Copenhagen International Airport (CPH) is 8km southeast of Copenhagen. Aarhus Airport (AAR) is 35km north of Aarhus. Billund Airport (BLL) is 80km from Aarhus and just 3km from LEGOLAND. Aalborg Airport is 3.5km from Denmark’s third city (AAL).

Denmark has a very reliable 2,633 km rail network with services operating at least hourly. The primary network in Denmark is the DSB. Buses are generally good and easy to use.

The road system is good and well signposted. Hiring a car for a coastal road trip around Jutland is recommended, however can be expensive.

Cyclists are extremely well catered for in most cities and rural areas, with bike hire easily available as well as free bikes that can be used.

Healthcare is widely available.

Denmark has relatively little crime but take care in larger cities, as they are not without petty criminals.

Go to gov.uk for more information.

Vágar Airport (FAE), the only airport in the Faroe Islands.

A good system of roadways and ferries connects most towns and villages on the Faroes, and there are inter-town buses. Torshavn has an efficient local bus service.

Helicopters service some towns and villages for relatively reasonable prices.

There is a campsite along the seafront in Torshavn. There is also a selection of hotels and B&Bs.

Lamb and fish are the main staples on the Faroe Islands. Meat may be hung, and fish dried, to preserve it for a long time.

Whale may also appear on menus. Whales are not hunted commercially here, but the practice has been generally condemned. Do not encourage it by ordering whale ‘out of curiosity’.

Pack seasickness tablets if you’re prone. Pack layers for all weathers.

Gibraltar airport (GIB) has daily flights to the UK. Malaga and Jerez airports in Spain are alternatives with a bus service to Gibraltar.

Getting into Gibraltar from Spain can be a frustrating business. Long queues at the border means it’s often easier to park in La Línea and walk across. Once you’re in, you can get the number 9 bus to the centre of Gibraltar or the number 3 to Europa Point. Much of Gibraltar can be tackled on foot as it’s less than 7 sq km but bear in mind some roads are steep. Taxis are plentiful. There are no trains. To visit the Apes’ den on the Upper Rock, take the cable car to the middle station.

Gibraltar isn’t the cheapest place to lay your head but for people on a budget, there are a few small guest houses, budget hotels and a youth hostel. Further up the scale, several hotels offer panoramic sea views, rooftop pools and spa facilities.

Eating in Gibraltar is similar to eating in England. Although there are plenty of places serving traditional English breakfasts, hearty stews, fish and chips and meaty pies, Gibraltar isn’t short of restaurants serving more international fare. For something truly Gibraltarian, try Calentita, a baked bread-like dish made with chickpea flour, olive oil and seasoning.

If you are a British national resident in the UK you can obtain emergency treatment in Gibraltar by presenting your UK passport as proof of residence.

Some emergency treatment may require transfer to Spain or the UK, in which case you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is valid until its expiry date. If your EHIC has expired, you can apply for a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will replace the EHIC for most UK citizens.

Watch out for the monkeys. They may look cute but they’ve been known to bite and can be light-fingered. Hold onto your valuables and don’t feed them – it’s dangerous and against the law.

Larnaca International (LCA) is 4km from Larnaca. Paphos International (PFO) is 6.5km from Paphos.

Roads are generally good and distances short, so getting around Cyprus is easy. It’s best to hire a car, so you can explore Cyprus properly, especially for getting into the Troödos Mountains where there is no public transport.

Buses in Cyprus are frequent and well timed and good for getting around less rural areas, though do not run on Sundays. There are no trains.

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is 17km west of the city centre.

Buses, trams and metro systems in major cities of the country are well-developed. An extensive railway network connects major cities and towns with comfortable rides.

Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the Czech Republic, especially if you plan to visit smaller towns and rural areas.

The Czech Republic is a low-risk country to visit. In touristy areas in Prague, as in other parts of the world, be aware of pickpockets.

Head to gov.uk for more advice.

The south has a temperate, Mediterranean climate whereas further north you’ll encounter chillier climes. Summers are usually scorchers (by European standards).

Hit the country in July or August and you could be reveling in temperatures of around 26ºC. Unfortunately everyone else has the same idea so don’t head for the big resorts if you value tranquility.

In August life comes to a screeching halt. Winters are cold, damp and windy and many attractions close their doors to the public. Christmas, when the markets are in full swing and the mulled wine is flowing has a special kind of magic.

Spring and autumn see more rainfall but they showcase the countryside at its very best.

Budapest Ferihegy (GUD), 16km from Budapest.

As in many European cities, public transport is good. The trains are a little tired but efficient nevertheless.

The buses are comfy and allow you to access places the trains don’t reach. In fact, in parts of the Great Plain and southern Transdanubia you may need to rely heavily on the bus network.

