Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene town by the sea to a forgotten alpine train line in France, travelers revealed their most unforgettable encounters from recent travels.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after arriving, a traveler wondered about their choice. But the first suspicions soon dissipated upon experiencing Piran. This charming town provides beyond just swimming. Visitors are able to stroll through beautiful Venetian squares and cobbled lanes housing busy places to eat. Concrete diving platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Local spots provide flaky pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Vintage Sounds in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and Motown, a true find exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed venue offers a lot of fun. The vibe is fantastic, featuring a DJ spinning only vinyl. Seating are routinely pushed aside to allow for space to dance. Staying open until the early hours, the bar at times features live music, making for a fantastic evening.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Health Resort
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring provides a serene escape. Travelers are able to climb to the top of a hill and climb a giant wooden viewing tower for stunning vistas over green landscapes. This area is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage can be experienced through traditional dining with robust food and folk music. A gallery celebrates the work of a prolific painter, and the main area features multiple mineral water fountains to sample.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a wonderful discovery. Featuring multiple stunning white sand shores, its bustling town center comes alive nightly with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town delivered a more authentic feel at a fraction of the price. The lodging offered easy a path to the beach and a stylish but welcoming atmosphere.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb journey from the region. But, this line is reportedly at risk of being closed. The trip features breathtaking stone arches around the area of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Travelers are advised to ride this picturesque railway soon.
Archipelago History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, features interesting sites and is accessible by ferry from several countries. The countryside is striking, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A notable site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century outpost constructed by Russia and then destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the remains is without charge, with a ticket for the visitor centre.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can stroll for hours along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another person. This undiscovered area offers expansive vistas, marine life bobbing in the sea, and an array of birdlife. The trail winds along estuarine next to an estuary, where remains of old vessels can be seen. A hike can start at a 7th-century chapel, among the earliest in England, and conclude in a pretty coastal town with inns, galleries, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt route. Closed during the colder months, it usually reopens in early summer. The trip involves many switchbacks to ascend the dramatic southern section of the Carpathians, offering excellent scenery. Drivers can drive up to a mountain lake, still surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The route also presents the opportunity for spotting bears, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Major City
A quick ferry ride from a vibrant city takes travelers to a car-free getaway. As the day ends, the hustle and bustle is replaced for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, visitors stroll along tree-lined roads lined with historic houses. The pace is relaxed, often broken by local cats and chances to gaze back at the distant city. The trip home is often filled with plans for a next visit to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Housed behind a 14th-century church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds a vast collection of magnificent books, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The display includes exquisite old cartography and
