Starting with a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a forgotten alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their most memorable encounters from recent travels.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Right after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their selection. Yet the early doubts rapidly vanished upon discovering Piran. This picturesque town offers more than a swim. Visitors may meander through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and narrow lanes housing busy eateries. Man-made platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Places in town serve up delicious pastries and beverages with warm welcome.
Retro Music in Germany's Capital
For fans of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed venue is great enjoyment. The atmosphere is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing just vinyl records. Seating are routinely pushed aside to make dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar sometimes hosts live music, ensuring a fantastic experience.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Crossing into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May presents a peaceful escape. Guests are able to climb to the summit of a slope and go up a tall spiral viewing tower for magnificent vistas over green pastures. This area is inhabited by the Lemkos, a Carpathian people. Lemko culture can be felt through traditional cuisine with robust fare and traditional music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a noted naive artist, and the central spa features a number of spring water fountains to try.
Sardinia's Coastal Gem
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant find. Boasting several wonderful sandy coastlines, its lively center comes alive nightly with residents. While the renowned Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town provided a local experience at a a quarter of the price. A hotel featured direct a path to the beach and a chic yet friendly environment.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a rural railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a superb excursion from a nearby city. However, this line is said to be at risk of shutting down. The journey passes over photogenic stone arches around the area of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Visitors are advised to ride this picturesque railway before it's too late.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish identity. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The landscape is beautiful, characterized by shores, forests, and farms. A notable site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical outpost constructed by Russia and later attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is free, with a ticket for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in Essex
It is possible to walk for hours along a stretch of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering anyone. This hidden world offers sweeping vistas, marine life in the water, and an abundance of wildlife. The path meanders along marshes bordering an river mouth, where remnants of ships can be seen. A journey can begin at a ancient chapel, one of the oldest in England, and conclude in a charming coastal town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest paved road. Closed during the colder months, it typically opens in early summer. The trip requires constant bends to ascend the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking vistas. Visitors can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, without a cable car. The route also presents the potential for spotting bears, adding to the memorable adventure.
Ferry Escape Near a Metropolis
A short boat trip from a bustling city takes visitors to a car-free island. As the day ends, the urban energy fades for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, explorers walk along historic lanes featuring historic houses. The feel is relaxed, often broken by local felines and moments to look back at the distant mainland. The trip home is usually accompanied by ideas for a future return to this special retreat.
Winning Tip: Ancient Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Tucked away behind a Gothic church is a library that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses numerous of magnificent books, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection includes gorgeous Renaissance-era maps and
