For months, many of us have been asking ourselves the question: will we be able to travel to Europe this summer?
European Union countries agreed last Wednesday to ease COVID-19 travel restrictions on non-EU visitors ahead of the summer tourist season. But what does this mean in practice? While in spirit, North Americans who are fully vaccinated will likely be allowed to visit without a quarantine period, each country in the EU still has authority to determine who they will and won't let in their borders for non-essential purposes, and when. The gates have not yet been flung open.
So the next question (for those of us who are fully vaccinated and just don't want to wait anymore!) becomes: where can I travel in Europe NOW? We've put together a list of places you can hop on a plane and fly to tomorrow. We've also included links to our amazing tour guides in each destination, who are just as excited as you that restrictions have eased for travellers coming to their country.
10 Places You Can Travel to in Europe Right Now
Iceland
Iceland was already on your travel list, right? After all, who wouldn't want to visit this wide open land of fire and water? Icelandic scenery is beyond compare, so book your flight, book your guide and enjoy a place that is truly like no other. Need tips to build an itinerary? Local guides share a few of their favourite place to visit here.
Croatia
Yes, the Adriatic really is that blue. Croatia in summer is paradise - pebbled beaches, clear, cool water, atmospheric old towns to wander, and gelato around every corner. With local guides ready to welcome you in Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir, Krka, Plitvice, Zagreb and more, don't hesitate!
Montenegro
While you're in Croatia, why not take a trip across the border and visit one of the world's newest countries? Montenegro has only officially been in existence since 2006 - but look around at towns like Kotor and Perast and you'll see centuries of history everywhere. As always, local guides are on hand to make your experience in their country even better.
Greece
Island hopping in the Mediterranean doesn't sound like a bad way to spend the month of June. From the marvels of the Acropolis to sunset over the caldera at Santorini...Greece will always delight. If you're in Athens this summer, local guide Christina has some tips on the best cafes to beat the mid-day heat.
Cyprus
Cyprus sits at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, looking across the Mediterranean to North Africa. As such, its cultural influences are rich and varied. Your local guide here is eager to show you everything from archeological sites to mountain vistas, tiny villages to sun-kissed vineyards. Enjoy!
Italy
Europe's most popular destination for American travelers comes with one small caveat: you need to arrive on an official "Covid-Free flight" - meaning the airline certifies you've received appropriate covid-testing before arrival. Once that's out of the way, there's nothing standing between you and Florence, or Naples, or the Cinque Terre, or Venice, or the Amalfi Coast, or...
Turkey
Incredible food, ancient history, outstanding architecture, and the fabulous "Turquoise Coast" all beckon you to explore Turkey. Our local guides are waiting to unravel centuries of history and customs while you enjoy one of Europe's warmest welcomes.
Ukraine
Visit Kiev and the Black Sea town of Odessa. See Lviv's UNESCO-listed city centre, with its charming jumble of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic style architecture. The drive along the Crimean coast is stunning; sheer cliffs rise up from a coastline covered in cypress, juniper and grape vines. Local guides? Check. They're on hand all over the country to share Ukraine's unique stories with you.
Spain
OK, so we may have teased a bit with this one. But it's coming! Spain has announced it will officially re-open to international tourists on June 7. This second most-visited country in the world boasts the amazing cities of Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, along with sparkling coastline and the rugged Pyrenees. And did we mention tapas...? Book a guide and see the best of it.
France
Yes, we're slipping this one onto the list too. How could we ignore the #1 most visited country in the world, just because it doesn't open its borders until June 9? Only two weeks to book your flights, find your tours and brush up on your francais. Local guides across France can't wait to welcome you back. If Paris is a part of your trip plan (and how can it not be?) check out local guide to Paris.