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8 reasons why Europe must 'REMAIN' on your bucket list

Brexit schmexit - there's still plenty of reasons to eat, drink and LOL your way around Europe...

2016 has been one hell of a year, in the UK and the world over! Many believed the fallout from Brexit was going to affect our holiday plans, but research by Contiki suggests this isn't the case at all.

Millennials are a resilient bunch, and Contiki has actually seen a 22% spike in Europe trip bookings since the UK’s decision to leave the EU on 23 June 2016. Irrespective of how you voted, here are eight reasons why Europe must REMAIN on everyone’s bucket list in 2017.

Diversity on our doorstep

With the option to travel by sea, land or air at amazing prices, Europe is the most accessible destination for Brits looking to soak up some sun, snow and culture. Laden with opportunities to escape a busy lifestyle and be at one with nature, or negotiate the bustling streets of an exciting cosmopolitan city, Europe has it all – without the jet-lag!

Beach goals

There are beaches aplenty dotted across Europe, each with their own individual appeal, and all boasting jaw-dropping scenery and glorious sunshine to top up your tan and max out on relaxation. To get the full blown beach experience, you can island hop your way across the Adriatic or Aegean with fellow Vitamin D deprived travellers on a sail or cruise, and fill your Insta profile with gloat-worthy beach pics.

Euro music festivals

Sun, sea, culture and of course… MUSIC! Pop over to Europe for a festival experience without the danger of wading through mud in your wellies. With a European festival to suit every music taste, young Brits can rave the night away with old friends, and new!

Unmissable cultural events

Drinking steins of beer with locals at Oktoberfest in Munich, joining the madness of King’s Day in Amsterdam, and donning some green for St Patrick’s Day festivities in Dublin – Europe is laden with centuries-old cultural traditions which give travellers the opportunity to dress up, party hard, and immerse themselves in the local culture.

Ski and après-ski vibes

For on and off-piste action, Hopfgarten in Austria is a snow-lover's haven! Brits can up their daily dose of adrenaline on the slopes of the Alps which is just a short hop, skip and jump away from home. Whether you’re brand new to snow sports or going pro, there’s a ski run suitable for all levels in Hopfgarten. And if hot chocolates and schnapps are more your style, there’s plenty of nightlife to get amongst in the ski village.

Cheesy photos opps

Where else in the world can you act like a total dork holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa or pinching the Eiffel Tower? Although they’re pretty cringe-worthy, your European travel experience isn’t really complete until you’ve joined the masses on the lawns of these landmarks and snapped a cheesy photo. It’s always fun to get a little creative too!

Food that will blow your mind

If you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, then Europe has plenty on its plate to offer! With Eastern Europe and the Nordics developing new, exciting and edgy ways to dine, there’s never been a better time to add these destinations to your travel list. But who can forget pizza, tapas and baguettes! Contiki has launched a brand new food dedicated trip called MUNCH which takes travellers on a gastronomic journey through Italy, Spain and France.

Non-EU hotspots

Awesome holiday destinations like Iceland, Switzerland, Montenegro and Norway aren’t part of the EU, so whatever happens with travelling to the rest of Europe, there’ll be no pesky VISA business required for these! Explore vibrant cities, kick back beachside or immerse yourself in the wild natural beauty of one these trendy destinations in 2017, no paperwork needed.

'If you’re inspired to book a trip to Europe ASAP, check out contiki.com.'

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