From a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a overlooked alpine train line in France, explorers have shared their most memorable encounters from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Shortly after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their selection. But the early hesitations rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming settlement presents beyond just a swim. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and stone-paved lanes lined with vibrant seafood restaurants. Man-made jumping points make the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Local spots provide crisp pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Vintage Music in Berlin
For lovers of classic rock, retro pop, and soul, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a specialized venue is a lot of fun. The ambiance is fabulous, complete with a DJ spinning just vinyl records. Chairs and tables are often cleared to allow for dancing. Staying open late into the night, the bar occasionally features live music, ensuring a great night out.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Journeying into the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring presents a serene getaway. Guests can hike to the top of a slope and go up a large twisting platform for stunning views over lush fields. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Lemko culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering hearty dishes and traditional music. A gallery showcases the work of a prolific folk artist, and the main area has multiple medicinal water sources to sample.
Sardinian Seaside Gem
The place of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a excellent discovery. Featuring three beautiful white sand beaches, its lively town center comes alive in the evenings with residents. While the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this town offered a genuine atmosphere at a fraction of the price. The lodging featured easy entry to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great excursion from nearby cities. Yet, the route is potentially threatened of closure. The journey passes over spectacular viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to see this special railway soon.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is easy to get to by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is attractive, with shores, forests, and farmland. A historical fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base established by Russia and later destroyed during the Crimean War. Visiting the remains is complimentary, with a charge for the visitor centre.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can hike for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This undiscovered world boasts wide-open vistas, seals offshore, and an array of birdlife. The path winds along marshes next to an river mouth, where remains of ships can be seen. A hike can commence at a 7th-century place of worship, among the most ancient in England, and conclude in a charming town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved road. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in June. The drive features numerous turns to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering excellent views. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, by car. The drive also offers the opportunity for wildlife sightings, enhancing the memorable experience.
Island Getaway Near a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a bustling metropolis transports travelers to a tranquil island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, explorers stroll along historic lanes flanked by historic houses. The rhythm is leisurely, often broken by local felines and moments to stare back at the distant mainland. The ferry back is often filled with ideas for a future return to this incredible place.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Tucked away behind a historic building is a archive that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses a vast collection of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features detailed Renaissance-era maps and
