by Javier Morales

Created on: August 20, 2007

Although Caribbean tours and Asian trips are fast becoming the places of choice for vacationers, European sites continue to be the most desired destinations.

The United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany remained among the top 10 overseas destinations for U.S. residents in 2005, the most recent full year data was made available by the U.S. Commerce Department.

All of the regions of Europe Scandinavia, Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean offer notable destinations other than the standard trip to see Buckingham Palace in London.

Here is a list of some of the most enticing locales in Europe:

Paris, France: The Eiffel Tower is the obvious tourist destination in Paris, but if you are looking for a romantic getaway, no better place exists in Europe. You can hold hands as you walk along the Seine River, stroll the Park of Luxembourg, and climb the stairs at the Sacre-Coeur.

Venice, Italy: Leave the hustle and bustle behind. The only way to get around the city is by foot or water. A site to behold is La Serenissima, "the most serene one." The area is full of palaces and art, shopping and food. You can also relax in Piazza San Marco and visit the basilicas.

Barcelona, Spain: The city offers many breathtaking spots, including the summit of the Sagrada Familia, the view on the Destination and the atmosphere around the Park Guell.

Berlin, Germany: Popular destinations include the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, the remnants of the Berlin Wall and the Wall Victims Memorial.

Copenhagen, Zealand: If bringing the kids along, perhaps the best location in Europe is the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. It is an old-fashioned amusement park dating back to the 1800's. The best time to visit is around Christmas because of the many lights. The park comes alive, especially when Santa arrives. The park includes rides for the kids but also beautiful botanical gardens for the parents.

Lisbon, Portugal: The Castelo Sao Jorge is one of the most awesome sites in all of Europe. The medieval castle, which has been well maintained, is full of history and offers scenic views of the city and river.

Athens, Greece: Talk about history very few cities in the world offer more historic value than Athens. Acropolis offers a breathtaking museum with centuries-old statues. Visiting the remnants of ancient buildings is memorable as is the view of the Mediterranean from the hillsides.

Brugge, Belgium: The Groeninge Museum in Brugge is rich with ancient art work and is one of the most popular European destinations for history buffs. You will be in awe of the skill of the 15th and 16th century artists, as well as the architects who designed and built the medieval buildings.

Budapest, Hungary: The Szechenyi Baths and Pool in Budapest resembles a palace and it contains a huge thermal pool were visitors often play chess in hot water up to their chests. The complex is very large and offers breathtaking views of the city.

Dublin, Ireland: The rolling green hills of Dublin are beautiful. The scenery is in stark contrast to the surroundings of the Kilmainham Gaol Historic Museum in Dublin. The bleak 19th century jail was notorious for its harsh treatment of prisoners. The nearby Irish National War Memorial Park and Royal Hospital are also destinations worth visiting.

This is only a taste of what Europe has to offer. If one were to visit all these locales in their lifetime, it would be a life fulfilled. These sites offer romance, fun and frolic and historical importance. It's like thumbing through a travel guide and an encyclopedia very enriching experiences indeed.

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