After a few trips around Europe, I started to loathe McDonald’s. The American restaurant chain is everywhere, near the Spanish steps in Rome, Italy, the Louvre in Paris, France, even in Rynek Glowny, the main square in Krakow, Poland. Those golden arches I loved as a child, were ruining all my grand travel dreams and photos as an adult, but the world-wide fast food restaurant hasn’t taken over everywhere.
There are still some secret travel spots in the world, some even hidden in the nooks and crannies of large cities. However, travelers won’t find these secret spots following guide books and hotel maps. It takes a lot of searching and talking with locals. Some spots may require long walks, getting lost and sometimes even a little danger, but it’s all worth it to find that one place no one you know has ever been to or even heard of for that matter. Here are a few I’ve found during my travels.
I.) Vela Luka on the island of Korcula, Croatia.
Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon
Escape busy cities and even busier beaches during the summer in Europe with a weekend in Vela Luka, located on the island of Korcula on the coast of Croatia. A tiny shore town, on a tiny island, it’s one place on the Adriatic Sea that hasn’t been invaded by cruise ships and day trippers.
Arriving in the port, travelers will see placid green and blue waters lining a mountainous green landscape, speckled with clay-orange houses.
The island is a best kept secret for scuba divers as well. The calm, clear waters are a great place to learn how to dive. Croatia Divers offers open water, advanced and other certifications. Divers are unlikely to see any sharks, but will spot a lot of squids octopus and other sea life.
There are only a few shops and restaurants in town, but an array of worldly cuisines and authentic merchandise. Expect fresh seafood daily, friendly locals and beautiful sunsets. Being in Eastern Europe, Vela Luka is more affordable than well-known beach destinations in Western Europe and not too far away. At dusk the sky turns pink as the sun sinks away to reveal a perfect starry night.
How to get there: Ferries from Split, on the coast of Croatia, usually run at least once a day, but check the times before arriving. Purchase tickets online or at the port. Visitors can reach Split by train from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. The train ride alone is a great travel secret, as passengers get the chance to see Croatia’s beautiful landscapes.
II. Myrtleford in Northeast Victoria, Australia
Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon
While most of the Australian population lives in cities along the coast, travelers really must visit the country to truly experience the land down under and one day on a group bus isn’t enough. Once a bustling tobacco center, after the Australian government band production of tobacco, Myrtleford has calmed down, but kept its unique charm. The small town along Great Alpine Road is an ideal stop or starting point for winter sport-enthusiasts and nature lovers.
With very few commercial businesses, tiny bakeries and coffee shops are family owned and operated. Women carry baskets instead of purses and tiny cottages on back streets are surrounded by rose bushes.
The tiny town is also center to an up-and-coming Australian wine destination. Visit the town information center on Great Alpine Road to learn more about local wineries as well as other town activities. While travelers won’t find many of their kind their, it’s easy to fit in with the friendly locals.
How to get there: The best way is by car, via Great Alpine Road, the Great Ocean Road of the mountains. By car, tourists can stop in the city, but also visit surrounding attractions and nature reserves. By public transportation, travelers can take a V-Line train from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. Get off at Seymour and take a bus to Wangaratta. At Wangaratta board a bus to Myrtleford, which drops passengers off in the town center. It sounds confusing, but it’s fairly simple and the bus drivers are very helpful.
III. Piazza at Schmidts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
A recent addition to Philadelphia’s up-and-coming Northern Liberties neighborhood, Piazza at Schmidts is a popular spot among locals. The new, pricey apartment complex has an extremely modern glass and metal design located amongst classic Northeast American architecture. Buildings surround a massive brick square surrounded by vintage clothing stores, restaurants and bars. Eastern European-like, stringed street lamps hang above the grey brick courtyard scattered with patches of greenery.
The courtyard is especially busy in the summer when Phillies games are shown on a massive jumbotron in the courtyard, Questlove, drummer for The Roots and Philadelphian, hosts open parties on the weekends and hipsters surround PYT, a burger joint with nightclub located in the rear. The Piazza has markets and events for people at any age, year round.
How to get there: A massive dirt parking lot is located next to it. Parking is free, which is unheard of in Philadelphia (land of Parking Wars). It’s not a far walk from Old City, which has a few subway and Patco stops. From Market Street, just walk about ten minutes North on N. 2nd Street. It will be on your right.
Five bloggers I nominate to share their travel secrets:
