiffel Tower. It's just an hour from Charles de Gaulle Airport, while a meet and greet service is available on request.

Located on the famous "Rambla", Hotel 1898 is one of the finest places to stay in Barcelona. Blessed with amazing city vistas from its terrace, and created from a renovated 19th century mansion, it is 500 meters from the Aerobus stop at Plaza Cataluña.

For family vacations in Europe:

The La Marquise Luxury Resort Complex on the Greek island of Rhodes is a fantastic family hotel with kids' facilities featuring games rooms, pools and multilingual support staff. It's all just 6 miles from Rhodes Airport.

Located on Italy's Amalfi Coast, the Hotel Poseidon in Castellammare has a spacious parking lot on-site, while recreation options like tennis courts make it very appealing for families. It's also an easy drive to and from Naples Airport.

For romantic vacations in Europe:

If you want to see Venice, the Hilton Molino Stucky is ideal. It's conveniently placed for taking gondola cruises and to see the Biennale. Water taxis from the airport arrive a few meters from the hotel door.

Ideal for a romantic break in laid-back Amsterdam, the Rembrandt Square Hotel is right at the city's heart - and next to the spectacular flower market. A taxi from Schiphol Airport takes just 14 minutes.

For luxury vacations in Europe:

London's Ritz Hotel is like a synonym for luxury. Situated on Piccadilly, it offers delicious Indian and Lebanese food, stunning furnishings and couldn't be more convenient for seeing the sights. It's also almost directly connected to Heathrow Airport via the London Tube.

Lisbon's Four Seasons Ritz Hotel is another great choice for a luxury getaway in Europe, with its Louis XVI style design, artworks in every room and relaxing urban gardens. It's just 20 minutes by car from Lisbon Airport.

For budget vacations in Europe:

A great base for exploring Germany's capital, the A&O Berlin Kolumbus is tucked away from the action but only 15 minutes from Alexanderplatz, the city's hub. This means that getting there from the airport is also quick and easy.

Copenhagen's City Hotel Nebo ticks all the boxes for budget breaks in Denmark. It has a central location and is an easy walk away from the capital's galleries and family attractions like Copenhagen Zoo. And it's just 12 minutes away from the airport by train.

Where to stay in Europe

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Europe blends its rich history and modern innovation seamlessly. From the catwalks of Paris fashion week to the awe-inspiring ruins of Greek temples you'll find it hard to fit everything into one vacation. The vast expanse of Europe is covered in numerous cultures, languages and landscapes that can make you feel like you've been transported onto the set of a movie. Sit down for a cup of tea in London, learn how to make your own pasta in Italy or simply take time to stare in wonder at the amazing Highlands of Scotland. Whether you're traveling with family, friends or your special someone, a trip to Europe will be a vacation to remember.

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2 FOR 1 EUROPE

2 FOR 1 EUROPE - From $9999 For 2 people / 18 Days

Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Malta, Slovakia & Slovenia

An unforgettable tour of 8 bucket list countries plus cruise the Mediterranean

Visit Rome, Prague, Venice, Barcelona, Valletta & more...

• Return international full-service flights for 2 people
• 7-night Mediterranean cruise on the brand new MSC 'Europa' or 'Seaview' ship
• 8 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation
• 28 meals including all meals while cruising

TRAVEL PERIOD:  3 Mar 2024 - 23 Mar 2025

Embark on a mesmerizing European adventure that will leave you breathless. Europe, a land of enchantment, is ready for you to explore its wonders. Book an 18-day journey, where you and a friend will visit up to eight countries, immersing yourselves in the vibrant cultures and iconic landmarks that define this extraordinary continent. Prepare to be captivated by the atmospheric charm of Prague, the 'City of a Hundred Spires,' and lose yourself in the romance of Venice's waters. Witness the grandeur of Rome as you stand in awe of the majestic Colosseum and toss a coin into the legendary Trevi Fountain. Discover the green capital city of Ljubljana and marvel at the imperial palaces of historic Vienna. But that's not all! Set sail on a seven-night cruise aboard the spectacular MSC "Seaview or the brand new 5-star MSC 'World Europa.' Explore a tapestry of eclectic ports, from the vibrant streets of Palermo in Sicily to the magnificent beauty of Valletta in Malta, and beyond. Indulge in the unparalleled comfort and elegance of your floating sanctuary as you create unforgettable memories. We've taken care of all the details, including return international full-service flights, eight nights of comfortable hotel accommodation, an expert English-speaking tour leader and guide, and hassle-free airport transfers. And there's so much more in store for you! So, gather your favourite travel companion and let the countdown to an extraordinary European escapade begin! Make your dreams of summer in Europe a reality by choosing our enticing Itinerary 2 option, where you can experience the delight of cruising to other destinations like Palma De Mallorca and Cannes. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey and unlock the magic of Europe.

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Tripadeal Review – A Customer’s Perspective

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

With five trips to date both home and away, and another two in the pipeline for 2019, I could well be considered a TripADeal Frequent Flyer . The TripADeal model is changing the way many of us book our holidays. And bargain hunters like me LOVE it!

I’ve paid for all my TripADeal trips and have not received any special discounts apart from the regular prices available to the public. 

Since swimming with the whales in Tonga, which was my first TripADeal holiday in 2016, my husband and I have visited Malaysian Borneo, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Canada, USA (Alaska and Yellowstone National Park) and Rainbow Beach in Queensland – all through TripADeal.

So, I would like to offer you a TripADeal review and my own travel experiences with them.

My Love Affair With TripADeal

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• Mari Mari Sepanggar Island

Mari Mari Cultural Village 

Nabalu native market , kinabalu national park botanical garden, kundasang war memorial, ranau , sabah tea factory and gardens, kampung luanti ‘fish spa massage’, english tea house, sandakan, sandakan memorial park.

• Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary 

Kinabatangan River Cruise At Dusk

Sepilok orang utan rehabilitation centre and sun bear conservation centre, rainforest discovery centre – sepilok, gomangton caves in gomantong hill, sandakan, kinabatangan river cruises and jungle walks, tripadeal tour exclusions, any tripadeal complaints, great value for money, what is tripadeal.

TripADeal is an online travel agency currently setting Australia on fire.

Since its inception in 2011, TripADeal has become a one of Australia’s top online travel agencies.

TripADeal offers massive discounts on holiday deals and is competing with market giants such as Expedia.

It was voted ‘ Best Online Travel Agent ’ by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) in 2017 and all of this out of little ol’ Byron Bay.

With a mantra of “ Making Travel Dreams Come True “, their holiday deals fall into two main categories:

• Travel (tour packages sometimes including cruises)
• Escape (accommodation deals with no tours)

Both categories have domestic and international destinations, with occasional special ‘2 for 1 deals’ that will light anyone’s fire!

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Well, my love affair with TripADeal began in 2016.

The initial hook?

A full-page attractive ad in a local newspaper lured me in.

That was followed by automated TripADeal emails to my inbox at work after subscribing. Now that’s always a susceptible time to be thinking of another holiday!

And all it took was a headline highlighting one of my bucket list destinations, followed by a price I couldn’t resist.

“Simples”, as a certain meerkat would say.

My first dip into TripADeal’s world of adventure was the “ Tonga Whale Encounters – Swim With Humpback Whales”, an 11-day South Pacific experience of a lifetime at only $4499 all inclusive.

Little did I know that I was soon to become hooked on TripADeal, evolving (or some would say ‘mutated’) into a TripADeal multi-tripper.

Being a control freak with a triple-A personality, I used to make most of my own travel arrangements, especially if I could save a dollar or two.

But finding the time to do so is a huge issue, which is getting worse.

Everyone is time-poor.

I certainly no longer have the time to visit travel shops or peruse brochures or sit and detail all my desires to a busy, half-interested travel agent.

Working a stressful full-time job just doesn’t allow any such luxury and having the interest or inclination to plan details of a complex itinerary, with flights, hotels, meals and side excursions has certainly waned.

So, present me with an all-in-one package, with a great headline and price that catches my eye.

I’m in, hook, line, and sinker!

TripADeal seems to have perfected the technique.

Those regular daily emails just keep dropping into my inbox.

Filled with wonderful eye-catching headlines and photos, they certainly are an easy temptation!

TripADeal – Ease Of Booking Online

TripADeal’s website is quite user-friendly and their holiday deals are easy to search for.

A mere click on the photo or ‘View Deal’ button takes you to the deal and the details of your chosen holiday are extensive.

They include the itinerary, highlights, tour inclusions and other important info.

Their multi-paged package information is pretty much fully explanatory.

A countdown clock on the right-hand side displays the time you have left to make a decision.

Although we all know that it’s a great marketing ploy to give the customer a sense of urgency, in the case of these TripADeal holidays, there really is an urgency.

If it looks too good to be true, the available dates will go very quickly.

So be forewarned!

If you have any questions, you can call and talk to a Travel Consultant, or Chat Online. After all, they are a travel agency.

Personally, I have never needed to do this at all.

I find the online instructions very easy to read, understand and follow.

However, you should research your trip before booking, especially to choose the best time to travel for that particular country which best suits you.

Once you have chosen your trip, the date, how many travellers and other details, your final price is shown.

You simply have to complete your order and pay.

