Is Europe Still Welcoming Americans? Here's the Real Story (and Why You Should Still Go)

Christine Hardenberger
May 21
3 min read

A vintage style post of a man and woman on a bridge in France looking at the Eiffel Tower. The woman holds a glass of champagne. The words "Is Europe Still Welcoming Americans?" are at the top in white text.

I’ve been getting this question a lot lately—from people dreaming of sipping wine along the Danube or standing under the Eiffel Tower, but wondering…

"Are Americans still welcome in Europe?"

The short answer? Yes. Absolutely. No hesitation.

Europe isn’t rolling up the welcome mat. It’s still one of the most exciting, awe-inspiring, and downright magical places you can visit.Whether you’re planning to cruise past medieval castles, explore the cafés of Paris, or soak up the sun along the Amalfi Coast—now is a fantastic time to go.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign, here it is: Europe is ready when you are.

Why You Shouldn't Second-Guess a European Trip Right Now

Let’s get straight to it:

Europeans are used to hosting Americans—and they’re good at it.
Tourism is a huge part of many local economies. Your visit is wanted and valued.
Respect goes a long way (and a few words in the local language make you look like a rockstar).

If you travel with curiosity, kindness, and just a little bit of common sense, you’ll be welcomed with open arms—and maybe even an extra pour of wine.

Europe Is Still One of the Best Travel Values Out There

Here's the part most people aren't talking about: Europe right now is packed with opportunity for smart travelers.

✨ River Cruises That Feel Like StorybooksPicture this: sipping champagne as you float past fairytale towns and ancient castles.River cruises along the Rhine, Danube, and Seine are selling fast for 2025—and they’re worth every penny.

✨ Christmas Market MagicIf you love the holidays (and hate the chaos of crowded malls), a Christmas Market river cruise or tour in Germany, Austria, or France is pure festive perfection.

✨ Italy, Portugal, Ireland, and BeyondSmall-group tours and custom itineraries are booming—because people want a little more depth and a little less tourist-trap chaos.You can actually enjoy places like Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or the Irish countryside at a slower, richer pace.

✨ Real Culinary ExperiencesFarm-to-table dining, vineyard tours, hands-on cooking classes... If food and wine are your love language, Europe speaks it fluently.

What’s Changed? Not as Much as You Think

Sure, there are a few new entry procedures rolling out over the next couple of years (hello, ETIAS). But guess what?

It’s quick.
It’s cheap.
It’s not a visa.
And it’s absolutely not a reason to delay the trip you’ve been dreaming about.

The truth is, if you book with someone who knows what they’re doing (ahem), you won't even notice the difference. You’ll just notice the memories you’re making.

Why Booking Early for Europe Matters

If you’re thinking “maybe next year,” good—because that’s the smart move.

✨ Better Pricing:Waiting for last-minute deals in Europe? Good luck. The best rates, best rooms, and best river cruises book up 9-12 months in advance.

✨ Better Flights:Booking early means better schedules, better seats, and fewer crazy layovers.

✨ Better Everything:Anniversary trips, milestone birthdays, multigenerational vacations—it’s all happening. And the good stuff goes fast.

The travelers who plan early are the travelers sipping wine on a balcony, not the ones scrolling through regret at home.

Practical Tips to Make It Even Better

✅ Learn a few polite words (hello, please, thank you)✅ Pack for walking (cobblestones are charming; sprained ankles are not)✅ Travel light (carry-on only if you can swing it)✅ Skip the DIY stress (that’s what I’m here for)

You deserve a European trip that’s about joy, not logistics.

Europe Is Still Calling. Are You Ready to Answer?

If you’ve been dreaming about strolling along the Seine, cruising the Danube, toasting in Tuscany, or wandering the streets of Vienna, there’s no reason to wait—and every reason to say yes.

Europe is welcoming. Europe is magical. Europe is ready.

The only question is: are you ready to go?

If you are, I’m here to make it happen—with the kind of seamless, stress-free planning that lets you just show up and enjoy.

👉 Click here to request your custom European vacation quote!