Most roads are good and if you hire a car you can get to Hungary’s farthest crevices in about five or six hours.

There are 2,000 km of cycle paths around the country although cycling on motorways and major roads is illegal. There is a daily hydrofoil ferry service between Budapest and places along the Danube Bend at weekends throughout peak season.

There is a proliferation of places to stay, namely hotels, pensions or inns (some resembling hotels, others like guesthouses) and private apartments.

A private room in a house could be the way to go if you want long term accommodation or would like to experience life in Hungary from the inside out.

If you’re travelling on a shoestring hostels are cheap and inexpensive college rooms can be rented outside term time.

Campsites are another budget option. Wild camping is illegal but campsites open between April/May and September/October. These range from all singing, all dancing sites complete with swimming pools and other frills to patches of scrubland with little in the way of facilities.

Yep, you guessed it, Hungarian fare consists largely of hearty stews and dumplings. Paprika is big news so keep a glass of water to hand as you gulp down some of Europe’s spiciest native dishes.

Thanks to the nomadic Magyar people and their dependence on livestock, meat is the backbone of Hungarian cuisine.

You’ll find it in various guises: goulash (stew), paprikas (meat stew in paprika gravy), Hungarian sausage and fatanyeros (mixed grill). Pancakes are popular and there is a mind boggling array of soups on offer; options include steaming cheese soup or cold fruit soup. Hungarian wine has been brewed for centuries – don’t leave without sampling some.

As in any major city there is a risk of street crime. Particular care should be taken to avoid theft on overnight trains.

Some of Budapest’s bars and restaurants have been known to fleece tourists, with visitors sometimes being charged hiked up prices and then accompanied to ATMs by security guards to withdraw the cash. Be wary of pretty consumption girls who work with bars and clubs to extract money from unsuspecting men.

The tap water has higher than advisable levels of arsenic so you’re better off sticking to the bottled variety. The lakes are mosquito magnets so you will need to apply generous amounts of insect repellent.

Zagreb (ZAG) 17km from Zagreb; Dubrovnik (DBV) 20km from Dubrovnik; Split (SPU) 25km from Split; Pula (PUY) 8km from Pula; Rijeka (RJK) 27km from Krk.

Jadrolinija operates car and passenger ferries between the islands, as well as the main coastal route from Rijeka to Dubrovnik.

Most of Croatia’s major cities are connected by rail – although Dubrovnik is a notable exception. Buses tend to be more frequent than trains in Croatia, and unlike trains, serve even the most remote villages. There are numerous private companies operating bus services in Croatia. Be warned: buses take a very long time to get anywhere on.

If you’re planning to hire a car and explore more remote areas, local companies are normally much cheaper than the international chains. Some also offer one-way rentals too.

Along the Croatian coast there’s a plethora of apartments and rooms for rent during the high and mid-season. These tend to be the least expensive option. At the other end of the scale, you’ll find a number of lavish 19th century hotels concentrated in the coastal resorts, which once catered for Central Europe’s aristocracy.

For those who want to stay off the beaten track, agrotourism (farmhouses offering rooms and home-cooking) is becoming increasingly popular. Croatia also has over 300 campsites.

Croatian cuisine is a veritable smorgasbord, from hearty, meat-heavy central-European style dishes to Italian-style concoctions and Ottoman-imported delights (eg burek – cheese-stuffed pastries). Istria, with its abundant supply of wild asparagus, truffles and olives, has become something of a mecca for foodies.

Restaurants in Croatia’s major cities and tourist areas now offer vegetarian options but non-meat eaters will struggle in the north and east where traditional fare predominates.

It’s customary in Croatia to have a small glass of brandy before a meal. With a huge range of flavours, including loza (grape), sljivovica (plum), medica (honey) and biska (mistletoe), there’s a delicious tipple for everyone.

There are few major health hazards, but tick-borne encephalitis can occur in rural and forest areas, so use insect repellent. Good health care is readily available throughout Croatia. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Tap water is safe to drink in most places; check with your accommodation.

Unexploded landmines still exist in the remote border regions, so pay attention to warning signs.

Oslo (OSL) 48km from Oslo; Bergen (BGO) 12km from Bergen; Stavanger (SVG) 11km from Stavanger

Internal flights connect over 50 Norwegian airports, including the outlaying Svalbard archipelago, and can cut journey times considerably; if you plan to travel a lot consider an airpass.

Norway has a good network of boats. The Hurtigruten coastal ferry takes six days to sail from Bergen to Kirkenes; it is a vital lifeline for Norwegians living in remote seaside communities, and an incredible travel experience. Other boats delve into Norway’s spectacular fjords.

