Globetrotters' Favorite Travel Finds of This Year: Hidden Gems Worldwide
Starting with a Venice-like Slovene seaside settlement to a little-known alpine railway in France, visitors disclosed their most memorable finds from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after arriving, a traveler questioned about their decision. However the early doubts rapidly vanished upon experiencing Piran. This picturesque town presents beyond just swimming. Guests can wander through elaborately decorated piazzas and stone-paved passageways lined with vibrant eateries. Concrete diving platforms render the majestic Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town offer delicious pastries and drinks with friendly hospitality.
Retro Sounds in The German Capital
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, 1960s pop, and soul, a real discovery exists in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed venue promises great enjoyment. The vibe is terrific, featuring a DJ playing only vinyl records. Furniture are often moved to make dancing. Operating late, the bar at times features performances, making for a fantastic evening.
Cultural Heritage in a Poland's Spa Town
Crossing into the Polish destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a quiet getaway. Travelers may walk to the peak of a slope and climb a large wooden platform for magnificent views over verdant pastures. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a mountain people. Their culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine offering robust food and folk music. A gallery displays the work of a renowned naive artist, and the central spa boasts a number of spring taps to try.
Sardinia's Seaside Gem
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia proved to be a brilliant choice. Featuring three wonderful sandy beaches, its bustling town center comes alive every night with families. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is a short drive, this town delivered a genuine atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. The lodging offered convenient a path to the shore and a chic yet friendly atmosphere.
A Historic Alpine Train Ride in France
Hidden in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border lies a little-known railway line known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from the region. But, this service is potentially threatened of shutting down. The trip passes over breathtaking viaducts around the town of Morez, which are seen as photographic gems. Visitors are advised to see this unique railway soon.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, located in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable attractions and is accessible by ferry from multiple countries. The countryside is beautiful, featuring coastline, forests, and farmland. A significant site at Bomarsund tells the story of a 19th-century outpost built by Russia and subsequently demolished during the Crimean War. Exploring the site is free, with a small fee for the information center.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula without encountering anyone. This hidden area offers sweeping views, marine life offshore, and an abundance of wildlife. The path follows along salt marsh bordering an estuary, where remnants of ships can be seen. A hike can begin at a very old place of worship, reportedly the earliest in England, and conclude in a pretty town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in The Carpathians
Widely regarded as a feat of construction, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude asphalt road. Inaccessible during winter, it usually reopens in late spring. The journey features many turns to climb the dramatic mountainous section of the Carpathians, rewarding breathtaking vistas. Travelers can access a mountain lake, sometimes surrounded by snow, by car. The journey also presents the potential for spotting bears, enhancing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Close to a Metropolis
A quick boat trip from a vibrant metropolis transports visitors to a tranquil getaway. As the evening approaches, the urban energy dissipates for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, visitors meander along tree-lined streets flanked by beautiful homes. The pace is relaxed, with time broken by resident cats and chances to look back at the skyline of the mainland. The trip home is often filled with ideas for a future return to this unique place.
Winning Tip: Medieval Treasures in Alsace
Within the half-timbered town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a remarkable treasure awaits. Housed behind a Gothic building is a library that is open to the public to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses numerous of magnificent tomes, with a star attraction being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The collection features exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
