Europe

Walking past a centuries-old building that’s been converted into a supermarket instead of being preserved as a protected site? Chances are, you’ve landed in Europe, where tiny villages predate most modern countries, and majestic castles still stand as proudly as the day they were built.

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No continent packs in as much variety as Europe. Within a landmass smaller than the United States, you’ll find dozens of countries, each with its distinct language, culture, and cuisine. Plus hundreds of UNESCO-listed sites and landscapes that shift from snow-capped peaks to sunny coastlines in just a few hours.

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And perhaps Europe’s biggest draw? Just how easy it is to explore. One day you’re walking the canals of Amsterdam, the next you’re on a beach in southern Portugal—often without even having to show your passport. Trains, ferries, and budget flights make cross-country travel almost too convenient.