Travel Insurance For Europe

Europe is brimming with transportation options making it easy to get around, but you can't go past the trains. The continent is criss-crossed with rail tracks meaning you can get almost anywhere via its vast rail network and the best part, the window scenery can be spectacular. You can buy rail passes online but talking to a specialist is often the best way to make sense of the plethora of options, particularly for complicated itineraries. International Rail is a good resource for your rail options.

With the entrance of budget airlines like Ryanair, you can now also fly internationally on the cheap. A flight from the chilly Nordic regions to the sun-baked Costas of Spain can cost less than $50.

Most Australian passport holders do not need a traditional visa for short tourist stays in the Schengen Area, but rules and border systems are changing. Read the key points below so your travel plans aren't disrupted.

Australians can usually visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or business. The 90/180 rule is rolling — count back 180 days from each day of your stay to see how many days remain. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for the appropriate visa with the country you intend to remain in.

Tip: use an official short-stay calculator if you're unsure about your dates.

The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in operation. On first entry to the Schengen Area you will have your passport details recorded electronically and be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a facial image). EES replaces passport stamping with an electronic record and is being rolled out progressively at external border points.

The ETIAS is an online travel-authorisation system for visa-exempt travellers to many European countries (similar to US ESTA). ETIAS is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026. At this time no action is required, but travellers should monitor official guidance ahead of future trips.

Travel insurance covers many unexpected costs, but it cannot fix a refused entry or an immigration breach. If you are denied entry because your stay limits, documentation or other entry requirements are not met, travel disruption or cancellation cover may be affected. Before you travel: confirm your itinerary, check passport validity, and read the policy wording on cancellation/interruption and entry refusals.

For holidaymakers with flexible jobs and lifestyle, it's best to visit Europe in the 'shoulder season'. Typically April through mid-June, and September through to October. When travelling in shoulder, you'll enjoy plenty of daylight hours, decent weather, and fewer crowds compared to when travelling during peak holiday times.

Each season has its pros and cons which vary depending upon your country destinations. For example, travelling in the 'off season' can be cheaper, but you may experience less daylight hours and some extreme weather conditions. Consider your situation and destination to work out the best timing for your trip.

From England and France to Italy and Germany, European countries are full of vibrant cities known for the museums, architecture, food, festivals, nightlife and the countryside...oh the countryside. So, deciding which countries to visit for your holiday can be difficult. With close border proximities and such diversity in nations and landscapes, you can immerse yourself in a new country experience within an hour. How cool is that!?

First time visitors to Europe often head to France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Those that have "been there and done that" are encouraged to explore Croatia, Poland, Portugal, Turkey or head to Scandinavia and the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden).

Whilst the cities of Europe hog the headlines, it is the countryside and travel experiences that many Aussie travellers fall in love with. So here are just ten of Europe's top experiences and attractions to consider, but go beyond the tradition and make memories of your own.

CLIMB THE EIFFEL TOWER: More than 7 million people visit Paris's most iconic attraction every year. The Eiffel Tower is popular and crowded, particularly during peak periods. So if you don't want to be queuing for several hours, it pays to purchase 'skip-the-line' tickets in advance.

ENJOY THE ENERGETIC NIGHT LIFE: For music lovers, London is calling. You can't go past the theatre shows, concert halls, on-stage performances and even the tube stations are packed with entertainment value at night.

INDULGE IN A BAVARIAN BEER: For centuries, beer has been an important part of the culinary and cultural heritage of Bavaria and Munich. Experience Munich's world-famous beer and food scene with an endless array of breweries and beer gardens all year round.

RIDE A GONDOLA DOWN THE CANALS OF VENICE: A trip to Venice isn't complete without a quintessential gondola ride. This age-old practice remains a romantic symbol of this timeless Italian city with master gondoliers still donning their traditional striped shirts today.

GAZE AT GAUDÍ'S MASTERPIECES: If you're intrigued by the unusual, you need to visit the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí. A famous figure of world architecture and Catalan culture, Gaudí spent over 40 years designing the Temple of the Sagrada Familia. La Pedrera is one of Gaudí's main residential buildings and one of the most imaginative houses in the history of architecture. Other famous works include Casa Batlló (Batlló house) and the Casa Milà (Milà house), and the expansive Güell Park (which today is open to the public).

TIME TRAVEL IN ATHENS: The Acropolis is one time travel experience not to miss. The views atop of this "high city" are amazing and getting up close with Parthenon (temple dedicated to the goddess Athena) is a moment you will never forget.

DRIVE THE AMALFI COAST: With narrow roads clinging to a twisting shoreline atop of dramatic mountain cliffs, driving the Amalfi Coast is not for the faint hearted. Backdropped against the sunlit emerald-blue sea sparkling below, the Amalfi Coast is arguably Italy's most scenic stretch of coastline. Why don't you be the judge?!

SET SAIL OR ISLAND HOP THE MEDITERRANEAN: It is for good reason that Croatia, Italy, Cyprus and the Greek Islands are some of Europe's most loved summer holiday destinations. Wake up to warm Mediterranean sunshine surrounded with sparkling turquoise waters, authentic cuisine and then end the day with spectacular sunsets. Don't mind if I do!

HAVE SOME FESTIVAL FUN: Whether it's music, sports, folk or art that you're in to, Europe has some of the most magnificent events and festivals in the world. If you time your trip right, you could set yourself up to be wooed by a once in a lifetime experience. There is the fun and laughter that comes from hurling tomatoes at each other at La Tomatina in Spain; the chance to sink liquid gold in dirndl for the ladies and lederhosen for the men at the insanely huge Oktoberfest in Munich; dance your way around Lake Zurich at the most colourful techno parades at the Street Parade in Zurich; if music is your dig, the Sziget festival is probably the biggest music and culture festival in Europe; marvel and be mesmerised by the masked magic of the Carnival of Venice; for garden enthusiasts there is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show; San Fermines festival is a week-long festival hosted in Pamplona, Spain which includes running of the bulls; and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival is a must on Denmark's music calendar... just to name a few.

SLOW IT DOWN: Unless you have years up your sleeve, you're not going to be able to do Europe in one fell swoop. With such spectacular scenery and so many iconic sights to see you're going to want to slow it down to take it all in. Pick your top five bucket-list things to do and do them well.

BE A TOMMY TOURIST: Don't avoid the clichés. Big ticket places like Acropolis of Athens, Buckingham Palace, Charles Bridge, The Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower and Sagrada Familia are all extremely popular for a reason - they're amazing!

MONEY MONEY MONEY: Pack lots of it. You can still travel on a budget, but you've travelled a long way so make the most of it. Pack as much spending money as you can and splurge on some once in a lifetime experiences.

LEARN SOME LINGO: It's wise to learn a few basic words when travelling abroad. At least enough to show some basic manners with your please and thank yous. Whilst it's no substitute for learning the language, Google Translate is an easy-to-use language translator which means there really is no reason not to speak with the world.

Europe is a long, long way away. A whole day in fact. So, you may like to break up the journey with a stopover en route. If you want cheap flights to Europe you could make use of stopover flights through Bangkok, Thailand with both Qantas and Thai Airways. If you're looking to mix modern edge with traditional markets, Hong Kong and Malaysia could be worth a stop and Singapore makes for a good stopover.

We've got plenty of helpful advice on other popular travel destinations to check out. What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!