Readers' Top Journey Finds of 2025: Secret Spots Worldwide
Starting with a Venetian-inspired Slovenian coastal town to a overlooked alpine train line in France, visitors revealed their most unforgettable discoveries from recent travels.
A Slice of Venice on the Slovenian Shoreline
Right after arriving, one visitor pondered about their decision. Yet the first hesitations soon dissipated upon discovering Piran. This charming settlement presents more than swimming. Tourists are able to stroll through elaborately decorated Venetian squares and cobbled lanes housing busy places to eat. Concrete platforms render the stunning Adriatic Sea accessible for people of every age. Places in town offer delicious pastries and beverages with warm service.
Classic Tunes in The German Capital
For aficionados of classic rock, retro pop, and soul music, a real discovery can be found in Berlin's Neukölln district. A night out at a themed music bar promises immense fun. The ambiance is terrific, with a DJ using exclusively records. Seating are sometimes moved to allow for dance floor. Open late, the bar at times hosts live music, making for a memorable night out.
Ethnic Heritage in a Polish Resort Town
Journeying into the Poland's destination of Krynica-Zdrój in mid-May provides a serene getaway. Visitors can hike to the peak of a hill and climb a giant twisting viewing tower for magnificent panoramas over verdant fields. This region is the homeland of the Lemkos, a Carpathian community. Their culture can be experienced through traditional cuisine serving robust dishes and folk music. A museum showcases the work of a renowned naive artist, and the town centre features several spring water fountains to sample.
Sardinia's Coastal Treasure
The destination of San Teodoro in Sardinia was a brilliant find. Featuring three wonderful white sand beaches, its vibrant centre thrives nightly with residents. Although the popular Costa Smeralda is nearby, this spot delivered a local feel at a much lower of the price. A hotel featured easy entry to the shore and a chic yet friendly environment.
An Iconic Mountain Rail Line in France
Nestled in the Jura mountains near the Swiss border is a little-known rail route known as the Swallows' Line. This makes for a superb excursion from nearby cities. Yet, this line is reportedly threatened of closure. The journey includes spectacular viaducts around the area of Morez, which are considered beautiful sights. Tourists are advised to ride this unique railway while they can.
Island History in the Baltic
The Åland islands, situated in the Baltic Sea, are an autonomous region of Finland with a Swedish cultural heritage. The main town, Mariehamn, features notable museums and is reachable by ferry from nearby countries. The landscape is attractive, featuring rocky inlets, forests, and farms. A significant fort at Bomarsund tells the story of a historical outpost built by Russia and subsequently attacked during the mid-19th century conflict. Exploring the remains is free, with a small fee for the information center.
Coastal Tranquility in England
One can stroll for miles along a part of the British coastline on the Dengie peninsula and not encountering another person. This secret area offers wide-open vistas, seals bobbing in the sea, and an profusion of birds. The trail follows along salt marsh flanking an estuary, where remnants of ships are visible. A journey can start at a ancient place of worship, reportedly the oldest in England, and conclude in a pretty coastal town with inns, museums, and wineries.
Engineering Feat in The Carpathians
Widely known as a masterpiece of engineering, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania's high-altitude paved route. Inaccessible during the colder months, it typically opens in late spring. The drive involves many switchbacks to ascend the dramatic southern slopes of the Carpathians, rewarding incredible views. Drivers can drive up to a high-altitude lake, still ringed with snow, by car. The route also includes the potential for spotting bears, completing the remarkable experience.
Island Escape Near a Major City
A brief boat trip from a major city takes people to a car-free island. As the day ends, the city chaos is replaced for an peaceful setting. Arriving on the island, visitors walk along quiet streets flanked by beautiful homes. The feel is slow, often broken by resident felines and chances to stare back at the far-off city. The return journey is usually filled with plans for a next visit to this special retreat.
Editor's Pick: Ancient Manuscripts in Alsace
Within the historic city of Colmar in the Alsace region, a true hidden gem resides. Tucked away behind a Gothic church is a library that is open to the public to enter and absolutely stunning. It holds a vast collection of magnificent volumes, with a centerpiece being over a thousand hand-decorated books. The exhibition includes exquisite old cartography and
