How to See More Countries in One Trip: Quick Getaways from Major Destinations

If you're anything like me, you're probably always short on time but bursting with curiosity. That means squeezing every last drop of adventure out of a trip—often by hopping across borders to explore nearby countries. One of my favorite travel hacks is to plan my journeys around convenient, quick day trips or overnights into neighboring nations. You’d be surprised how easy it is to add an extra stamp to your passport with just a short ferry, bus, or train ride.

Here’s a collection of easy getaways that let you experience two (or more!) countries in one go—without the stress of long flights or complicated logistics.

1. Barcelona, Spain → Andorra

How to get there: Direct buses from Barcelona to Andorra la Vella take 3–4 hours.

• Cost: Around €35–€45 round trip.

• Tip: Book ahead during ski season or holidays.

Nestled in the Pyrenees, Andorra is a tax-free microstate known for its ski resorts, hiking trails, and scenic mountain views. Perfect for a day of shopping, nature, and fresh mountain air.

2. Stockholm, Sweden → Tallinn, Estonia

How to get there: Take an overnight ferry (15 hours) or a 1-hour flight.

• Cost: Ferries start at €20–€80 one way; flights range from €40–€100.

Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Whether you ferry or fly, Estonia offers a cozy, quirky contrast to Sweden.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark → Malmö, Sweden

How to get there: Train across the Øresund Bridge in about 35 minutes.

• Cost: Around €12 one way.

One of Europe’s easiest cross-border trips. Malmö has cool Scandinavian vibes with art, design, and seaside cafés.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia → Montenegro

How to get there: Bus, car, or transfer (2–3 hours to Kotor/Budva).

• Cost: Around €15–€30 by bus.

The scenic Adriatic drive is stunning. Montenegro is full of old towns, beaches, and mountains—don't miss Kotor’s bay views.

5. Albania → Greece (Corfu)

How to get there: Ferry from Saranda to Corfu (30–70 minutes).

• Cost: About €20–€25 one way.

A quick jump between countries. Albania’s rugged coast meets the relaxed island life of Greece.

6. Nice, France → Monaco

How to get there: Train or bus in under 30 minutes.

• Cost: €4–€6 by train.

Monaco is all glitz and glam. Check out the casino, the marina, or just sip espresso with views.

7. Faro, Portugal → Morocco / Spain → Morocco

How to get there:

• Flights from Portugal: Direct flights from Faro, Lisbon, or Porto to cities like Tangier, Casablanca, or Marrakech.

  • Flight time: Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

  • Cost: €30–€120, depending on season and airline.

• Ferry from Spain (via southern Portugal):

  • Travel from southern Portugal to Seville (by bus or train).

  • Then continue to Tarifa or Algeciras.

  • From Tarifa, take a ferry to Tangier (about 1 hour).

  • Ferry cost: Around €35–€45 one way.

  • Bus/train from Seville to Tarifa/Algeciras: About 3–4 hours, €15–€25.

It’s wild how close North Africa is—completely different culture, food, and landscape just a short hop away.

8. Ireland → Northern Ireland (UK)

How to get there: Bus or train from Dublin to Belfast (2–3 hours).

• Cost: About €15–€25.

Same island, different vibe. Switch from euros to pounds, and experience Belfast’s history and Northern Ireland’s coast.

9. Zurich or Innsbruck → Liechtenstein

How to get there:

• From Zurich: Train to Sargans, then bus to Vaduz – about 2 hours total.

• From Innsbruck, Austria: Train to Feldkirch, then bus to Vaduz – around 2.5 hours.

• Cost: Around €20–€30 total from either starting point.

Liechtenstein is tiny but packed with charm—castles, trails, and postcard-perfect views. A day here is like stepping into a fairy tale.

10. Vienna, Austria → Bratislava, Slovakia

How to get there: Just 1 hour by train or 1–1.5 hours by boat down the Danube.

• Cost: Trains cost around €10–€15 one way; boats range from €25–€35.

• Tip: The ferry is scenic and especially fun in summer—book ahead for good weather days.

You can literally have breakfast in Vienna and lunch in Bratislava. Bratislava’s Old Town is compact and walkable, filled with quirky statues, colorful streets, and cozy cafés. It’s one of Europe’s easiest international day trips and a great way to experience two capitals in one weekend.

Final Thoughts

Travel doesn't have to mean long-haul flights and time-consuming connections. With a bit of planning and a thirst for adventure, you can turn a single-country trip into a multi-country journey—collecting cultures, cuisines, and memories along the way.

So next time you're mapping out a getaway, zoom out a little—there just might be another country waiting right around the corner.