Last Minute Travel to Europe: Discover a Winter Wonderland

Europe is more than summer, sun-drenched beaches, stony monuments and culinary delights! The continent commands a wealth of sights, sounds and activities that are best experienced during the winter. Haven't booked your ticket yet? Good news: Auto Europe offers surreal savings on last-minute bookings this time of year, allowing you to gain a new appreciation for some of Europe's best kept secrets!

Here are three exciting reasons to start planning a spur-of-the-moment trip to Europe today.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU

Three Perfect Places to Pop The Question

While June is the bees-knees for weddings, did you know that December is the most popular month for proposals? What better way to create a romantic scene for a memorable proposal than by whisking your special someone off on a last minute romantic trip to Europe?

1. Imagine a romantic weekend in Paris, drinking champagne from petite glass flutes in the back of a sleek chauffeured vehicle with your significant other - part of a relaxing city tour. Your driver stops just before you pass the Champs de Mars to give you a chance to stretch your legs. As you walk through the park, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated in the background and crystalline snowflakes descend from a twinkling sky; the perfect setting for a moment you'll never forget.
2. You're snuggled up close to your loved one as you're slowly propelled through the spider web of Amsterdam's canals. Strangers pass along the banks, as the colorful rays from the celebration of the Festival of Lights in the Netherlands play across their faces. From the pocket of a jacket a small box is brought forth, creating a lifelong connection between you, your loved one and one of Europe's most beloved cities.
3. A proposal gains new heights at Mt. Titlis in Zurich where the first gondola to rotate 360 degrees ascends the mountainside. Revel in the pristine beauty of the Alps floating in a magical glass bubble. It's the ultimate romantic setting for a proposal.

Extra Benefit: One fantastic perk to proposing in Europe is that it allows you and your loved one to scout fabulous honeymoon destinations!

DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW

Get Outdoors for a Last Minute Adventure

While many folks will be strapping on skis and snowboards to tackle the slopes at resorts, winter offers a plethora of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy! If you haven't planned ahead you're in luck - Auto Europe offers tremendous savings this time of year to fun-loving globetrotters who tend to procrastinate.

Earn some bragging rights by riding the largest toboggan run in Europe, Big Pintenfritz in Grindelwald, Switzerland, that spans 15km. Be prepared for a work out just to reach the top of the 15km trail at almost 9,000 ft. Depending on where you're starting your ascent, you may be utilizing a bus or a gondola combined with a couple hours of hiking, but once you reach the top it will all be worth it. The incredible 360 degree views, the feel of the wind whooshing past you and the sound of the snow as your sled slides down the mountain; it's pure exhilaration. Best of all, the mountain offers visitors both day and night sledding! Worked up an appetite on the slopes? There are an excellent selection of bars and restaurants to grab a steamy beverage or a snack on your descent, allowing you to enjoy your last minute trip without worrying about a detailed itinerary.

If high elevations are not your style, visit Berlin where the Fountain of Neptune is transformed from architectural wonder in the spring, to a winter centerpiece for ice-skaters. All ages and skill levels can be found throughout the day, circling on thin blades that glide across the ice of one of Europe's most magical open air ice rinks. In the light of day bustling shoppers will pass by on their way to the Christmas Markets that dot the city, at night the rink is illuminated, twinkling lights casting a rainbow kaleidoscope across the frozen surface; the perfect setting for a magical evening.

COOL ACCOMMODATIONS

Winter Romance: Melt Some Ice at a Cool Hotel

For a truly invigorating and extravagant experience visit Jukkasjarvi, Sweden for your last minute getaway. This city utilizes the wintry conditions to engineer an icy masterpiece. Each year, the Tome River sees an influx of activity as large blocks of ice and snow are taken to create the city's largest seasonal draw for tourism, the Ice Hotel. From top to bottom, furniture to stemware and flatware, are all made from the ice and snow excavated from nearby.

If you need to work your way up to an entirely icy experience, you may begin with an igloo village in one of several locations: Engelberg-Titlis, Andorra, Gsstad, Zugzpitze, Zermatt or Davos-Klosters. For larger groups, plan on a maximum of six occupants in each icy dome. Couples can opt to stay in their own love nest complete with hearts, flowers or star shaped wall carvings and accoutrements. Relax and sip on some Gluhwein at the ice bar, luxuriate in the Jacuzzi or sauna to fight off the cold, or try one of the numerous local activities which range from snowshoeing to paragliding. Watch as the rays of moonlight dance upon the icy upper-crust of snow to create an admirable, shimmering effect.

Keep in mind when considering these alternative accommodations, while there's hot cheery beverages to stave off the cold, you are staying at high altitudes, in low temperatures. Not everyone can weather the weather, and that's okay; for most these unique lodgings are one-night-only novelty options, so have a solid plan of action for before and after you stay (Auto Europe is happy to recommend excellent hotels in the area).

Europe is a thrill for the senses, especially during the winter and we're here to tell you that you don't need to spend a year planning the ultimate winter getaway. The majority of travelers who visit Europe during this exciting season do so at the last minute and that's why we are geared up to reward your spontaneity with great rates on last minute rental cars. Auto Europe is ready 24/7 to answer your questions and help you confirm the perfect car rental services for your next European trip. Get your free quote online today or call us toll-free at 1-888-223-5555. Is there a thrilling winter destination or activity in Europe that you'd recommend? We'd love to hear about it!