From a Venetian-style Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known alpine train line in France, travelers have shared their most memorable discoveries from their journeys.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after stepping off the bus, a traveler pondered about their selection. However the initial suspicions quickly faded upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque settlement offers beyond just swimming. Guests are able to stroll through elaborately decorated piazzas and stone-paved lanes filled with vibrant seafood restaurants. Concrete jumping points turn the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Nearby establishments provide flaky pastries and refreshments with friendly hospitality.
Retro Tunes in Berlin
For fans of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul music, a gem awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized venue offers great enjoyment. The vibe is terrific, featuring a DJ playing only records. Chairs and tables are routinely moved to create dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally has performances, guaranteeing a great evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a quiet escape. Travelers are able to climb to the summit of a hill and ascend a tall spiral lookout for breathtaking views over verdant landscapes. This mountain range is inhabited by the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture can be experienced through traditional dining offering hearty food and folk music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a prolific folk artist, and the main area boasts multiple medicinal water fountains to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a wonderful find. Featuring multiple stunning pristine shores, its bustling town center thrives nightly with families. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot provided a genuine experience at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation offered easy access to the beach and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
An Iconic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a rural rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a perfect day trip from the region. However, the route is said to be under threat of being closed. The journey features breathtaking bridges around the town of Morez, which are regarded as beautiful sights. Tourists are urged to ride this special railway while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a Swedish identity. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring shores, forests, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century fortress constructed by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is complimentary, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can walk for miles along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering anyone. This undiscovered area boasts expansive vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birdlife. The trail meanders along estuarine flanking an estuary, where wrecks of ships lie. A journey can start at a 7th-century church, among the most ancient in England, and end in a quaint coastal town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Closed during winter, it usually opens in late spring. The drive features many turns to navigate the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering incredible vistas. Travelers can access a high-altitude lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The drive also offers the potential for spotting bears, adding to the unforgettable experience.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A quick boat trip from a vibrant city takes visitors to a tranquil island. As the evening approaches, the city chaos fades for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, visitors meander along quiet lanes featuring beautiful homes. The feel is slow, with time paused by resident felines and moments to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The trip home is often filled with ideas for a next visit to this unique place.
Top Discovery: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Housed behind a historic building is a collection that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds numerous of rare books, with a star attraction being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The exhibition showcases gorgeous old maps and
