Europe is the one place on earth that encompasses everything that is old and new, magical and logical, ancient and modern, wild and calm. In Europe, you’re always a short, cheap flight away from countless new adventures. With a menu of countries, cities, and cultures all clustered together, there’s something for everyone and you can’t go wrong. Check out a few favorites, find a place to stay, and take off on your next adventure

1) Milan, Italy

One of the world’s fashion and design capitals, Milan is said to represent the “new” Italy as it is the most modern among Italian cities, yet it has kept most of its historic centers intact. If you want to experience this city with an extreme lifestyle, search for cheap flights for students and expect an easy travel to this city, which is recognized as having one of the best international connections, courtesy of its two major airports and efficient railway system and road network. Milan is located in the plains of the Italian region of Lombardy.

2) Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, but many also consider it the capital of the European Union. Though Brussels is the headquarters of both NATO and the European Union, you don’t have to worry about being surrounded by just international diplomats. This beautiful city has several vibrant areas, such as Elsene, which is packed with restaurants and bars. Brussels is surrounded by parks and one of the coolest is the Cinquantenaire park. The entrance from the city is a huge arch and you can walk or take the elevator to the top for a fantastic view of Brussels. Students looking for a fun trip to Europe might find Brussels to be a great starting point. You can find cheap flights to Brussels and since this beautiful and scenic city is right in the heart of Europe you can easily get to other European hot-spots from there.

3) Berlin, Germany

Berlin has played a key role in several tragic historical events; it was the base for Hitler’s Nazi army, the battleground of the cold war, and it was later divided by the Berlin Wall. Berlin remembers its past with several monuments and museums that are all worth seeing. Today Berlin is the heart of Germany and a wonderful and exciting city. Students traveling to Berlin can enjoy trendy restaurants, shops, pubs and boutiques. Berlin has great public transportation, so you’ll be able to get around the city easily. Berlin is a popular tourist destination and for many students it is also a popular destination because of its estivals, urban charm and the fact that it has a busy rail hub.

4) Munich, Germany

Munich, the largest city in Germany, is home to more than 2 million people and a fabulous culture. With its world famous architecture and culture and its famous Oktoberfest beer celebration, Munich is a great place for fun. Historical and grand, Munich also features some of the best museums in Germany which are said to outrank even Berlin. Haidhausen is a really popular nightlife district with great clubs such as Kultfabrik and Optimolwerk. With museums by day and clubs by night, Munich is a great place for any tourist to stay!

5) Istanbul, Turkey

Guidebooks write about how “Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia,” but that’s not the reason you should visit the city formerly known as Constantinople. The real reason is the sense of mystery and intrigue you feel when you arrive. Turkish pop music blares against the call of the muezzin. Carpet dealers bully and charm you into buying a rug as you wander down smoky alleyways to lavish palaces. Women in headscarves and long skirts, men in jeans and Billy Idol tee-shirts rush by as you lose your way in the invigorating chaos of a back street bazaar. Istanbul is shrouded in history, layered in religion, and wrapped up in theatre. Muslim life blends seamlessly with the business of the street. Food vendors offer delicious samples of lokum, a young boy hawks electronics from Taiwan while a man stops and prays at a street-side mosque. Shopping is like swimming in an ocean of people – carpet sellers, shoeshine boys and salesmen from stores push at the tide of bodies wandering through the streets. Cars roar past, and the air is thick with the smells of spice, fish, and flowers – and the treasures of Turkey. Make sure you spend some time in Istanbul to experience its rich culture.

6) Manchester, England

Manchester, located in north-west England, has a classy culture with a historic vibe. With it’s 2.5 million people in the greater area, Manchester is never short of party-goers. Old meets new in Manchester with some of the oldest buildings in England sitting right next to some of the hottest clubs. Throw in a fantastic soccer team and tons of music venues and you have a great time ahead of you! Manchester never fails as an exciting stay for students!

7) Athens, Greece

Athens is more than just a city. It is the birthplace of modern civilization, the beginning of the creation of the west, and the start of democracy and rule. The capital of Greece and a major metropolitan with 3.7 million citizens, this city has a lot to offer to college students looking for an experience. With a gorgeous skyline, many old and beautiful buildings, and ruins that date back to B.C. It is a really amazing place for anyone to visit, especially to stay in for a while. It’s a great way to get the full feeling of Athens and see it through the lens of the locals.

