From a Venetian-inspired Slovene coastal town to a forgotten alpine railway in France, travelers revealed their standout discoveries from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their selection. Yet the initial hesitations soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This picturesque settlement offers more than a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through ornate Venetian squares and cobbled passageways lined with bustling places to eat. Man-made platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Local spots serve up crisp pastries and drinks with warm service.
Vintage Tunes in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, retro pop, and soul, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed venue offers immense fun. The ambiance is terrific, featuring a DJ spinning just vinyl records. Furniture are sometimes cleared to create space to dance. Operating late, the bar sometimes features live bands, making for a great evening.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Health Resort
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a peaceful retreat. Travelers may walk to the summit of a ski run and go up a giant wooden viewing tower for magnificent panoramas over verdant fields. This region is home to the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Their culture can be felt through rustic cuisine offering robust dishes and traditional music. A dedicated museum showcases the work of a prolific painter, and the central spa boasts several mineral water fountains to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant choice. Featuring three stunning sandy beaches, its lively town center is active every night with locals. While the popular Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town provided a more authentic experience at a much lower of the cost. A hotel featured convenient access to the sea and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border lies a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect journey from a nearby city. Yet, the route is reportedly under threat of being closed. The ride passes over breathtaking viaducts around the locality of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to ride this picturesque railway before it's too late.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct culture. The capital, Mariehamn, has notable museums and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is beautiful, with shores, woods, and farms. A historical location at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base established by Russia and then attacked during the Crimean War. Visiting the site is without charge, with a charge for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
One can walk for miles along a part of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not passing another person. This secret landscape offers wide-open vistas, marine life offshore, and an profusion of birdlife. The coast path winds along estuarine next to an estuary, where wrecks of old vessels lie. A hike can commence at a 7th-century place of worship, reportedly the most ancient in England, and finish in a quaint town with pubs, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in June. The trip involves numerous switchbacks to navigate the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking scenery. Drivers can access a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, by car. The route also presents the chance for wildlife sightings, adding to the unforgettable experience.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A short boat trip from a bustling metropolis takes travelers to a car-free island. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an serene atmosphere. Arriving on the island, visitors walk along quiet roads featuring beautiful homes. The pace is leisurely, with time paused by resident cats and opportunities to stare back at the distant city. The return journey is usually filled with ideas for a future return to this incredible place.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a historic building is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds numerous of ancient volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand illuminated manuscripts. The display features exquisite Renaissance-era cartography and
