Staff Series: Favourite European Destinations

Here at Holidays of Australia and the World, we love travel, and Europe is one of the biggest travel destinations in the world. So if you’re dreaming of a European getaway, who better to ask than our very own industry professionals. Read our team’s as they take you through some of their favourite European destinations that ignite their passion for travel. 

Brett: Germany

So many but if I had to choose one from what I’ve seen on my trip there it would be

Germany, especially Bavaria. Stunning scenery, hearty meals & beer (Hofbräuhaus!), wineries, castles & medieval towns with unique experiences. The Night Watchman’s tour in Rothenburg was a particularly memorable experience walking back through time to experience medieval Germany. For a motorsport fan like myself, how could go past doing a lap of the Nürburgring and being legally allowed to drive at 260 km/h!!! 

Terry: Swiss Alps

The beauty of the Swiss Alps will forever live rent free in my head. The cottage- styles lodges resting in a lush green valley surrounded by pristine waterfalls trickling down from the snow topped mountains, is truly something to behold.

Honourable mention to Rome, as there is a sense of wonder walking around the city, and accidentally stumbling on the old ruins of the ancient empire. The authentic Italian food is something to behold when compared to our western adaptions which I also love dearly. Also my fiancé is Italian, so I’d be in trouble if I didn’t give it a mention. 

Dani: Paris/Amsterdam/Santorini/Croatia/Italy

There is no way I could possibly single out one favourite destination in Europe! So here’s my list of favourite spots. Paris is the city that made me fall in love with travel many years ago, so will always hold a place in my heart of favourites. I love the language, the people, the croissants, cheese, hot chocolates and the incredible history of the city. Everywhere you go is like a postcard. Amsterdam also deserves to be on this list as cycling down cobble stone streets and along canals is just so picturesque. I spent a lot of time here as a child so it’s full of memories for me. 

Along the coast, I love Santorini in the Greek Islands. My favourite day exploring this beautiful island was hiking along the caldera from Fira to Oia, and then enjoying a swim at Amoudi Bay before a fresh seafood feast at a local restaurant. It’s featured in one of my favourite movies, The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, which inspired me to go in the first place. 

Lastly, Croatia’s coast is just stunning and I enjoyed a sailing trip stopping for morning swims and day trips on shore! 

And look, Italy deserves a shout out too and can’t be excluded. As you can tell, there are too many places that I absolutely love! 

Cos (the office Italian): Italy

No surprise mine is, Italy because of  La Dolce Vita which translates to the sweet life. Italy stands out as one of the world’s and my own most-loved destinations, catering to those who appreciate life's finest aspects, including culture, history, exquisite food, fine wine, a distinctive lifestyle, iconic fashion, abundant fun, and an abundance of attractive and charismatic people. To back up my love of Italy, the country is expected to see 68 million visitors in 2023! 

Mia: Southern France

I was going to say Italy, but it’s already getting plenty of love around the office so I’ll go with the south of France; Cannes, Nice & Saint Tropez. The food is great, and the views even better! Combine this with some of the local wines of the region and it just encapsulates what summer and the holidays are meant to be.

Lorraine: Greece/Italy/Austria/Germany/France

If you’re going to Europe, It’s about the history and food! My top 5 for these in no particular order would have to be the following:

• Greece

• Italy

• Austria

• Germany

• France

Jack: England

I’d have to say the top spot belongs to Blighty old England. At a glance there are some amazing attractions in the Royals, Buckingham Palace and the country’s rich history… but there is no better way to get sucked into the English culture than enjoying a chilly afternoon at a premier league football game. You haven’t been to England if you haven’t been to a premier league game… “reffereeeeeee”.