After two long years of border closures and delayed plans, Europe is welcoming travellers again.
Travelling through Europe is a dream for many Australians.
Curious explorers and families are spoilt for choice, whether it’s meandering down cobblestone streets, sipping spritzes in a sunny square, rediscovering history, or relaxing on a stony beach.
It’s time to rediscover Europe’s charm, culture and character.
With affordable personal loans from Yes Loans, there’s nothing stopping you from packing a bag and jetting off to these incredible destinations.
1. Lovely little Ljubljana
Voted “Best European Destination 2022” by more than half a million people, Ljubljana has a lot to offer for a small city.
The Slovenian capital overflows with charm, culture, myth and magic.
Its historic centre follows the gentle curve of the Ljubljanica river and has been closed to cars since 2007, giving nature (and alfresco cafés) a chance to reclaim the city.
Three days is almost enough time to see the highlights:
- Explore the castle perched above the city
- Get inspired by Metelkova or the city’s galleries
- Cross the Dragon Bridge
- Hike in Tivoli Park
- Sample local produce at the Central Market
Lake Bled and Predjama Castle are easy day trips from the city before departing for your next destination.
2. Discover the romance of Rome
QANTAS launched direct flights from Perth to Rome in June 2022, just in time to escape the winter blues.
Rome is both a marvellous city in its own right and the perfect place to start your European adventure.
With nearly 3,000 years of history in every stone, and home to some of the world’s most famous monuments, Rome is a city worth taking in slowly.
Set aside an entire day for the Vatican.
Explore the ancient Colosseum and Roman Forum at your own speed.
Soak it in, from the spectacular Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon, and the verdant Villa Borghese to trendy Testaccio.
Rome wasn’t built in a day – and you’ll need a lot longer just to scratch the surface.
3. and 4. Dive into Austro-Hungarian history in Budapest and Vienna
The train between Vienna and Budapest takes a touch over two hours – surprisingly short for a journey that feels like travelling forward or back in time.
The grandeur and grace of Vienna will evoke feelings of old-world wonder, from Schönbrunn Palace to the bustling historic centre, and from the trendy bars of Naschmarkt to the many (many) art museums.
A day trip to Salzburg will have you humming the Sound of Music if you’re not too full of Weiner schnitzel and Apfelstrudel.
Step off the train in Budapest and let the grittiness and gastronomy captivate your imagination and inspire your appetite.
The Hungarian capital, intersected by the mighty Danube, is full of surprises.
Between the quirky ruin bars in Pest, Buda’s magnificent Castle district, Europe’s largest synagogue, and Turkish baths dating back to the 1800s, it’s impossible to be bored in Budapest.
5. Get off the beaten track in Kotor
The Bay of Kotor, a two-hour drive from Dubrovnik in northern Montenegro, feels like a hidden gem, especially for travellers coming south from Croatia.
Walk the ancient castle walls in the morning, then hike up to the fortress to catch a stunning sunset over the mountains surrounding Kotor.
In between, you can feast on traditional Balkan food or discover the city’s cultural connections to Venice in one of the many Italian restaurants scattered throughout the town’s squares and winding laneways.
The next day, take a laid-back boat cruise through the bay to the Blue Cave, where you will also learn about the submarine tunnels dug into the hills at the end of WWII.
6. Find peace, port wine and pasteis de nata in Porto
After exploring the hilly coastal capital of Lisbon, head south to Porto for a breath of fresh air.
Portugal’s second city is the birthplace of the country and the heart of its culture.
For kids and families, there’s Livreria Lello which inspired elements of Harry Potter, or the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, home to cheeky peacocks and other local wildlife.
Wine enthusiasts can head across the famous Luis I bridge to Gaia (Porto + Gaia = Portugal), where historic port wine cellars line the river, offering affordable tastings.
In between, it’s encouraged to sample local delights like pasteis de nata, see the blue azulejos tiles on building façades, and climb the Clerigos tower for an unbeatable view of the city.
What’s the best time of year to travel to Europe?
Peak summer: Late June, July and August
Europe in summer is spectacular.
Cafés, bars and restaurants take over terraces, sun umbrellas spring up on beaches, and the sun stays out late into the evening.
But expect more crowds and higher prices during July and August, as Europeans tend to take family vacations during the summer break.
Taking out a personal loan before leaving Perth will ensure you can make the most of summer in Europe without getting caught short.
Christmas in Europe
Northern Europe is the place to go if you’ve been dreaming of snow-covered Christmas markets and cosy hot chocolates by the fire.
Bundle up and head to Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Scandinavia or even the UK for the full winter wonderland experience.
Shoulder season: April-June and September-November
Before and after the peak seasons can be a great time for budget-friendly travel.
Accommodation is generally more affordable, destinations are less crowded, and you can make last-minute plans without breaking a sweat.
If you’ve planned ahead and taken out a personal loan, your money will travel further outside peak season.
Should I get a personal loan in Perth to travel to Europe?
For many avid adventurers, Europe is the destination of a lifetime.
There’s a lot to take in.
One of the best parts about travelling through Europe is the spontaneity of taking a train to an unexpected place, renting a car to explore the countryside, or hopping on a cheap flight to another country.
Applying for a personal loan in Perth allows you to say “yes” to more experiences and adventures without worry.
So if you’re interested in making memories, discovering new cultures and experiencing things you can’t find in Australia, Yes Loans is your travel buddy.
Use our personal loan calculator to see how much you can borrow or apply for a personal loan.