Cheap flights to Europe

Europe stretches from Russia in the north to Greece in the south, west to the Azores and east to Russia again. Forty-eight countries in all, there is enormous diversity.

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.

Europe’s capitals are jewel-like, each one more spectacular than the next. Paris is the City of Lights, the most beautiful and romantic capital; stately Vienna was the centre of the Habsburg Empire for more than 600 years; red-roofed Prague the city of a hundred spires and medieval Krakow, once royal capital of Poland.

The continent offers a wealth of holiday ideas: touring the Burren in Ireland, viewing the Northern Lights in Norway or Sweden, skiing in France or Switzerland or lying on the beach in Spain or Portugal.

Airlines offering cheap flights to Europe have opened up countries and revealed little-known tourist gems.

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What is the climate like in Europe?

Mediterranean summers are hot and winters mild. In central and northern Italy and France, the climate is more temperate with humid summers and cold, damp winters. Spain and Portugal can be very hot and dry in summer, with cold and wet winters. Winter in Madrid and Spain’s high central region can be quite cold.Central Europe has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot to warm and winters cold with temperatures below freezing. Snow can fall as early as mid-September in the Alps, and the ski resorts start opening in November and remain open until April.A continuation of the Gulf Stream (North Atlantic Drift) keeps the climate in Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, and Iceland fairly mild.Most Europeans are on holiday in August. Some shops and attractions are closed in the cities, and the beaches and mountains are mobbed.

What is the best way to travel around Europe?

When you book flights to Europe, it's good practice to understand the public transport system in the area you're going to. If you're travelling around London, one of the most convenient ways to get around is by Underground or 'the tube'. Five major stations in Central London connect to almost every other part of the city. In addition, London is connected to Paris via train, and the best way to travel between these destinations is to take the Eurostar. The direct train runs between St Pancras Station in London and Paris du Nord and covers the distance in roughly 2h 15min. The best way to travel around Istanbul is to use buses and trams. If you're travelling by bus, keep in mind that there are no maps on board and the drivers won't announce the stops, so you'll need to be alert.

What are some things to do in Europe?

Flights to Europe give travellers the best opportunity to explore this beautiful continent with its wide variety of activities and sights to experience. One of the most popular things to do in Europe is to visit London and explore all the sights, including Big Ben in the heart of the city. Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge are two other attractions worth checking out while you're there. If you're heading to Paris, you can't leave without visiting the Eiffel Tower and climbing to the top of the iron lattice tower.

Europe insider information

• Ireland has produced some of the world’s greatest poets and writers and remains a retreat for golfing, fishing, and hiking. The cities are vibrant; the countryside is peaceful and wears its scenery, ruins, and monuments with grace.
• Germany’s cities are leading cultural, financial, and educational centres, and include two of the greenest cities in Europe. From modern to Middle Ages architecture, world-renowned exhibits and performances, and the all-time best Oktoberfest, Germany is a country of many facets.
• France is a land of variety: more than 400 types of cheese, 25 languages and dialects, prehistoric caves, and the Louvre. France offers sumptuous beaches, bustling cities, quiet villages, and mountain resorts. And the cuisine is as diverse as the country.
• The passion, culture and history of Italy — one of the few countries everyone knows something about. Whether your ideal holiday is soaking up the arts, visiting the Vatican City, hiking, or luxuriating in a spa, you can find it in Italy.
• On the Iberian Peninsula, step back from Spain’s beaches to find fascinating sights and charming towns. The world now comes to explore Portugal with its modern resorts and towns where old traditions remain the way of life.
• The Netherlands has a rich history as a world power; Luxembourg has dense forests, medieval castles, and Battle of the Bulge memorials; and Belgium is a feast for connoisseurs and gourmands.
• Austria has the regal buildings and culture from its days as the heart of the Hapsburg Empire. The country’s hospitality and cuisine make it a year-round destination, topped only with its winter sports, historic cities, and cultural institutions.
• Cheap flights to Europe depart from several airports around the UK. Ireland, Germany and France are particularly well connected.

How long is the flight to Europe?

Your travel time for flights to Europe will largely depend on where you fly to. Three of the most popular destinations to travel to in Europe are London, Paris, and Istanbul. Qatar Airways offers flights from Cebu City Mactan International Airport to Istanbul with a stopover at Doha Hamad Airport and a total flight time of just under 16h 30min. If you're flying to Istanbul from Manila, you can expect to find direct flights by Turkish Airlines to London Heathrow, taking around 12h 15min. When looking for cheap flights to Europe that take you to Paris, there are numerous flights operated by Emirates with a stopover in Dubai and a travel time close to 19h 35min. Compare cheap flights to Europe on Cheapflights and book the trip that suits you best.

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

After you book flights to Europe, there are a couple of things to keep in mind before boarding your flight. You'll want to exchange some money before getting to the airport or arriving in Europe to avoid the lower exchange rates offered by banks abroad or currency exchange kiosks at the airport. Also, make sure your passport is up to date and valid for at least three months after your departure date. If you're going to be using the train network in Europe, consider purchasing a weekly or monthly pass online to save costs.