Few travelers can say they’ve seen every country in Europe, but Lexie Limitless has done just that. After years of exploring the continent—by train, river cruise, backpack, and budget airline—she’s gathered insights that blend inspiration with practical travel tips. From her favorite destinations to the countries that didn’t quite spark her heart, here’s a guide shaped by her journey across Europe.
Growing Up Traveling in Europe
Lexie’s love for Europe started young. Her mother ran a travel agency, which meant family trips across Scandinavia, river cruises along the Rhine and Danube, and plenty of childhood memories that fueled her wanderlust. While river cruising was dominated by older travelers, Lexie found it a surprisingly magical way to experience Europe—passing castle ruins, historic towns, and riverside villages from the comfort of a balcony.
Backpacking and Traveling on a Budget
When she began traveling on her own, Lexie embraced the budget traveler’s lifestyle. She relied on Eurorail passes, budget airlines, and hostels—often choosing ones with free breakfast so she could stock up snacks for lunch.
Her philosophy? Everyone should travel Europe on a budget at least once. Not only does it stretch your money, but it also teaches creativity and resilience. While she now enjoys more luxury stays, her early backpacking days gave her a deeper appreciation for Europe’s variety.
Lexie’s Favorite Countries in Europe
Choosing a single favorite proved impossible, so Lexie crowned Italy and France as a tie for the top spot.
- Italy: From snowboarding in the Dolomites to lazing on the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s mix of food, landscapes, and cities like Milan and Rome make it endlessly rewarding.
- France: Paris holds her dream-city title, while the French Riviera and countryside remain bucket-list-worthy for anyone seeking romance and charm.
For outdoor lovers, Switzerland took the crown for her. Backpacking in Interlaken, hiking through Appenzell, and snowboarding in Zermatt gave her some of her most breathtaking travel memories.
Islands and Coastlines Worth Exploring
Europe’s islands left mixed impressions. While Malta and Cyprus didn’t become her favorites, Lexie loved Portugal’s Madeira for its dramatic landscapes and road trips.
For sheer variety, Greece won out—with its countless islands offering different vibes. While Santorini wowed her visually, it felt overcrowded. Instead, she recommends Corfu and Kefalonia for more authentic, peaceful Greek experiences.
And then there’s Iceland—a land unlike anywhere else, where volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls collide. Lexie calls her 10-day Ring Road camper van trip one of the best adventures of her life.
Least Favorite Destinations (With a Caveat)
Not every country left a strong impression. Lexie admits that Belarus, Slovakia, Moldova, and Bulgaria felt harder to connect with—mostly because she lacked local connections to show her the hidden gems. She stresses that travel is subjective, and with the right guidance, she’d love to give them another chance.
Hidden Gems in Europe
Some of Lexie’s most memorable discoveries came from lesser-known places:
- Slovenia: Known for its crystal-blue rivers and hiking trails.
- Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: A city blending Islamic and European influences with incredible history.
- Český Krumlov, Czech Republic: A fairytale village with winding rivers, bridges, and medieval charm.
- Sweden in Summer: The Stockholm Archipelago comes alive with long days, bikes, seafood, and vibrant local energy.
- Bruges, Belgium: A cobblestoned dream town perfect for a slow week of books, cafés, and walks.
Bucket List Dreams
Even after traveling all of Europe, Lexie still has her eyes on dream experiences. Topping her list are seeing the Northern Lights in Finland, sailing the fjords of Norway, exploring Greenland by boat, and—on a more playful note—finally enjoying a weekend party trip in Ibiza.
Final Thoughts
Lexie Limitless proves that Europe isn’t just about iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum—it’s about contrasts. It’s a continent where you can snowboard one week, island hop the next, and still stumble upon a hidden riverside town that feels straight out of a storybook.
If you’re planning your own European adventure, take her advice: try traveling on a budget at least once, don’t be afraid to skip the crowded hotspots, and seek out the underrated gems that make Europe unforgettable.
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