5 Small Towns That Will Make You Say WOW!
• Originally broadcast via email on October 25, 2024 •
Planning out my bucket list is basically a full-time hobby at this point (no shocker there, right? 😂)
Some of these towns are places we’ve been lucky enough to visit already, and a few are still waiting for us to check off my list.
Either way, they all deliver a major WOW factor, so I wanted to share them with you to get you thinking about planning your next trip.
1. Colmar, France
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Colmar has been sitting on my bucket list forever.
It’s as if the Netherlands and Venice had a baby 😍
This place really reminds me of Annecy, France, which is another place to check out and add to your bucket list.
Every time I see photos, I think about strolling those cobblestone streets with a coffee in hand.
2. Aurland, Norway
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To date, Aurland is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been.
Because let’s face it, the fjords of Norway are simply unmatched. We went hiking in the fiords of New Zealand and while it was incredible, there’s just something about the dramatic scenery of Scandinavia that make you want to that makes you want to apply for dual citizenship and never leave.
Quick Tip: If you ever decide to visit Aurland, be sure to make it up to Stegastein viewpoint for some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see in your life.
3. Tropea, Italy
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The first time I saw a picture of Tropea on Facebook, I honestly thought it was AI-generated.
I had to stop what I was doing and look it up because I genuinely couldn’t believe it was real.
A town perched on cliffs above the most insanely blue water? It looked too perfect to exist in real life.
Surprise! It’s REAL.
Now Tropea is sitting high on my bucket list, and of course, I’m already looking up the coolest places to stay when visiting (is that one of your favorite hobbies, too? 😜)
4. Pontresina, Switzerland
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Over the past 10 years, I’ve been lucky enough to explore so many incredible places in Switzerland: Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Adelboden, etc.
Honestly, I thought I had pretty much covered all the outrageously amazing towns this country has to offer.
But here’s the thing about Switzerland: just when you think you’ve seen it all, it surprises you with another hidden gem.
Pontresina is high on my list, and I already know it’s going to deliver those Swiss mountain vibes I love so much.
5. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
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Here’s a unique destination I didn’t know I needed in my life: Cesky Krumlov.
Honestly, I’ve never been anywhere in the Czech Republic (or Czechia).
Prague has always been on my radar, but somehow I kept getting pulled toward other European destinations instead.
That is, until I stumbled across this adorable town…
Now, Cesky Krumlov is giving me every reason to finally make that trip: medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and a castle straight out of a storybook.
👉 Which Town Would YOU Pick?
Okay, your turn! If you could pick one of the five destinations above, which would you explore?
Hit reply to this email and let me know!
💡 Quick Travel Tip of the Week
Booking your next holiday?
Consider traveling “long-term”, if possible.
If you can stay in a destination for 29 days or longer, you can find some insanely good accommodation deals**.
**Full disclaimer: The recommendations below are Airbnbs. While we used to love Airbnb, we’ve had some issues with the company in recent years. We only use Airbnb for long-term stays, and we only choose homes that have a very high host rating.
A few examples:
- This condo with a pool in Bali for $950 per month
- This home in Crete, Greece for $765 per month
- This condo with a pool in Chiang Mai, Thailand for $550 per month
- This apartment with amazing ocean views in Sarande, Albania for $450 per month
- This adorable apartment with pool in Kavač, Montenegro for $575 per month
I know not everyone can travel for an entire month, but if you’re working remotely or have some time off, give it a shot!
Long-term travel gives you the chance to really unwind and soak in the local culture at a slower pace.
Plus, the slower you travel, the deeper you connect with the destination, and isn’t that what the best trips are all about?
Have a great week and happy travels!
Laura
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