Where to Go in Europe (Based on What You Love)

We've all been there: 20 browser tabs open, cross-referencing weather, prices, and "must-see" lists until the excitement of the trip is replaced by exhaustion. This is Travel Decision Fatigue. There's just too much out there.. and when that happens, most of us end up picking whatever place everyone else is going to. But the most popular spot isn't always the one that's actually right for you.

I grew up in New England, and the first time I saw Europe I was only ten—my family took me to the UK, Italy, and Germany. The scenery felt entirely different from what I knew, yet somehow deeply familiar. Since my early twenties, I have been a frequent traveler to Europe, mostly to the UK and France. The old streets and historic atmosphere seemed to tell the stories that New England hints at but never fully shows, almost like seeing the past that shaped places such as Boston.

London and the Cornwall region were always my favorite places in the UK. When I was in France, I found myself going back to Nice and the Côte d'Azur again and again. The coastline there was what really taught me how beautiful seaside regions could be, and those scenes are still clear in my mind from when I was younger.

Choosing a travel destination in Europe is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you have an entire continent filled with breathtaking history and diverse landscapes. On the other hand, you have the "Paradox of Choice." When every city from Lisbon to Prague looks stunning on Instagram, how do you actually decide where to land? Most of us fall into the trap of endless Googling, only to end up at the same ten tourist-heavy spots. But your vacation shouldn't feel like a research project.

Why Pictures Speak Louder Than Words

Sometimes, a single photograph can tell you more about a destination than a 2,000-word blog post ever could. In my experience, simply looking at a destination's scenery is often enough to instantly feel if it's the right place for you. You don't need to read long paragraphs; you just need to see it.

This is exactly why I built Travel Roulette as a visual-first experience. I wanted people to instantly see beautiful photos of a destination while also getting key details at a glance, such as distance, daily budget, and safety. Rather than battling information overload, the idea is to embrace the joy of discovery and let imagery guide you to your next trip (of course, along with the fun of rolling the dice!). For every destination on Travel Roulette, my colleagues and I put a lot of care into selecting images that truly capture the spirit of each location. In some cases, this was not easy, especially when photos were limited. That said, we hope you enjoy exploring the more than 5,000 images on the site, with the collection continuing to grow.

The Blend of Fun and Function

My goal was to build a tool that brings together two things at once: practical travel data and the simple fun of a roulette-style experience. Even more than that, I wanted people to feel the excitement of traveling while they are still browsing, just by exploring different places and their scenery. My wife and I have always felt that planning a trip is often just as fun as the trip itself.

Once the dice roll, you aren't just given a name; you get a complete vibe check with real-time stats:

• Visual Discovery: Enjoy high-quality photos that reveal the destination's atmosphere, like the architectural marvel of the Oslo Opera House.
• Location Intelligence: See exactly how far the spot is From Your Location (e.g., 7,738 km) so you can gauge the travel time.
• The "Pint of Beer" Index: Get a real sense of the local cost of living through practical stats like average hotel room prices ($150–300/night) and even the price of a pint of beer ($5.5–$6.5).
• Safety & Popularity: Quickly check the Popularity Index (e.g., 79/100) and Safety ratings to travel with peace of mind.

How to Find Your "Hidden Gem" in Europe

Planning a European getaway is easier when you define your vibe rather than just a country. On Travel Roulette, you can filter your spin by:

• Region: Select EU West for classic charm, or explore EU Central & East for historic architecture.
• Interests: Choose from Iconic Landmarks, Seaside escapes, Culture & History, or Urban & Modern vibes.

Below are a few combination examples (that I really like!) and the results I got:

• Results for the EU West + Seaside combination
• Results for the SE. Asia + Seaside combination
• Results for the EU West + Culture & History combination
• Results for the N. America + Popular destination combination
• Results for the EU Central & East + Popular destination combination

The best travel stories rarely come from a perfectly planned itinerary you find on the first page of a search engine. They usually begin with that "accidental" city you decided to visit on a whim. If you are stuck wondering where to go in Europe (or anywhere, really), how about stopping the overthinking and rolling the dice for once? At the very least, you might discover hidden gems you had never even considered. I wish you the best of luck on your future journeys!