“I love to travel”, is one of the most uninformed statement anyone can say and it happens to be true. Only a man completely satisfied with his whereabouts would not want to travel. One such man who almost detested travelling was Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa, whose wonderful Book of Disquiet crackles with outrage:
I abhor new ways of life and unfamiliar places. . . . The idea of travelling nauseates me. . . . Ah, let those who don’t exist travel! . . . Travel is for those who cannot feel. . . . Only extreme poverty of the imagination justifies having to move around to feel.
Yet, for the rest of us, travel moves beyond the physical—it is an exercise in imagination. And Europe happens to be the most romanticised version of that imagination. If your first impressions of European cities have been shaped by establishing shots in films, panning over London, Paris, Amsterdam and beyond, the idea of travelling there can feel almost within reach until you encounter the paperwork, planning and, of course, the Schengen visa.
For travellers planning a trip to Europe, choosing where to submit a Schengen visa application can be an important consideration. Recent European Commission statistics show that visa refusal rates vary significantly between Schengen countries and applicant locations. However, applicants must apply through the country that is their main destination, rather than simply choosing the country perceived to have the highest approval rate.
So, if you’re planning a trip as the holiday calendar offers plenty of opportunities for a well-relaxed travel, there are countries to consider as your entry points to explore European cafes, culture and beauty. Here are 8 countries where it’s easy to get a Schengen Visa.