Western Europe, land of the Alps, history, and commerce.
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
-Gustave Flaubert
Western Europe is a beautiful region with a variety of landscapes, made up of the countries of Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria. There are huge fast-flowing rivers, flat lands that offer endless bike paths and canals, and snow covered mountains. A wonderful area for hiking, skiing, biking, river cruising, and so much more.
This page includes our travel stories from this region, from an entertaining cheese tasting in France, to making strudel in Austria.
For travel planning, view our Travel Tips by Destination
Western Europe Travel Stories
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Enchanting San Marino
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Weekend in Bremen
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Visiting the French Riviera
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Visitors to Germany
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Beaches, Battlefields, and Breweries: A Trip With Our Nephew
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Croissant Baking Class in Paris
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Touring Germany: Lake Constance
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Weekend in Hamburg, Germany
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Exploring Dinkelsbühl, Germany
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80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge
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80th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy
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Weekend in Belgium
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Weekend in the Alps
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Fairy Tale Village in France
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Escape to the Château
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Rhine Falls
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4 Countries in 4 Days
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Touring Germany: Rhine River Cruise
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Touring Germany: The Black Forest
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Touring Germany: Cologne and Ritter Sport
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Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge
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Travel Info: Paris
For focused travel tips by city, view our Travel Info Sheets, ‘quick bites’ of key information, suggestions, and a few key phrases of the local language to know. These are our highlights of what we use when planning a trip. Travel planning can be overwhelming, not knowing exactly what to expect, and wondering what you’ve forgotten. Not to mention the time that goes into researching travel details, on top of your normal busy life. We love to travel, and love to help others to travel with confidence and enthusiasm.
Camper vans are very popular throughout Western Europe, and the roads are fairly accommodating. We have heard the roads in France described as “like butter,” and of course Germany has a good infrastructure of the autobahn. Campgrounds are numerous, and usually have quite nice amenities, throughout this region. And of course if they weather is a bit rainy, you’re sleeping in a van, or even a cabin. Or there may even be the unique opportunity to sleep in a barrel at some sites! And with the countries being so close together, it is possible to visit several on one trip.