The fact that it is then easy to travel in Europe, especially in the Schengen area, does not make matters worse. You don’t have to travel over half the globe to have a fantastic holiday trip – there are great experiences and fantastic destinations next door! The old world that we are usually called by the Americans still has a great deal to offer. Check Countryaah website for comprehensive guide to Europe and all countries within this region.
| Country | Share of tourist income in exports (percent) |
| Albania | 52.9 (2016) |
| Andorra | – |
| Armenia | 28.2 (2016) |
| Azerbaijan | 16.2 (2016) |
| Belgium | 3.3 (2016) |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 13.0 (2016) |
| Bulgaria | 12.3 (2016) |
| Cyprus | 21.1 (2016) |
| Denmark | 4.3 (2016) |
| Estonia | 10.3 (2016) |
| Finland | 3.2 (2016) |
| France | 6.9 (2016) |
| Georgia | 38.0 (2016) |
| Greece | 30.1 (2016) |
| Ireland | 3.2 (2016) |
| Iceland | 24.4 (2016) |
| Italy | 7.3 (2016) |
| Kosovo | – |
| Croatia | 38.8 (2016) |
| Latvia | 7.7 (2016) |
| Liechtenstein | – |
| Lithuania | 4.4 (2016) |
| Luxembourg | 4.1 (2016) |
| Northern Macedonia | 5.3 (2016) |
| Malta | 9.4 (2016) |
| Moldova | 12.8 (2016) |
| Monaco | – |
| Montenegro | 55.0 (2016) |
| Netherlands | 2.9 (2016) |
| Norway | 4.9 (2016) |
| Poland | 4.9 (2016) |
| Portugal | 20.5 (2016) |
| Romania | 2.8 (2016) |
| Russia | 3.9 (2016) |
| San Marino | – |
| Switzerland | 4.4 (2016) |
| Serbia | 7.6 (2016) |
| Slovakia | 3.4 (2016) |
| Slovenia | 7.6 (2016) |
| Spain | 14.9 (2016) |
| UK | 7.5 (2016) |
| Sweden | 5.7 (2016) |
| Czech Republic | 4.5 (2016) |
| Turkey | 14.2 (2016) |
| Germany | 3.3 (2016) |
| Ukraine | 3.7 (2016) |
| Hungary | 6.6 (2016) |
| Vatican City State | – |
| Belarus | 3.4 (2016) |
| Austria | 9.4 (2016) |
Austria
- Capital: Vienna
- Population: 8.6 million (2014)
- Currency: Euro
- Language: German
- Country Code for telephone: +43
Austria is certainly associated primarily with winter sports and skiing, and there is no doubt that the country is at the top of that area. Anyone who is going on a skiing holiday should choose Austria. But the country is much more than just skiing and worth visiting even in the summer.
Tourist in Austria
When it comes to skiing holidays, there are tons of winter sports to choose from. Anyone who wants to go out on the slopes will not be disappointed in Austria. Even those who are not interested in standing on a pair of skis have much to gain in Austria. This applies not least to all the beautiful and picturesque castles and churches found around the country.
The capital Vienna, located on the Danube, must also be experienced. In terms of culture, the city has a long and glorious history, which is not least noticeable on all the city’s concert scenes, operas and theaters.
Vaccination in Austria
For those who stick to the big cities, no extra vaccination is required, although one should check out their diphtheria, polio, and tetanus vaccinations. Vaccination against TBE is recommended in some parts of the country, for those who stay longer than a week and move a lot in nature.
Portugal
- Capital: Lisbon
- Population: 10.4 million (2014)
- Currency: Euro
- Language: Portuguese
- Country Code for Phone: +351
Portugal at the far end of the Iberian Peninsula is much more than just Spain’s little brother. With its long Atlantic coast, the country is perfect for sunbathing and bathing trips, and the country is full of beautiful, exciting and interesting historical monuments.
