The world is finally starting to move again after almost four months at a standstill, so its time to travel to the best cities in Europe. With social distancing protocols in place and other safety measures, travelers can make their European bucket list a true story. 

From medieval towns, crescent-shaped beaches, and well-tucked alleys and historic plazas, Europe has a lot to offer travelers. Last year, the number of tourists ballooned to 538 million, accounting 50 percent of the world’s tourism. This shows how much people are attracted to European countries. 

Planning a trip any time soon? Here are some of the best cities to visit once the quarantine is over. Some of these cities offer not just a relaxing getaway, but also safe tourism practiced by the locals and authorities. 

Kerkyra, Greece

The city where the mountain and the sea meet, Kerkyra or Corfu is known for the beautiful island and its coastal areas. The area is studded with whitewashed villages and Byzantine churches that are remains from Venetian fortresses. 

It is a secluded island that’s perfect for a quiet getaway with family and friends. The best part of visiting Kerkyra is witnessing the vast rock formations and the azure-blue waters. 

Warsaw, Poland

When talking of Poland, some people probably recall Budapest as the biggest and most beautiful city. However, Warsaw is also a must-visit because of the historical old town and lively plazas. The cobblestone streets are perfect for a full-day stroll, witnessing quaint shops and museums. 

From the market square to royal castle and King Zygmunt’s Column, the landmarks are scattered all over the city. After quarantine, visiting Warsaw is great because of the lesser crowd. 

Bohinj, Slovenia

The place where the Lake Bohinj is located, Bohinj screams of nature escapade. It is somewhat secluded, and away from the crowds of the city proper, where mountains can be seen. Bohinj is a summer destination and tourists come here just to witness the clear waters of the Lake Bohinj. 

The paradise valley at the heart of the Triglav National Park is considered one of the oldest national parks all over Europe. It is worth to visit this place because of the Savica waterfall, Vogel cable car, and the St. John the Baptist church. 

Valletta, Malta

While Malta is not entirely famous, it is a hidden gem brimming with historical masterpieces. The city of Valletta is considered a World Heritage City because of the significant remains of Baroque architecture. 

Valleta is one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, considered beautiful walled city and a remnant of European Art. Many travelers describe this city as an open-air museum for the enchanting views and local scenery. 

Turku, Finland

The south coast city in Finland, Turku, is situated in the Aura River, where a medieval fortress remains intact. This city is dotted with great, historic buildings that make Turku an old town. With Old Great Square that acts as a former trade hub, the city showcases grand historic sites. 

Perched at the river mouth, Turku is not only beautiful but also has an awesome weather. Perfect for a tour of the past, the city welcomes tourists in cobbled riverside streets and 13th-century castle. This is one of the best cities to visit in Europe after the quarantine. 

Valencia, Spain

An underrated city that meets the Mediterranean Sea is Valencia, located at the southeastern Spain. The city showcases Gothic architecture that lines up the skyline, connecting neighborhoods. One of Spain’s hidden gems, overshadowed by Barcelona and Madrid, Valencia is absolutely stunning. 

From the contemporary City of Arts and Sciences to the magnificent plazas, and fun-loving locals, Valencia is truly one for the books. Additionally, it isn’t as populous as Madrid and Barcelona, hence, it is a perfect place to enjoy less crowded tourist spots. 

Takeaway

Europe is brimming with historical sites, UNESCO-recognized landmarks, nature reserves, and modern cities. Besides the tourist magnet cities like Paris, Rome, and London, visiting these underrated, hidden gems is perfect after the quarantine. 

Remember to follow protocols to ensure your safety when traveling overseas. For more information, visit the city council’s website for announcements. 

Traveling is a major way of life for most people, particularly those who dream of seeing the world. However, it cannot be denied that the world has taken on a different face, with some being afflicted with wars, violence, and even natural calamities in the past. 

While there are numerous changes to the world we know today, much of it still boasts of its natural beauty, magnificence, and glory. This is one of the main reasons why people love to travel. Dealing with the U.S. Travel Department, however, is no easy feat. 

With numerous events happening around the globe, the U.S. Department of State, alongside its Travel Department, has taken steps to ensure the safety of its people and of course, its nation. To help you have a smooth sailing journey with these government agencies, take a look at some tips below.

U.S. Department of State and the Travel Department – What Does It Do?

As you might already know, the United States Department of State, otherwise referred to as the State Department, is tasked with handling the foreign policies and international relations of the country. It lends its expert advice to the President when it comes to international dealings and agreements. 

The travel department, on the other hand, is also part of the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs. It is mainly involved in providing individuals with access to safety and security information regarding different countries around the globe.

Besides providing basic travel information, the travel department is also tasked to provide timely and relevant updates on risks of travel, entry and exit requirements, existing local laws and customs, health conditions, and other essential details. 

Travel Advice for Those Dealing with the U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State is one of the agencies that remain at the forefront of traveling. It informs U.S. citizens and nations, as well as other travelers, about the possible risks they can come in contact with on their journeys. 

If you are going on a trip soon, below are some travel tips you might want to take note of.

Check Travel Advisories

The very first thing you should do prior to traveling – or even booking your flights and accommodations – is checking the travel advisories put out by the travel department on your intended destination. 

The travel advisories may be seen on the site’s color-coded map. This allows you to gauge the safety and the security of the country you wish to visit, given that the day-to-day conditions of these nations can change at any given time. 

Travel advisories are categorized into four main levels, including “exercise normal precautions”, “exercise increased caution”, “reconsider travel”, and “do not travel”. Some indicators for these are the current health risks, crime, terrorism, violence, natural calamities and disasters.

Don’t Forget Your Visa and Passport

Traveling to foreign destinations won’t be complete without a passport and sometimes, a visa, on hand. Getting these two main identifying documents allows you to secure access to your place of travel without a hitch. 

Besides these two documents, it would be best for travelers to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, also known as STEP. This program provides individuals with alerts on their destinations. 

Moreover, STEP also allows U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip with the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate, thereby effectively informing them of their travel. Plus, this program helps individuals reach the U.S. embassy in case of an emergency. 

Get Insurance Coverage

Travel poses risks and challenges, and sometimes, unwanted and unfortunate events. When this happens, you want to ensure that you are covered by your medical insurance provider even when you’re going outside the country. 

To enjoy a relatively worry-free trip insurance-wise make sure to check your health insurance, and if applicable, make sure that you are covered for travels outside the United States. Not only will this prevent you from incurring increased costs, but this will also give you the peace of mind you deserve. 

Bear in mind that the U.S. Department of State reiterates that Medicare or Medicaid does not cover medical care outside of the country, except in special circumstances. 

The Bottom Line

Dealing with the U.S. Department of State can be stressful. However, with the help of the travel department and the tips mentioned in this article, you can help minimize the hassle that comes with travel preparations and in traveling itself.