From a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a overlooked alpine train line in France, visitors have shared their most unforgettable encounters from the past year.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their choice. Yet the first suspicions soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This delightful town offers more than a swim. Visitors are able to stroll through beautiful public squares and cobbled passageways housing vibrant places to eat. Man-made jumping points render the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Nearby establishments serve up crisp pastries and beverages with friendly welcome.
Retro Tunes in Berlin
For aficionados of classic rock, retro pop, and soul music, a gem exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed music bar is immense fun. The ambiance is terrific, featuring a DJ spinning exclusively records. Chairs and tables are routinely pushed aside to make dancing. Operating late, the bar at times features live music, making for a memorable evening.
Ethnic Legacy in a Polish Health Resort
Journeying into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in spring offers a peaceful escape. Travelers are able to climb to the peak of a hill and climb a large wooden viewing tower for magnificent vistas over lush fields. This mountain range is home to the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture can be experienced through rustic dining offering robust dishes and folk music. A museum displays the work of a renowned painter, and the main area has a number of spring water fountains to try.
Sardinian Coastal Beauty
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant discovery. With three wonderful sandy shores, its bustling centre comes alive nightly with families. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot offered a genuine feel at a much lower of the cost. A hotel provided convenient access to the shore and a chic yet friendly ambiance.
A Historic Mountain Train Ride in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a perfect day trip from nearby cities. Yet, this service is said to be under threat of closure. The ride passes over breathtaking bridges around the area of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Tourists are encouraged to experience this unique railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a strong identity. The main town, Mariehamn, has notable sites and is easy to get to by ferry from several countries. The natural surroundings is striking, with coastline, forests, and farmland. A significant fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base constructed by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the remains is free, with a small fee for the information center.
Coastal Solitude in England
One can walk for miles along a stretch of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering anyone. This secret landscape provides expansive views, seals offshore, and an array of wildlife. The path winds along marshes flanking an river mouth, where remnants of ships can be seen. A journey can commence at a ancient church, among the earliest in England, and finish in a quaint town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a masterpiece of road engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually opens in June. The drive requires constant turns to ascend the dramatic mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing incredible views. Visitors can drive up to a high-altitude lake, sometimes covered in snow, without a cable car. The drive also offers the opportunity for seeing animals, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Near a Major City
A quick boat trip from a bustling city transports travelers to a peaceful island. As the sun sets, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, explorers stroll along tree-lined lanes flanked by historic houses. The pace is relaxed, often interrupted by resident cats and chances to look back at the far-off mainland. The trip home is often accompanied by ideas for a future return to this unique retreat.
Top Discovery: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Tucked away behind a historic church is a library that is complimentary to enter and absolutely stunning. It houses a vast collection of rare tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection includes exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
