Europe offers so much to travellers and travel photographers. Depending on how you count them, there are somewhere between 44 and 50 countries across Europe, and each of them has its own individual character. Exploring the continent is a great way to get a breadth of experiences, whether you’re intending to take your camera along with you or you just want to enjoy it through your own eyes. One of the great things about travelling the continent is that there are so many ways to do it, so you can do it in your own style.
Cyclist
Image from Pixabay – CC0 License
- Use Pedal Power
Cycling is a popular way for people to see Europe if they’re looking for a slow travel option. You can still cover a lot of ground in one day if you want to, but you’re also going slow enough that you can take a lot in. Of course, cycling means you can’t get the benefit of going on motorways, but some people will definitely feel that’s a benefit in itself. Cycling on smaller roads can enable you to see things that you might not otherwise have seen. Cycling can force you to pack light too, although there are also ways of having your luggage transported from place to place for you.
- Take a Motorbike Tour
For a faster version of a cycling tour, you might consider getting on a motorbike instead. You can get further when you have an engine and you can be more flexible with which roads you choose to use. If you feel like organising it all might be too much, you could use an option like Magellan motorbike tours to make it easier. Either guided or self-guided tours will give you a planned route and places to stop, so you can plan in advance when you want to capture the scenery with your camera. Riding in tandem with someone else can be a fun way to experience a thrilling tour too.
- Set Off on Foot
Anyone who’s looking for really slow travel might choose the option of exploring Europe on foot. Of course, you might use other modes of transport to travel longer distances if you want to walk in different places. But there are also many long walking routes that are perfect for active photographers who want to get some images of amazing nature and more. From the Camino de Santiago to the Slovenian mountain trails, there are so many options. Several walks cross multiple countries, and they can often be completed in stages without too much trouble, so you don’t have to do them all at once.
- Travel By Train
A slow travel option that takes a little less physical effort is travelling by train. Of course, there are faster trains and slower trains, so you can choose the pace at which you want to travel. Travelling by train is a great option if you want to observe life aboard them and perhaps compare the differences in train services across the continent. There are various unique experiences, from fast trains to sleeper trains and steam trains that could make for a memorable trip. And, of course, trains can take you between fascinating definitions that provide more artistic inspiration.
Caravan
Image from Pixabay – CC0 License
- Go By Campervan or Caravan
Anyone who likes to travel by road could choose to stop at hotels whenever they want to take a break from driving. But if you’re happy with a slightly less refined form of accommodation, travelling with a campervan or caravan can give you a great amount of freedom. You can decide where you go, stopping at campsites or sometimes other locations if you’re allowed to park there. You can take much more with you compared to if you’re using some other methods of transport, and you’ll always know you have a bed to sleep in too.
- Get on the Water
Travelling on the water can be a unique and interesting way to explore Europe. This could include ocean cruises around coastal and island locations, as well as river trips that can take you through multiple countries. A cruise on the Danube, for example, can take you through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and more in just one trip. It’s not just an activity for the summer, either. A winter cruise around the Nordics is an excellent experience that can offer the opportunity to observe lots of local customs and get a taste of each place you call at.
- Bus It
Using buses or coaches to get around Europe is not for everyone. They’re often used by either the young or the older generation, simply because they are typically very inexpensive compared to other options. They’re also an excellent option if you want to meet other people and holiday in a group setting, although you can choose to travel more independently too. There are various low-cost bus companies and coach tour providers that can give you a chance to explore Europe on a budget.
Dog Hitchhiking
Image from Pixabay – CC0 License
- Hitch a Ride
Driving across Europe on your own can get pricey, especially when the cost of fuel is higher. One of the ways that many people save money is by sharing a vehicle with someone else. Of course, hitchhiking the way that people might have done 50 or so years ago is perhaps not so popular anymore. But there are apps and services that can help to make sharing rides with others a safer experience. Options like BlaBlaCar are a great way to get to different destinations while having companions along the way, who could even be great subjects for your photos.
- Make Use of Farm and Home Stays
Your choice of accommodation can also be a great way to explore Europe in a way that works for you. Farm stays and agriturismo are fun options that can give you a look at real life for farmers in the location you choose. Homestays are a good way to get a taste of authentic life in the country too.
- Look for Unusual Accommodation
There are lots of unusual options for accommodation as well. You can find churches and other community buildings that open up for travellers and can make for an interesting experience. If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your time in any country in Europe, look for accommodation options that can give you a new perspective.
- Camp Across Europe
Camping will always be a favourite way for people to explore new places and connect with nature. You can choose from well-maintained campsites with lots of facilities or find less formal places to camp. Some European countries offer the right to roam, allowing you to camp pretty much anywhere as long as you’re not disturbing others or camping on private land. Camping is a good option for any photographers that want to be active and focus on nature photography, as well as those who might want to capture daily life.
- Stay in Hostels and Guesthouses
Hostels and guesthouses can provide a communal experience when you’re travelling. You can meet other travellers, which can add to your experiences and enable you to look at different places through the eyes of others. You also often get the chance to meet your hosts, which is another way to add to your experiences. It’s also often a lot cheaper to stay in these places than in hotels.
Travel photographers can create some amazing art when exploring Europe, and you can choose your preferred way to travel to make the most of any trip.