As Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Europe’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its cascading lakes, lush forests, and an ethereal landscape that seems plucked from a fairy tale. With a series of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls and surrounded
Found deep within the Pyrenees near the border with France, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is a striking testament to nature’s grandeur. Established in 1918, it is Spain’s second oldest national park and arguably one of its most spectacular. With towering limestone cliffs, lush forests, and the legendary Monte Perdido—the “Lost Mountain”—this UNESCO World
Nestled just 30 kilometers northwest of Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park offers a serene escape into Finland’s pristine natural landscapes. Established in 1994, the park spans approximately 53 square kilometers across the municipalities of Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti. Nuuksio’s terrain is characterized by a rich tapestry of dense forests, tranquil lakes, and rugged hills. The park
Located in northeast Greece, Mount Olympus National Park is far more than a geographic marvel—it’s a living, breathing blend of mythology, biodiversity, and stunning natural beauty. Established in 1938 as Greece’s first national park, it protects the awe-inspiring slopes of Mount Olympus. It’s the highest mountain in the country and the legendary home of the
Rising majestically in the Caucasus Mountains of southern Russia, Mount Elbrus National Park is home to Europe’s highest peak and one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Dominated by the snow-capped twin summits of Mount Elbrus, the park is a sanctuary of geological wonders, alpine meadows, and ancient glaciers. Mount Elbrus National
When it comes to seafood, Europe is coastal royalty. Craving the kind of seafood that tastes like it swam onto your plate with a side of ocean breeze? From the fjord-flecked edges of Norway to the sardine-studded shores of Portugal, Europe treats seafood not just as cuisine, but as a full-blown art form. Whether you’re
Let’s be honest: when most people think of Chile, they picture mountains, wine, and maybe a penguin or two awkwardly waddling down Patagonia. But what they should be picturing is you, in a plush robe, sipping Carménère by a steaming hot spring, at one of Chile’s jaw-dropping, high-altitude, zero-stress-all-attitude resorts. Chile’s resorts are grossly underrated
Let’s be honest: when you think of Paris, your mind likely drifts to flaky croissants, not flakey gym resolutions. But beneath all that butter and Brie lies a city teeming with toned torsos and très chic treadmills. In the land of love and Louvre, Parisians have mastered the art of staying fit without breaking a
1. Introduction: Waking Up With the Sea The first light filters through the porthole. The only sounds are the soft lapping of water against the hull and the occasional gull cry overhead. You step barefoot onto the teak deck, greeted by a gentle sea breeze and the scent of salt in the air. Coffee in hand,
Helsinki may be famed for its Nordic design and steamy saunas, but for those in the know, its bakery scene is where the real warmth lies. This cozy, caffeine-loving capital is a dream come true for anyone who reveres artisanal bread, rich coffee, and pastries. Imagine Helsinki as a croissant—crisp, elegant, and layered with surprises—best
With its distinctive blend of Russian and Nordic influences, Finland stands apart as arguably the most unique of the so-called Scandinavian countries—even though, technically, it’s not part of Scandinavia. Still, Finland shares so many cultural similarities and aesthetic sensibilities with its neighbors that most people, Finns included, just go with the flow and lump it
The New Forest National Park, located in the south of England, is a captivating region filled with natural beauty and rich history. Established in 2005, the park covers diverse landscapes, including heathlands, ancient woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. It offers a blend of scenic views, outdoor activities, and a sense of tranquility that attracts visitors from
Nestled in the southeastern corner of France, Mercantour National Park offers one of the most enchanting and diverse landscapes in Europe. Sprawling across the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, this park is a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural explorers alike. Mercantour National Park is a masterpiece of natural contrasts. Snow-capped peaks rise to over
Nestled in County Kerry in southwest Ireland, Killarney National Park is an expanse of rugged mountains, serene lakes, ancient woodlands, and rich cultural heritage. As Ireland’s first national park—established in 1932 following a donation of the Muckross Estate—it remains one of the most beloved and ecologically significant areas in the country. The park spans over
Nestled in the heart of Upper Austria, Kalkalpen National Park (Nationalpark Kalkalpen) is a stunning tribute to nature’s resilience and grandeur. This UNESCO-designated wilderness area is Austria’s largest forested national park and a sanctuary for ancient beech forests, wild mountain landscapes, and rare species that thrive in unspoiled habitats. Established in 1997, Kalkalpen National Park
Tucked deep in the heart of Norway, Jotunheimen National Park is a land where myth and majesty collide. Meaning “Home of the Giants” in Old Norse, Jotunheimen more than lives up to its name. With its soaring peaks, ancient glaciers, and untamed valleys, it feels like a world apart—a wild, awe-inspiring place that has captivated
Over the last few years, sustainability has been a huge talking point across various industries. In travel, it’s eco-friendly hotels and sustainable restaurants leading the charge. If you’re like most people, you’ve spent years pretending that eating kale salads offsets your carbon footprint from those spontaneous weekend flights. Good news: there are actually places where