Why We Always Choose Europe for Vacation

Every time we start planning a trip, we tell ourselves, “Maybe we should try somewhere new this time.”

And every time… we end up back in Europe. Not because we’re predictable, but because Europe just keeps winning. We can’t get enough! We want to hit every country there, so that doesn’t leave a lot of time for anywhere else! But, there is more than that reason, so let’s get started  

First, there’s the ancestry factor. For many Americans, Europe is the land where our family stories started. Walking through villages where your ancestors may have lived hundreds of years ago feels oddly personal. It’s like stepping into a living family history book—except the book also has amazing bakeries on every corner.

Then there are the castles, walled cities, and fortresses. In Europe, you can casually stumble upon a medieval fortress while looking for lunch. Cities are wrapped in ancient stone walls, hilltops are crowned with castles, and entire towns feel like they’re straight out of a storybook. In the U.S., a building from the 1800s feels historic. In Europe, that’s basically considered “new construction.”

And let’s talk about the food, beer, and wine. Somehow you can eat pasta, bread, cheese, and drink wine every day and still feel amazing. Many people swear it’s because European wines often have lower sulfites, meaning fewer headaches and far less of that dreaded vacation hangover. Science or magic—we’re not asking questions. 

The history is almost impossible to comprehend. You’re standing in places where civilizations existed thousands of years before anything in the United States. Roman ruins, medieval cathedrals, and Renaissance art are just part of everyday life there. You’re not just sightseeing—you’re walking through time.

Then comes one of our personal favorites: the shopping. Europe is basically the Olympics of luxury shopping. Many designer brands are significantly cheaper than in the U.S., and if you’re visiting from abroad you can get the VAT tax refunded. Translation: that “splurge” suddenly feels like a very responsible financial decision.  

But, some of the best shopping in Europe has nothing to do with luxury brands.

European cities are filled with street vendors, local markets, and artists selling their work. You’ll find handmade leather goods, ceramics, paintings, jewelry, textiles, and unique souvenirs you can’t get anywhere else. Farmers markets spill into town squares, flea markets hide incredible vintage finds, and small family shops sell products they’ve been making for generations.

It turns shopping into an experience instead of just a transaction.

The atmosphere is another reason we keep coming back. Cobblestone streets, flower boxes, little cafés, and plazas that invite you to slow down and soak it all in. Even wandering with no plan feels magical.

And surprisingly, Europe can be incredibly easy and affordable to explore. Budget airlines regularly offer flights between countries for around $50, and trains connect cities like a well-oiled machine. You can wake up in Italy and be eating dinner in France the same day without any stress.

Then there are the churches. Not going to lie, we were never church viewers. But we recently went to Europe with some friends who love it. Wow! Why didn’t we do this sooner?! Even if you’re not religious, they’re breathtaking. Massive cathedrals with soaring ceilings, intricate carvings, stained glass glowing in the sunlight—every one feels like a masterpiece. We make it a priority now, no matter the city.

The landscapes don’t hurt either. From the Alps to coastal cliffs to rolling vineyards, Europe somehow packs unbelievable scenery into relatively small spaces. One day you’re in mountains, the next you’re by the sea.

And yes, Europeans sometimes see Americans as a bit… spoiled. Our global influence, consumer culture, and reputation for “American exceptionalism” can come across as arrogance. Traveling abroad is a good reminder that the world is bigger than our own bubble—and it’s one of the reasons travel itself is so valuable.

So why do we always choose Europe?

Because it has history, beauty, culture, incredible food, insane landscapes, easy travel, and shopping that somehow feels justified.

And honestly… once you’ve had espresso in a tiny café on a cobblestone street beneath a thousand-year-old cathedral, it’s pretty hard to go back to an ordinary vacation.