Cheap flights to Europe from $131

Mediterranean summers are hot and winters mild. In central and northern Italy and France, the climate is more temperate with humid summers and cold, damp winters. Spain and Portugal can be very hot and dry in summer, with cold and wet winters. Winter in Madrid and Spain’s high central region can be quite cold. Central Europe has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot to warm and winters cold with temperatures below freezing. Snow can fall as early as mid-September in the Alps, and the ski resorts start opening in November and remain open until April. A continuation of the Gulf Stream (North Atlantic Drift) keeps the climate in Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, and Iceland fairly mild. Iceland’s climate is close to that of New York, and Scandinavia is more like New England or the Great Lakes region in the U.S. In the UK winters are cold and wet with occasional snow, and summers generally warm with showers. Most Europeans are on vacation in August. Some shops and attractions are closed in the cities, and the beaches and mountains are mobbed. Check your favorite travel website for tips on peak and off seasons.

The major U.S. carriers that offer direct flights to Europe are American Airlines, Delta and United. If you have an international departure point, take a look at flights with Brussels Airlines or Air Berlin.

European fashion tends to be a touch more formal than American fashion, so nice jeans and long-sleeve shirts are good choices for everyday wear. Bring comfortable shoes, as you’re going to do a lot of walking and Europe is known for cobblestone streets. The season and your destination play a large role in what you pack. You’re fine with only lighter clothes on a summer getaway in Madrid, whereas a winter trip to Berlin calls for heavier layers to stay warm.

If you find yourself in Rome, head north of the city center to experience Vatican City. Even those who aren’t religious appreciate the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica and the art collections in the Vatican Museums. Those museums house works of some of the most famous Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. There’s so much to see here and it’s such a popular area that you should visit in the morning so you have plenty of time to take it all in. In the Wiltshire area of England about 2 hours outside of London is Stonehenge, considered one of the seven wonders of the Medieval world. The ring of massive stones is much more impressive in person than in pictures, and you can learn about it in the nearby visitor center or on a tour. To get as close to the stones as possible you need to book special access tickets. Keep in mind that these are very popular and require you to book well in advance. Even without special access, you can still get close enough for some great photos. After walking miles every day seeing the sights, there’s no better way to relax than dipping your toes into the white sand of one of Spain’s gorgeous beaches. To get away from it all, reserve a camping space on the Illas Cies, a group of three islands near Galicia. You get there by catching a ferry from Vigo. If you’d prefer something closer to the city, La Concha Beach is an exciting option right by San Sebastian.

Once you have compared flights to Europe, it’s time to consider how you’ll get around once you land. In general terms, Europe has very developed public transportation systems, including extensive railway networks. For example, many will book flights to Europe and then travel by train; for example, from Calais, France through the “Chunnel” to Dover, England. Other times it may be more convenient to find cheap flights to Europe arriving in one country and then riding a bus into another, such as from Geneva, Switzerland to Chamonix, France. Flying to Europe can also include European flights deals within countries, such as from Stockholm to Helsingborg. In this scenario, you may be surprised at how affordable European airfare can be.

Flying to Europe means enjoying adventures as diverse as taking a selfie with London's Big Ben in the background or strolling the canals of Amsterdam, and everything in between. Take a dip in Iceland's Blue Lagoon or perhaps enjoy an authentic gyro in Athens. Wherever you choose to visit in Europe, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time.

Flights to Europe from the United States can vary quite a bit in duration depending on where you leave from. For example, a flight from Seattle, Washington, to London, England, can take just over 12h, including at least one layover, perhaps in Keflavik, Iceland. Then again, a flight from New York City to Brussels, Belgium, may take around 7h 15m, including a layover in Amsterdam, Holland. Chicago is a major departure point from the United States, with cheap flights to Europe departing from O’Hare International Airport and arriving in Berlin about 11h 30m later (including a layover in London). In general, it is best to compare flights to Europe at different times to make up for the time difference between continents. Book flights to Europe early in the morning, or even on “red-eye” flights so as to arrive in the evening, rather than late at night.

Europe flight deals are only the first part of your journey. Next, you will need to prepare by making sure your passport is current and valid and remembering to inform your credit card company or bank that you will be traveling. Remember to take note of any foreign exchange charges that may apply at European ATMs or points of sale. It’s also a good idea to confer with your mobile phone carrier to see if you will have service in Europe. Seasoned travelers will know that it’s helpful to begin adjusting your sleep schedule before traveling to avoid jet lag once you arrive.