Two Countries, One Trip--Best Countries to Pair Together Logistically

These were some of our favorite trips and none of them require flying to the second country. You can either use a rental car or public transportation.

Switzerland + France

Fly into Geneva, explore the city, do a chocolate tour, and take a boat ride out onto Lake Geneva. When you’ve had enough of the city, rent a car and head onto Chamonix, France. There’s lots of outdoorsy activities to do, and depending on which season you’re visiting, you can take a cable car up the mountain, a scenic train ride to an ice cave, hiking trails, or even take the kids on an alpine coaster. Depending on your timeframe, a day trip to Annecy, France is also a must.

England + Scotland

Both technically located in the UK, but still worth noting! Edinburgh is a short 4 hour train from London so you can fly into either city and spend some time before heading to the other country. You can add in the Scottish Highlands, the Isles, the Lake District in England, or the English coastline. There’s endless places to go and see. If you’re short on time and don’t want to stray too far outside London and Edinburgh, I highly recommend adding a stop in York, England. It’s right along the train route between the two cities, making it a perfect and easy stop.

Albania + North Macedonia

Fly into Tiranë and explore the capital before venturing off on an Albanian road trip. Heading north for the mountains or south for the Albanian Riviera. Before jetting off head to Ohrid, North Macedonia from Tiranë. It’s 2 1/2 hours east from the city. Ohrid is located on one of the oldest lakes in Europe and absolutely beautiful. Take a boat ride, visit the Church of Saint Jovan the Theologian at Kaneo, and snag a lounger at Beach Potpesh.

Denmark + Sweden

Fly into Copenhagen and spend time in the city! Boat tours, beautiful parks, the harbor… There’s so much to explore with kids! Take a day trip to Frederiksborg Palace in Hillerød before taking the short train to Malmo, Sweden. Spend a couple days in Malmo with a day trip to Lund for the open air museum, and then head off to Ystad for the cutest little Swedish village. Ales Stenar, a 1400 year-old monument along the sea, is a must add. Definitely an off the beaten path activity and absolutely gorgeous.

France + Italy

Fly into Nice, France and spend time on the French Riviera before taking the train to Italy. Explore towns such as Menton, St. Tropez, and Èze for epic French cuisine, views, and culture. The train to Italy brings you along the coastline and can take you into the city of Genoa or all the way to Cinque Terre. Highly recommend a little town called Sori in between for authentic Italy without the tourists. Add a day trip to Camogli or Portofino as well.

France + Monaco

Monica is a short train ride from Nice, making it such an easy add-on. Explore the French Riviera towns and carve out a night or two in Monaco. Casino de Monte Carlo is an obvious must, but also make sure to explore old town, and Parc Princesse Antoinette is great for kids and viewpoints! You can also add Monaco into your Italy and France itinerary.

Germany + Austria

Depending on your time, you can fly into Frankfurt or Munich, rent a car and take the romantic road down to Neuschwanstein castle. Town hopping along the way is a must – necessary stops in Wurzburg, Rothenberg ob der Tauber, Augsburg, Fussen, and more! After visiting the famous castle, dip into Austria with stops in Innsbruck, Hallstatt, or Salzburg before looping back up.