Top 5 European Bucket List Destinations for Extended Stays
Spending time in Europe feels like unwinding an endless ball of string—countless destinations with limited time, and plans often intertwine. Simply put, we want to explore everywhere!
Recently, we focused on Berlin to bond with our growing family: a new baby niece, a toddler niece who now remembers us vividly, and a nephew on the way in Dani’s sister’s belly.
These family additions mean more frequent visits to Europe ahead. Even with a semi-permanent base for a few months, we'll take short trips. While we rarely opt for package holidays, basing in Europe opens options like last-minute cancellation deals—similar to standby flights but for entire vacations. If someone cancels, you snag the package days before departure at a steep discount.
Our top five European escapes: Rome, Istanbul, Portugal’s Algarve, Montenegro, and Croatia. We'd love month-long stays in each, starting with quick reconnaissance trips to decide priorities.
Rome
Rome is a destination we've yet to visit together—Dani has been multiple times, but our 2011 Mediterranean cruise was thwarted by a train strike. After short stints like five weeks in Berlin and eight in New York, we envision 6-8 weeks in Rome as ideal.
Istanbul
In Istanbul, we'd indulge in baklava daily for a month until stuffed! We've scouted long-term apartments with great deals. It was a contender this summer, but Germany won out. Next year, Istanbul beckons.
Algarve
Avid readers know our love for Lisbon, so more time in Portugal is a given. We dream of renting a villa with fellow long-term travelers for a month on the Algarve's stunning southern beaches.
Montenegro
Montenegro remains underrated, with rave reviews for its beaches, lakes, and mountains. As one of Europe's hidden gems, we must spend a month there soon to experience it firsthand.
Croatia
Croatia's popularity makes it a no-brainer, yet we've not lingered. A month here, perhaps after Montenegro, then to Rome, island-hopping the Adriatic Coast, is on our horizon.
That endless string unravels again! The beauty of this lifestyle: even with a European base, infinite adventures await.
Which European spots top your bucket list for longer stays?
