Starting with a Venetian-style Slovenian seaside settlement to a little-known mountain railway in France, visitors have shared their most memorable discoveries from recent travels.
Venetian Flair on the Slovenian Shoreline
Moments after getting off the bus, an explorer wondered about their decision. Yet the early hesitations quickly faded upon entering Piran. This charming settlement provides more than swimming. Guests can wander through beautiful public squares and cobbled lanes filled with busy places to eat. Concrete diving platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Local spots offer crisp pastries and refreshments with warm welcome.
Retro Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1960s pop, and soul music, a true find awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed club offers a lot of fun. The vibe is terrific, complete with a DJ playing only vinyl. Furniture are routinely moved to allow for dancing. Operating late into the night, the bar at times hosts live music, ensuring a memorable evening.
Cultural Traditions in a Polish Spa Town
Traveling into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring presents a quiet retreat. Travelers can hike to the summit of a slope and climb a tall wooden platform for magnificent vistas over verdant pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain people. Lemko culture is on display through traditional cuisine with robust food and music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a noted folk artist, and the central spa has several spring taps to taste.
Sardinia's Seaside Beauty
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a brilliant discovery. With several wonderful white sand shores, its bustling center is active nightly with families. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this location delivered a local feel at a a quarter of the price. The lodging featured convenient a path to the beach and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Scenic Alpine Train Ride in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a scenic rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great day trip from the region. Yet, the route is potentially under threat of shutting down. The journey includes breathtaking bridges around the locality of Morez, which are seen as architectural treasures. Visitors are advised to ride this picturesque line while they can.
Archipelago Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable attractions and is easy to get to by boat from several countries. The countryside is striking, with rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A historical site at Bomarsund marks a historical fortress established by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can stroll for hours along a section of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing anyone. This undiscovered landscape provides expansive vistas, seals offshore, and an abundance of wildlife. The trail follows along marshes next to an estuary, where wrecks of ships are visible. A journey can commence at a 7th-century church, among the earliest in England, and end in a pretty coastal town with pubs, galleries, and wineries.
Automotive Marvel in Romania
Widely described as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved route. Inaccessible during winter, it typically reopens in late spring. The trip requires many bends to climb the steep mountainous section of the Carpathians, offering excellent scenery. Travelers can reach a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, by car. The route also includes the chance for spotting bears, completing the memorable adventure.
Island Escape Near a Metropolis
A brief ferry ride from a vibrant metropolis transports people to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the city chaos fades for an oceanic calm. Walking through the island, visitors stroll along historic roads lined with beautiful homes. The pace is relaxed, with time interrupted by resident felines and opportunities to gaze back at the far-off mainland. The ferry back is usually filled with ideas for a comeback to this special place.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Treasures in Alsace
Within the medieval city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection can be found. Located behind a Gothic building is a collection that is open to the public to enter and incredibly impressive. It contains numerous of magnificent volumes, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition showcases exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
