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Europe: Romance, Road Trips & Milestones Across the Continent
Your Guide to the Old Continent
While our first meeting happened on a Royal Caribbean cruise in Australia back in April 2019, our true travel story began in Europe. Scotland was our first adventure together, with days spent exploring Edinburgh, Inverness, and beyond. After a whirlwind month-long “first date” across the UK, Jenn returned to Canada—but our bond was just beginning. A few months later, we reunited in Cyprus, where our journey took a romantic turn as we got engaged at the legendary Aphrodite’s Rock. We celebrated with a trip to Paris, followed by a week-long road trip through five European countries. After two years apart from the continent, we returned in 2022 to explore even more—visiting Türkiye, Albania, Italy, North Macedonia, and more. Europe has given us unforgettable memories, deep cultural connections, and moments that changed our lives. We hope our stories inspire your own European adventure!
Countries Visited (18)
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Country Guides
Check out our comprehensive Country Guides with all you need to know before you go, including our latest posts, must-see places, interesting facts, and key information about health & safety, transport, local customs, cuisine, connectivity, visa information, useful links and much more!
Interesting Facts
Here Are 19 Interesting Facts About Europe. Some May Just Surprise You!
1. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world.
2. French Fries were invented in Belgium, not France.
3. Due to its unique climate, there are no mosquitoes in Iceland.
4. There are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands.
5. Over 200 languages are spoken in Europe, which is home to 750 million people across 50 countries.
6. 75% of the world's potatoes come from Europe.
7. Barcelona's Sagrada Familia is taking longer to build than the Pyramids; if completed as hoped in 2026, it will mark 146 years of construction, while the ancient Pyramids of Egypt are said to have taken 85 years.
8. Jakobp, Ashleiy, Anus, Monkey and Pluto are banned names in Denmark. However, there are 7000 government approved baby names to choose from!
9. There is a town in Wales with a name comprised of 57 letters! Try and pronounce it - Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.
10. In Switzerland, it is illegal to mow your lawn, hang washing, or wash your car on a Sunday.
11. Europe is named after the Phoenician Princess Europa.
12. 'Clinking' glasses in Hungary to toast or say cheers is not allowed. This came after Hungary was defeated in war by Austria in 1848, with the Austrians celebrating by clinking glasses.
13. Bulgaria adopted its name in 681 AD, making it the oldest name in Europe. The Republic of San Marino is the oldest country, birthdate of 301 AD.
14. Eleven countries in Europe still have monarchies; Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
15. With a total of 932, there are more castles in the Czech Republic than anywhere else in Europe.
16. Berlin has more Kebab restaurants than Istanbul.
17. There are more McDonald's in Germany than in any other country in Europe.
18. Austria is home to the world's oldest zoo.
19. Technically, it is still illegal to kiss on a train platform in France.
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Europe
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