Over the last decade, more and more Americans have begun traveling to Europe. In 2011, Europe saw a 3% increase in the amount of tourism coming from the United States. As we approach the peak of vacation season, European tourism is going to see an even bigger increase this year.

So if you are one of the many Americans visiting Europe this summer, it is naturally important to know about the most photographic places and attractions on the continent. If you’re one of the many people that haven’t planned a trip yet, then you may be convinced by these scenic suggestions. If you’re a photographer, you might find these sites and cities hard to resist.

The first must-see for travelers anxious for a good pic can be found in Poland. The Wawei Castle is a gothic masterpiece built by the orders of the Polish monarch, Casimir III The Great, in the 14th century. People have been living on the property ever since its inception. It makes a beautiful photographic centerpiece, especially as dusk approaches.

The inside is even more beautiful and it contains another item worth photographing: the Szczerbiec coronation sword. This is a legendary piece of craftsmanship that belonged to Polish royalty. The sword is the only element of the Polish Crown Jewels that was saved.

If you can make your way over to Austria you’ll also get to see castles, and you’ll get to see the panoramic views of beautiful snowcapped mountains from the Grossglockner Alpine Road. This is a toll road that runs up through the tallest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner, to the Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe Visitor Center at the very top. The whole drive up is scenic, and at the top you’ll be marveled by these unobstructed views of Austria’s beautiful horizon.

Not every site worth photographing in Europe has to be as far as the top of a mountain. If you do your research beforehand, you can ensure you’ll never have to leave your hotel to get a perfect pic. For instance, Bluegreen Resorts has a collection of visually stunning accommodations all over the globe. If you’re a new Bluegreen Resorts property owner, you can even use Vacation Points you’ve purchased toward your stay.

Not everyone wants to stay on the hotel grounds for their vacation photos. If you are the adventurous type, don’t forget to stop by famous European landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

If you didn’t get enough castle photos in continental Europe, one royal palace that comes to mind is Buckingham Palace in the UK. The Palace has been the home of British royalty since the early 19th century. During the months of August and September, visitors are able to view the inside of the State Rooms. While you’re collecting castle and palace pictures, don’t forget to stop by Edinburgh Castle. The inside of Edinburgh is more accessible to the public than the inside of Buckingham, and there are regular tours of the castle for tourists.