Payment methods include Paypal or Visa, Mastercard or Amex cards, great for accumulating points.

They also offer zipMoney, which is a book-now-and-pay-later facility, if you prefer.

Once you have booked your trip, you get a confirmation email that includes a link to your Passenger Information Form which you need to complete within 72 hours.

If you require flights, and if they are not already included in the package, their sister company Phone A Flight can help you with those along with visas or insurance. 

Four to six weeks before your holiday is due, you will receive your Final Travel Documentation with your itinerary and other details.

Eh voila, you are ready to go!

Oh, and if you sign in to your TripADeal account, you can see all your current or previous trip details under “My Deals”.

TripADeal –  Pros And Cons of Booking 

• The prices are certainly very attractive (I don’t think I could match them if I tried to book such trips myself let alone the time and angst it would take me!). 
• The ‘2 for 1’ deals are especially awesome. 
• There are many advertised cut-price travel deals on the web but the more you examine the details, the more exclusions you find, hence their low price. With TripADeal, that is not the case.
• Most of their Travel deals include international flights, accommodation, most (if not all)excursions and some (if not all) meals. So why re-invent the wheel if TripADeal has done all the hard yards for you?

Well, isn’t that amazing? I can’t really think of anything.

Except I guess that it is an online booking agency.

Well hello, but that’s why you are using it, isn’t it?

If you do get stuck booking online, you can still call them or chat online.

Although I have never actually had to phone TripADeal for anything, so I can’t comment on this.

I thought this might be a good point to have some insight into how TripADeal can offer such great holidays at such fabulous prices.

Well, Emmy Lou Stockbridge is one of those awesome passionate people who put TripADeal adventures together.

I recently had the chance to ask her a few questions. Here is what she said:

How long have you worked for TripADeal?

Three years

Do you enjoy it?

I LOVE IT !!

What is your role in the company?

I am a Business Development Manager – a BDM’s role is to create the unbeatable deals you see online.

How many people actually work for TripADeal – especially in your area?

Over 100 and growing. My department is ‘Product’ and there are six BDM’s.

What is involved in creating a holiday package deal for TripADeal?

First establishing where the customer wishes to travel, looking at global trends and then sourcing the best travel or tour companies and accommodation worldwide, negotiating rates and building relationships, joining this with flights and making an unbeatable deal to put out for sale.

Making travel dreams come true!

Do you visit the country yourself to test out an itinerary you are working on? 

Yes, we travel to all our destinations and create itineraries ourselves but only after testing THE BEST way to travel a certain route or a destination.

Is there any possibility of extending holidays before or at the end of the trips?

Yes absolutely, you can find this info in the fine print of all the deals.

Does TripADeal take into account travellers feedback, both good and bad? 

Yes, we do, this determines always how much better we can make the trip, we are always wanting to improve on even the most successful and best-selling trips.

How does TripADeal manage to offer such well-priced deals?

All due to the wonderful and skilled negotiations of the Travel BDM’s. This along with our dedication and loyalty to our merchants.

Does TripADeal offer a flight price reduction guarantee?

No, we will just find the best rate online at the time of booking.

If someone still wants to book a TripADeal holiday face-to-face, is that possible?

Yes of course. We are part of Travellers Choice Travel Agency, with 150 stores Australia wide.

Are online bookings the most popular way of booking?

We have been awarded Best Online Travel Company twice, and we send over 30,000 eager travellers around the globe every year.

This is a testament to the growing number of travellers wanting to purchase online.

It’s simple and if you have a fabulous in-house Customer Service department like us, you can’t go wrong.

So what age group do you think TripADeal holidays most appeal to?

In the past, it was generally over 40+.

But a new trend in the market has shown we appeal to all ages!

A lot of the younger travellers are seeing the incredible value in our trips and are jumping on board.

TripADeal Reviews

If you want to know more, read my TripADeal Reviews of their Travel tours I have recently experienced.

If you want to travel independently, here’s a Sri Lanka itinerary to help you plan an independent trip. 

16 Day Fly, Tour & Stay – Maldives & Sri Lanka

Cost: $2799 (Standard Package), $3199 (Premium Package)

The premium package of this Tripadeal trip offers upgraded hotels during the 7-day Sri Lanka tour. Hence the price difference.

Whilst you may be tempted to book a Premium Package, to be honest with hindsight most of us wouldn’t have (see suggestions below).

Many tour highlights are included in the price but not all were mentioned in the advertised itinerary or as optional extras.

So I have included them here in this Tripadeal review.

Highlights Of our Tripadeal Sri Lanka Tour

The coach takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lion Rock. But admission for a self-guided tour was Optional (and a MUST do).

This was FANTASTIC!

Not only the amazing history (built in 477AD) and magnitude of the rock fortress but the 200m climb up from the jungle to the top is a must.

Beware of the young men who will forcibly try to assist you along the walk up the rock.

They are very insistent and quite pushy and will demand payment after.

Despite this hassle, the views at the top are stunning, as was the abundant wildlife along the way.

The troops of macaques were particularly curious, engaging and sneaky thieves if given half a chance!

It included a twin oxen cart ride through the village (definitely a highlight!) followed by a short walk along rice paddies and treehouses (watchtowers against marauding elephants).

Then board a local catamaran canoe to cruise a lake, the iconic Lion Rock in the distance. Landing alongside a local village pontoon, we were invited into the village.

Entertainment included learning to de-husk rice, crack a coconut and a leaf weaving demonstration.

And after all that hard work, we were served a beautiful freshly cooked traditional village lunch.

A scary tuk-tuk ride back to our transport completed our tour.

What a memorable experience, and one with a difference.

Walking amongst hundreds of stalls selling local produce whilst commercial trucks and utes try to load up.

This was a very busy active Farmer’s Market selling so many fruits and vegetables we didn’t even recognize. 

Again, not itemized.

You will need to take off your shoes and reverently walk through the site to see the 150 statues of Buddha.

Watch out for more monkeys too.

This included show demonstrated twelve colourful ritualistic cultural dances.

But the highlight was the south Ceylonese Wedi fire dance.

Firewalking and fire-eating performed in a street-level car park. Amazing!

A very insightful tour of a top-class gemstone factory and showrooms.

It included a historical film of gem mining.

From the Sri Lankan moonstone to multi-coloured sapphires and red or green garnets.

Gorgeous and very tempting!

And did you know?

Lady Di’s iconic blue sapphire engagement ring actually came from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has a 150 yr history of growing tea.

This was one of the largest tea factories and its tour was very enjoyable.

Tea is still traditionally hand-picked by only women and the eight different Ceylon teas are world re-known.

Tasting the final product was fascinating.

Orange pekoe tea purposefully drunk over a cube of palm sugar and no milk. And a coffee-tea blend, well, that tasted peculiarly like peppermint.

Instead of driving to the Orphanage, our fabulous guide took us by train.

This turned out to be a great experience of local rail travel, and a highlight for many. But the Orphanage itself was a letdown.

Said to be a conservation and educational centre, it looked more like a commercial zoo.

There were large crowds standing in the dust and heat with not a lot to see.

A group of elephants at the back of the complex had their legs chained. They seemed stressed and very fearful of their keepers.

Another elephant was being forcefully hosed down in front of the tourists but it didn’t seem to be enjoying the experience at all.

Not a good sign.

This optional tour, however, was a real highlight. We travelled in open-top 4WD Mohindra jeeps through the National Park.

Hundreds of elephants roamed the savannah and lake’s edge.

There was abundant other wildlife with eagles, ibis, strutting peacocks, brahminy kites, woolly neck storks and spoonbills.

Caribou and small groups of hunting jackals were also spotted.

And to top it off whilst driving home, our traffic was stopped by a lone elephant strutting its stuff along the main road.

This is Sri Lanka.

Just priceless!

The oils and drinks made from them appeared to cure almost any illness.

The tour included free half-hour Ayurvedic massages (although tips were expected).

But then we were split up into individuals or pairs (against our wishes) and escorted through the shop.

What followed was a hard personalized sell of over-priced Ayurvedic products.

A great shame as everyone reported being harassed to buy, at times quite rudely.

This was a guided tour of the historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress.

The mix of Asian and European architecture has evolved since the 1500s.

Wander along fabulous three-century-old streets, through the Old Gate, past the Dutch Reformed Church, New Orient Hotel to the Galle Lighthouse.

Shop in the boutique shops of the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex and stop at a lovely restaurant for some local food or drink to cool off.

Read this post for more things to do in Colombo . 

Our itinerary ‘evolved’ out of the advertised Tripadeal one.

We had a great tour guide who occasionally took it upon himself to suggest changes if it suited the group.

Or if the weather was too inclement for planned excursions.

He thus recommended NOT to pre-book (and pay for) Optional excursions prior to starting the trip.

One such example was our Day 3.

We didn’t actually travel to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa .

This became an optional tour which clashed with an opportunity to do the Minneriya Elephant Safari and that turned out to be one of the group’s top highlights.

He also arranged a free tour of an orphanage school in Kandy.

This totally delighted the group, especially the retired teachers amongst us.

And he made the pain of tipping a breeze.

We each contributed one amount to him to cover our whole week of gratuities.

Then he arranged all the tipping in our hotels and restaurants.