Norway’s buses are good, comfortable and punctual. Trains are also a good wat to travel; invest in a rail pass if you plan to cover a lot of ground.

A hire car will give you maximum flexibility and allow you to drive some of the specially designated scenic tourist roads.

The cheapest accommodation option in Norway is wild camping, which is legal as long as you’re more than 150m from a dwelling. There are also plenty of campsites. There is a network of mountain huts across Norway’s wilderness areas, often conveniently spaced a day’s hike apart.

Norway has some good hostels, and the full range of B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels; you generally get what you pay for.

Succulent seafood is a Norwegian speciality; try delicious salmon (smoked or grilled), cod (often dried), trout and herring (for all meals, sometimes pickled). Fish soups are a common feature on Norwegian menus.

Fish tends to be cheaper than meat in Norway, though look out for gamey reindeer steaks plus good beef and venison. Potatoes are a staple carb; other common vegetables in Norway include cabbage, swede and turnip. Pølse (hot dogs) are a quick, cheap snack.

Vegetarianism isn’t that common in Norway. You’ll have no trouble going meat-free in big towns; cheese salads are a common option.

Alcohol is expensive in Norway. That said, Norwegians are keen beer drinkers; local brands include Ringses and Mack. Buy your supplies from a Vinmonopolet (state-run off-licence) to keep costs down. Wine is pricey. Aquavit, Norwegian firewater made from potatoes, is an acquired taste.

No specific jabs are required for Norway. Check yourself for tick bites after walking in long grass/forests. Mosquitoes and blackflies can irritate in summer – pack repellent.

If hiking out in the Norwegian countryside, be prepared for all weathers and let someone know where you are going.

Poland’s main tourist season is in the Summer, when the resorts on the Baltic coast get the warmest temperatures.

For exploring Poland’s mountainous regions, the best time to visit is in the Spring when the flora and fauna are at their most vivid.

Autumn is the Polish cultural season, and hotels tend to be emptier after the holiday period.

In Winter, the icy temperatures mean the South of the country is perfect for skiing.

Warsaw Frédéric Chopin Airport (WAW) is located in the country’s capital, Warwaw. Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (GDN) is 12km west of Gdansk. John Paul II International Airport (KRK) is 11km west of Kraków. Katowice International Airport (KTW) is 30km north of Katowice. Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (RZE) is 10km from Rzeszów.

Poland’s main roads tend to be very congested, although the rural backroads are quiet. Car hire is easily available for over 21s.

Poland has a flat landscape which is perfect for cyclists. The bus network (PKS) on the other hand is good quality in urban areas but in rural areas vehicles are likely to be uncomfortable.

Polish State Rail (PKP) runs a good service although buying a ticket can be complicated – make sure to spare 45 minutes to an hour when purchasing one.

The Polish national airline (LOT) has regular domestic flights to major regions throughout the year.

Hotels and hostels are available over a range of budgets and standards. Hotel prices are highest in the cities, although the seaside and ski resorts put their prices up in Summer and Winter respectively.

Homestays are available at good value and can be found through local tourist information centres. There are over 500 camping sites, mostly open from April-September.

Bread and potatoes are savoury staples and often feature in main meals. Another popular nourishment is pierogi, dumpling stuffed with vegetables, meat, or even fruit. Sweet treats can be found in the form of cheesecake, apple pie and pancakes.

The Poles are very fond of tea, and serve it in a glass without milk. The major alcoholic beverage is vodka, available in many different forms including Goldwasser, vodka liqueur containing flakes of real gold.

It is important to consult your GP or travel health clinic before travelling; however inoculations are not required to travel to Poland. Tap water is safe to drink.

Be wary of petty crime on streets and in hotels in larger cities, and on trains. Car theft and looting is a growing problem, especially for vehicles with Western number plates – it may be worth paying for a guarded parking lot (around 20zl a day). Also watch out for unofficial money-changers.

Lisbon (LIS) 7km from Lisbon’s city centre; Porto (OPO) 12km from Porto; Faro (FAO) in the southern Algarve region is 8km from the city centre.

Portugal has a very efficient and cost-effective train system, which is a great way to see the country in a slower way while lowering your carbon footprint. Comboios de Portugal is a useful website for planning train journeys and buying tickets.

There are bus services connecting major cities and towns. Rede Nacional de Expressos is a national express coach network and is the preferred way to book and plan bus journeys around Portugal.

If you’re planning to hire a car and explore more remote areas, local companies are normally much cheaper than the international chains. Some also offer one-way rentals too. Road tripping around Portugal is another great way to see the country.

There are few major health hazards, but in summer months make sure to use insect repellent. Good healthcare is readily available throughout Portugal. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Tap water is safe to drink in most places; check with your accommodation.

Visit gov.uk for more information.