Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten alpine train line in France, travelers have shared their standout encounters from the past year.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, an explorer wondered about their decision. However the early suspicions rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement provides more than a swim. Tourists may meander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and cobbled passageways housing bustling seafood restaurants. Concrete jumping points turn the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Places in town serve up delicious pastries and beverages with friendly welcome.
Retro Tunes in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated music bar offers great enjoyment. The atmosphere is fabulous, with a DJ using only records. Chairs and tables are often cleared to create dancing. Open late into the night, the bar sometimes hosts live music, making for a great night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Health Resort
Journeying into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a serene retreat. Visitors are able to climb to the top of a ski run and ascend a large twisting viewing tower for breathtaking views over lush fields. This region is home to the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. The local heritage can be felt through rustic cuisine with robust food and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned folk artist, and the main area boasts multiple medicinal taps to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful choice. With multiple wonderful pristine beaches, its bustling town center is active every night with families. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town offered a local feel at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation featured direct access to the sea and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a great excursion from the region. But, this service is said to be under threat of shutting down. The journey features breathtaking stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are seen as beautiful sights. Travelers are urged to see this unique line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is striking, characterized by coastline, woods, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and later demolished during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is complimentary, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
It is possible to walk for hours along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another person. This undiscovered area provides wide-open vistas, seals in the water, and an abundance of birds. The trail follows along salt marsh bordering an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels can be seen. A hike can commence at a very old church, reportedly the oldest in England, and finish in a charming town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved road. Inaccessible during winter, it usually reopens in late spring. The drive features many bends to ascend the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing incredible views. Drivers can reach a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The route also offers the opportunity for wildlife sightings, completing the unforgettable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a vibrant city takes travelers to a peaceful getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an peaceful setting. Exploring the island, visitors meander along quiet roads lined with beautiful homes. The rhythm is leisurely, frequently interrupted by local felines and opportunities to look back at the distant city. The trip home is often filled with plans for a future return to this unique sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Housed behind a historic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses a vast collection of magnificent volumes, with a highlight being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition includes gorgeous old cartography and