So much easier and less stressful than trying to work with foreign currency and local habits!

1- Review of Standard and Premium Hotel Rooms

Having both standard and premium hotels each night was not ideal. The tour group was constantly split up. This limited any ability to socially mix at the end of the day during meal times.

It also meant more driving, with different drop-offs at night and in the mornings.

In fact, everyone commented that there was very little difference between the two hotel standards in Sri Lanka. Perhaps with two exceptions.

2- Colonial-Style Accommodation Appeals

In Kandy, most of the group preferred the heritage Hotel Suisse. This was in comparison to the more upmarket and minimalistic Ozo Kandy. Both were on the lake’s edge and 10 mins walk from the city centre.

But Hotel Suisse was a beautiful heritage colonial-style hotel set in 4 acres of tropical gardens. Its amazing original ballroom served as the restaurant. And the decor of the hotel, rooms, and elevators transported you back in time.

3- Include Traditional Stilt Fishing in the package

The older motel-style standard hotel in Koggala was certainly substandard to the much more upmarket premium choice. But the latter was quite a few km out of town.

Whilst both were beachfront, the standard hotel was in Koggala. It was also only 200m walk from where a few traditional pole fishermen were.

It was a real bonus to witness this as stilt fishing is a dying south coast Sinhalese tradition. We would certainly recommend including it in the package if possible. Even if it is generally posed for tourists.

• The Minneriya Elephant Safari was terrific and would a great addition to any future itinerary.
• Parts of the tour we wouldn’t recommend? The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage got a definite general thumbs down.
• As for the Royal 100 Spice and Herbal Garden. A tour of a Sinhalese spice garden is a great idea given Ceylon’s history of spices. However, there is a definite need to change the venue. I certainly wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.

Tripadeal Maldives 6 Day Stay

The Adaaran Club Rannalhi resort was a 45min fast boat ride from Male Airport.

The marina was also right outside the airport.

The crystal clear, azure blue waters were stunning, and that was just in the harbour!

Once on the island and in your room, time stops.

Time to chill, grab a sun lounge or a hammock, and relax.

Thumbs down – TripADeal Maldives 6 Day Stay

Standard rooms came with the Tripadeal package.

We personally scored a room on the east side but the beach there is sand-bagged due to strong wave action. And the afternoon shade hits these rooms from about 3 to 4 pm.

So, if possible, request the west side of the island.

It has much longer daylight hours with great sunsets.

However, the resort staff was very supportive of any request to change rooms.

Some even chose to upgrade to the overwater bungalows as they become available.

Thumbs up – TripADeal Maldives 6 Day Stay

Lunches and dinners were generally not included in Sri Lanka.

But all meals (5 a day) in the Maldives were included.

Plus, there was an all-inclusive drinks package.

Yes, wine, champagne, beer, and cocktails. Here’s to sundowners!

The restaurant was smorgasbord style with too many choices at each meal, both traditional and international fare.

Our group was placed together at each sitting too.

This was much appreciated by all given our separation in Sri Lanka.

Morning and afternoon snacks were also available at the two bars around the island. And Wifi was accessible in the reception, restaurant, and both bars.

Small coral reefs were within 100-200m of the rooms.

Although severely bleached, coral fish were in abundance.

From clownfish, angelfish, and triggerfish, to a resident moray eel and an amazing friendly hawksbill turtle.

Optional excursions included snorkelling out at sea in a traditional dhoni.

Scuba diving, fishing trips, spinner dolphin, manta and whale shark tours were also available.

As well as the usual watercraft for hire.

Namely, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, jet skis, and catamarans.

What GREAT value for money.

A google search quoted our room that same week at $500-$650 per night.

Yet our Tripadeal package included 7 nights, with all transfers and an all-inclusive food and beverage deal. Amazing!

A restful week on the island was also greatly appreciated after the extensive high paced tour of Sri Lanka.

Doing so much in such a short time with virtually different hotels every night can be quite tiring.

Placing the Maldives Stay at the end of the package was brilliant thinking!

Looking for more things to do in Southeast Asia? Try these:

• 15 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City
• 18 Things To Do in Hanoi
• 15 Things To Do in Manila
• 15 Things To Do in Cameron Highlands
• 15 Things To Do in Cambodia
• 15 Things To Do In Changi Airport
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• 30 Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur
• 30 Things To Do In Bali
• 25 Things To Do in Penang
• 20 Things To Do in Melaka
• 20 Things To Do in Isaan

10 Day 2 For 1 Borneo

Cost: $3999

This Tripadeal review is about an offer that looked too good to resist.

We had experienced orangutan volunteering in Indonesian Borneo where we visited Balikpapan and worked with rescued orangutans but Malaysia and Borneo were totally unknown to us.

We travelled with Tripadeal in May 2018. 

Our 8-day route covered the capital city Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan in east Sabah.

Booking the trip was easy and uncomplicated.

The quoted price included international flights, accommodation and virtually all our meals.

Bottled water was provided free and in abundance by our tour guide.

Dehydration in the hot and humid climate is a no-no, so personal hydration is a must.

We also usually had access to free tea and coffee wherever we stayed.

Our 8 days on this TripAdeal Borneo holiday were packed with included activities and excursions and we soon discovered there were plenty of things to do in Sabah .

There was little spare time to chill or relax.

We covered a lot of territory in our coach with 28 other adventurers.

Highlights Of Our TripADeal Borneo Tour

A tour of the largest most modern city.

An insight to compare with home, with waterfront walks, busy markets, and various malls.

A particular highlight was the City Mosque or White Floating Mosque of traditional Moorish architecture, it is built on a platform in the middle of a reflective lake.

Via short ferry from Jesselton Point Jetty, Kota Kinabalu – a tropical island ‘paradise’.

A few hours to chill and relax by the azure-coloured water’s edge.

All under the cover of lush palm trees with a stunning island treehouse setting and Malaysian style smorgasbord lunch. 

Shame about the floating plastic mimicking jellyfish.

Or the derelict beached fishing boat and rubber tires masked as plant holders. And the piles of discarded empty sacks of biscuit flour (contents ‘Vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide’) at both ends of the beach.

A 3 hr visit with a local dinner and cultural performance.

A delight to see and experience local traditions and foods.

Evil rainforest insects though. Super strength insect repellent is a must!

A shortstop passing through the Crocker Range with stunning Mt Kinabalu and National Park in the background.

Great for local food tasting, local handicrafts and cheap T-shirts for presents.

A guided walk through the rather stunning rainforest.

A taste of some Mt Kinabalu park trails and the Summit & Climbathon route to the top of the mountain (4095m).

A self-guided tour of the Memorial to the infamous 250km death marches from Sandakan to Ranau.

Two gardens commemorate the Australian and English POW’s who died.

The Borneo Garden is for the locals who helped them.

The Contemplation Garden honours all the victims of these horrors of war. 

The Australian Memorial Hall was full of emotive memorabilia.

A Channel 9 Jana Wendt documentary video about the death marches brought tears to everyone’s eyes. 

We even met Mr Sevee Charuruks, a great honour, a Thai national who was instrumental in restoring the Memorial in 2005.

He still works in the souvenir shop café, along with his family and grandchildren.

The beautiful tea gardens overlook Mt Kinabalu, great for photos.

The informative tour of the factory of Borneo’s top tea producer was hard to hear because of the loud machines.

Just don’t lean on anything green that may look freshly painted.

It probably is. Warning signage is not a Borneo thing! 

Our heavily accented tea guide was very difficult to understand. But the tea tasting at the end was very enjoyable. And many of us purchased various Sabah tea product souvenirs.

Not what you would expect in a western world spa.

Definitely third world in its execution.

Hundreds of (large) fish hilariously nibbling your feet and legs at the edges of the river.

The locals look on and laugh!

Experience a beautiful three-course lunch in a classic colonial heritage house and gardens. Takes you back to the good ol’ days of English occupation.

A self-guided tour of remnants of the actual World War II Sandakan POW camp.

Dedicated to those who died in the Sandakan Death Marches to Ranau.

A circular route through restful rainforest gardens. See original remnants of an excavator and the steam generator.

A beautiful Memorial Pavilion and nearby Memorial Obelisk complete the park.

Very emotional and moving.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary  

A personal highlight was to experience a feeding session of wild proboscis monkeys.

From a seemingly quiet and empty rainforest to feeding platforms full of troops of big-nosed proboscis monkeys.

A photographer’s delight!

Cruise along the river from a local Muslim fisherman’s village on an authentic fishing longboat.

More wild proboscis monkeys. And sparkling fireflies in the bushes along the river’s edge. 

A sunset return for a traditional dinner cooked and served by village ladies.

Soup, fish, vegetables, chicken and pineapple curry with refreshingly cold rose water to drink. 

Another personal highlight, this visit starts with an introduction video about the wildlife.

Then go on your self-guided tour to feeding platforms and an Outdoor Nursery. 

The latter has both air-conditioned and open-air viewing rooms.

Both provide slightly different angles of viewing the juvenile orangs, which is especially important for photography with ever-changing sunlight, reflections, and shadows through the glass. 

We were even lucky enough to meet a young male orangutan walking along our boardwalk handrail.

Talk about an up close and personal experience. Memorable!

