People are confidently booking travel again and many are looking for unique adventures.
Mittenwald, Germany
The sleepy fairy-tale like villages offer so much for multi-generational travelers, including castles and unique museums, snow-capped mountains and historic homes. Located just two hours from Munich and 40 minutes from Innsbruck, Mittenwald is a hidden gem. The Karewendel Alps offer a stunning backdrop for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. The Neuschwanstein Castle is just an hour’s drive.
Sicily and Southern Italy
The Italian cultural experiences are amazing. It’s best to get a mixture of the small-town local flavor and the city experience. Sicily offers a whole island of fascinating things to do. Visit the Valley of the temples and so many beaches. Also, don’t miss the little town of Scilla, Calabria, to connect with family history.
Canary Islands, Spain
A rare spot to enjoy beach weather in every season in this seven-island archipelago, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma featuring volcanic black sand beaches, vibrant culture and gourmet food. The Canary Islands offer an affordable vacation spot with hundreds of hiking trails.
Paris, France
is on every traveler’s must-see list. Tour the countryside, as well. Annecy is a charming town in the French Alps and boat to Chamonix and Samoens, two French ski villages full of activities in summer. Travel to the South of France to visit the seaside town of Menton, a blend of Italian, French and Northern African influences. For a quieter experience where history and nature intersect, head to Figeac, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. For the outdoorsy traveler, Figeac features cobblestone streets and 13th-century architecture, as well as hiking and canoeing.
Inishfree, Cork, Ireland
The little Island of Inishfree is a hidden gem in County Donegal. Renew your wedding vows on the Wild Atlantic Way or learn the ways of a professional hurler or sheep farmer in Northern Ireland. Then, kiss the Blarney Stone and visit Blarney Castle in Cork. Enjoy the local culture and fantastic seafood.
Ypres, Belgium
Learn the history of World War One and how Belgium respects history. Many of the small towns of Belgium each have their own beer craft and food influences from many surrounding countries.
The Cotswolds, Cornwall, Rye
Explore the little villages and step back in time in Rye with its cobblestone paths, quaint homes and buildings dating back to the 14th century. Castle Museum, Rye is tucked near the English Channel about 70 miles southeast of London.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Spend the day at Magic Park, a sprawling theme park packed with interesting things to do. There’s an array of accommodations, taverns and nightlife, so it’s a greatly overlooked destination. The smaller islands of Greece, Paxos, Los and Naxos, are connected by inter-island ferry service. Try the incredible restaurants with local delicacies.
Pag Island, Croatia
One of the 1200 Croatian islands in the Adriatic Sea is located 35 miles north of Zarar, the island’s northern section is famed with vibrant nightlife, while the southern area is tranquil and looks like an exotic desert-like landscape. Find numerous secluded beaches, calm coastline and crystal-clear water to escape to. Try the renowned artisanal sheep milk cheese, regional lamb and local white wine ”called Pag Zutica.
St. Gilgen, Austria
Seeking the authentic Alpine experience? Wolfgangee, a tiny village on one of Austria’s most picturesque lakes, is located 17 miles east of Salzburg, St. Gilgen. It is affordable, offering stunning landscapes, traditional cuisine and skiing at Zwolferhorn Mountain. In summer, hikers flock to its peak, and in the winter, the town comes alive during the holidays with its Christmas Market.