Tourist in Portugal
Portugal’s long coastal strip, from the top of the northwest to the bottom of the southeast, is perfect for those who want to experience a wonderful sun holiday. The biggest is the Algarve, the country’s southernmost region, with its beautiful beaches, numerous golf courses and a large number of excellent restaurants, but in pretty much the whole Portuguese coastal strip is something a little extra.
In terms of cities, Lisbon and Porto are the major tourist destinations. Old interesting buildings, many good restaurants and many other exciting places make both cities one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
Finally, Madeira, the islands out in the Atlantic. Everything that goes for beach vacations in continental Portugal also applies here, albeit more. In addition, you can engage in whale watching and dolphin watching.
Vaccination in Portugal
For those who are visiting Portugal, vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended, in addition to the usual ones against polio, tetanus and diphtheria, which most Swedes are already vaccinated against.
Russia
- Capital: Moscow
- Population: 144 million (2015)
- Currency: Ruble
- Languages: Russian, a large number of local languages
- Country code for telephone: +7
Russia is the world’s largest surface country, and extends over nine time zones. It goes without saying that the variations in such a large country are enormous, and it is impossible to, as a tourist, experience more than a fraction of all that Russia has to offer. However, note that Swedish tourists need a visa to enter Russia.
Tourist in Russia
The two old cultural cities of Saint Petersburg and Moscow with their many famous cathedrals, theaters and other buildings are among the country’s most popular tourist destinations. But there are many, many cities in Russia that, although not as impressive, have a lot to offer.
Although we have the picture before us of Russia as a cold country, the country has access to warm beaches, for example around the Olympic city of Sochi, where you can ski in the mountains during the day and lie on a warm beach less than an hour later.
Vaccination in Russia
For those who go to Russia, vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended. Vaccination against Tyfoid can also be good, if you are thinking of tourists outside the usual tourist resorts.
Spain
- Capital: Madrid
- Population: 46.5 million (2014)
- Currency: Euro
- Languages: Spanish, several minority languages, including Catalan in Catalonia
- Country code for telephone: +34
Spain has a long tradition of being one of the Swedes’ favorite destinations. Although the country now has more competition than before, it has not in any way got worse, rather the opposite, and a visit is well worth it, summer and winter, spring and autumn.
Tourist in Spain
For sun-thawing Swedes, Spain has long been an oasis when the winter darkness and the cold have been the worst. Majorca, the Canary Islands, the Spanish sun coast and much, much more. All of this is still there and anyone who wants a good bathing and sunbathing holiday cannot make a much better choice than Spain.
It is simply that we discovered that Spain has so much more to offer. Football (and much more) in Barcelona, unique World Heritage buildings in Seville, the old city of Madrid and much, much more. Spain is not just sunbathing, but culture, wine, food, football, history and everything imaginable.
Vaccination in Spain
Anyone with “standard vaccination” need not worry, although it may be worthwhile to see if any improvement is needed. The risk of being infected with hepatitis B is increased and those in the risk group should consider vaccination.
Sweden
- Capital: Stockholm
- Population: 9.7 million (2015)
- Currency: Swedish kronor
- Language: Swedish
- Country code for telephone: +46
You do not have to leave the country to find many good holiday destinations. Sweden can offer most things, from spectacular scenery and beaches to history, architecture and everything in between. Even for the winter, Sweden has a lot of excitement, and you do not have to go to Austria to ski.
Tourist in Sweden
There are a lot of things you can do as a tourist in Sweden. Hiking along the Kungsleden trail, swimming in Skanör, eating pole pigs in Gränna, watching the regal ship Vasa in Stockholm… If you just start looking for a little, you quickly discover that it is possible to spend the entire holiday in Sweden without it feeling poor.
Vaccination in Sweden
Anyone who has their usual vaccinations (polio, diphtheria, tetanus) really need not worry. It may be possible to supplement vaccination against TBE if you spend a lot of time outdoors in eastern Svealand.