The informative guided garden tour was fascinating.

A great introduction to many tropical plants, herbs, and spices. But the highlight was the rainforest canopy walk.

The view of the top of the rainforest was amazing. As was the birdlife we encountered along the way.

A tour of the world-famous bat and cockroach-ridden caves.

Another personal bucket list item. And we were not disappointed. 

Although we did miss the wild orangutan hanging in the forest along the boardwalk.

Similarly back at the educational exhibition area on the way to the cave. Aaargh!

Included were sunrise and sunset river cruises along a remote stretch of this river.

Stunningly mesmerising in the middle of the Borneo jungle.

Listen to sounds of monkeys howling and birdlife calling as numerous hornbills fly overhead.

The included daytime jungle walk was hot and humid, consequently, little wildlife was seen.

But the optional nighttime walks were a different story.

From Malay and Palm civets to a rare mouse deer and skunk, as well as sleeping kingfishers and a Draco flying lizard.

So worth braving a few forest leeches…

• Camera Fees – Local government bodies charge ‘camera fees’ at certain excursions. Included were: Gomantong caves, Labuk Bay Monkey Sanctuary, and the Orang-utan/Sun Bear Centre. But at only a few dollars at each site, they were more than worth it. And phone cameras were exempt.
• Optional Tours – We paid about AUD $10 each to experience the evening guided rainforest tours at Bilit. What we saw in insects and birdlife was well worth the leech attacks!
• Sundry Items – Alcohol and other drinks, a local Malaysian tourism tax ($3 per room per night) and tips.

Well, to be honest, there were very few.

• The coach was very comfortable and air-conditioned. Toilet and food stops were regular.
• Similarly, the accommodation was 4 star in the city and towns. Our rooms were nice and clean, with air-conditioning and swimming pools. In the Borneo jungle, it was 2-3 star. But there was nothing higher in these remote areas. As one could imagine.
• Where possible, we experienced traditional British colonial-style hotels. Our Sepilok Jungle Resort was right next to the Orangutan and Sun Bear Sanctuary. And our authentic jungle lodge was in a remote riverine rainforest area on the Lower Kinabatangan River.
• Most noticeably, the food. Well, that was fantastic. We experienced abundant local traditional fare. But there was always international food if you wanted it.
• Furthermore, the currency exchange makes travelling here very cheap. Food, tips, and drinks were only equivalent to a few dollars. This was a great bonus as the Australian dollar went a long way.

However, one relatively unfit, medically challenged elderly couple did comment: “There was too much sightseeing and walking, especially in the humidity and heat”, and: “Wildlife did not particularly interest us”.

So, if you fall into this same category, perhaps this Tripadeal Borneo 2 for 1 trip may not be the tour for you.

All in all, this was an AMAZING trip. Everyone commented on how much we had seen and experienced.

The wildlife, in particular, was stunning. We even saw wild orangs outside our rooms at the Bilit Adventure Lodge, with numerous wild proboscis monkeys on the river cruises.

However, Sabah’s rare pygmy elephants remained elusive. Just another reason to re-visit one day, I guess!

So if you want value for money, wildlife galore and a true authentic Borneo experience? Then you could not do any better than book this trip.

Read about my TripADeal Cruise, Canada and USA trip here. 

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China 2-for-1 tour with Tripadeal - TripADeal

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We were taken to several businesses that showcased their products such as Chinese Medicine, Silk... read more

Europe was beautiful and fascinating, however, the poor organisation and lack of communication by... read more

China 2-for-1 tour with Tripadeal

We absolutely loved our 12 day Tripadeal tour of China. It represented great value for money and we crammed so many amazing experiences into the short time we were in China. The itinerary was fantastic and gave us an excellent selection of experiences from Beijing, Zhengzhou, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai. This is not the sort of holiday you would do if you want time out to relax! We were on the go continuously and pretty exhausted towards the end of the tour, but wouldn't change a thing as we had so many wonderful experiences throughout our stay. I wouldn't recommend this tour to those who are unfit or unable to walk without assistance. The distances walked were not huge, but we travelled at the height of summer in July/August (35-38 degrees in places) and the slow-placed wandering through busy villages/cities and on uneven ground (at times) can be quite exhausting, even if you are fit. We were very impressed with Tripadeal's organisation and the thorough documentation provided prior to our departure. Our tour guides Jing (Beijing), Jimmy (Zhengzhou) and Jo Jo (Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai) were amazing - so knowledgeable, informative, helpful and friendly, and they made the experience so easy and enjoyable. The hotels we stayed in were great and the food was fantastic, although a little challenging to order at times due to the language barrier. All part of the experience! Tripadeal's 2-for-1 package (AUD$1,999 for 2 people) included Qantas flights, accommodation and the tour/tour guide as well as many activities. We spent approx AUD$500 per person on all of the optional extras which I would highly recommend. Lunches, dinners and snacks - where not provided - are very reasonably priced. Plus you need to allow for shopping along the way at places visited as well as shopping centres and markets. I would definitely highly recommend this tour to others. Thank you Tripadeal for an amazing holiday.

Had a great trip. Guides were lovely and you did have a choice to do your own thing if not wanting to do trips. Hotels were OK some better than others. Lots of walking wear comfortable shoes Would do TripaDeal again

From start to finish this tour was amazing. Well organised. Prompt pick ups & drop offs. Lovely accommodation. We had an awesome time

We bought the 15 day package including Hainan and the Terracotta Warriors. You will not find a cheaper trip which delivers the quality of transport and hotels in China. However, the overall package focuses on making its profit through TripADeal’s visits to “government factories” with “safe credit card facilities” and “quality product” at “special prices”. These are over-priced and over-sold, high pressured, compulsory shopping experiences which allow them make money through commissions and meet benchmarks set by the Chinese Government who sponsor the package. There is a single “artisan” at the front of house hand making product, shaping jade, individually unweaving each individual silk cocoon ….. when the reality is most product sold is mass produced. The two hours most days are dedicated to this process means there is insufficient time to for sightseeing and visiting culturally important places I really wanted to see. My major concern however is the lack of support when things go wrong. Two instances stand out. 1. A late itinerary change gave us an extra day and night at which TripADeal stated would be at “no extra charge”. This required a four hour wait at Shanghai Airport. Then flying 1400 kilometers in the opposite direction to Sydney. When we arrived in Xian where there was no one to meet us. Hainan Airlines staff had broken English. Lucky we had a fluent Mandarin speaker in the group. We were told that Trip A Deal had not informed them; that we were coming; that we required accommodation and had provided no passenger details. Our guide in Shanghai did not have details of the hotel when asked by a number of the tour prior to departure. Tour members phoned him and the operations manager at Xian from the airport. Neither provided any assistance. Eventually Hainan Air agreed to put us up at a dirty, noisy, smelly hotel in a less affluent area of town. Our bathroom had the toilet cistern taped together, flaking rusty piping with shards on the floor, corroded and pitted fittings, mould, pubic hair on the floor and a window ajar opening onto a noisy car park when we arrived at 1am. They refused to honour the “free breakfast” Trip A Deal had included in the package. We returned to Xian airport on an overcrowded bus whose cargo bay filled quickly necessitating stacking baggage to the roof on seats. A six-hour wait (four hours before check-in) followed. On informing TripADeal of the above they stated that this leg was “the responsibility of the Airline” and “not managed by TripADeal”. 2. On visiting a Chinese Medicine Hospital, we were offered free consultations with a bank of “Professors”. The consultations consisted of a palm inspection, forearm massage and “iridology” check lasting two minutes in total. Most men over sixty were diagnosed with lower back pain and increased urinary output at night. Medication prescribed cost around $750 for a three-month supply. Women’s problems resulted in similar generic uterine and bladder diagnoses but prescriptions were almost double the cost. The most concerning aspect was when an 80-year woman had her skin torn by the massage, resulting in the “Professor” recoiling at the sight of the blood and requiring medically trained tour members to bandage the wound. TRANSPORT Plane travel and food as comfortable and good as most airline’s economy class. All flights were late night. Bullet trains were excellent in terms of comfort and cleanliness. Tour busses comfortable and full HOTELS Hainan Hilton: Excellent facilities. Freeform wave pool, wide 30-meter lap pool, third pool, spacious clean well-appointed rooms, sensational breakfast. The problem was arriving at 5am and not being able to access the room until after midday unless we paid a $120 surcharge. We were provided with bottled water asked to wait in a conference room. Hotels were good value, clean and a little tired. Rooms usually spacious, beds firm/hard in the Asian style. Promoted as “Four Star” the categorisation is based on a self-rating system by the hotels. In my opinion most were three star. Hotels were at least 30 minutes from the city centres making it difficult to see the sights. Usually street food and eateries with pictures nearby. Breakfasts provided European and Chinese options and some fresh fruit. As most had 100-150 Trip A Dealers staying each night and leaving at the same time thus dining rooms were often crowded and meals rushed. TOURS We were not aware that Google, Facebook, Gmail, Apple platforms …. can’t be accessed in China. Installing a VPN is essential for news, communication and organising tours independent of TripADeal if you so desire. Guides heavily promote their ”optional tours” and you can feel pressured. The distance from hotels to the attractions means I would recommend nearly all tours unless you had prearranged other options. Guides are understandably reluctant to give advice about alternatives or how to do it independently. If you choose not to do the optional activity, you are left on your own resources, in places that have little close by to entertain or inform you. If you are uncertain about a tour or ill ask if you can delay the decision to the next morning. Most tickets are purchased on site. One young woman said she would do a tour, woke up ill prior to ticket purchase and was refused a refund. Tour cost $800 pp Gratuity (for bus, driver and guide) $170pp Highlights • The Golden Mask Dynasty: Superb theatre, stylised acting, choreography, staging, dance, gymnastic skill, costuming, theme ….. • Shaolin Temple. Our Guide, Jessica, was also very good. • Shanghai Night River Cruise and light show. You could buy the ticket yourself for half bthe price but wasn’t worth the hassle of getting there. Pay the extra $10 for VIP seating. • ERA-Intersection of Time. The history of Shanghai through a variety of precision acrobatics. Grand Canal Boat Ride good. Alternatively, you could walk the same route for $4 Hutong Rickshaw Tour (Beijing). Family meal very good but fun to walk the same route and spend more time lakeside at no cost. Shanghai French Quarter, Old Street, bazaar …. French Quarter meals and variety of Shanghai boutique beers magic. Old City Façade brilliant but filled with department stores. Our guide discouraged the Yuyuan Garden “Not as good as the one you saw yesterday”. Ignore the statement as its great and not going saves the company or guide 80% of the entrance fees included in the option. The group stopped half an hour on the way a tacky overpriced trinket shop. The meeting point was a jade and souvenir teashop. The men’s urinals drained and splashed into full buckets on the floor. Much better places to rendezvous. Bazaar was fun. 30% of asking price was taken for most items, sometimes far less. Bargain away! Hainan half day tour can be done cheaply, easily and in a better way. Ask the concierge or guide to write down the sites you wish to see in Chinese or take the free hotel shuttle bus. Ensure you take the Hotel car with you for the return journey. The Wugong Temple and museum are worthy of a short visit. Qilou Old Street is depilated but worth of 30 minutes, not over an hour. Longhua Qu Zhongshan Lu is easily accessed, period, beautifully restored, has interesting sculptures, benches, a temple, eateries, street food and an entertainment area. Not on the tour but worthy of more time than Old Street. Hainan chicken dinner is in a multi-story carpark restaurant. Flavour lacking, no broth, sullen service, ordinary. WC blocks reeked of ammonia. Far better and more varied options in the street behind RTMart ($5 taxi ride from hotel). RTMart great for fresh fruit, cheese, snacks, alcohol etc with a live seafood section if you wish to be confronted. Ask the concierge or guide to write out the address. FOOD Options usually available at night near hotels. Street food, inexpensive noodle, dumpling houses and often some medium priced select your own protein and have it cooked. Vegetarian hard to find. After most days activities prior to the final leg we ate late afternoon at truck stop Chinese takeaway which were surprisingly good and varied. Trip A Deal included meals were usually shared on a lazy-susan and above tourist shops. Not offensive and very good at the Shoalin Temple. A slightly more expensive, less-pressured, less-mercenary, more relaxed, more supportive, helpful and culturally and culinary oriented tour is better suited to our needs.

