Europe Express

12/19/2024

✨ A Message from Our CEO ✨

As 2024 comes to a close, Parik Laxminarayan, CEO of Europe Express, shares a heartfelt thank you to our incredible travel advisor partners. This year has been all about you—from expanding our team and enhancing service to creating tools that make your job easier.

Parik also gives a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025, including exciting new projects designed to help you better deliver unforgettable European journeys to your clients.

Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and amazing adventures together! 🌍

You can read the message here: https://www.europeexpress.com/travel-blog/an-end-of-year-message-from-our-ceo/

#2025

12/17/2024

✈️ Heads up for UK-bound travelers in 2025! 🇬🇧

Starting January 8, 2025, all travelers to the UK must complete an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)—think of it as a quick, electronic visa.

Key Details:
🔗 Official Site: Apply for an ETA here (avoid third-party sites that charge extra!): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.
💷 Cost: £10 GBP ($12 USD).
⏳ Validity: 2 years or until the attached passport expires.
📋 Pro Tip: Travelers must apply before boarding flights, though approval isn't strictly required pre-flight—airlines may enforce this, so better safe than sorry.

Insider Hack:
📱If using the mobile app, US travelers should scan the inside of the back cover of their passport (not the front) to read the NFC chip. Hold your phone steady on the last page, and you're set!

Fast & Easy:
✅ You can complete the process in minutes. Approval often comes back quickly—ours took under 5 minutes!

Coming Soon:
⚠️ Schengen countries will introduce their own ETA system (ETIAS) later in 2025—more updates to come!

This process mirrors the US ESTA system (since 2009) and Australia's e-visa program for Americans.

💡 Add this to your toolkit to keep clients informed and travels stress-free!

12/13/2024

📸 Congratulations to Our Photography Competition Winners! 🇵🇹

During our unforgettable familiarization trip to Portugal this past November, our travel advisors captured some truly stunning moments. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and shared their incredible perspectives!

🥇 1st Place: John Cinnamon – Douro Valley's breathtaking beauty
📸 Instagram:

🥈 2nd Place: Amelia Phillips – An artistic toast with wine glasses
📸 Instagram: .laid.back.traveler

🥉 3rd Place: Cheryl Cassie – The charm of Braga
📸 Instagram:

Congratulations again to our winners for beautifully capturing Portugal’s magic!

12/10/2024

🎄 Step into the festive magic of Europe’s Christmas markets! From the centuries-old stalls of Munich and Vienna to the enchanting streets of Berlin and Prague, these markets are brimming with twinkling lights, handcrafted treasures, and the mouthwatering aromas of mulled wine and seasonal treats.

Whether it’s wandering through vibrant city squares or indulging in local delicacies on a guided food tour, travelers will uncover the heartwarming traditions that make these markets so special.

Offer your clients a shared or private experience to immerse themselves in the charm and cheer of the holiday season—because unforgettable memories await at Europe’s most iconic Christmas markets.

✨ Ready to bring their holiday dreams to life? Let’s make it happen!

See our Christmas Market experiences here: https://www.europeexpress.com/christmas-markets-throughout-europe/

Europe’s Christmas markets are a timeless celebration of tradition, charm, and festive magic, offering travelers the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

12/05/2024

🎁 Inspire Your Clients with the Gift of Travel

This holiday season, offer the ultimate gift: unforgettable European adventures. From Paris’s romantic strolls and Barcelona’s vibrant art scene to wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, these journeys are designed to spark wanderlust.

Highlights include:

🏛️ Rome’s cultural treasures
🌊 The scenic charm of the French Riviera
🏰 The historic capitals of Central Europe

Each itinerary blends breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and world-class cuisine to create memories that last a lifetime.

Use this guide to inspire your clients to plan their next adventure—or surprise loved ones with the ultimate holiday gift. Let’s make their vacation dreams a reality!

🔗 See Our Most Popular Itineraries ➡️ https://www.europeexpress.com/6-of-our-most-popular-itineraries/

Inspire your clients for their next vacation with six of Europe Express's most popular sample itineraries to iconic European destinations.

12/04/2024

🎉 Employee of the Month Spotlight: Gregory Piredda 🎉

Join us in celebrating Gregory Piredda, Europe Express’s Product Manager for France, who recently marked an incredible milestone—20 years with the company! With 24 years of experience in the travel industry, Gregory’s expertise spans not only France but also a host of European destinations, including Austria, Hungary, Ireland, and Scandinavia.

