2019 Travel Guide to Europe

For nearly a decade now, European destinations have been among the most popular choices for globetrotters. According to the 2018 UNWTO World Tourism Highlights report, for eight years straight, Europe has witnessed sustained growth to become the world's most visited region. Southern and Mediterranean Europe have been leading the continent's continued growth in international tourist arrivals, but travel industry experts say other European regions are poised to also take center stage in 2019.

The ninth annual Best European Destination competition recently named Wroclaw, Poland the top destination on the continent, along with Bilbao, Spain, and Colmar, France rounding out the top three.

Wroclaw is known as the Venice of Poland. It's surrounded by canals and includes more than 120 bridges linking 12 islands. Bilbao meanwhile, came in second on travelers' bucket list because of its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and charm that cannot be captured by pictures or mere words. Finally, Colmar woos fans with its charm and romance, which includes cobblestone streets lined by half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings.

While every traveler's interests differ, there are some classic and iconic stops on any European tour. Among the top are the Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower in France; Stonehenge, in England; Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, and also in Italy, St. Mark's Basilica and the Grand Canal. The Acropolis in Athens and Buckingham Palace in England are also bucket list stops for many globetrotters.

There are so many unique and intriguing events in Europe each year, it can be hard to narrow it down to just a few must-see items. Some of the most famous annual events on the continent include the Carnival of Venice (February 16-March 5); Vinterjazz, which is Copenhagen's three-week-long musical event (February 1 - February 24); and Keukenhof, Amsterdam's tulip and flower festival (March 21 - May 19). The Zagreb Folk Fest, Croatia's rural culture festival is another event worth noting. It will take place July 17-21.

There are countless options for families in Europe that include cities filled with parks, museums and more. Among the winners in this category are London (all of its legendary museums are free, doesn't get much better than that). And then there's the London Eye, the Tower of London and the Changing of the Guard.

Amsterdam is another good choice (setting aside the coffee shops for a moment). A city that can be explored by bicycle, there's also the canal rides that are family pleasers and don't miss a stop at the Van Gogh Museum. For the young Sound of Music fans everywhere, Salzburg, Austria is another great family choice. And not to be overlooked, Rome, Italy offers history, great food, and fascinating ancient ruins.

For those on the hunt for romance, one of the top stops is inevitably Paris. The City of Lights offers unforgettable romantic dinners, the Eiffel Tower and strolls along the Seine River. Vienna is another incredibly romantic choice, offering imperial architecture, horse and carriage rides and fabulous opera. Venice, (if you can avoid the crowds), has long held a special spot in the hearts of couples. The gondola rides and dining with a canal view, are some of the unforgettable experiences.

When globetrotting with a group, it's a good idea to target destinations that offer a little something for everyone. Amsterdam is one such example, with its coffee shops, museums, shopping, historic sites and non-stop nightlife. Rome is another a solid choice, offering rich history (the Colosseum, the Roman ruins), a diverse food scene, sidewalk cafes to do people watching and enough shopping to last a lifetime.

Switzerland, Spain, France, and Ireland are often among the countries named when eyeing adventure travel in Europe. Switzerland offers endless skiing, snowboarding and hiking in the Alps. In Spain, the enthusiastic traveler can strike out on the Camino de Santiago, a famed pilgrimage for trekkers and cyclists. As for France, the options include sailing in Brittany, cycling in Normandy, walking the vineyards of Burgundy and more. And not be overlooked, Ireland offers the intrepid traveler its own share of unforgettable hiking scenery, as well as kayaking, whale watching, and rock climbing.

Barcelona is among the must-visit destinations for sports lovers, thanks to it being home to the famous and highly-decorated soccer club, FC Barcelona, which attracts some of the world's top talent. London is another place where sports fans can find a solid soccer scene, the city is the base for numerous clubs including the Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham, and West Ham clubs. England is also legendary for being the host of Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world. Berlin, Germany is also noteworthy thanks not only hosting the Bundesliga soccer club Hertha BSC, but also because of its love of hockey and basketball.