Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian seaside settlement to a little-known mountain train line in France, visitors have shared their most memorable encounters from recent travels.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Coast
Right after stepping off the bus, a traveler wondered about their selection. Yet the early suspicions soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This picturesque town offers beyond just a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through elaborately decorated piazzas and stone-paved passageways housing bustling eateries. Concrete platforms render the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for everyone. Nearby establishments serve up delicious pastries and beverages with friendly welcome.
Vintage Music in Berlin
For lovers of 50s rock and roll, 60s pop music, and soul music, a gem can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a specialized music bar offers immense fun. The vibe is fantastic, featuring a DJ playing just vinyl records. Furniture are sometimes cleared to create dancing. Open late into the night, the bar at times hosts live music, ensuring a memorable experience.
Cultural Legacy in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a serene getaway. Travelers are able to climb to the peak of a slope and climb a tall spiral viewing tower for breathtaking vistas over green landscapes. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain community. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic dining serving robust dishes and traditional music. A museum displays the work of a renowned naive artist, and the main area boasts multiple spring water fountains to try.
Sardinian Seaside Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. With multiple beautiful white sand coastlines, its bustling center thrives nightly with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this spot offered a genuine atmosphere at a a quarter of the cost. Accommodation offered convenient access to the beach and a elegant and warm environment.
A Historic Alpine Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border is a scenic railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This is a perfect journey from nearby cities. Yet, this line is reportedly under threat of shutting down. The journey features spectacular stone arches around the locality of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Visitors are encouraged to experience this picturesque line soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is accessible by boat from multiple countries. The landscape is striking, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farmland. A notable location at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and then destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the site is complimentary, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in Essex
One can hike for hours along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not seeing another soul. This secret area provides wide-open vistas, marine life offshore, and an array of wildlife. The trail follows along estuarine flanking an estuary, where wrecks of ships are visible. A hike can begin at a 7th-century chapel, among the oldest in England, and finish in a quaint town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt route. Shut during winter, it usually reopens in late spring. The drive features many switchbacks to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering incredible views. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, by car. The route also offers the chance for spotting bears, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A short ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis transports visitors to a car-free island. As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle dissipates for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors meander along tree-lined lanes flanked by grand mansions. The pace is slow, frequently broken by local cats and chances to look back at the far-off city. The trip home is often spent planning thoughts for a next visit to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Housed behind a Gothic church is a collection that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds thousands of ancient tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition showcases detailed Renaissance-era cartography and