Gregory’s love for his work shines through in every tour and product he sources, fueled by his passion for European culture, history, and—of course—food! 🍷 His recent adventures took him to Paris, Toulouse, Dijon, Annecy, and Chamonix, as well as Prague, Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg. Highlights include savoring Bourgogne’s renowned wine and cuisine, exploring Paris’s endless charm, and discovering the breathtaking sights of Prague and Budapest.

Thank you, Gregory, for your dedication and for inspiring travelers to fall in love with Europe. Here’s to many more adventures ahead! ✈️🌍

11/28/2024

🦃 This Thanksgiving, our CEO Parik Laxminarayan shares a heartfelt message of gratitude to all the travel advisors who partner with us at Europe Express. Parik extends a special thank you for choosing us as your trusted source for European travel, helping you grow your expertise and supporting your clients’ journeys across Europe.

In the spirit of the holiday, we want you to know how much we value our collaboration and look forward to building an even stronger partnership in the coming year.

🧡 From all of us at Europe Express, we wish you and your families a safe and joyful Thanksgiving!

11/27/2024

✨ Share the Enchantment of Christmas in Europe with Your Clients! 🎄

This holiday season, inspire your clients with a journey to Europe’s most enchanting destinations, where festive traditions and iconic Christmas markets bring the holidays to life. From the dazzling lights of Paris and London to the old-world charm of Prague, Munich, Berlin, and Vienna, each destination offers a unique and unforgettable celebration of the season.

🎁 Iconic Christmas markets with handcrafted treasures
🎶 Festive traditions and holiday cheer
🌟 Picture-perfect winter wonderlands

Whether they’re sipping mulled wine under twinkling lights or exploring charming streets filled with holiday magic, Europe’s Christmas celebrations are sure to captivate their hearts.

✨ Let’s make their holiday dreams come true—explore our top six festive experiences and start planning today!

🎄👉 https://www.europeexpress.com/europe-christmas-experiences/

Your clients can soak in the holiday cheer in Europe with this collection of Christmas markets and festive experiences!

11/22/2024

🎄 A Holiday Journey Through Budapest, Vienna, and Prague – 8 Days of Festive Magic! ✨

Step into a winter wonderland as your clients explore the timeless beauty of Central Europe’s most enchanting cities. From Budapest’s grand Christmas markets to Vienna’s sparkling streets and Prague’s snow-dusted gothic spires, this 8-day itinerary is filled with festive charm, rich culture, and cozy delights.

📍 Itinerary Highlights:
✨ Stroll through Budapest’s iconic markets on a bespoke tour
✨ Wander Vienna’s twinkling streets with a private guide
✨ Marvel at Schönbrunn Palace and enjoy Vienna’s Christmas Market evening tour
✨ Savor the flavors of Prague with a private Old Town food tour
✨ Discover Prague Castle’s hidden entrances and breathtaking views

Whether sipping mulled wine in Budapest, enjoying Vienna’s elegant café culture, or exploring Prague’s magical Old Town, this journey captures the spirit of the season.

🌟 Perfect for clients seeking:

🎄 Festive traditions
📖 Storybook scenery
✈️ Seamless, curated travel experiences

Let Europe Express make holiday dreams come true. Share this itinerary with your clients today and help them unwrap the magic of the season: https://www.europeexpress.com/itinerary/holiday-journey-through-budapest-vienna-and-prague/!

📲 Ready to book? Contact us now.

Celebrate the holidays in these iconic Central European capital cities with Europe Express. All trips are customizable.

11/19/2024

Your clients can uncover Portugal's most captivating spots in just 8 days with this new itinerary based off of our recent familiarization trip earlier this month!

With this itinerary, your clients embark on a journey through Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley. They'll savor culinary delights, witness iconic landmarks, and experience a rich cultural heritage.

Some highlights of this journey include:

- An exploration of Lisbon with guided city tours and a traditional Fado show.
- Discovery of the fantastical Sintra and the historic wonders of Alfama.
- A deep dive into Porto’s hidden gems through exclusive food tours and vineyard visits.

View the complete itinerary here and book with us today: https://www.europeexpress.com/itinerary/portugal-highlights-lisbon-porto-and-the-douro-valley/.

