Auto Europe

  • UNITED STATES
    • Car Rentals Worldwide
    Alamo Rental Car
    Avis Car Rental
    Budget Rental Car
    Dollar Car Rental
    Europcar
    Hertz
    National Car Rental
    Sixt Rent a Car
    Car Rentals Worldwide

    Blog Search


    Categories

    Searching Blogs......

    Across the Pond: Best European Long Weekends from the American East Coast

    What many East Coast travelers often forget while planning a long weekend, is that getting to Europe can be equivalent in travel time and price to a trip to California. Have you ever dreamt of sipping wine under the Eiffel tower, sunbathing next to the crystal-clear Portuguese coast, or catch a play in London’s theatre district? It may be more accessible than you think! With dozens of direct flights out of Boston, New York, and Charlotte (to name a few), you no longer need 10+ days to justify a European getaway! Airlines prices are constantly fluctuating, but we put together a list of the best long weekend Europe trips from the East coast.  

    Lisbon, Portugal

    The furthest country west on Europe’s continent is a natural contender, and with direct overnight flights, you can fall asleep in the USA and wake up ready take on the city! Portugal (and Lisbon specifically) has been raking in travel awards and is on almost every “Best Places to Travel in Europe” list for 2022/2023, and for a reason. From winding cobblestone hills to beautiful (almost tropical) beaches, a trip to Portugal will feel like 4 holidays in 1. Take your rental car to Porto to taste some famous Port wine, or drive down the coast to Algarve for stunning beaches and mouth-watering seafood. The best part is that almost everything is within a 3 hour drive of Lisbon, making it an extremely accessible country for time crunched travelers.


    Check out these other popular Portugal travel articles:

    London, England

    Want to travel out of the USA but don’t want to test your language skills? England is a great choice. Thankfully for American travelers, English is a common second language throughout Europe, but in England it’s (for obvious reasons) a guarantee. London is a city that has blended history with modernity, so there is no shortage of activities for all types of travelers. Visit Buckingham Palace for a possible sighting of the Royal Family, explore the British Museum, or wander around the streets that inspired Sherlock Holmes. View London from above by hopping on the London Eye or by traversing any of its many famous bridges along the Thames. London makes it easy to see a lot with little time, making it ideal for short term travelers.


    Check out these other popular England travel articles:

    Reykjavik, Iceland

    While many are dissuaded by the name, Iceland is a wonderful destination year-round. A quick flight from Boston or New York, Reykjavik is often used as a layover for European countries further east. Don’t let that fool you, Iceland is a holiday destination in itself. In the winter, Reykjavik and the surrounding areas offer magnificent views of the famous Northern Lights, as well as winter related activities such as dogsledding, snowmobiling, and ice cave exploration. When you’re done, don’t forget to relax in one of Iceland’s many hot springs. The summer is starkly different yet just as beautiful. With sunlight that lasts 20-22 hours, you literally almost never run out of daylight for activities. Take a hike on one of Iceland’s MANY beautiful trails, see puffins on the coast, or cool off in natural streams and pools. Iceland is the ideal weekend getaway for those looking to be active and blown away by views.


    Check out these other popular Iceland travel articles:

    Dublin, Ireland

    Fancy a pint? Look no further than Dublin, Ireland. Known for its youthful population and bustling nightlife, you could easily spend the whole weekend enjoying its many pubs and nightclubs. Dublin is also known for its rich history and spooky past. With a ghost story around every corner (especially Hendricks Street) and legends filling the surrounding castles, churches, and (of course) graveyards, you’ll feel like it’s Halloween every day. Dublin is one of the smaller cities in the UK, so many argue the highlights can be seen in a long weekend, but if you’re looking to get out of the hustle bustle of the city there are numerous day trips accessible by car. Explore the famous Cliffs of Moher or drive through the stunning Irish countryside to visit one of the storybook castles nestled in the rolling green hills. Dublin is also a popular weekend destination for avid golfers, as there are famous courses with breathtaking views you can’t get in the USA.


    Check out these other popular Dublin travel articles:

    Glasgow/ Edinburgh, Scotland

    Choosing between Glasgow and Edinburgh is hard, but luckily, you don’t have to! Because the two Scottish cities are within an hour and a half drive of each other, you can experience them both, even with limited time. Start your Scottish holiday in Glasgow and meander the historic streets, making sure to marvel at the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, structures dating back to 1197 and 1833. With numerous museums, cathedrals, and other historically preserved buildings, Glasgow is dripping with culture.

    Next embark for Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. Here you’ll find two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in the Old Town and New Town. While Glasgow is bigger, Edinburgh has no shortage of entertainment. A must see is the Edinburgh Castle, a towering fortress a top Castle Rock that can be admired from almost anywhere in the city. As Edinburgh is the capital, it boasts an impressive amount of beautiful government buildings and museums, giving Edinburgh the feeling of being lost in time.


    Check out these other popular Scotland travel articles:

    Want More Travel Inspiration?

    Connect on FacebookConnect on TwitterConnect on Instagram

    Did we miss one of your favorite attractions, restaurants, or hotels on this list? Let us know below in the comments, or connect with us on social media!

    Blog Search


    Categories