We did another adventure with Tripadeal.. an Online company in Australia.. This time we went to Prague, Berlin then Hamburg where we boarded the MSC Orchestra on a journey to the top of the earth along the Norwegian coast and back again.. Tripadeal did yet another great job of organising our group of 34..I can recommend them for their organised trip and everything they did.. I will be looking online for another one with them..

We had 3 different tour guides while in China. We had a free day in Zhengzhou when we did not see our guide at all. I emailed TripADeal to ask if we needed to tip our guide there under the circumstances. Their reply came after we had left Zhengzhou and of course, after we had paid our tour guide. Their response was that we did not have to pay the tip for that free day. Had the free day been while we were in Beijing or Shanghai, we wouldn't have worried about the $12 tip as the guides there we excellent. I have emailed TripADeal many times explaining the situation. We toured in mid May. Still waiting to hear back from them.

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2-For-1 Europe River Cruise Offer

• 09 May 2023

If a European River Cruise is on your bucket list, our 2-for-1-Europe-river-cruise offer is the way to make that dream a reality in 2023. It’s half-price!

Europe River Cruise

River cruising in Europe is a popular and enjoyable way to explore the continent’s beautiful waterways, historic cities, charming towns, and picturesque landscapes. Europe is home to some of the world’s most famous and iconic rivers, such as the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, and Rhône.

The rivers allow river cruise guests to travel through countries, unpacking only once, rather than changing accommodations frequently.

Our 2-for-1-Europe-river-cruise offer is available on both Luxury, think 5-star + with butlers and all the bells and whistles, and 4-star Premium River Ships that simply include the things you need, like shore excursions, drinks with meals, pre-paid gratuities and entertainment.

Window and Balcony categories from 9-15 days are available, subject to availability.

Typical European river cruise

A typical European river cruise itinerary usually includes stops at several ports of call along the river, allowing passengers to explore various cities and towns. Some of the most popular ports of call include Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna, Paris, and Porto.

River cruises in Europe offer passengers a comfortable and relaxing way to travel, with all the necessary amenities on board, including dining options, entertainment, and comfortable cabins with private balconies.

Our 2-for-1-Europe-river-cruise offers include a variety of shore excursions that allow passengers to experience the local culture and attractions. The Luxury and Premium Cruise Operators we work with at WorldLee Journeys have thought of everything needed to make your holiday truly memorable.

Final Thoughts

River cruising in Europe is a great way to explore the continent’s waterways, cities, and towns. It offers a comfortable and relaxing way to travel, with plenty of opportunities to experience the local culture and attractions.

Contact WorldLee Journeys today for our half-price, 2-for-1-Europe-river-cruise offer available last minute for July – November 2023 .

Prices start at $4096.00 for 2 adults, or $$2048.00 per person, on our Premium River Ships and start at $7596.00 for 2 adults or $$3798.00 per person on our Luxury River Ships, subject to availability.

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Don’t miss Our 2-for-1-Europe-river-cruise offers. They will sell out quickly at these prices!

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You can still find affordable flights to Europe this summer

Airfare prices to amsterdam, brussels, prague and reykjavik are way down from last year.

Christina Saull and her husband have waited five years to take a 10-day cruise through the Norwegian fjords. The first time they planned the trip, it was postponed for a medical emergency. The second time, there was a family wedding. Now, finally, they were getting ready to go in July.

Only they needed plane tickets.

“It’s interesting to see how expensive fares have been and how they’ve fluctuated,” said Saull, a public relations executive who lives in Alexandria, Va.

The couple watched prices go from as little as $900 round trip to as much as $2,500 for flights from Washington to Edinburgh, Scotland, and back from Copenhagen . They finally settled on premium economy seats for $2,000 each on Delta Air Lines and its partner Air France.

“I don’t think it’s unreasonable for summer Europe travel,” Saull said of what they paid.

Not unreasonable is a good way to describe transatlantic air travel this summer. Even with strong travel demand, tickets are cheaper on average than they were last year.

“Airfare to Europe is less expensive than last year by 10 percent,” said Hayley Berg, the lead economist at flight-booking app Hopper . The average round trip ticket before any extra fees costs $882, according to the data.

The highest fares are in June, July and August, Berg added. Traveling in shoulder months — for example, September and October — could save travelers as much as 30 percent.

Schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium Diio shows airlines will offer 8 percent more seats on U.S.-Europe routes from May through September than last year.

Philadelphia is gaining new nonstops to Copenhagen, Naples , and Nice, France, on American Airlines. Phoenix gets its first nonstop to Paris on Air France. Washington, a new flight to Zurich on Swiss International Air Lines. And many other routes additional flights or options on larger planes.

“In the transatlantic, we are looking forward to another strong summer,” said Glen Hauenstein, president of Delta Air Lines, referring to bookings earlier in April. He added the airline sees “healthy demand” for seats to Europe.

Paris has flight deals, but hotels are pricey

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics are a bump in the finely tuned machine that is summer air travel to Europe. The Games run from July 26 through Aug. 11, and the French capital is expected to host some 15 million visitors during the event and the following Paralympic Games. Last summer, the city saw more than 6.2 million visitors in July and August.

“Paris will be like an Olympic village in July and August,” said Christine Ourmières-Widener, CEO of the French airline French Bee . All those visitors still need a way to get to the city. French Bee , which caters to leisure travelers like those going to the Games, has added flights from Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco to meet the demand.

Flight deals to Paris can still be found. Booking website Expedia recommends travelers buy tickets at least 21 days before their trip and, for international travel, look at departing on a Monday to find the best airfares.

Finding an affordable hotel in Paris during the Games is another matter. Expedia said it has seen a “massive surge” in searches for accommodations there this summer and recommends travelers look at nearby cities for more reasonably priced options.

Consider Nice, Prague and Reykjavik

Finn Vigeland, a transit planner who lives in Washington, was “quite surprised” last month when he found a good deal on flights to Nice, France, in July.

Prices on American Airlines’ new nonstop to Nice from Philadelphia were only $700 to $800 round trip, he said. That was affordable enough to make a trip to France with friends possible, and he booked the flight (with points, not cash).

