Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked alpine railway in France, travelers have shared their standout encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Right after arriving, a traveler pondered about their decision. Yet the first suspicions soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque town presents more than a swim. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated public squares and narrow alleys lined with vibrant seafood restaurants. Concrete platforms turn the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Nearby establishments serve up delicious pastries and refreshments with genuine service.
Vintage Music in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of classic rock, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a dedicated music bar offers a lot of fun. The atmosphere is fabulous, with a DJ using only records. Furniture are sometimes cleared to create dance floor. Staying open late, the bar at times has live music, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Cultural Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Journeying into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a quiet getaway. Guests may walk to the top of a hill and ascend a large twisting platform for stunning panoramas over lush fields. This region is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. The local heritage is on display through traditional cuisine offering hearty fare and folk music. A museum celebrates the work of a prolific naive artist, and the central spa features a number of mineral water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent find. With three beautiful white sand shores, its vibrant center comes alive nightly with residents. Although the renowned Costa Smeralda is nearby, this location provided a genuine feel at a much lower of the price. The lodging featured direct a path to the beach and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect journey from a nearby city. However, this service is reportedly under threat of being closed. The journey features photogenic bridges around the town of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to experience this picturesque railway soon.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is easy to get to by boat from nearby countries. The landscape is striking, characterized by rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A historical site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress constructed by Russia and later attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the fort ruins is free, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can walk for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This hidden area provides wide-open vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an abundance of birdlife. The coast path follows along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remnants of boats lie. A journey can commence at a 7th-century place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and end in a quaint coastal town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely known as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved road. Closed during winter, it typically opens in late spring. The drive requires constant switchbacks to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible scenery. Drivers can access a high-altitude lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also presents the opportunity for seeing animals, enhancing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A short boat trip from a bustling city takes people to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, explorers stroll along historic lanes lined with beautiful homes. The pace is slow, often broken by local cats and opportunities to gaze back at the skyline of the city. The ferry back is often spent planning ideas for a comeback to this incredible place.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Located behind a historic church is a collection that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds numerous of magnificent books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition includes detailed Renaissance-era maps and
