From a Venice-like Slovene coastal town to a little-known alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their standout encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Shortly after getting off the bus, one visitor questioned about their choice. But the initial suspicions soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This delightful town offers more than a swim. Visitors may meander through ornate piazzas and narrow alleys filled with bustling seafood restaurants. Man-made jumping points render the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Places in town offer delicious pastries and drinks with warm service.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A visit at a specialized venue offers immense fun. The ambiance is fantastic, with a DJ playing only records. Seating are routinely pushed aside to create dance floor. Staying open late, the bar occasionally hosts live bands, making for a fantastic night out.
Ethnic Traditions in a Poland's Spa Town
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a quiet retreat. Guests may walk to the summit of a slope and go up a large wooden lookout for stunning views over verdant landscapes. This area is home to the Lemkos, a Carpathian ethnic group. Their culture can be felt through traditional restaurants offering substantial food and music. A museum celebrates the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa has a number of medicinal taps to try.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful find. Featuring three beautiful white sand coastlines, its lively town center is active every night with residents. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a local feel at a a quarter of the price. Accommodation offered convenient a path to the beach and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Scenic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect day trip from a nearby city. But, this line is potentially threatened of closure. The ride passes over spectacular stone arches around the town of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are advised to ride this picturesque railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, offers interesting sites and is accessible by ferry from several countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund reveals a historical fortress constructed by Russia and later demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the fort ruins is free, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to hike for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering anyone. This secret area offers wide-open vistas, marine life in the water, and an abundance of wildlife. The path meanders along estuarine next to an river mouth, where remains of old vessels are visible. A hike can start at a very old place of worship, one of the oldest in England, and conclude in a pretty coastal town with inns, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in Romania
Widely described as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved road. Closed during the colder months, it typically opens in June. The trip involves constant bends to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, offering breathtaking scenery. Travelers can reach a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The route also includes the opportunity for seeing animals, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Near a Major City
A short boat trip from a vibrant city takes visitors to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, explorers walk along tree-lined lanes featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is relaxed, often broken by resident felines and moments to stare back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is usually filled with ideas for a comeback to this special retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem can be found. Located behind a 14th-century building is a archive that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds thousands of magnificent tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features gorgeous 16th-century cartography and
