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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
