| To get a lot more out of your European | | | | skiing packages. Ski gear can be hired in |
| adventure, veteran travelers suggest you | | | | even the smallest mountain resorts so there's |
| factor some of your interests within your | | | | no need to bring boots and poles around. You |
| route. This could range from adding | | | | can also ski and small resorts in Scotland, |
| activities like hiking, skiing, white water | | | | Spain, northern Greece and Turkey.For |
| rafting, or cycling or more relaxed pursuits | | | | surfers, opportunities aren't great but they |
| like art appreciation, wine tasting, or bird | | | | do exist in Europe. Windsurfing is more |
| watching. Before you arrive in Europe, | | | | popular along the Mediterranean coast. |
| consult the activity section of a good guide | | | | Windsurfing is also extremely popular in |
| book or research your options on the | | | | Greece, southern Italy and Croatia. You can |
| Internet. Some of the more popular | | | | hire boards and equipment on the beach or in |
| activities and the best places to do them are | | | | the resort towns. North Cornwall in England |
| featured below.Hiking or trekking are great | | | | is a chilly but popular surfing center. |
| ways to leave the cities behind and explore | | | | Believe it or not, Scotland also has some |
| Europe's mountains, lakes and forests. If | | | | good waves. Great areas to windsurf include |
| you plan to hike, make sure you adequately | | | | Ireland and both the North and South coasts |
| prepare your outdoor gear and equipment and | | | | of Spain.There are also plenty of things of |
| inform someone else about your plans. Also | | | | interest for scuba divers around Europe. The |
| make sure you get yourself in shape by | | | | best scuba diving and snorkeling is off the |
| walking with a backpack before you leave | | | | coast of southern Europe, Turkey and Greece. |
| home, gradually building up to the distance | | | | Other good diving spots are Cyprus, Malta, |
| you expect to cover in Europe. Some of the | | | | Portugal and parts of Italy.There are also |
| best and most scenic hiking is in the | | | | hundreds of organized adventure activities |
| mounting areas like the Alps of Austria, | | | | that you can take part in while in Europe. |
| Switzerland, France and Italy. In some | | | | These can include canyoning, white water |
| regions like England, you can make shorter | | | | rafting, ballooning, parasailing, bungee |
| hikes from village to village without needing | | | | jumping and hang gliding. Always keep in |
| to camp or cook your own food.If cycling is | | | | mind that these activities carry an element |
| more of your hobby, you will enjoy Europe. | | | | of risk so always check the safety record and |
| Europeans love cycling and there are lots of | | | | the reputation of the company you use. Make |
| dedicated bike paths all over the continent. | | | | sure your equipment is in good condition and |
| This is especially true in the Netherlands | | | | that your travel insurance covers is the type |
| and Belgium. Other good areas for cycle | | | | of activity you want to try. Always listen |
| touring are Tuscany in Italy, Provence in | | | | to the local warnings on weather |
| France, southern England, anywhere in Ireland | | | | conditions.If you're not into the adrenaline |
| and southern Germany.If you plan on skiing, | | | | rush, there are also good bird watching and |
| some of the best ski resorts can be found in | | | | fishing spots. River fishing throughout |
| Austria, France and Switzerland. Though | | | | Europe is subject to all sorts of |
| skiing is not a budget pastime, it is still | | | | restrictions so you might have to buy a |
| possible to hit the slopes cheaply if you | | | | license and your catch can be limited. Many |
| avoid the Alps and head to some of the | | | | stretches of river or also privately owned, |
| lesser-known mountains in Andorra and Eastern | | | | so it can be extremely expensive to fish |
| Europe which offer some of the cheapest | | | | there. |