With its cobbled streets, historical landmarks and idyllic landscapes, Europe has always been a dream destination. However, the dream was only realised in the spring of 2024 – our first Schengen! The sheer hassle of applying for Schengen was one of the many reasons we delayed our trip to Europe; eventually, we were ready to face the hassle and visit our first European country, Austria.

We included Austria and Budapest in our first trip to Europe, but despite a good travel history, our Schengen visa was issued for a one-time entry with a 45-day validity. We never gave up and relentlessly tried for a multiple-entry visa the following year (2025). And lo behold, the German embassy was kind enough to grant us what we craved for! With a one-year multiple-entry visa to Europe, we visited Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and France in the summer of 2025. What can I say, time is a wise man who knows how to bloom your dreams into reality at the right moment!

AUSTRIA

Nestled in Central Europe, Austria emerges as a woman who exudes panache like her cities yet remains grounded and charming with her fairytale villages and pristine Alps. There are a lot of things to do in Austria; however, we covered Vienna, Salzburg and Hallstatt to have a wholesome Austrian experience.

The majestic palaces of Vienna, the dreamy village of Hallstatt and the musical charm of Salzburg made our trip quite memorable. The hopeless romantic in me was quite quenched with the ‘Sound of Music Tour’, which we did by ourselves. Austria is well-connected; regardless, we rented a car to relax and enjoy the countryside better.

Places we saw: Hofburg Palace complex, Wurstelprater Amusement Park, Attersee Lake, Hallstatt Village, Salzburg Zoo, Mozarthaus Sankt Gilgen, Sound of Music Pavilion at Frohnburg Palace Garden, Hellbrunn Palace, the Von Trapp House, and Mirabell Palace Garden.

BUDAPEST

This puny neighbour of Austria took me by surprise! Budapest is a worth-visiting country in Europe with flavorful food, iconic places, thermal baths, and cobblestone alleys that whisper stories of the past. My first cherry blossom experience was also in this country.

Often called the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, Budapest is technically two cities divided by the river Danube (Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank). If you are in Budapest, you must try their chimney cake, take a short scenic ride in the funicular, and enjoy the yellow-white trams that run along the Danube by the parliament and riverbank.

Places we saw: Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, St Stephen’s Basilica, Central Market Hall, Hungarian Parliament, Shoes on the Danube, the funicular, Trinity Square, Matthias Church.

GERMANY– Munich

Germany is a vast country in Europe that offers a lot to see, but we visited only Munich, mainly for the husband’s fetish for automobiles. Munich was more like a tasty welcome drink before the main course of our Europe 2025. It offered us a cocktail of history, culture and tradition.

Places we saw: BMW Welt Museum, Marienplatz, Dinosaur Museum, Museum Mineralogia, Olympic Park

SWITZERLAND

An insanely expensive country yet strikingly gorgeous – Switzerland is a goddess that emanates beauty. Now, everyone knows that Switzerland is stunning, but no words would suffice to describe its ethereal landscape. I couldn’t help but be smitten by the sheer beauty of its lakes, rivers, alps, valleys and hamlets.

This is a European country that one must visit at least once in their lifetime.  What I loved was the lifestyle, nature and culture of the Swiss folks. Such a clean and pristine place despite its heavy tourism. I was not sure if I was awed by its natural beauty or the impeccable discipline and cleanliness of the nation itself.

We almost covered all the places, but ditched some of the ridiculously expensive activities. If you are a fan of Johanna Spyri’s Heidi, you must visit Heidi Dorf at Mainfield and do the Heidi tour. It was a surreal experience where I lived a page in Spyri’s book. Also, it was such a gratifying experience whose happiness shall be forever etched in the sanctum of my memory.

We may have burnt a hole in our pocket, but our hearts were full while returning from Switzerland. A country that offers a myriad of activities is a gem in Europe. Now, I truly understand why people rave about Switzerland.

Places we saw: Zurich: River Limmat, Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, Fraumunster, Grossmunster Church, Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum; Lucerne: Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Lion Monument, Old Town, Lake Lucerne, Sevlan, Heididorf; Interlaken: Lauterbrunnen Valley, Rhine Falls, Cable car to Harder Kulum, Lausanne Old Town, boat ride through Rhine River,  Iseltwald village; and Geneva: Old Town Geneva, Lake Geneva Promenade, Jet d’Eau.

LIECHTENSTEIN

This teeny tiny country called Liechtenstein is sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland. Apparently, not many people know of this quaint country that hardly takes half a day to see. Interestingly, Liechtenstein happened to be our 25th country together. We celebrated this small fête by casually strolling around its town centre and Vaduz Castle. The castle can only be viewed from outside, as it is the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. It is a beautiful castle, and the drive up there is quite panoramic. So, if you are in the area, you must definitely visit Liechtenstein.

Places we saw: Vaduz Castle, Postal Museum, Town Centre, Gutenberg Castle

FRANCE – Annecy

France was an impromptu trip that was never planned; obviously, because you need time to relish the true beauty of France. However, the lust to travel more got the better of me! And I nagged the husband to explore this small French city of Annecy while we were in Geneva. So instead of the United Nations tour, we ditched diplomacy and decided to flirt with the city of Annecy.

We took a train from Geneva and reached this postcard-perfect city in France, known for its turquoise lakes, cobblestoned streets, mediaeval chapels and pastel houses overlooking the canals. Needless to say, it was a day well spent soaking in some French vibes at Annecy, whose streets practically scream for Instagram-worthy stories to flaunt.

I believe this little prologue of mine at Annecy will be the beginning of a new, exciting chapter of France in my travel journey soon.

Places we saw: Palais de l’Île, Le Port, Le Canal du Vasse, Le Notre Dame, Thiou river and canals, Annecy Lake, Pont des Amours, and Cathedral de San Pedro.