Recently updated on October 1st, 2024 at 01:11 pm
If you’re dreaming of Europe’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, then it won’t take much to convince you to pack your bags and jump on the next plane. But where are the best places to see when you visit Europe?
We gathered some insights from a handful of top US BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) travel agents who recently toured Vienna and Budapest for the first time. We think some of their firsthand experiences and recommendations will have you searching for the next flight over the Atlantic.
“Go for it… there is absolutely nothing stopping you. Your best story comes with your next trip.” – Ta-Tanisha
Let’s delve into the best places to visit in Europe with these seasoned travel experts – Ta-Tanisha, Athena, Lisa, Gayle and Kandice – and hear why the charm of Vienna’s imperial palaces to the lively energy of Budapest and its thermal baths should put those two spots on your radar (among many others!)
Ready to visit Europe? Seize the moment and save 10% on selected tours with our Unlock 2025 deals…
Travel agent Athena says…
“I love architecture and art. So that has been the best thing, the buildings, the structures… all of that. Coming [to Vienna and Budapest] firsthand to see it, and being able to compare with some of the other cities that I’ve been to has been amazing.”
Did you expect to make such close friendships on this trip?
“Absolutely not. I’m an introverted extrovert. When I’m in crowds of people, I can get along, I can enjoy [myself] – but I would much rather be home with a book or watching my favorite TV show.
“I’m not saying that I don’t go out, but I expected I might meet one or two people, possibly my roommate. But now I really have 20 plus cousins! There are some really good friendships being bonded here.”
Are these people you will connect with outside of the trip?
“Oh, absolutely. I already have plans with like three different people. I’m going to visit somebody in Tennessee. I’m going to visit somebody in Jacksonville, and there are about four people from where I live in Maryland. So yeah, we already have plans when we get back.”
What time of the year would you normally choose to travel, and why?
“I go where the deals are, so I kind of pick my destinations based on where there’s a deal for a trip. I typically like to go to places when it’s warmer, just because I like the heat. But I’ve also been to Iceland. Whenever it’s best to go based on price, that’s when I go.
“Obviously [March] is a little bit quieter in Europe. It’s fantastic and not as crowded. It’s warmer than I expected and we’re walking a lot so it’s perfect. You have the sun shining, but you also have a slight breeze. So I love this weather.”
Would you recommend to your clients to visit Europe outside of peak season?
“Absolutely, this is the way to go. If you don’t want to have crowds, if you don’t want to fight to get that perfect shot. You don’t want to have to go through those things.
“I would encourage my clients to travel in off peak season, because there’s no crowds, it’s less expensive, and if you really want to get out and see the city, that’s time to do it.”
Further reading: Trafalgar’s own CEO Melissa Da Silva talks about the benefits of off-season travel.
Travel agent Ta-Tanisha says…
“This is my first visit to Europe, my first long-haul flight and trip with Trafalgar. It’s been amazing from the start in Prague to Vienna and now Budapest. We’ve had the ability to pass lines and have access to spaces before the public – it’s just fantastic. I’ve enjoyed myself a lot. Trafalgar was definitely on the list of must do’s for guided touring.
What would you say to your clients who are a bit nervous to visit Europe?
“I would say, go for it. I would say there is absolutely nothing stopping you. Your best story comes with your next trip. So go ahead and make those memories. Take the time. You can always make the money back, but take the time and go for a visit.
How does going on a guided trip help someone who is time-poor?
“I think that the schedule was really good for us to be able to come into destination, know where we’re gonna stay, have most of it already planned out for us. That was very helpful, already, like, it’s a ready-to-go itinerary.
Read next: 8 Black pioneers who changed travel for the better
Travel agent Kandice says…
“[I was] nervous, excited, overwhelmed… I was afraid to cross the pond. I only took, like, short trips to the Caribbean before, and that’s pretty much what I was really used to. The long flight and the unknown [felt scary].
“[But] today has been amazing. There’s so much to see, and it’s so beautiful, and kind of unexpected.”
How has traveling in a tour group helped you get over your fear?
“The group itself made this very, very easy, especially like you’re with a lot of people that are like-minded. They make you feel comfortable, so it kind of allows you to open up – and they’re excited as well, so it brings up your excitement.
“So I feel like we kind of hyped each other up. [After] three days, I feel everyone seems like best friends. We’ve been hanging out with and we’ve been having a really good time.”
Travel agent Gayle says…
“Open up your door, step out and see the wonders that can be yours. Your back door is not always the safest place to be. You can never discover something if you never take the opportunity to see what’s there for you.”
Why do you think it’s so important that there is more representation in travel?
“You come here and you see all nationalities here, and the thought process that there’s not someone that looks like you, even if they’re not from your country, they may very well still look like you.
“And that comfort zone is there for you to if you’re not there, make yourself there, you know, take yourself there and be the first one to venture off in the unexpected territory that you’re not comfortable with. Go make yourself comfortable.”
Read next: 10 black travel influencers shaking up the industry
Travel agent Lisa says…
“I’ve been to Budapest, Vienna, several cities in Spain, and I’ve been to Germany, part of France – I just did a river cruise.”
You’ve done quite a few tours. How did you find your experience with Trafalgar?
“[This was my] first guided tour outside of a river cruise. So far, it’s amazing. I really enjoy [touring] and I love having someone explain where we are, the history etc. You get to see so much in a short time.”
Ready to explore Europe? Seize the moment and save 10% on selected tours with our Unlock 2025 deals…