Europe!

[Will]

One of the great cultural hubs of the world, and where hostels first originated from. With so many diverse countries all in such close proximity, this is a great continent to visit.

[Janet]

Dubbed a living museum, a place rich in history and tradition. Fairy-tale castles cast their shadows over green valleys and Gothic churches stand proudly amid beautifully preserved medieval towns. Galleries have masterpieces from the likes of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rodin, Van Gogh and Picasso. Festivals have evolved from ancient pagan rituals. Beer drinking has a track record, especially in countries such as Belgium, the Czech Republic and Germany.

This complex region presents a patchwork of varied landscapes and an enticing smorgasbord of more than 30 nationalities. Snowy Alps, the fabled aurora borealis and the Mediterranean Sea are all yours for the taking, as are French chic, Italian passion, Nordic minimalism, Spanish flair and many more.

Ancient monuments such as Athens' Acropolis and Rome's Colosseum sit amid vibrant, thriving cities. Paris and Prague might look quaint, but their attitude is definitely contemporary, cosmopolitan and liberal, while buzzing multicultural metropolises such as Berlin and London are visibly 21st-century cities.

Wow!