Cheap flights to Europe

Overview

In terms of land area, Europe may be the second-smallest continent but the 50 or so European countries offer an extraordinary diversity, from Russia in the north to Greece in the south, west to the Azores and east to the border of Asia.

The countries of Western Europe are prosperous and stable and first in mind for family holidays, while some of the Central and Eastern European states are luring budget-minded travellers keen to enjoy the sun outside the pricey Eurozone.

Travellers visiting Europe have a wealth of holiday itineraries from which to choose: touring Ireland’s Burren limestone plateau, seeing the Northern Lights in Sweden or Norway and exploring the French villages in Provence, skiing in the Swiss Alps or relaxing on a beach in the Greek islands.

Europe’s jewel-like capitals have a captivating charm, with unique cultural, architectural and historic characters and sites. Romantic Paris is renowned as the beautiful City of Lights; stately Vienna was the centre of the Habsburg Empire for more than 600 years; stunning spire-dotted Prague is a gem of art and architecture, while medieval Krakow was once Poland’s capital and seat of kings.

What is the climate like in Europe?

The Mediterranean enjoys hot summers (May to August) and mild winters (December to February). In central and northern Italy and France, the climate is more temperate, with humid summers and cold, damp winters. Summer in Spain and Portugal can be very hot and dry, followed by cold and wet winters. Central Europe’s temperate climate has four distinct seasons, with hot to warm summers and temperatures often dropping below zero in winter. Snow can fall as early as mid-September in the Alps. Ski resorts open from November to April. The climate in Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland and Iceland is kept fairly mild by a continuation of the Gulf Stream (North Atlantic Drift). Most Europeans holiday in August, when many cities close down and locals flee to the beaches and mountains.

What is the best way to travel around Europe?

Due to the vast size of the continent and the affordable Europe airfare, the best way to travel around Europe is by plane for long distances. There are various charter flights to get to and from the different cities. For instance, if you wish to get from Paris (France) to Rome (Italy), two very popular visiting spots in Europe, the best way to do it is catching a flight between the two cities. Not only is it more time efficient, but it is also probably the most affordable option. However, there are also buses and trains that make the trip as well. If you’re looking to make some stops along the way during your trip around Europe, a very common method of transport is by train. The continent has a very efficient and developed railway system and it’s a great way to explore the European countries.

What are some things to do in Europe?

Before booking your cheap flights to Europe you should know about all there is to see. Find Europe flight deals to London where you can’t miss the Buckingham Palace or the Big Ben. As for Paris, the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum are musts as well. Madrid is known for its beautiful streets to walk around and Rome for its historic coliseum and architecture.

Europe insider information

• Germany is a multi-faceted country, from modern to medieval architecture and world-renowned orchestras to the popular beer guzzler’s celebration, Oktoberfest. German cities are leading cultural, financial and educational centres and include two of the greenest cities in Europe.
• Ireland is a land of timeless traditional villages, friendly pubs, vibrant cities, spirited music and people and awe-inspiring landscapes.
• France is renowned for its variety, with more than 400 types of cheese, prehistoric caves, sumptuous beaches, bustling cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages and mountain resorts. French cuisine is as diverse as the country and no-one should miss the magnificent art collection at the Louvre.
• Italy’s culture, history, fashion, food, stunning countryside and passionate people have made the boot-shaped country one of the most romantic and popular European destinations. Variety is the spice of life in Italy, whether you are soaking up the arts, visiting the Vatican City, taking a gourmet tour through the villages of Tuscany or soaking up the sun on the Amalfi coast.
• Bullfights, flamenco and beaches aside, Spain’s many charms come from its diverse regions, cultures, cuisines and landscapes – from the stunning mountains of Andalucia and lively nightlife in Madrid, to the arts and architecture of cosmopolitan Barcelona and Bilboa’s futuristic Guggenheim museum.
• Once the hidden gem of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal still retains a charm, with traditional villages, historic towns as well as a stunning coastline dotted with popular beach resorts.
• The Netherlands has a rich history as a world power; Tiny Luxembourg has dense forests, medieval castles and a fairytale Heritage-listed capital city with more Michelin-star restaurants per capita than any city in the world; Belgium is a veritable feast for chocolate connoisseurs and gourmands.
• Austria’s regal buildings and cultural heritage stem from its heyday as the centre of the Hapsburg Empire. It’s a year-round destination, thanks to the country’s hospitality and fine cuisine, historic cities, cultural institutions and popular winter sports.

How long is the flight to Europe?

There are many flights to Europe out of Canada. The main Canadian airport for international flights is the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). From here you’ll find cheap flights to Europe to cities like London and Paris. The direct flight from Toronto Pearson to London Heathrow (LHR) takes around seven hours and the route to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is about 7h 30min. You can also book flights to Europe departing out of Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Comparing flights to Europe, Montreal Airport also has direct flights to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany and Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, Portugal. These flights normally take about 7h 15min and 6h 30min respectively. A great time of the day for flying to Europe is catching a red-eye at night out of Canada and arriving at your European destination in the morning.

What do I need to do before my flight to Europe?

Before you book flights to Europe, make sure your passport is valid and up to date. Apart from your passport, make sure you’re not required to obtain an entry visa beforehand as well. This depends on the countries in Europe you’re going to be visiting and for how long. A lot of the European countries have the same currency, however research before catching your flights to Europe where the best place to exchange your Canadian dollars into the local currency is. Another good tip is downloading a map of your destination on your phone to have access to it just in case you have limited internet.