11/13/2024

Make your clients' Europe winter adventures unforgettable with our collection of unique tours perfect for the season! Here’s a taste of the cool experiences perfect for the cooler weather:

🦌 Aurora Hunting with Reindeer Sleigh Ride – Glide under Arctic skies in Lapland, Finland, on a cozy sleigh led by reindeer. Enjoy hot berry juice by an open fire and hear tales of Lapland’s reindeer life as your clients keep a look out for the Northern Lights.

🏔️ Mt. Titlis Eternal Snow and Glaciers – Journey from Zurich to Mt. Titlis and explore eternal snow, the Ice Grotto, and the thrilling Cliff Walk. Perfect for adventure seekers, this Swiss tour offers year-round snow tubing and stunning Alpine views.

🎩 The Premier Classic London Tour – Dive into London’s holiday charm with a private, customizable city tour. Visit Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Thames riverside, capturing classic holiday photo moments in Dickens’ city.

Explore the full round-up for more tours your clients will love during this holiday and winter season: https://www.europeexpress.com/wintertime-round-up-of-cool-activities/

Every season in Europe brings its own unique allure, and winter is no exception! We’ve crafted a selection of tours that highlight the continent’s best experiences during the colder months. From reindeer sleigh rides in Finland to a classic London taxi tour, these curated experiences are sure to...

11/12/2024

Looking to elevate your clients' travel experiences? We’re here to make it happen!

Our team has carefully refreshed an exclusive collection of distinguished 4- and 5-star hotels across Europe, ideal for travelers who appreciate the finer details. Because where they stay is as important as what they do, these properties go beyond just a place to rest—they’re experiences in themselves.

Each premium hotel in our collection embodies its destination’s unique culture and heritage, ensuring your clients enjoy an authentic and unforgettable stay.

Discover these stays here: https://www.europeexpress.com/fantastic-european-hotels/

Explore our 5-star, 4-star superior, and 4-star hotels selected for their comfort and cultural flare across Europe!

11/06/2024

🌟 Team Member of the Month: Kelli Williams! 🌟

Meet Kelli Williams, our new Marketing and Partnerships Director, who joined the Europe Express team this October! Kelli brings over a decade of expertise in luxury hospitality and travel marketing, and she’s already hard at work ensuring travel advisors have the best resources to serve their clients and deepen their knowledge of Europe’s top destinations.

Before joining us, Kelli was Director of Marketing at Inspirato, where she led bold B2B campaigns that elevated brand visibility and engagement. Now, she’s bringing that same dedication and creativity to Europe Express.

When she’s not crafting innovative strategies, Kelli loves exploring London and San Sebastian, Spain, or spending quality time with her husband and two daughters.

We’re thrilled to have Kelli on board – here’s to many successes together!

11/04/2024

Europe Express is thrilled to attend Signature Travel Network's 2024 Conference from November 11-14 at The Venetian, Las Vegas!

Meet our team members—Mark Yacker, Carmen Gashnikov, and Amanda O'Connell—at Booth # 155-157 and discover how we can elevate your Europe business and create unforgettable experiences for your clients.

Stop by, say hi, and let’s talk travel!

10/31/2024

🎃 is here, and so are the thrills! 👻

Know a client with a taste for history’s darker tales or spine-tingling tours? Our list of "Four Spooky Tours Perfect for Halloween" dives into the eerie side of Europe’s past—from ancient catacombs to ghostly city walks.

These tours bring chilling stories to life, making them perfect for Halloween, , or any time of year. Whether it’s a Jack the Ripper Tour in London or an exploration of Ireland’s national cemetery, there’s a tour in this list that is sure to give your clients a thrill!

See the link here to explore them all: https://www.europeexpress.com/four-spooky-tours-perfect-for-halloween/!

10/29/2024

Relive the magic of Greece with our "Highlights of Greece: The Land of Gods and Goddesses" itinerary!

Inspired by Europe Express’s recent First Annual Advisor Appreciation Trip, this journey through Greece is packed with the history, traditions, and stunning landscapes that define this incredible destination.

From ancient Athens to breathtaking Santorini, your clients can now explore an itinerary personally tried and loved by our appreciation trip winners.

Discover the land where myths come to life, and let Europe Express guide you through unforgettable Greek moments.

See the full itinerary here: https://www.europeexpress.com/itinerary/highlights-of-greece-the-land-of-gods-and-goddesses/!