Tampa International Airport flies to just about every major city in North America. But when it comes to European destinations, it can be a challenge. Traveling from Tampa to Europe is about to get a lot better.
The Problem Flying to Europe from Tampa
The one thing I try to avoid when planning a trip is picking a flight with a bunch of connections. Unfortunately, when you visit many cities in Europe, it's just something you have to do. TPA only flies to London, Frankfurt and Zurich. And of those London flights, many are to Gatwick, not Heathrow which is London's giant airport.
So if you want to fly to a European city, more times than not, you'll be forced to connect somewhere here in the U.S. like New York or Washington. Then there's that long wait between flights. Once you finally get on board, now you have to force yourself to try to get some sleep because you'll likely be arriving in Europe in the morning hours.
How Traveling from Tampa to Europe is Getting Easier
So what's changing? Delta is bringing back direct flights to Amsterdam starting October 26, 2024. What's so great about that? What if you want to go to Spain or Italy?
While that may not be your final destination, Amsterdam's airport is ENORMOUS. So if you're flying to a smaller European city, chances are there will be a cheap discount carrier like EasyJet or Ryanair with takeoffs every hour or so. That's a game changer. Instead of doing a long flight to New York or Washington, land right away in Amsterdam and then fly to wherever you want.
Geno / BeasleyEven on a dreary day, Amsterdam is beautiful. And nobody drives... you see bikes everywhere.
I'd personally suggest just spending the day in Amsterdam and getting a cheap AirBnB to spend the night. Then fly to your final destination the next day. Amsterdam is beautiful. Take a river cruise, visit their museums or hit the "coffee shop."
Now that we can travel again internationally, I can't wait to bust the passport out. The first couple times I traveled to Europe, I played it safe. I figured since the only foreign language I took back in high school was French, I should keep my visits to English speaking countries or France. I'm glad I ditched that thinking. Almost every major European city is easy to visit for Americans. Unlike us, those who live in other countries commonly speak two or three languages fluently. The Czech Republic is definitely among my top 5 favorite countries to visit. The architecture is incredible. They have the best beer in the world (sorry Germany). And if you're a wannabe photographer like me, you better clear out your phone before you get on the plane.
Everywhere you go, photo op.
Lots of touristy knick knacks.
Love this shot. It is a shot I had framed and hangs in my dining room.
Clearly an old photo... check out that iPhone! But shows you how much they love their beer... or pivo!
Think ahead before you visit.
I hate cold, but snow is appealing to many Floridians. I prefer to visit in summer.
Travel Channel called this "The best apple strudel in Europe."
They needed to say no more. It took some hunting down since it's nowhere near the popular touristy parts of Prague.
Worth the effort!
It was awesome... and like $2 or $3!
One of the desserts I can't get enough of when I visit Prague: Medovnik... honey cake.
Stunning.
It is difficult to not find beautiful churches in any European city.
View from the top of the church. Prague is known as the city of red roofs.
But there are no Red Roof Inns.
The climb to the top of the castle is a workout but worth it!
Everywhere you go in Prague is prime for a photo.
Medovnik - honey cake... sooooo good!
Wish I could find someone who makes it in Florida.
Be careful though - that is NOT spaghetti sauce... they put KETCHUP on it!
So much history happened here in Wenceslaus Square in the 80s while many of us were blissfully unaware of the problems of the world.
I got to visit the Museum of Communism when I was there for this trip. Seeing what teenagers were going through while I was that age really struck a chord with me. My biggest worries in the 80s were getting my first job at McDonalds or getting decent enough grades to get into college. Seeing the things that happened in this very spot was sobering.
There is definitely the American influence.
Can I just get a Big Mac?
Prague street food. Care for a fried cheese sandwich with mayo?!
Every bakery is better than the last one you visited 30 minutes ago.
Vital European travel tip: this means the bathroom!
If you are a Marionette marker, you can make some big bucks on the tourists.
The famous Prague Astronomical Clock was not all that exciting to me, but it is one of those gotta do touristy things.
Weird different perspective I liked.
