After being closed for most of 2020, Europe is starting to open up to visitors. It’s a huge relief to countries that depend on tourism for their economy and to travelers who have been dreaming of a European vacation.
But policies differ across the continent. Some countries are moving more quickly than others to welcome American tourists without requiring a quarantine period. And each destination has its own rules regarding a vaccination or negative COVID-19 test, as well as what form of proof will be acceptable.
With so many of the details still in flux, the experience of a JetSetGO travel advisor becomes even more vital as you plan your long-awaited trip. Your travel advisor will have the most up-to-date information about health and safety regulations in different countries, as well as suggestions about where you can go and what to expect once you arrive.
But wherever you go, be flexible and you’ll find plenty to see and do.
Shops and restaurants are opening and Europe’s cafes are perfect for outdoor dining, a
s well as people-watching. There’s no better sign of progress than the reopening of some of the continent’s most popular attractions.
Keep in mind that some museums and other cultural sites may have limits on capacity, require masks and social distancing and request that you purchase tickets in advance for a specific timeslot.
In Paris, for example, you can once again visit the city’s renowned cultural institutions. That includes the Louvre museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa. The opulent 17th-century Palace of Versailles, once a residence of French royalty, is a short train ride from Paris. You can tour the palace and then stroll through its exquisitely manicured gardens.
People are also flocking to Rome’s ancient Colosseum, one of the Eternal City’s most popular attractions. At the Vatican, you can once again visit the museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
Cultural sites have reopened in Spain, as well. You won’t want to miss Madrid’s Prado museum, with its deep collection of European masterworks, and the Royal Palace, home to Spanish monarchs for two centuries. In Barcelona, you’ll find the Picasso Museum and the ornate — but still unfinished — Basilica de la Sagrada Familia.
In Athens, the renowned archaeological sites are open. The Acropolis, an ancient citadel located high above the city, is home to the remains of buildings like the Parthenon, a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. And ferry service makes it easy to visit the romantic, sun-drenched Greek islands.
The Netflix comedy “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga,” has piqued interest in Iceland. If it’s on your bucket list, you can visit the picturesque northern town of Husavik, where part of the movie was filmed. The area is known for its hiking trails, geothermal baths and as a great place to see whales.
For help navigating any travel plans, contact your travel advisor JetSetGO.
