Europe is your oyster...
Europe is adorned with so many beautiful destinations, the choice is endless. Each with its own individuality, exhibiting a well preserved cultural heritage and very profound differences. Europe is literally bursting at the seams with sparkling pearls just waiting to be discovered and has become an intrepid traveller's delight.
With a population of around 740 million, Europe's borders cover as far east as Asia, as far west as the Atlantic ocean, as far north as the Arctic ocean and as far south as Africa past the Mediterranean sea.
The EU was first initiated by six countries back in 1951 as the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community). As this union was successful it evolved into the EEC (European Economic Community) in 1956 and was formalised further in 1967. Following the addition of a few more members, it then transformed into the EU (European Union) in 1993.
Today, the Council of Europe has 47 member countries (and very soon one less!), 28 of these are members of the EU. However, only 18 state EU members adopted the Euro in 2002 as their official currency and the open border policy (the Schengen Agreement). Plus, not all countries who have adopted the policy or the Euro are EU members. If you are as confused as we are, please feel free to investigate this information further, we have tried to be brief and as accurate as possible but it's all slightly complicated, omit that - very complicated!
With a population of around 740 million, Europe's borders cover as far east as Asia, as far west as the Atlantic ocean, as far north as the Arctic ocean and as far south as Africa past the Mediterranean sea.
The EU was first initiated by six countries back in 1951 as the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community). As this union was successful it evolved into the EEC (European Economic Community) in 1956 and was formalised further in 1967. Following the addition of a few more members, it then transformed into the EU (European Union) in 1993.
Today, the Council of Europe has 47 member countries (and very soon one less!), 28 of these are members of the EU. However, only 18 state EU members adopted the Euro in 2002 as their official currency and the open border policy (the Schengen Agreement). Plus, not all countries who have adopted the policy or the Euro are EU members. If you are as confused as we are, please feel free to investigate this information further, we have tried to be brief and as accurate as possible but it's all slightly complicated, omit that - very complicated!
Since the forming of the European community, travelling through Europe has improved immensely. Both the EU and the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) citizens are able to travel freely throughout Europe. Road users presently have the freedom to cross borders as there are virtually no border controls between countries who have implemented the open border policy. Travellers are no longer required to sit in very long queues at the border controls or need the many different currencies to get around.
Europe's largest country is Russia and the Vatican City is its smallest. Driving in west Europe significantly differs from driving in the east. The west has well developed roads and motorways which are in good condition but the east are still somewhat underdeveloped.
We have written a small synopsis on each country and on each city, town and village we have been lucky to have spent time in and where we have enjoyed its culture, people and food immensely. Feel free to have a browse, maybe something will catch your eye that you feel is worth a visit too, some day. You may even find your pearl.
Europe's largest country is Russia and the Vatican City is its smallest. Driving in west Europe significantly differs from driving in the east. The west has well developed roads and motorways which are in good condition but the east are still somewhat underdeveloped.
We have written a small synopsis on each country and on each city, town and village we have been lucky to have spent time in and where we have enjoyed its culture, people and food immensely. Feel free to have a browse, maybe something will catch your eye that you feel is worth a visit too, some day. You may even find your pearl.
Where will your road trip take you?
Photography: beepbeepeurope
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© Copyright. All rights reserved.
