Small-Town Europe - Full-Time Travel

Small-Town Europe

Uncovering Europe's Secret Small Towns

Low-Key Lunches, Unmissable Views and Culture-Rich Countrysides

Rolling hills covered in lemon trees and grapevines; twisting, turning cobblestoned streets; former whaling villages turned surfer colonies. Small European towns and villages still feel off-the-map during a time when globalization and a never-ending social feed keeps you scrolling past bucket list capitals. Instead, these villages give travelers a real sense of place, from the landscape to the food, and aren’t yet filled with tourist traps like their big city counterparts. If you ask us, it’s time you took a European detour.

@bigun_tatiana

Rhodes, Greece

The largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is the ultimate alchemy of old and new. A bridge separates the cobblestoned, medieval Old Town from the modern, bustling New Town. Travel tip: This is the perfect hub to rent a boat and visit Greek isles for the day.

@johnsdestinations

Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca

Prepare to be in awe as you wander the historic streets of Palma de Mallorca, where you’ll run into stunning reminders of this capital city’s medieval history. Be sure to stop and admire the Gothic Cathedral, aptly located in the heart of town.

@gillyberlin

Riga, Latvia

You wouldn’t guess that a city known for its futuristic skyline is actually 70% mountains and parks. Travel tip: the famously seamless Peak Tram will zip you from the city center to Victoria Peak—the highest point on the island—in just eight minutes.

@himdani

Biarritz, France

A French whaling village turned surfers’ paradise, one look at Biarritz’s dazzling coastline will tell you why this town has always been known for its relationship with the sea. Travel tip: You don’t need to speak French or own a wetsuit to take a surf lesson. Head down to the beach for a private or group lesson.

@its_sciama

Bogliasco, Genoa

Tucked away just southeast of Genoa, Bogliasco offers quaint Mediterranean charm without the hustle of heavy tourism. Make it a day trip by taking a train from Genoa, and discover the town that inspired the likes of Nietzsche and Ezra Pound.

@hobopeeba

Montenegro

Don’t be deceived by the small size of Montenegro—this tiny country is packed with sweeping mountain views and gorgeous coastlines. Immerse yourself in local history by visiting one of its ornate churches or monasteries, or venture toward the mountains for the hike of a lifetime.

@robinooode

Utrecht, Netherlands

Venice isn’t the only city with canals. The tree-lined canals of Utrecht will take you to medieval warehouses that have been converted into restaurants and cafés.

Asia Travel Bucket List

Seven Awe-Inspiring Asian Cities

City hopping in Asia feels more like time traveling than anything else. The manicured Zen gardens and ancient temples of the more traditional regions will transport you to the distant past, while the trendsetting, electric urban hubs will launch you into the future. Even better is when the two worlds collide—don’t be surprised if you catch a geisha slipping her phone out of her kimono to take a selfie. We can spend several lifetimes listing incredible Asian cities, but for now we’ve rounded up seven of our favorites to get you started.

@jordhammond

Tokyo, Japan

Bursts of light emit from neon signs and brilliant screens to illuminate the streets of this fast-paced city. For a more traditional experience, catch a Kabuki play or a soumu tournament. Or embrace the sci-fi vibes and venture into Tokyo’s Kabukicho red-light district for a robot cabaret, instead.

@howfarfromhome

Kyoto, Japan

If it’s ancient tradition, ornate Zen gardens and stately temples you seek, look no further than Kyoto. Share the sidewalk with an elegant geisha or a Buddhist monk as you make your way to a traditional teahouse.

@jordhammond

Hong Kong, China

You wouldn’t guess that a city known for its futuristic skyline is actually 70% mountains and parks. Travel tip: the famously seamless Peak Tram will zip you from the city center to Victoria Peak—the highest point on the island—in just eight minutes.

@howfarfromhome

Hoi An, Vietnam

Travel back in time by visiting the ancient Chinese temples and historic tea warehouses of Hoi An. This charming coastal city is packed with traditional charm and splashes of color.

@ideanna

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The mountainous city of Chiang Mai is known for its array of breathtakingly elaborate Buddhist temples, and with good reason. From the lavish mosaic inlays that line the interior of the revered Wat Phra Singh, to the towering carved snakes guarding the exterior of the Wat Chedi Luang, these spiritual structures will not fail to inspire you.

@jordhammond

Bangkok, Thailand

This is not a place to sit back and passively observe—you’ll have to hit the streets of Bangkok to fully experience the cultural flavors that this urban hotspot has to offer. Curious wanderers will be rewarded with mouth watering street food and a refreshing meld of tradition meets modernity.

