Where do you plan to go for some quiet and relaxing time? How do you wish to spend your vacation? Are you eyeing the possibility of a European vacation in the oncoming months? Then don’t postpone that dream of yours. You can certainly have your very own European vacation despite the very infamous National Lampoons news.

Several people are dying to spend their free time in Europe and take a tour of the romantic city of Paris, take a glimpse of London, and breathe in the air of the Alpine valley. All these and more are achievable as you venture in a European vacation yourself!

Take time to gather enough information as to how you should go about with your reservations up to planning out your accommodations. Here are some great tips that can help you decide on how to achieve a worthwhile know-how on your dreamed of European vacation.

How to plan an affordable European vacation

First—consider selecting a travel agency which specializes in dealing with European vacations and offering valuable packages. Surely you can confine with the do-it-yourself planning but you definitely have to consult an expert in the field. More so, you will have to use other languages in dealing with the accommodations. A European travel agency can help design for you an arrangement that is definitely to your own advantage. Needless to say, you will no longer have to burden yourself with the worries.

Second—when planning for a European tour, be sure to get to know more of the countries that you plan to visit. Take time to get to know its culture and most particularly the taboos. As you know, Europe is a continent with so much diversity so there is really a lot to learn. You will most probably think that there is so much likeness in Ireland and in the UK but there is a notable difference with Greece and Turkey.

Third—try your best to learn the country’s language. You need not be a fluent speaker of its native tongue but it will truly help if you try to grasp a few of the basic words such as the greetings and other necessary words to speak when dealing with the people around. Make an impression. Your effort to learn its mother tongue will be most appreciated by the natives.

More so, you can’t easily be fooled if you know how to speak some of its words in the native dialect. You need to know that very few of the locals in Holland, Germany, and some Scandinavian countries speak the English language. Also, the English language is commonly spoken in the coastal tourist resorts of Greece, Spain, and Portugal but not anywhere else.

Fourth—a cheaper European vacation is a lot easier to organize especially if you have enough time to do so. Take the Internet as your best resort to a cheap European vacation. Proper timing matters.

The European airlines have no specific time to offer the cheapest airline fares so you must be flexible with the time frame of your scheduled travel. There are of course other sources of transportation to Europe so you must not limit yourself to travelling by air.

A European vacation is twice the fun when you keep a close track of what your itineraries will be. Enjoy and bring out the best of your travel!

If you are visiting Paris, you will no doubt want to visit Notre Dame. Notre Dame is a famous landmark in the city and millions flock there each year to visit. Situated in the heart of Paris, this cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop and is known as one of the finest architectural masterpieces in the world. For those who visit the famous landmark, be sure to take in the sights and tour the cathedral during the day. However, you should also make sure to pass by the area at night as the view of the cathedral when lit up for the evening is positively spectacular.

The construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 and was completed circa 1345. During its construction there were many architects involved which is evidenced by the varying styles present in the completed cathedral. In the 1790’s much of the cathedral was ruined, especially the religious imagery and façade of the building. The French Revolution was the cause of this destruction but a restoration project was undertaken in the nineteenth century to restore the cathedral to its former magnificence. Victor Hugo, with his book The Hunchback of Notre Dame, brought attention to the restoration project, inciting many Parisians to donate to the restoration cause. The organ and the bells of Notre Dame are among the famous features of the cathedral.

For those interested in architecture, Notre Dame is a splendid example. The flying buttresses are among the first ever in that style. The stained glass and religious imagery abundant in the cathedral are a sight to be seen. The Gothic style brings a feeling of old world romance and reverence. The interior of the cathedral depicts the story of the bible with its stained glass and statuettes. Art and architecture buffs alike will appreciate the beauty and romance of Notre Dame.

For those who are interested in history, Notre Dame is rich in it. Kings have been crowned in the cathedral, royal marriages have taken place and saints have been canonized. Crusaders would come to Notre Dame to reflect and pray before embarking on a holy war. Napoleon and his wife Josephine were crowned emperor and empress in Notre Dame and Pope Pius VII officiated the service. Joan of Arc was canonized by the church in 1920.

Today, Roman Catholic masses are held in the cathedral as well as concerts featuring the famous Notre Dame Gregorian choir and the 7,800 pipe organ. For those interested in a moving spiritual experience, masses in the grand cathedral are awe inspiring. There are both week day and weekend masses available. Weekday masses are held in the main alter as well as in the choir. Sunday masses are all held in the main alter. If you have the opportunity to go to a Sunday mass with the Gregorian choir, this can be a magnificent experience not soon forgotten.

Rome is an outdoor city. Though, of course, there are several churches, museums, restaurants, theaters and other indoor attractions, the city shines best when seen from one its piazzas.

The word means public square. But unlike some other internationally famous cities, the piazzas of Rome is truly gathering places for people who love the beauty of outdoor art in all its forms.

Navona accommodates one of the finest examples of Bernini’s fountain work: the Fontana dei Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) built in 1651. Arrayed around the central rocky mass supporting the almost-obligatory obelisk are four large sculptures executed by his students. One of them, the Ganges, was sculpted by Claude Poussin who would later become a master under his own name.

The fountain is a tour de force with a sea monster, a lion, cacti, palm tree and a dozen other pieces woven together around the central column.

The funding was so large for the piece that taxes were levied on bread, prompting outcries from Roman citizens both poor and rich. But with the controversy now a part of history, the visitor can simply relax and have a cup of coffee while watching the busy city.

The Fountain of the Moor is at the other end of the piazza and features a Triton - one of the many gods of the sea - riding a dolphin. From this vantage point, there is ample opportunity for people watching, enjoying the warm Roman sunshine or planning the next stop around the Piazza Navona and its environs. Because there is a good deal to do besides admire one of Rome’s many instances of outdoor waterworks.

There are dozens of merchant stalls, interspersed among the many cafes and restaurants. You could stop near one and have your portrait sketched by one of the many artists dotting the piazza.

There’s nightlife until early in the morning, with mimes, beggars, artists and a hundreds of natives and tourists threading through the oval plaza. The piazza was built around one of the ancient circuses - a circular area where streets converge, not a show with animals.

Make sure to stop in at the Tre Scalini and indulge yourself in a Tartufo. Or visit the oldest extant bar in Rome nearby, the Caffe della Pace. Here you’ll be able to enjoy a Campari and take in the ambiance. Confess your sins at the Church of Sant’Agnese, set not far from three of Bernini’s famous fountains.

The Fontana dei Calderai (Fountain of the Coppersmiths), later on renamed the Fountain of Neptune is also here. Festooned with sea figures, Neptune slaying an octopus, sea horses, dolphins and Nerieds (sea nymphs) it carries Rome’s fountain-sea creature theme to the ultimate peak. The fountain is made of the same Portasanta rose marble used for St. Peter’s doorjambs.

Or, you can take a short walk to the Piazza Sant’Eustachio, between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona and listen to some classical music. Or catch the bus to the Pantheon.

Don’t miss an opportunity to visit one of Rome’s most well-known public squares, even if it is round.