Slovenia

To celebrate a special milestone birthday, my family embarked on a 10-day road trip through Croatia, with day trips to Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia. It was a spectacular journey during which we encountered truly stunning landscapes, from ancient ruins and picturesque villages to breathtaking mountains and pristine coastlines. While the Balkans have become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years, there are still areas that remain relatively untouched by mass tourism, a perfect part of the world for wandering!

Are you dreaming of a luxurious European escape without the typical tourist crowds? While cities like Paris, Rome and Barcelona are renowned for their opulence, there are countless hidden gems across Europe that offer equally luxurious experiences in more serene settings. Here, I explore some of Europe’s less-traveled towns where you can indulge in high-end accommodations, gourmet dining and exclusive activities.

I am always seeking a balance of natural landscapes and charming cities. Slovenia covers it all! It’s a hidden gem in Central Europe, beckoning with its ethereal beauty and vibrant cultural tapestry is often overlooked by many US travelers. From charming cities adorned with captivating architecture to breathtaking natural landscapes featuring crystal-clear lakes and verdant mountains, Slovenia promises an unforgettable journey through its diverse and enchanting terrain.

My fiancé and I tacked on Slovenia to our three-week long European trip this past summer because I had always dreamed of seeing Lake Bled in person from the moment I saw a picture of the serene blue water. And let me tell you — it exceeded my expectations tenfold. It's a beautiful country with so many things to do: there's the beach, mountains and many lakes. Coming straight from Italy, which was extremely crowded in July, Slovenia offered amazing food, architecture and views with WAY less people.

Ljubljana claimed a spot in my top five European cities almost immediately. This friendly capital city of Slovenia still feels relatively undiscovered. There are the standard museums and churches to visit, but what really sets Ljubljana apart for me are the cobblestone streets to explore, the meandering river to walk along, the picturesque bridges to cross, and the incredible hilltop castle rich with history and dragon legends!

Slovenia is the hidden gem of the Adriatic coast and if you want to visit it before it becomes the next Croatia, go now! The country offers something for everyone with its terrain ranging from the Julian Alps in the north to the Mediterranean resort towns on the Adriatic coastline. Locals boast about Slovenia being one of the few places in the world where you can ski in the Alps in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon, enjoying world-ranked wine in between!

Slovenia has quickly taken the travel world by storm. From its picturesque towns to seaside getaways, this small country has rapidly risen the ranks of top places to visit in Europe. And one of Slovenia’s biggest assets is its nature. The country is nestled in between the Alps, providing breathtaking views and endless outdoor activities. As a Slovenian myself, I’m excited to share what this country can provide you regarding outdoor thrills and unforgettable adventure.

Ljubljana offers travelers the charm of a big city in a small package. There is so much to do without being overwhelmed. Spend the day sampling delicious traditional dishes, exploring the museums or getting outside in nature. It will not take long to acquire its easy-going lifestyle to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. I am excited to be able to share my love for the city with you, and I hope to spark a curiosity that inspires you to visit this beautiful city in Slovenia.