Average fares to Nice from the United States are down a quarter to $907 compared to last summer, Hopper’s data shows. The city also has the distinction of being one of the few European destinations with lower airfares this summer than in 2019, 11 percent lower to be exact. That drop is, in part, thanks to a plethora of new flights on American, Delta, and United.

Amsterdam, Brussels, Prague , and Reykjavik , Iceland, are other European cities where ticket prices from the United States are down more than 20 percent from last year, according to Hopper.

Airfares are not down double-digits in all markets though. Fares to cities like Berlin and Glasgow, Scotland, are on par with last year.

Traveler after traveler said they felt like they could find reasonably priced plane tickets for trips between the United States and Europe this summer. Those who said they could not often lacked flexibility to adjust their trips to when and where fares are the cheapest.

“I felt like this was doable. It made sense,” Alexander Giess said of his plan to take his 10-year-old daughter on a three-week trip to France this summer.

After a lengthy search, in March the marketing executive paid about $1,000 each for two round-trip tickets to Nice from San Francisco on his preferred airline, Delta.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights .

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.

FinanceBuzz

12 Types of People Who Should Never Travel to Europe

Posted: March 10, 2024 | Last updated: March 11, 2024

You’ve finally reached a point where you’re ready to start traveling more . “Where should I start?” is a great question to ask yourself.

Plenty of fellow globetrotters might recommend Europe. The continent is definitely a top travel destination (after all, Paris was the world’s most-visited city in 2022). But just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you. So, if any of the following descriptors apply to you, we recommend skipping Europe entirely.

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People who don’t want to deal with the hassle of passport renewal

If you have difficulty keeping up with paperwork and tend to miss crucial deadlines, international travel might not be for you.

Having your travel documents in order is crucial when planning to travel internationally. Passport processing takes seven to ten weeks, not including the time your passport spends in the mail.

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People who haven't saved up

You could travel to Europe on a budget, staying in hostels and using a top travel credit card to travel for almost free .

But no matter how many excess costs you cut out, a trip to Europe is inherently expensive — if for no other reason than the currency exchange rate and passport or visa fees.

People who don't like jet lag

After your seven-hour flight across the Atlantic, you’ll land in a time zone at least five hours ahead of the one you left.

For every one to one-and-a-half hours you leap ahead in time, your body requires about a day to adjust. You won’t feel quite like yourself again until five days into your European vacation.

And you can expect to take at least five days to recover once you’re back home, too.

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People who hate flying

A non-stop flight from New York City to London is six hours and 55 minutes long. If you’re on the West Coast, it's closer to 11 hours (from LA to NYC) — not accounting for layovers or weather delays.

Luckily for the flight-averse, the United States is a remarkably road-trip-friendly country with plenty of beautiful new places you can explore within seven hours (by car) of your home.

People who don’t have much vacation time

If you can actually take a few weeks off, you might have enough to see the best sights Europe has to offer. But if you only get a week or so, a journey across the Atlantic just isn’t worth it.

You’ll have enough time to adjust to the new time zone before you fly home and start readjusting.

People who don’t like walking

If spending a lot of time on your feet isn’t your idea of a good time, save your money by skipping Europe.

Touring the Colosseum, wandering London’s vast Natural History Museum, and exploring the Louvre all demand quite a bit of walking.

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People who don’t want to spend a fortune on plane tickets alone

Plane ticket prices can vary depending on when you’re flying and how far in advance you manage to snag tickets.

No matter how early you get your tickets, expect to pay quite a bit for a round trip to Europe in this post-pandemic world: In the summer of 2023, the average plane ticket to the continent cost around $1,200.

People who aren't willing to pay more for gas

A trip outside the country can help put domestic gas pump costs into perspective. In Italy, for instance, a gallon costs around $5.96. In France, $5.54. And in the Netherlands, $6.48.

And that’s after gas prices stabilized, as they doubled during summer, coming to an all-time high. Needless to say, if you were planning on a Euro road trip, it could cost you a pretty penny.

People who aren't huge history fans

Europe’s cities are much older than America’s. Some by a thousand years or more. For instance, the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv has been continuously inhabited for around eight millennia!

While you can certainly find modern activities in any European city, your overall experience might be more interesting if you're passionate about the past.

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People who hate public transit

Because Europe is both old and densely populated, most cities have robust public transit systems.

Sure, as long as you don’t mind the high petrol prices, you can get around many European cities by car.

While you can save a lot of time and money, navigating subways, buses, and trains has a high learning curve, especially for visitors who don’t speak a country’s native language.

People who aren’t multi-lingual

Many Europeans speak English, so even if you don’t speak a second language, you can likely manage in many metropolitan areas in Europe.

However, you shouldn’t count on those around you speaking the same language as you.

And even if you’re surrounded by English speakers, it can be frustrating to constantly ask for translations for menu items or street signs.

People who aren't interested in museums

For many people, Europe’s biggest draw is its museums. The Louvre alone has 652,300 square feet to explore, which can take up to 65 days!

You can avoid wasting money by taking a trip closer to home. Spend half a day at a famous museum like Seattle’s Pop Culture Museum or New York’s Museum of Modern Art and devote the rest of your trip to other activities. Or, if you prefer a more active, outdoorsy vacation, a national park or a mountain town like Asheville, NC, could be just what you’re looking for.

Bottom line

For some people, traveling to Europe is the dream of a lifetime, but if you identify with any of the issues we listed above, you probably aren’t one of them.

Instead of visiting the region out of obligation or to fit in with the crowd, focus on finding travel opportunities closer to home to  earn miles and travel more  to places you want to go.

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• International

April 15, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Kathleen Magramo, Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury and Amir Vera, CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

Israel delays Rafah offensive as it weighs response to Iranian attack. Catch up here

From CNN Staff

Israel was set to take its first steps toward a  ground offensive in Rafah  this week, but has delayed those plans as it mulls a response to Iran’s attack, two Israeli sources have told CNN.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long stressed the importance of invading Rafah to dismantle Hamas’s remaining battalions, despite significant international pressure to call off an all-out ground offensive. But, a military response that risks escalating the conflict with Iran further would pull the military’s attention and resources away from Gaza.

Here's what to know if you're just joining our coverage:

• War cabinet meeting : Israel's war cabinet reviewed military plans for a potential response against Iran, an official said. The cabinet remains determined to act , but it's not clear if a decision has been made. Israel has vowed to "exact a price" after the unprecedented large-scale drone and missile attack .
• White House urges de-escalation: US President Joe Biden is focusing on preventing Iran's attack from spiraling into a wider regional conflict , spokesperson John Kirby said. Kirby said ultimately the US wanted tensions to de-escalate.
• Countries urge restraint : Biden's sentiment is echoed by various countries who are urging Israel and Iran to avoid further confrontation that could plunge the area deeper into conflict. Indonesia, Malaysia , Jordan , Germany , the UK , South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Somalia — among others — have all expressed concern about rising tension in the region.
• Iran's stance : Iran maintains its attack on Israel was a "legitimate" and “responsible” reaction , the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said.
• Flight operations resume : Airports in the Iranian capital of Tehran resumed flights at 6:00 a.m. local time on Monday, according to Iran's state-aligned Tasnim news agency.
• Israel warns Palestinians to avoid the north : After thousands of Palestinians attempted to return to their homes in northern Gaza, Israel's military warned it was a "dangerous combat zone" through social media and airdropped leaflets .
• Gaza death toll : The Health Ministry in Gaza says that 68 people were killed in the territory over the past 24 hours as a result of Israeli military operations. A further 94 were injured. CNN cannot verify the figures, and the Ministry does not provide a breakdown of civilians and fighters among the casualties. The Ministry said that since October 7, 33,797 people have been killed and 76,465 injured.
• West Bank shooting: Israeli gunfire killed one person and critically wounded another in Nablus , in the occupied West Bank, on Monday, the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Health said. Israeli police described the man as a "terrorist" and said he threw an explosive device at their forces.
• Palestinians released : Israeli authorities have released 150 people previously detained in Gaza according to the Palestinian General Authority for Crossings and borders on Monday. Two of the detainees were ambulance workers for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
• Israeli soldiers wounded : An explosion near the northern border has injured four Israeli soldiers , one severely, the military says.
• Gaza aid : The Israeli government agency that coordinates the delivery of aid into Gaza says that a new crossing in the north has again been used to deliver food aid .
• Hostage talks: Hamas has slashed the number of hostages it is willing to release during the first phase of a ceasefire deal by more than half, from 40 down to 20, an Israeli source close to the negotiations said. This represents a significant step backward in the talks.

The post has been updated with details on the war cabinet meeting and the hostage talks.

2 Palestinian farmers killed after confrontation with Israeli settlers near West Bank city of Nablus

From CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq

Two Palestinians were killed Monday south of the West Bank city of Nablus, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.

The Palestinian official news agency WAFA, citing a local official, said the two were killed by Israeli settlers in Khirbet at-Tawil, which is near the settlement of Gitit. 

According to WAFA, Israeli settlers attacked and killed two farmers who were tending their farmland. 