8) Seville, Spain

Seville draws in tourists from around the world annually. The colors and vibrant nature of this Andalucian city has been luring students to visit for years. Located in southern Spain and the capital of Andalucia (southern region of Spain), Seville is not just a pretty city. It is also the cultural and financial center for Spain. With a little over 1.6 million people living here, this city rounds out the top four largest in the country. The orange tree-lined streets are filled with businessmen, college students, and tourists looking for a good time. A myth is that Hercules himself founded Seville and it was at a time ruled by Romans, then later the Moorish. The history alone is fascinating. However, the sights and attractions will blow you away and the coast is to die for. See why thousands of students come here every year for culture and history of Seville.

9) Edinburgh, Scotland

Even in the rain, Edinburgh is just downright beautiful. From the ruggedness of Edinburgh Castle and the mannered Georgian mansions of New Town, to the emphatic Scottish culture of the capital, Edinburgh is a city that welcomes tourists. This city is built not just on hills, but on history, romance, and culture. The city is filled with everything a student traveler could ask for. History, festivals, and great nightlife make the city a great place to visit. Travelers can experience a wide variety of activities from visiting Edinburgh Castle to enjoying a rugby match. It also allows you to explore a country that is at times overlooked due to its more popular neighbors, Ireland and England.

10) Marseille, France

Next to Paris and Lyon, Marseille is the most populous commune in France and the second largest in terms of land area. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean coast, Marseille is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is listed as a major center of art and history. It is an excellent destination for student travelers as this city presently finds itself fashionable in different aspects, without abandoning any of its rich history. Check out the nineteenth-century basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde where you can get a wonderful view of this beautiful city. Marseille also offers great bars that double as ice cream parlors and fun around every corner. Don’t miss Marseille on your list of great places to visit.

So, your last family road trip didn’t go so well. The kids were less-than-cooperative, traffic was a nightmare, and the AC in the van broke down. Chances are, you’re thinking that the next time you attempt something like that will be…well, never. But fortunately for you, other options exist that can save the family trip from an early demise. In this case, though, you’ll need to think wetter.

That’s right—a family boating trip. Sometimes a mere change of scene can get the same group of humans to behave with a a lot more

congeniality than they would on a land-based trip. But if you’re still not sold on the idea of a family boating trip, read on. Here are a few things you can do to make the trip fun for everyone.

You’ll also need to take a look at your boat. If you don’t have a boat you can look at several different kinds, but fly fishing pontoon boats are great if you’re looking for a leisurely ride with a lot of people. Ski boats are good if you’re looking to do a lot of recreation activities behind the boat. There are also options to rent boats, or perhaps you know someone with a boat that would let you borrow it–or go with them for more friends on the trip!

Kids won’t get onboard with idea of a boating trip until they feel like they’re part of the planning process. So show them maps of the lake, the coast, or wherever you hope to visit. Let them have a say—have a family vote! Once you’ve decided on your destination, you’ll need to start checking weather forecasts to make sure that your trip doesn’t finish before it begins.

If you’ve never attempted a trip with anyone other than your spouse or a couple of fishing buddies, chances are you’ll need to make the vessel a little more kid-friendly. If you don’t already have one installed, think about getting a boat bench seat—they’re not too pricey, are easy to fit to your boat, and allow you to fit a few more people comfortably. After all, not everyone will want to stay on their feet for the duration of the trip. Make sure that all your lines, equipment, and hardware are in good working order.

The next part of the process should be done with a little diplomacy: instructing kids on boating safety. Kids need to know about life jackets, float plans, and the basic mechanics of how boats operate. But you don’t want to turn the endeavor into an unscheduled school lesson; this is fun, remember? Whether before or after you get out on the water, show your spouse and your kids where the flares, emergency flags, and kill switch are. Taking a few seconds to teach them early on could save a life later. If one of your kids is old enough, show them how to operate the boat—at least well enough to steer it to safety should something happen to you.

Once all the housekeeping items are done, it’s time to have fun! Don’t over-schedule the day. Kids (and grown-ups, for that matter) need to feel like the excursion is a free, open time when they can enjoy the scenery, do some water sports, eat, and socialize without looking at a clock. Make sure that you have plenty of snacks on hand in case someone comes down with a case of hunger-induced surliness (including you). Let the kids call some of the shots with regard to your activities throughout the day. Having something for everyone to do will help you and your kids feel comfortable. And remember some tips to stay stress free too!

So if the highway has lost some of its mystique, if the woods no longer look inviting, then you might consider tuning up the boat and bringing the family along for the ride—you’ll be glad you did. And since the waterway itself is the destination, you can rest assured that no one will utter those famous words “Are we there yet?”