Going on a trip through Europe for the first time? Or are you traveling to multiple countries in Europe? The travel guides and travel books in this post provide you with all the information you need. Another bonus, with these pan European books, you don’t need to carry multiple books. All these travel books have been handpicked by Avoid-Crowds.com and include big brand books as well as some special choices such as an overall history book or kids travel book.
- All travel guides are hand picked
- Books with little reviews or bad reviews are left out
- This article contains affiliate links on which we can earn a commission
The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget helps you travel throughout the continent while not breaking your bank account. For each country in Europe, this book will get you the best deals. This Rough Guide also comes with strong itineraries will help you decide your route, clear, colour-coded maps let you plan your days and gorgeous photos will have you rearing to go. Combined with in-depth descriptions of all the key sights and well researched recommendations for the best hostels, hotels, campsites, cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs.
The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget reveals the European continent in all its glory, and includes smart inspirational tips. These handy budget tips include a dip in the rooftop pool at Bath’s Thermae Spa or track down Wroclaw’s most mouthwatering pierogi, for example. Countries included in the Rough Guide: Albania, Austria, Belgium & Luxembourg, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine.
Lonely Planets travel the world as much as we human’s do. Although I don’t own this particular edition, Lonely Planet never disappoints. Lonely Planet Europe gives a quick introduction, itineraries and things to see for Europe’s main destinations as well as some alternative destinations. It comes with all the Lonely Planet standards while focusing on travellers with different kind of budgets. This is what’s inside Lonely Planet’s Europe:
- Full-colour maps and images throughout
- Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
- Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
- Essential info at your fingertips – hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices
- Honest reviews for all budgets – eating, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
- Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience – history, art, food, drink, sport, politics
- Covers Britain, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, Scandinavia and more.
While the previous two travel guides tried to squeeze as many European destination in one book, Fodor has chosen to focus on 25 countries. While this is still a lot of countries for one book, it is not information overload. With its sophisticated culture, rich history, and abundant beauty (both natural and man-made), Europe is a top destination for travelers. But for those with limited time who want more guidance on must-sees, this book covers the top spots and must-see sights in 25 countries.
During the pandemic you receive a free Fodor’s Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel e-book with the purchase of this guidebook! Fodor’s Essential Europe includes:
- Lots of maps
- 16-page color insert with a brief introduction and spectacular photos that capture the top experiences and attractions throughout Europe
- Endless hotel and restaurant recommendations, with Fodor’s Choice designating our top picks
- Multiple itineraries to explore the top attractions and what’s off the beaten path
- Major attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Ancient Agora, the Trevi Fountain, Park Guell, and the Dolmabahce Palace
- The 25 countries in the book: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Scandinavia and the Baltic States, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey & United Kingdom
American Rick Steves is one of Americas most popular travel authors and TV personalities. This book is a bit more focused on the American traveler who is on a quick trip through Europe’s main sights. Rick Steves’ Best of Europe is the essential travel guide that also includes tips to avoid crowds. Which is one of the reasons this book made it onto our list. The book includes:
- Expert advice from Rick Steves on what’s worth your time and money
- Itineraries for one to four days in the top destinations in England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland
- Rick’s tips for beating the crowds, skipping lines, and avoiding tourist traps (Extra points for this!)
If you are traveling with kids, you will face different challenges. This book gives you 100 tips for the perfect European family vacation. The book helps you each step of the way: designing a kid-friendly itinerary, booking fun and interesting lodging, choosing the best ways to get around, packing light, saving money, enjoying the airplane ride, staying safe, and immersing yourself and your family in the many cultures of Europe. The book also include tips for the all-essential step of coming home again!
Traveling means that you immerse yourself into the culture and habits of the destination that you visit. It is so much more fulfilling but also easier, if you understand why people behave in a certain way. That is why we always recommend reading up on the history of the destination that you visit. Europe’s history is of course incredibly diverse and complex. This book does a good effort at summarizing thousands years of history into a readable and enjoyable book.
Studded with infamous figures–from Caesar to Charlemagne and Machiavelli to Marx–Simon Jenkins’s history of Europe travels briskly from the Roman Empire, the Dark Ages, and the Reformation through the French Revolution, the World Wars, and the fall of the USSR. What emerges in this thrilling and expansive telling is a continent as defined by its continually clashing cultural identities and violent crises as it is by its tireless drive for a society based on the consent of the governed — which holds true right up to the present day.
