While planning a trip to the Schengen nations of Europe, one might get confused about setting the itinerary. What to include and what to skip? This is because there are several beautiful Schengen nations to be explored.
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Here is a list of some of the best countries that one should not skip while making a trip to the Schengen region.
10 countries every Indian should visit in the Schengen area
Indian travellers cannot miss these 10 countries on their Schengen tour:
1. Visit Austria In The Schengen Area
This Schengen country is an abode of nature and art at its best. With its majestic landscapes, historic castles, monuments and ruins, it captivates and attracts many tourists worldwide. Some of the must-visit places in Austria include Vienna’s Museums Quartier, Ars Electronica in Linz, Kunsthaus Graz, etc.
2. Visit Belgium In The Schengen Area
Besides its medieval architecture, Belgium is also popular for its famous waffles, mussels, and chocolates. A trip to Schengen country will remain incomplete without visiting Belgium’s craziest carnivals, Bruges, Waterloo, Castles, Brussels Grand Place, Caves of the Ardennes, etc.
3. Visit Denmark In The Schengen Area
The historical harbours, attractive landscapes, and fascinating lifestyle of this serene and peaceful country has always managed to tempt travel enthusiasts worldwide. A Denmark tour must include the following places in a visitor’s itinerary: Bornholm, Tivoli Gardens, Skagen, the Legoland Billund and the Jesperhus Feriepark, etc. Apart from the magnificent locations, Denmark is also known for its restaurants and entertainment zones.
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4. Visit Estonia In The Schengen Area
It is one of the most affordable locations in Europe, where tourists can witness beautiful islands, bright coastlines, medieval heritage buildings, colourful cultural events and many more. Some of the must-visit places of Estonia include Narva Castle, Lahemaa National Park, Parnu, Hiiumaa, Viljandi, Rakvere Castle, Soomaa National Park, etc.
5. Visit Finland In The Schengen Area
Finland has much more to attract tourists apart from the magnificent islands and beaches. Northern lights are one of this country’s major attractions. Tourists can also explore Aland, Helsinki, Savonlinna, Levi, Turku, Porvoo, Santa Claus Village, Suomenlinna, Tampere, etc., during their Finland trip.
6. Visit Germany In The Schengen Area
Germany, Europe’s economic hub, is well-known for its captivating heritage buildings, modern lifestyles, pristine landscapes and many more. The island of Rugen, Berlin, Rothenburg, Hamburg, Cologne Cathedral, Fussen, Bamberg, etc. are some of the worth-visiting places in Germany.
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7. Visit Hungary In The Schengen Area
This oldest, landlocked European country is among Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. From streaming rivers to beautiful valleys, Hungary attracts many travel enthusiasts with all the beauties of nature. Esztergom, Lake Balaton Aggtelek, Budapest, Szentendre, Eger, Debrecen, Tihany, Lillafured etc., are some of the must-visit locations in Hungary.
8. Visit Netherland In The Schengen Area
The Netherlands is among Europe’s most popular romantic destinations. From floating flower markets to classic windmills, Netherlands has all that it takes to captivate one’s heart and mind. A perfect Netherlands itinerary should include Amsterdam, Delft, Rotterdam, Maastricht, Eindhoven, De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Alkmaar Cheese Market, etc.
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9. Visit Latvia In The Schengen Area
Latvia is one of Schengen’s smallest, most sophisticated, and most welcoming countries that can fascinate tourists with its breath-taking views and heritage sites. Don’t miss visiting the following places on a Latvia trip for the best travel experiences: Daugavpils, Riga, Jurmala, Latgale, Sigulda, Kuldiga, Jelgava, Cesis, Liepaja, Ventspils, Bauska, Tukums, Gauja National Park, etc.
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10. Visit Malta In The Schengen Area
Tourists attracted by the charming archipelagos can plan a trip to Malta and enjoy its pristine landscapes. Blue Lagoon Island, Island of Gozo, Valletta, National Museum of Archeology, Mdina, Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, etc., are some of the beautiful places that one must visit on their Malta trip.
What is a Schengen Visa?
Schengen Visa from India allow an Indian tourist to travel to and stay at any of the 26 Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a maximum period of 180 days. This visa is a short-stay visa and it is suitable for business or tourism purposes. This visa allows travellers to travel across these countries within a valid period. However, a tourist visa is not applicable for employment, trade and other purposes.
One can get multiple entries if they plan to re-enter the Schengen area multiple times within the 180 days period.
Eligibility, documents and how to apply Schengen Visa from India
Here are some of the essential documents and eligibility criteria that a tourist must keep handy while applying for a Schengen visa:
Eligibility: Any non-European citizen can apply for a visa to Schengen and must have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen country. Additionally, an applicant should have medical insurance and enough funding to bear the trip cost.
Documents: Valid passport, complete visa application form, accommodation and flight details, bank statement, etc.
How to apply: Here are the steps to follow while applying for a Schengen visa:
- Download the visa application form and fill it in with the necessary details
- Keep the required documents handy and make an appointment with the Schengen embassy of a Schengen nation or the visa application centre after paying the fees.
- Attend the interview at the consulate office or embassy or the visa application centre on the scheduled date
- Wait for the approval
Tips for a successful trip to Schengen Countries
One need to follow these tips for a successful Schengen trip:
1. Get a Schengen visa from India
While applying for a Schengen visa from India, tourists must produce valid and updated documents as per requirement. Moreover, they should apply for the visa at least 15 days before the estimated journey but not before six months.
2. Be aware of the health advisories
Tourists travelling to Schengen should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Although most Schengen nations have lifted health-related restrictions, one should check the official websites before planning a trip. Moreover, maintaining social distance and sanitisation should be followed as preventive practices.
3. Get travel insurance
Foreign trips require considerable expenses. Opting for a travel insurance policy while making international tours can help travellers stay protected financially in an unknown land. International travel insurance covers the policyholder financially in case of thefts, loss of passport or other belongings, flight delays and cancellations, medical emergencies and more.
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Making a foreign trip requires precise planning. Everything should be at the right time to avoid the last-minute hassle, from deciding the spots to applying for the visa. This article presents detailed guidelines for a successful Schengen tour from India to help tourists plan a safe and hassle-free vacation.
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Ability to travel and explore is the blessing we humans are blessed with. If you feel motivated, please share this blog post with your loved ones so that they can break the mundane cycle of everyday life and explore the world.
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