From a Venice-like Slovene town by the sea to a overlooked mountain railway in France, travelers revealed their standout discoveries from the past year.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after getting off the bus, a traveler pondered about their selection. Yet the first doubts soon dissipated upon entering Piran. This picturesque location provides more than swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and narrow lanes filled with busy places to eat. Man-made jumping points render the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Places in town provide crisp pastries and drinks with warm welcome.
Vintage Sounds in Berlin
For fans of classic rock, retro pop, and soul, a real discovery awaits in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated music bar offers great enjoyment. The ambiance is terrific, featuring a DJ spinning just records. Seating are sometimes moved to create dancing. Open until the early hours, the bar sometimes has performances, making for a memorable night out.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Spa Town
Crossing into the Poland's spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring offers a serene escape. Guests may walk to the peak of a ski run and climb a large spiral lookout for breathtaking vistas over verdant pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain ethnic group. Lemko culture can be experienced through rustic cuisine with robust food and folk music. A museum celebrates the work of a renowned folk artist, and the main area features several mineral taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful discovery. With three beautiful white sand beaches, its lively town center thrives nightly with families. Although the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town delivered a more authentic atmosphere at a much lower of the cost. A hotel offered convenient entry to the shore and a stylish but welcoming ambiance.
A Scenic Mountain Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a scenic train route known as the Swallows' Line. This is a superb day trip from the region. But, this line is reportedly at risk of shutting down. The trip passes over spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered photographic gems. Travelers are encouraged to see this picturesque line before it's too late.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting museums and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The natural surroundings is striking, featuring shores, forests, and farms. A historical site at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical fortress established by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the site is without charge, with a charge for the information center.
Seaside Solitude in England
One can walk for hours along a section of the English coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering another person. This hidden landscape provides sweeping vistas, marine life in the water, and an array of birdlife. The coast path follows along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where remnants of old vessels are visible. A journey can start at a very old chapel, among the earliest in England, and finish in a quaint coastal town with pubs, museums, and vineyards.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely described as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's spectacular paved route. Shut during winter, it typically opens in June. The trip requires many bends to navigate the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking vistas. Visitors can access a high-altitude lake, often surrounded by snow, by car. The route also includes the chance for wildlife sightings, completing the memorable experience.
Ferry Escape Near a Major City
A brief journey from a major city takes visitors to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an serene atmosphere. Walking through the island, guests walk along historic lanes featuring beautiful homes. The rhythm is relaxed, with time paused by friendly cats and chances to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often accompanied by thoughts for a comeback to this incredible retreat.
Winning Tip: Medieval Manuscripts in France
Within the medieval town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure resides. Housed behind a 14th-century building is a library that is free to enter and incredibly impressive. It holds a vast collection of rare books, with a star attraction being over a thousand ancient texts. The collection features exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