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah identified the deceased as Abdul Rahman Maher Bani Fadel, 30, and Muhammad Ashraf Bani Jame, 21.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement it received a report Monday "about a Palestinian suspect who attacked a Jewish shepherd" in the Gitit area in the West Bank's Jordan Valley. "A violent confrontation developed there between Palestinians and Israeli citizens," the statement said. 

When IDF forces arrived, they "worked to disperse the confrontation," and "during the incident, two Palestinians were killed," the statement said. 

A preliminary investigation into the shooting appears that IDF forces did not do it, the statement concluded. 

The IDF and the Israel police are investigating the incident, the IDF spokesperson added.

China notes Iran's position on Israel attack and does not condemn strikes

From CNN’s Manveena Suri, Simone McCarthy and Wayne Chang

China said it noted Iran’s statement that the actions against Israel were an “exercise of the right of self-defense” during a phone call between the foreign ministers of the two nations on Monday, and did not condemn the weekend strikes.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that China condemned the attack on a consulate building in the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus, according to a statement issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Chinese foreign minister added the incident “seriously violates international law and is unacceptable.”

“China has noted Iran's statement that the actions it took were limited and it was an exercise of the right of self-defense in response to the attack on the embassy building,” the statement said. “The current regional situation is very sensitive, and Iran is willing to exercise restraint and has no intention of further escalating the situation,” the statement added, quoting Amir-Abdollahian.

Separately, China’s Special Envoy on the Middle East, Zhai Jun, met with Irit Ben-Abba Vitale, Israel’s Ambassador to China, on Monday, in which the latter expressed Israel's position and concerns on the conflict in Gaza.

Zhai said China was “deeply concerned about the current escalation of regional tensions, and conflicts and bloodshed serve the interests of no one.”

“What is pressing now is to achieve an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, ensure humanitarian aid, release all detained personnel as soon as possible, and achieve a political settlement of the Palestinian question based on the two-state solution for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine,” a statement from the foreign ministry said.

15 more bodies recovered from around Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital as exhumation process continues

From CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem

Fifteen bodies were recovered Monday from around Al-Shifa Hospital following the withdrawal of the Israeli military from the area two weeks ago, Gaza residents and medical crews told CNN.

Health workers and residents in northern Gaza have been searching for what they believe are mass graves and looking for their loved ones after they said Israeli forces killed hundreds of Palestinians and left their bodies to decompose during their two-week siege of the complex.

Hundreds of bodies have been recovered from areas around the hospital complex since the siege ended April 1, a Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson told CNN last week.

Video filmed by CNN Monday shows medical workers, some wearing UN-marked vests walking around the site over mounds of sand, digging up bodies. White body bags can be seen on the side of the excavation site, some marked with text that read “unidentified body” and some with names of people on them.

“Today I bid farewell to my mother who was inside Al-Shifa Hospital during the invasion and attack by the vicious Israeli occupation on this medical complex that has been turned into a big mass of rubble,” Mohammad Al-Khateeb, a resident of Gaza told CNN. “The Israeli military deprived patients, nurses, doctors and the displaced of water, medicine and food."

 Al-Khateeb’s mother, Khawala Al-Khateeb, was 75 years old when she was brought to the hospital three days before the Israeli military siege on the complex and surrounding neighborhood of Al-Rimal, and was killed three days after, he said.

CNN has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment on these allegations but has not received a response.

Waleed Abu-Laila told CNN he had been searching for his mother since the Israeli siege on the hospital ended on April 1. On Monday, he said he found her body and was only able to identify her "from the specific markings on her feet and hands" from when she had a toe and finger amputated back in November.

Video shows Abu-Laila opening a white body bag, revealing his mother’s decomposed body.

“The hospital was blocked from all sides and there were bodies were scattered all over, squashed on the streets from the tank rails. When I got a call to come check the unidentified bodies, I opened a bag that was marked 'unidentified' and immediately found my mother’s body decomposed,” he said.

Khadr Al-Za’anoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed to this report.

Hamas lowers number of hostages it's willing to release as part of a ceasefire deal, Israeli source says

From CNN’s Jeremy Diamond in Tel Aviv

Hamas has slashed the number of hostages it is willing to release during the first phase of a ceasefire deal by more than half, an Israeli source close to the negotiations said.

In its latest counterproposal, Hamas offered to release fewer than 20 hostages in exchange for a six-week ceasefire, more than halving the number of 40 hostages that has been the basis of negotiations for months now, representing a significant step backward in the talks.

A senior Biden administration official confirmed that Hamas is focused on those 20 for the first phase of a potential ceasefire deal. The official also confirmed Hamas is telling mediators that it only has around 20 remaining hostages who are women or sick, wounded and elderly men.

Hamas also called for the release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for fewer hostages, the source said, as well as a higher number of prisoners serving life sentences.

The Israeli source said the latest Hamas counterproposal signals that Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, does not want a deal, seeking to exploit fissures between the US and Israel over Israeli military operations in Gaza and domestic pressure on the Israeli government.

Basem Naim, a Hamas spokesperson, said Hamas had proposed “releasing (three) captured Israelis each week,” but said “no one is talking about final numbers.”

Beyond the ratio of Palestinian prisoners, Hamas is continuing to demand assurances about a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and unrestricted access for Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.

“I think part of this is Hamas thinks they're winning. Because their definition of success is survival and they've survived so far,” the Biden official said. “The longer the conflict has gone on the more recalcitrant Hamas has become rather than the other way around.”

This post has been updated with remarks from a Biden official.

Israeli prime minister says international community must "stand united in resisting this Iranian aggression"

From CNN’s Eugenia Yosef in Haifa and Larry Register in Atlanta

It's imperative the international community "stand united in resisting this Iranian aggression, which threatens world peace," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Monday statement from his office on X .

Netanyahu added:

“Directly and through its terror proxies Hamas and others, Iran is conducting a full-scale campaign of aggression that threatens not only Israel but the entire Middle East.”

Netanyahu's comments follow an Iranian strike against Israel over the weekend in which more than 300 missiles and drones were launched.

Tehran said the attack was in retaliation for a deadly Israeli attack against a consulate building in the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus.

Golden Gate Bridge reopens after protestors against the war in Gaza block traffic  

From CNN’s Cindy Von Quednow and Jeffrey Kopp

The Golden Gate Bridge has reopened after demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza shut down the busy roadway Monday morning, California Highway Patrol Officer Andrew Barclay told CNN. 

Traffic is beginning to flow again as both sides of the bridge reopened, Barclay added. 

Earlier in the day, protestors also blocked Interstate 880 in Oakland and the roadway remains impacted, Barclay said. The northbound side of the interstate is almost completely clear, while the southbound side remains closed, the officer detailed. Protests continue on the interstate, aerial and ground video from CNN affiliate KGO showed .

“Arrests have been made, and are continuing to be made,” Barclay said in an email early Monday. 

Before the law enforcement response, protesters held signs, including one that read “Stop the world for Gaza.”

I-880 reopened traffic later Monday, California Highway Patrol Officer Art Montiel told CNN. Protesters are still demonstrating on city streets near the interstate, the officer added. 

Montiel was not able to say how many people were arrested in the incident.

US military assets remain in Middle East as Israel debates response to Iran attack, Pentagon says

From CNN's Haley Britzky

Additional US military assets that had been moved into the Middle East before Iran’s attack on Israel remain in place, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Monday.

Ryder's comments come as Israel debates possible retaliation to Iran’s attack. 

"As (Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin) has said, both publicly and privately, we don't want to see escalation, but we obviously will take necessary measures to protect our forces in the region and as was demonstrated over the weekend, we'll take necessary measures to defend Israel," Ryder said.

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Europe’s last great cheap cities – with £2 beers and lunches under £5

For a city break in the cost of living crisis era, consider these budget beauties, including Porto and Valencia

It feels increasingly hard to find a truly cheap city to travel to . In a time when exchange rates were more favourable, and parts of Europe were far less explored, a holiday abroad could be reasonably affordable. Coffees were cheap; food was cheap. Tapas and a jug of sangria was an indulgence not because of the inevitable financial hit, but because eating patatas bravas in the sunshine felt eminently luxurious. 

While reasonably priced accommodation and restaurants that aren’t aware of their ability to charge tourists extra feel like a vanishing thing, they haven’t totally disappeared. Telegraph Travel has examined the average prices for holiday stalwarts such as taxi fares, meal costs, cappuccinos and beers, to find five of the most affordable places to holiday – that are exceptional cities to visit, too. 

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, Romania’s capital city, has all the elements needed for a good city break: think expansive, tree-lined avenues, lively bars and characterful museums. Belle ēpoque architecture leans against Communist-era housing, which, travel expert Monica Suma says, “is best witnessed on Calea Victoriei, the main thoroughfare, that comes alive on summer weekends during the pedestrian-only Open Streets event”.

All of this, crucially, is very affordable. According to the cost of living aggregator Numbeo, a three-course meal for two, at a mid-range restaurant, averages around £43; a bottle of wine will set you back just over £5. A cappuccino averages £2.46. Try Caru’ cu bere , a traditional restaurant resplendent in stained glass and dark wooden panelling – a hearty beef stew costs around £5. 

Getting around is easy, too. Bucharest is eminently walkable, although the transport is so cheap it feels perverse not to use it. A typical single journey on the tram and subway network costs just over 50p. Numbeo has the price per kilometre for a taxi journey at 52p, which, for comparison, averages £1.95 in London. 

