A trip to Europe is on the bucket list of many people, but how do you decide what to see? There are nearly 50 countries on the continent, so the options are almost limitless. When planning a vacation, sit down and make a list of what’s important to you for that time you have away. Do you want to take in the arts and music? Do you want to experience the natural beauty? Do you want to lounge on the beach? Are you concerned about speaking a different language? By taking an inventory of your goals, you have a better chance of enjoying your trip.

For beginners, it may be ideal to hit major must see spots. Visiting the large cities to see the cultural icons is a great way to get a first view of the continent. Research the best times to visit, if traffic or weather is a concern, then lay out an itinerary.

The major cities are always the most popular destinations. The attraction of Tower Bridge and Big Ben gets London frequent visitors. Trafalgar Square and the British Museum draw culture buffs. If you would prefer the romance of Paris, be sure to visit the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, but take time to enjoy some of the famous cuisine. Or, if you’re looking to be surrounded by the greatest empire in the history of Western civilization, go to Rome and take in the Coliseum, Trajan’s Forum or the Spanish Steps. In many of the larger cities, you could spend a month there and not see everything.

If you’re more in the mood for a sunny stay on sandy beaches, Europe has plenty of options along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. From Portugal to Turkey, there are more than 2,000 miles of coastline for you to enjoy. The popular spots, the most celebrated beaches are near cities like Barcelona or on sun-kissed islands like Sicily, Crete or Ibiza.

Before you pack up and head to the nearest major destination, be sure to do some research. You may find out there are less-visited spots with views that are just as good. Plus, by taking a few minutes to look into the details, you avoid the embarrassing possibility of turning up at a nudist camp with your kids in tow. Even on the latest “it” destination, Ibiza, there are places like Cala Tarida with relatively few tourists on a given day.

Maybe, instead of passing through a crowded city or laying on a sandy beach, you’d rather trek across some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. There are options all over the continent of Europe, from the Pyrenees between France and Spain to the Alps in Central Europe. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even take a trail from Portugal to Hungary using the E-path numbering system. Though the most famous paths are in Austria and Switzerland, scaling alpine peaks like the Matterhorn or Berchtesgaden, there are choices through the Scottish highlands, too, for all sorts of skill levels.

Considering the wealth of choices available, it can be overwhelming. By determining What To See In Europe interested in and taking some time to learn more about your options, you’ll make the most of your tour.