With 475 million tourists arriving annually, Europe is the most popular continent for tourism in the world. Just the hotel accommodations offered by the European tourist industry employ more than 9.5 million people, 4.4% of Europe’s total workforce, according to Hotrec.
When you look at all the Old World has to offer, it’s no mystery why it’s such a popular place to visit. After all, whether in Paris or London, the continent is home to the best hotels, some of the best food, and the most interesting attractions found anywhere in the world. As with anything else, you need to prioritize what to see and do on your European holiday. Some things, like the amazing British Museum, should be seen, but the fact is they will always be there.
On the other hand, there are many things that should be considered must-see and must-do on your European vacation. These are things that have their roots in the past or in a very volatile part of modern history; subsequently, they can change or die out at any time. If you’re planning a European vacation, here are three things you can’t miss.
The Running of the Bulls in Spain
According to TIME Magazine, the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain dates back to the 13th century. The event began as a way of celebrating St. Fermin, Pamplona’s patron saint. However, the event has since become a haven for adventurers from around the world hoping to test their mettle against a sea of bovine rage. It may sound just crazy enough to be exciting, but you should keep in mind that people die in this event every July. Even so, whether you want to test your legs or simply observe, the running of the bulls is not to be missed on your European vacation.
Le Mans Grand Prix in France
The Grand Prix in Le Mans has been a staple of automobile racing since 1923, according to Sports Car Digest, and is its longest running endurance event. The race, taking a total of 24 hours, requires drivers to pit the engineering magic of their cars and the endurance of their bodies against the clock. If either of these things fails, as is often the case, there will be horrific car crashes and deaths. If you’re a racing fan, head to the scenic town of Le Mans, located along the Sarthe River in central France.
TEDx EastEnd in London
If your idea of a great European vacation is less about adrenaline and danger and more about knowledge, then you’ll want to head to the TedX EastEnd conference, held every December in London’s famous Oval Space. Past speakers have included Laura Bates, founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, the BBC’s Mark Easton, and many others looking to broaden our horizons. With an entry fee of only £45, according to TimeOut, this is an affordable and invigorating way for all lovers of knowledge to spend a European vacation.
The Old World offers so much to its visitors that it can be hard to pick the must-do activities from those which are optional. Keep these amazing events in mind to make the best out of your upcoming European vacation. Find out more about this topic here.