If you do decide to explore on foot, however, taking a walking tour – usually free – is a great way to explore the history of the city. The bloody rule of Nicolae Ceausescu, and subsequent revolution, should all be covered, as should Bucharest’s transformation into a place decidedly far away from its vampiric neighbours . 

The secrets of budget Bucharest are, increasingly, less and less secret. The city has become something of a hit on TikTok. Follow the influencer’s itinerary, and tourists will find themselves in the Van Gogh café – a suitably gaudy spot – and the Therme Spa , a rather beautiful modern hammam complex that costs £17.50 for a full day of entry. In this instance, the social media stars have found a true gem – but expect prices to creep up as a result. 

How to do it

Return flights to Bucharest start at £50 from London Stansted with Ryanair . Stay in Hotel Cismigiu, situated in the heart of the old town – rooms start at £120 per night. Read our review here . 

Gdańsk, Poland

Gdańsk is not alone among Polish cities that could make this list: Warsaw and Krakow are similarly reasonably priced. Gdańsk, though, is still relatively unknown, with its terracotta-topped terraces and broad boulevards. 

Many pair a visit to the city with a trip to the nearby beach resort of Sopot, and head farther down the coast to Gdynia. A train ticket averages around £4.50, so it’s certainly a viable way to turn a city break into an extended holiday at the seaside. 

But there’s plenty to do just in the city itself. Danzig, as it was known to the Germans during the Second World War, was largely destroyed by 1945, and so its Dutch Renaissance architecture is all actually a modern replication – although no less impressive because of it. To explore the city’s many museums, invest in an £11 tourist card that allows complimentary entry; on Mondays, most cultural sites are free anyway. 

Most unmissable is the European Solidarity Centre : a hulking, rust-coloured monolith that houses a permanent exhibition about the Solidarność movement, the Polish trade union formed in 1980 that was, at the time, the only free mass social organisation in the Communist Bloc. After getting your fill, follow the line of Communist history to milk bars such as Bar Turystyczny – a canteen-style meal will cost around £2.50. 

How to do it 

Ryanair flies from Bristol, Manchester and London to Gdańsk, starting at £30. Nights at the stylish PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto start at £69. 

Porto, Portugal 

In data shared exclusively with The Telegraph , Porto comes 13th in the Post Office’s biannual City Costs Barometer. That cheapness does not indicate a trade-off, however: think elegant restaurants and varied attractions to rival the best of the Continent. And the weather is spectacular, too. Averaging 2,667 hours of sunlight each year, it’s an ideal destination for a vitamin D fix. 

Porto is undeniably very charming, too – inclining towards the river Douro, the visitor finds themselves bouncing between stylish tinned sardine shops and dodging custard-yellow trams, until the narrow streets open on to the bright waterfront. In most cities, this would be an extortionate, if very beautiful, place to stop for a drink. Not so in Porto: a glass of wine at the beautifully appointed Esplanada do Teleférico bar costs just £3.43. In the city more generally, a meal for two averages £34; a pint of beer around £2.14.

As for things to do? Walking over the Dom Luís I Bridge is free. As is gawping at the ornate tiles in São Bento railway station. In fact, it’s possible to escape the city with an affordable, rambling train journey to Pinhão in the Douro valley, where vineyard tours start at around £20. 

EasyJet flights from London to Porto start at around £30. Read our guide to the best hotels in Porto , such as the trendy M.Ou.Co (nights from £66). 

Kaunas, Lithuania 

As Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, celebrated its 700th birthday last year, the rest of the country basked in its rays. Among the glowing sister cities was Kaunas, a cool, lively spot with great cafés and remarkably low prices. 

The city is built outwards from the 14th-century castle complex, but for something weirder, head to the Devils Museum (entry costs £3.40), an exhibition of, naturally, depictions of the Devil. Formed from a private collection, plinths display folk art depictions and ancient stone deities from around the world – it’s certainly a memorable place to visit. 

If you prefer your city breaks to have direction, Kristina Stalnionyte, a travel writer based in Lithuania, recommends Urmo Bazė, an open-air market where locals hunt for antiques. Combining shops and stalls, you’re likely to find a quaint souvenir without breaking the bank. 

While prices in Vilnius remain cheap, Kaunas is even less expensive – a lunch is usually between €5 and €7, or £4.30 to £6. Kristina warns that the penny-pinching visitor might feel hesitant to enter the more upmarket-looking restaurants, but says the exteriors don’t necessarily indicate high prices. 

“The best restaurants, coffee shops and bars are usually very cosy and good-looking, as Lithuanians don’t like to go to places which don’t look appealing. I think this is a national trait.” A three-course meal for two, according to Numbeo, costs around £34. As the nation ramps up its tourism offering, now is the time to take advantage. 

Ryanair’s return flights from London Luton to Kaunas start at £31. Viešbutis KAUNAS , a grand hotel in the centre of the city, is equipped with a pool and gym facilities. Nights from £56.

Valencia, Spain

“You can keep your spending down in Valencia without even trying,” says Telegraph Travel destination expert Annie Bennett. This year, the Spanish city is the European Green Capital, although it has long been lauded for its extensive park network. 

“Get into the swing of things by walking or cycling through the Turia park that wraps around the city before heading down to the miles of beach,” she says. Then grab a coffee – Numbeo has the average price for a cappuccino at £1.57 – or, later in the day, a bottle of wine, which should be around £4.30. 

Green space aside, Valencia is bursting with cultural attractions. Head to the Museo de Bellas Artes for Velázquez, Goya and El Greco; entry is free, so escape the heat in its airy galleries. For more culture, the cathedral is a remarkable place to stop: once a Roman temple, then a mosque, and now a glorious tumble of centuries’ worth of extensions and reworkings. It’s indicative of the lively city as a whole, and, of course, an entirely affordable place to spend an afternoon. 

Staying the night shouldn’t break the bank, either. Dotted across Valencia are a wide range of reasonably priced hotels, from the boutique, beachside Hotel Balandret (£81 per night) to the more traditional Ayre Hotel Astoria (£51 per night), in the heart of the old town.

Return flights from London to Valencia start at £37 with Ryanair, or £45 with Vueling. Explore places to stay by reading our guide to the best hotels in Valencia . 

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EU plans post-Brexit free movement deal for young Britons

Proposals aim to ‘rebuild human bridges between young europeans on both sides of the channel’, article bookmarked.

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The European Commission has proposed restoring much of the pre- Brexit freedom that allows British travellers aged 18 to 30 the opportunity to travel, work or study for up to four years in the EU.

One of the most-mourned European freedoms that the UK chose to remove with Brexit was the opportunity for young Brits to travel, study and work in any EU country without restriction .

Boris Johnson’s government successfully negotiated for UK citizens to become “third-country nationals”, on a par with Venezuelans. As a result of the Brexit deal, British passport holders can stay a maximum of 90 days in the European Union and wider Schengen area – and must then leave for at least a further 90 days.

Post-Brexit work or study in continental Europe is possible only after fulfilling complex visa requirements.

“Beneficiaries should be able to undertake different activities during that period, such as studying, training, working or travelling,” says the commission in a briefing document .

The European Commission adds: “The UK has shown interest in the issue by reaching out to a number of member states on youth mobility.”

Under the proposals, young EU citizens would have a reciprocal opportunity to spend time in the UK .

Maros Sefcovic, executive vice-president responsible for inter-institutional relations, said: “The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union has hit young people in the EU and the UK who would like to study, work and live abroad particularly hard.

“Today, we take the first step towards an ambitious but realistic agreement between the EU and the UK that would fix this issue. Our aim is to rebuild human bridges between young Europeans on both sides of the Channel.”

The proposed requirements look simple, comprising “a valid travel document, valid comprehensive sickness insurance, proof of sufficient means of subsistence”. But applications could be rejected if the individual is believed to pose a threat to “public policy, public security or public health”.

Young people would pay for a visa or residence permit; the European Commission says this “should not be disproportionate or excessive”.

Technically, the commission is merely recommending the move to the European Council, comprising the leaders of EU member states. But it is likely to be rubber-stamped.

The question is: how will Rishi Sunak’s government respond to the offer? Ministers have already backtracked on some of the hardline rules introduced with Brexit , such as a complete ban on EU children on school trips using identity cards.

Any such deal would be welcomed by the UK hospitality industry, which has struggled with recruitment since Brexit.

But with immigration high on the Conservatives’ election agenda, the government may not wish to confer freedom on young Europeans.

The Independent has asked the Home Office for a response.

Abta, the travel association, welcomed the move from Brussels. Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs for the association, said: “We strongly welcome today’s announcement and urge the UK government to be ready to begin negotiations.

“Post-Brexit restrictions on UK-EU labour mobility have undoubtedly been detrimental to the UK travel and tourism industry, whether outbound, inbound or domestic.

“The impacts are being most keenly felt by young people, who are now less able to access the roles that have previously proven a springboard for successful careers, as well as providing enriching and rewarding experiences.

“Abta has long argued that youth mobility should be a priority for both sides as we seek to rebuild relations post-Brexit, and we hope that negotiations can now begin quickly.”

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