Travelers' Favorite Travel Finds of The Past Year: Secret Spots Around the Globe
Starting with a Venice-like Slovenian coastal town to a forgotten mountain train line in France, visitors disclosed their standout finds from recent travels.
A Touch of Venice on the Slovenian Coast
Moments after getting off the bus, a traveler questioned about their choice. But the early hesitations rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This charming location provides more than a swim. Visitors can wander through beautiful Venetian squares and stone-paved lanes lined with bustling places to eat. Concrete diving platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea enjoyable for everyone. Nearby establishments offer flaky pastries and drinks with friendly service.
Classic Tunes in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of classic rock, 60s pop music, and soul, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A evening at a themed venue is a lot of fun. The ambiance is fantastic, complete with a DJ using exclusively records. Furniture are routinely moved to make space to dance. Open late, the bar sometimes features live music, guaranteeing a memorable experience.
Cultural Traditions in a Poland's Resort Town
Traveling into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in spring presents a serene escape. Guests can hike to the summit of a ski run and go up a giant twisting viewing tower for magnificent panoramas over green landscapes. This area is home to the Lemkos, a mountain community. Their culture can be felt through traditional dining serving hearty food and folk music. A museum showcases the work of a renowned folk artist, and the central spa has multiple medicinal water fountains to taste.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant find. Featuring several beautiful white sand beaches, its vibrant town center comes alive nightly with residents. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot offered a genuine atmosphere at a fraction of the price. A hotel provided convenient a path to the shore and a elegant and warm environment.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border runs a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a superb journey from a nearby city. Yet, this line is reportedly at risk of closure. The journey includes photogenic viaducts around the town of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Travelers are advised to see this special line soon.
Island History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous archipelago of Finland with a strong cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers notable museums and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The natural surroundings is attractive, with shores, forests, and farms. A significant site at Bomarsund reveals a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and then demolished during the mid-19th century conflict. Visiting the site is without charge, with a small fee for the on-site museum.
Coastal Solitude in Essex
One can hike for hours along a part of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another person. This undiscovered world provides sweeping views, seals offshore, and an abundance of birds. The path meanders along salt marsh bordering an river mouth, where remains of ships are visible. A walk can begin at a very old chapel, reportedly the oldest in England, and conclude in a charming town with pubs, galleries, and vineyards.
Automotive Marvel in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved route. Shut during the colder months, it typically reopens in early summer. The drive requires constant bends to climb the steep southern slopes of the Carpathians, offering excellent scenery. Travelers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, by car. The journey also includes the potential for wildlife sightings, adding to the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Close to a Metropolis
A quick journey from a vibrant metropolis takes people to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos fades for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, explorers stroll along historic roads flanked by grand mansions. The rhythm is relaxed, often paused by friendly cats and chances to stare back at the far-off mainland. The trip home is often filled with ideas for a comeback to this incredible sanctuary.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure can be found. Housed behind a historic building is a collection that is complimentary to enter and truly breathtaking. It holds a vast collection of ancient tomes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection includes detailed old cartography and