"This sculpture is called "Transmission" by artist Daniel Popper. Its a reminder that we are all rooted in love, unity and the divine. She stands a towering 28 feet tall and is located on Mojave Moon Ranch in Joshua Tree. The land is private property, so you can see it from the viewing platform off of Sunfair Road. And take it from me, it's best viewed at sunset."

Reel: @johnofah
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There's more to Greece than the white and blue buildings and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. If you're planning a visit, check out these places below!

📍Kokkinopilos. Preveza
📍Verliga Dragon lake, Thessaly
📍Ithaca island, lonian Sea
📍Aoos springs lake, Epirus
📍Lake Prespes, Macedonia
📍Balda di Stringa waterfalls, Epirus
📍Meteora, Thessaly
📍Pelion, Thessaly
📍Lake Zorika, Epirus
📍Mt Lakmos
📍Crete island, Aegean Sea
📍Gistova Dragon lake, Macedonia

Reel: @farawayfarers
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Swim or kayak through the limestone cliffs of the Twin Lagoon, a must-visit destination for those traveling to Coron, Palawan, Philippines. It is called "twin" lagoon because it consists of two lagoons separated by a limestone cliff, with one lagoon on top of the other. The water in the inner lagoon is warm and clear, with a stunning turquoise color that makes it popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Reel: @travelifejournal
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Take a dip in a series of seven saltwater lagoons located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The Lagoons of Baltinache are known for their beautiful turquoise waters and unique geological formations. The high concentration of minerals in the water gives it a unique buoyancy that makes swimming in the lagoons a unique experience.

Reel: @everchanginghorizon
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Watching the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park is one of the most memorable experiences you could have. Haleakalā is a Hawaiian name that means “House of the Sun” and is an awesome place to watch the clear night sky and stars fade away as the sun lights up the sky and the earth.

Reel: @girlchill_sunset
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Just 1 hour from Shanghai by train, Cherry Blossom Valley is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The valley is named after the thousands of cherry blossom trees that cover the area and create a stunning display of pink and white flowers. The trees were originally planted in the 1980s by a group of Japanese experts who were invited to China to help with reforestation efforts. The best time to visit is typically in late March or early April. Get there early to beat the crowds!

Reel: @cyncynti
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New Zealand is unbelievable. See it for yourself:

1. Fiordland National Park
2. A classic backcountry hut trip
3. Blue Pools walk
4. Hooker Lake
5. Milford Sound
6. Lake Pukaki

Reel: @kylekotajarvi
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Surrounded by lush greenery, towering karst mountains, and the river flowing through, the Detian Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the close relationship between China and Vietnam. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest cross-border waterfall in the world.

Reel: @sophoebelous
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Escape to a serene and peaceful oasis away from the bustling city of Marrakech at Le Jardin Secret—a beautiful and historic garden where visitors can escape the noise and chaos and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden was originally built in the 16th century and is home to many different species of plants, including exotic flowers, citrus trees, and palm trees.

Reel: @hypermiggzz
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For a magical moment and bucket list travel experience, visit the end point of the annual monarch butterfly migration. Starting in August, the monarchs travel 2,800 miles south from Canada, making a temporary home amid the towering trees of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, where the two most popular sanctuaries to view them are el Rosario in the state of Michoacan and Piedra Herrada in Estado de México. Standing in silence while thousands of delicate wings beat in unison is something you'll never forget.

Reel: @juliiathompson
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There's just something beautiful about snow covered landscapes like this popular attraction in southwestern Utah. Known for its unique geology, @brycecanyonnps_gov consists of a series of natural amphitheaters, called "hoodoos," formed by erosion of the rock layers.

Photo: @nathanleeallen
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As we experience a couple more weeks of winter, we can't help but dream of tropical destinations like Hawaii. The warm water, sunny skies, and consistent waves make it an ideal destination for surfers. Hawaii has a vibrant surf culture and community and is also a beautiful place to explore outside of the water, with lush green mountains, stunning beaches, and unique cultural experiences.

Reel: @christopherballadarez
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5 PLACES IN THE U.S. THAT FEEL LIKE ANOTHER PLANET:
1. @sequoiakingsnps, California
2. @canyonlandsnps, Utah
3. @olympic_nps, Washington
4. @whitesandsnps, New Mexico
5. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
6. Knik Glacier, Alaska

Reel: @nathanleeallen
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