Czech Republic
- Capital: Prague
- Population: 10.5 million (2012)
- Currency: Czech krona
- Language: Czech, a number of minority languages
- Country code for telephone: +420
The Central European country of the Czech Republic is one of the youngest in Europe, which at the same time has a long and exciting history. The country has a lot to offer, especially in terms of old castles, churches and other buildings.
Tourist in the Czech Republic
The capital of Prague is a given destination for anyone visiting the Czech Republic. The impressive Charles Bridge that ties the city together across the Moldau River was completed in 1357 and is one of the Czech Republic’s most famous landmarks. Not far from the capital is Karlstein Castle, an impressive fortress at the top of a cliff in the middle of the forest. But the Czech Republic has much more to offer, not least when it comes to winter sports in Špindlerův Mlýn.
Vaccination in the Czech Republic
For those who want to stay in the country for a longer time and not only stick to larger cities and tourist resorts, vaccination against hepatitis A and in some cases also tuberculosis is recommended. TBE occurs in some parts of the country and is recommended for those who will spend a lot of time in forest and land.
Turkey
- Capital: Ankara
- Population: 77.7 million (2014)
- Currency: Turkish Lira
- Languages: Turkish, a number of smaller languages
- Country code for telephone: +90
With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, Turkey is a very special country. It’s not really the Middle East, and not really Europe. But just about all that, Turkey is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for sun and bath.
Tourist in Turkey
Those who are looking for sun and bath have a lot to choose from in Turkey. Marmaris, Bodrum, Ölüdeniz and several others. Both those who are looking for a party and those who want a quieter family holiday have several high-quality options, and those who are interested in culture and sights will not be disappointed. The historic areas of Istanbul are on UNESCO World Heritage list, with Sofia Church, Topkapi Palace and many other impressive buildings.
Vaccination in Turkey
Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for anyone visiting Turkey. Those who are to stay longer than three weeks should also vaccinate against hepatitis B and, if planning to avoid the safer tourist areas, typhoid. Those who stay longer than half a year and live with the locals should also vaccinate against tuberculosis.
Germany
- Capital: Berlin
- Population: 83 million
- Currency: Euro
- Language: German
- Country Code for telephone: +49
Germany is known as Europe’s economic engine, and one of the world’s most advanced industrialized countries. But besides top-class goods, Germany can also offer beautiful scenery, old buildings, beaches and all that usually attracts tourists.
Tourist in Germany
There are a large number of routes with themes in Germany, where you can, for example, get to know the country’s wine, its castle, its Romanesque architecture and much more. In this way, one can see a side of Germany that would otherwise fall into the shadow of its successful industries and factories.
Even those who are looking for sun and bath can enjoy their pleasure in Germany, with many fine beaches in the north of the country, both towards the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic. Especially Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is becoming more and more popular with tourists.
Vaccination in Germany
Vaccination against TBE is recommended for those who are to stay in Germany for a week and move a lot in the countryside and outdoors. Otherwise, the Swedish standard vaccinations against diphtheria, polio and tetanus apply.
Hungary
- Capital: Budapest
- Population: 9.8 million (2014)
- Currency: Hungarian forint
- Language: Hungarian
- Country code for telephone: +36
Hungary is not known as a tourist country, which is in many ways an advantage. The country has a lot to offer visitors, not least the capital Budapest, and is not as exploited and “touristy” as some other countries.
Tourist in Hungary
Budapest is an incredibly beautiful city, with lots of churches, old buildings, museums and other exciting things. Here also the hot springs that exist in the country must be mentioned, and in Budapest there is the opportunity to bathe in these. There are also a large number of caves under the city, which are also popular with tourists visiting Budapest.
For those who want to swim, it is Balaton Lake, one of Europe’s largest, that applies. Around it are a number of high-class tourist resorts.
Vaccination in Hungary
In addition to controlling their vaccinations against polio, tetanus and diphtheria, no vaccinations are required when visiting Hungary. Those who stay longer than 4 weeks and / or move a lot in the countryside are also recommended to vaccinate against hepatitis B. Vaccination against hepatitis A. TBE is also recommended for longer stays. and in nature should consider vaccination.