Travelers' Top Travel Discoveries of 2025: Hidden Gems Around the Globe
Starting with a Venetian-style Slovene coastal town to a overlooked alpine train line in France, travelers revealed their most memorable encounters from their journeys.
A Slice of Venice on the Adriatic Shore
Moments after stepping off the bus, a traveler questioned about their choice. Yet the initial doubts quickly faded upon discovering Piran. This picturesque location presents more than swimming. Guests may meander through ornate Venetian squares and stone-paved lanes housing vibrant eateries. Man-made diving platforms turn the impressive Adriatic Sea accessible for all ages. Nearby establishments provide flaky pastries and refreshments with friendly service.
Classic Sounds in Berlin
For aficionados of 50s rock and roll, retro pop, and Motown, a true find can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a dedicated club promises a lot of fun. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ spinning only records. Chairs and tables are routinely pushed aside to create space to dance. Operating until the early hours, the bar sometimes hosts live bands, making for a memorable night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Spa Town
Journeying into the Polish spa town of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May offers a quiet retreat. Guests may walk to the summit of a ski run and go up a large spiral lookout for stunning vistas over green fields. This mountain range is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. The local heritage is on display through rustic restaurants serving substantial food and folk music. A dedicated museum celebrates the work of a prolific folk artist, and the central spa boasts several spring water fountains to sample.
Sardinian Coastal Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant choice. With multiple beautiful sandy coastlines, its vibrant center comes alive in the evenings with residents. While the world-famous Costa Smeralda is an hour's drive, this town provided a genuine feel at a fraction of the cost. A hotel featured easy entry to the shore and a elegant and warm atmosphere.
An Iconic Alpine Railway Journey in France
Tucked away in the Jura mountains by the Swiss border is a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This provides a great journey from the region. Yet, this service is potentially at risk of being closed. The trip features photogenic viaducts around the town of Morez, which are considered architectural treasures. Tourists are encouraged to experience this special railway before it's too late.
Island Heritage in the Baltic Sea
The Åland islands, found in the Baltic Sea, are an self-governing archipelago of Finland with a distinct cultural heritage. The capital, Mariehamn, features interesting attractions and is easy to get to by boat from multiple countries. The countryside is beautiful, featuring coastline, forests, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund marks a 19th-century naval base built by Russia and subsequently destroyed during the mid-19th century conflict. Walking through the fort ruins is without charge, with a ticket for the on-site museum.
Seaside Tranquility in England
It is possible to walk for miles along a stretch of the UK coastline on the Dengie peninsula without seeing another person. This secret world offers expansive vistas, marine life in the water, and an profusion of wildlife. The coast path meanders along estuarine flanking an estuary, where remains of boats are visible. A walk can begin at a ancient chapel, among the most ancient in England, and finish in a quaint town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Automotive Feat in Romania
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved mountain road. Inaccessible during the colder months, it usually opens in early summer. The journey requires numerous switchbacks to navigate the steep southern section of the Carpathians, providing incredible vistas. Visitors can drive up to a mountain lake, often surrounded by snow, directly. The journey also includes the opportunity for wildlife sightings, completing the remarkable adventure.
Ferry Escape Near a Metropolis
A brief boat trip from a vibrant city takes travelers to a tranquil island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an oceanic calm. Exploring the island, guests walk along quiet roads lined with grand mansions. The feel is slow, with time interrupted by resident felines and moments to look back at the far-off mainland. The trip home is usually accompanied by ideas for a next visit to this special retreat.
Top Discovery: Medieval Treasures in France
Within the historic town of Colmar in the Alsace region, a stunning collection awaits. Tucked away behind a historic church is a library that is free to enter and truly breathtaking. It houses numerous of rare tomes, with a highlight being over a thousand ancient texts. The exhibition showcases exquisite Renaissance-era maps and
