There’s a big difference between watching the FIFA World Cup from home and being there. You feel it in the hours leading up to kickoff, when entire streets start moving in the same direction. You hear it long before you reach the stadium. Once the match starts, everything else fades away, and the crowd is locked in.

Sun-soaked piazzas, winding cobblestone streets, and fresh pasta by the coast; summer in Europe is the ultimate rite of passage for travellers seeking culture, cuisine, and coastline all in one trip. With countries closely connected by rail and short flights, hopping between multiple destinations is not only possible, but deeply rewarding when done thoughtfully. 

If Europe is on your travel list this year, there’s a new step at the border you’ll want to be prepared for. The European Union is introducing a new digital system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) and it changes how travellers enter the Schengen Area. Instead of a passport stamp, your arrival may now be recorded with a photo and fingerprints.