Ranked as the most-visited continent, Europe swoons travelers in any setting. The safety and relaxed border access of Europe’s 44 sovereign nations provides ideal conditions for troops and their families wanting to explore this region of the world. Not to mention the proximity of borders makes multi-country vacations very feasible!
When to Go
When is the best time to visit Europe weather-wise? Well… when is the best time to have a piece of chocolate or a leisurely nap? The answer is obvious. Always! The continent of Europe is a rather large place, so it spans many different longitudes and weather zones.
Europe is generally characterized by a temperate climate. The Nordic North sees cold winters and mild humid summers. Central and Eastern Europe undergo cold, long-lasting winters and predominantly hot summers. Western Europe experiences an Oceanic climate that has mild, wet winters and cool, humid summers. Southern Europe faces hot dry summers and mild winters with hardly any frost.
Europe’s weather patterns are similar to North America and follow four distinct seasons:
Spring – From March, April and May, spring is often considered the most beautiful season as landscapes are transformed by the vivid green and splashes of color. It’s a great time to check out the wonders of Iceland’s lagoons and glaciers, visit the most famous and largest flower park in the world – Keukenhof in Netherlands, or soak in the sunnier parts of Europe at the Mediterranean.
Summer – Spot whales off the coast of Norway and Iceland, hike the towering Italian Dolomites or Swiss Alps, relax on stunning beaches backdropped by charming towns or join thousands on a quest to experience art, music and food across the continent. June, July and August are event-filled months, but are the most costly times to visit. Be prepared for heat, crowds and high tourist prices!
Autumn – The heat from summer begins to dissipate and holidays in Europe take on a whole new meaning. Experience the largest beer festival known as Oktoberfest or head to Portugal for unforgettable wine experiences. If you prefer the outdoors, Madeira is a hidden gem off Portugal’s coast that calls to all island lovers and adventurers. Explore European foliage during September, October and November and you’ll get some of the best views during the cheapest months.
Winter – December, January and February are all about one thing: snow. Europe’s winter is blanketed with thick swathes of powdery white snow, perfect for snowshoeing the French Alps, dogsledding across the Artic, or mountain trekking in Armenia! The Northern Lights dance around the Nordic region while European cities begin to illuminate with Christmas lights. Despite the serious chill, tourists can still enjoy Europe’s charm at a budget.
Scroll to the bottom for more unmissable travel opportunities in Europe.
There are actually many European countries that do not require completion of any FCG prerequisites but be sure to check the website to confirm.
The DoD Foreign Clearance Guide outlines all the requirements you must complete before traveling. The requirements vary by combatant command and country and they change continually based on current threats.
Europe contains some of the most U.S. military installations out of any other region besides the United States. Over 30 permanent stations can be found here and may be great resources for vacation needs such as lodging, outdoor recreation equipment, travel information and safety alerts or assistance.
With so much to see and do in Europe, preparation and research are truly necessary! Nearly 746 million tourists touched down in Europe and although many parts are considered safe and easy to travel in, a level of precaution is always necessary.
Like many other continents in the world, there are some countries or cities that are legitimately unsafe for travelers. It is always recommended that at the time of planning any trip, that you check the current political climate or general state of affairs in the country you are thinking of visiting.
The trick is simply knowing the do’s and don’ts both geographically and logistically. Here are some valuable safety tips for travel in Europe.