Anyone who knows me well knows that I love traveling to Europe. I consider it my playground. A few years ago I wrote about five European countries that I love to visit. Since then I have done a fair amount of travel despite the pandemic. Today I am sharing five more European countries I love to visit.
How I selected these five countries
Here are the criteria for the list. First I have visited the country within the last decade. Second, I enjoyed my time there. I don’t want to waste time talking about a place I don’t like. Also, no repeats. A few years ago I shot a similar video with the five European countries I love visiting. I am including five new countries in this video. For example, Spain was on my previous list. We went there this year and had a blast. However, I am not including Spain again, even though it is a great place to go, especially with family.
European Country #1 – Scotland
Some of you are thinking Scotland is not a country. Do not tell the Scots that when you visit. Kim and I spent time recently in the beautiful capital city of Edinburgh and it certainly feels like its own country. Scottish culture is truly unique with the clans, kilts, tartans, and bagpipes. This nation is full of natural beauty. The weather in Scotland sucks, but there are many other reasons to go see this magical country.
European Country #2 – United Kingdom, the UK
Country number two is the United Kingdom, aka the UK. We have been there a few times in the past couple of years and always have a blast hanging out in this wonderful country. London the capital city has tons to see and do. You could easily spend a week there and not be bored. If you’re an American and have never been to Europe I recommend starting in the UK. One specific reason is that the culture shock is not as drastic as in other parts of Europe. They speak the same language as Americans…kind of, sort of.
European Country #3 – Portugal
Kim and I took the kids there last Thanksgiving holiday and had an amazing time exploring this country. Portugal is hugely popular these days now that I’ve been there I understand why. Portugal includes Lisbon, Porto, and the beaches of the Algarve. It offers good food and good wine and it’s all reasonably priced. Throw in the great weather and it is an amazing European country to visit. I highly recommend it.
European Country #4 – Austria
I visited there several years ago with my sons. I was reminded how wonderful Austria is. It is located right next door to Germany. If you’re in Bavaria slip on over into Austria to visit Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown. Go explore the Alps and get over to Vienna, the capital city that offers tons to see and do. Throw in the natural beauty and what you have is one great place to spend some time.
European Country #5 – Italy
This choice should come as no surprise. After all, who doesn’t love Italy? Everybody that’s gone there said it is amazing. Italy offers history fans a lot to see in the classic cities like Rome with the Roman Empire and the Renaissance in Florence. There’s nothing like Venice in the world. Add to that the art, the architecture, the food, the wine, and the villages. There are so many reasons to spend time in Italy. It is one of the most popular countries to visit in the world, especially with Americans. The reason – it’s awesome.
Time for a confession about Italy
I need to make a small confession. I’ve not been back to Italy in the past decade. Although I feel like I’ve been there given how many times I’ve planned trips to Italy that have been cancelled due to the pandemic. So that it is clear, I visited Italy many years ago and have fond memories. I am longing to get back there soon. The great news is that Kim and I are going to Italy next month. I am looking forward to experiencing all this wonderful country has to offer with my wonderful wife.
Three European countries that I hope to visit soon
- Greece – I want to get back to see the ancient history and explore the islands.
- Ireland – Kim and I spent time in Dublin already. we want to see the rest of the Emerald Isle.
- Germany – I have been there many many times. I have a new passion project that I will talk about in a future video where I want to explore all over Germany.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to my sons.