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.

Explore the fascinating world of Piedra Pómez in northwest Argentina! This lightweight volcanic rock is used in everything from construction to beauty products, while its unique formations create breathtaking landscapes that attract adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Spring has arrived in the state of Washington.

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Off the grid - at the end of the world, where dunes collide into the Atlantic Ocean. 📍 Sandwich Harbor / Namibia

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Reel: @s.x.traveler ➡️ Escape to the rugged beauty of Calhau das Achadas da Cruz, where Madeira`s wild heart beats in harmony with the Atlantic`s endless blue. Nestled in the remote northwest, this gem in Porto Moniz is a world away from the everyday. ...

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Nothing beats spring in the English countryside.

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Swim with killer whales, camp with friends, and cool off in a river surrounded by the beauty of Baja, California. 🇲🇽

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This surreal store in Chengdu, China, which includes over 80,000 books, is lined with images of books on the upper shelves so it would appear that they stretch from floor to ceiling.

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Patagonia is pretty much the most magical place on Earth.

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inspired by Space exploration’s seminal era, as it sits in quiet solitude surrounded by pitted rock format, Echo Camp in Antarctica gives you as close as you can get to feeling off the planet without leaving Earth.

It`s the newest luxury adventure experience from White Desert where you can enjoy fine dining, ice climbing, cross-country skiing and for the adventurers learn life saving techniques.

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Welcome to the new @thewhitelotus hotel @fskohsamui 🌴 The resort offers stunning views, beautiful beaches, and upscale amenities, which align with the high-end and exotic backdrop often sought after by TV producers. Will you be tuning in to the new season?

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Dreaming of traveling to warmer destinations like Lucky Bay in Western Australia.

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Discover the allure of Pidurangala Rock, a captivating geological marvel adjacent to Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. Embark on a scenic hike that unveils panoramic vistas of Sigiriya Rock, lush forests, and distant mountains. Explore a historic cave temple at the base and catch the magic of sunrise or sunset from the summit.

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Located in Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh in India, Kardang Village offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan landscapes and its 12th century monastery that holds cultural and historical significance in the region.

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