Travelers' Favorite Travel Finds of This Year: Secret Spots Across the World
From a Venetian-inspired Slovenian seaside settlement to a overlooked alpine train line in France, visitors disclosed their most memorable encounters from their journeys.
A Touch of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Shortly after stepping off the bus, an explorer pondered about their selection. But the first suspicions rapidly vanished upon entering Piran. This charming settlement provides beyond just swimming. Visitors can wander through beautiful piazzas and stone-paved lanes housing busy places to eat. Man-made platforms make the impressive Adriatic Sea manageable for all ages. Places in town serve up flaky pastries and beverages with friendly welcome.
Vintage Music in Germany's Capital
For aficionados of classic rock, 1960s pop, and soul, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated venue promises great enjoyment. The atmosphere is fantastic, complete with a DJ using exclusively vinyl. Chairs and tables are routinely cleared to allow for dance floor. Operating until the early hours, the bar occasionally has live music, ensuring a fantastic night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Poland's Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's town of Krynica-Zdrój in late spring provides a serene retreat. Visitors can hike to the peak of a ski run and climb a tall spiral platform for stunning panoramas over verdant pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Lemko culture can be felt through rustic dining serving robust fare and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a prolific folk artist, and the main area boasts a number of mineral taps to try.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The town of San Teodoro in Sardinia emerged as a wonderful find. Boasting three stunning white sand beaches, its lively town center comes alive in the evenings with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this spot delivered a local feel at a fraction of the cost. A hotel provided direct a path to the shore and a elegant and warm ambiance.
A Scenic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains close to the Swiss border lies a little-known train route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from a nearby city. However, this line is reportedly at risk of being closed. The journey includes photogenic bridges around the town of Morez, which are regarded as photographic gems. Travelers are encouraged to experience this special line while they can.
Archipelago History in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, offers interesting attractions and is reachable by boat from nearby countries. The landscape is beautiful, with coastline, woods, and farmland. A significant location at Bomarsund reveals a historical outpost established by Russia and subsequently demolished during the Crimean War. Walking through the site is without charge, with a small fee for the visitor centre.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to stroll for miles along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without passing another soul. This hidden landscape provides wide-open vistas, seals in the water, and an profusion of birdlife. The path follows along marshes bordering an river mouth, where remnants of old vessels can be seen. A walk can start at a 7th-century church, among the oldest in England, and finish in a pretty coastal town with inns, museums, and vineyards.
Engineering Marvel in Romania
Widely known as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's second-highest asphalt mountain road. Shut during the colder months, it typically opens in late spring. The trip features constant bends to ascend the steep mountainous slopes of the Carpathians, providing breathtaking scenery. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, often covered in snow, without a cable car. The journey also offers the potential for spotting bears, adding to the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Getaway Close to a Major City
A short ferry ride from a bustling metropolis transports visitors to a car-free getaway. As the evening approaches, the hustle and bustle fades for an serene atmosphere. Exploring the island, explorers stroll along quiet lanes featuring historic houses. The rhythm is leisurely, frequently broken by local felines and moments to gaze back at the skyline of the mainland. The return journey is often spent planning ideas for a comeback to this unique place.
Editor's Pick: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection resides. Located behind a Gothic building is a library that is free to enter and absolutely stunning. It contains thousands of rare tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition features exquisite 16th-century maps and
