Unearth The Voyage
After half a year wandering through Europe, I learned that not all countries leave you wanting more. Some places captured my heart so deeply that I’m already planning my return trips. Others were wonderful to experience once, but they’re small enough or specific enough that one visit felt complete. Here’s my honest breakdown of where I’ll be booking flights again and where I probably won’t.
1. Portugal – the perfect “slow travel” country
Wandering through Portugal felt like pressing pause on life in the best way possible. The pace here never rushes you, whether you’re sipping coffee in a Lisbon cafe or watching sunset from a Porto rooftop.
Every region offers something distinct, from Algarve beaches to Douro Valley vineyards. Locals treat visitors like neighbors, not tourists.
Affordable prices mean you can stay longer without draining your budget. The food, especially pasteis de nata, becomes a daily craving you’ll miss terribly once you leave this sun-soaked paradise.
2. Spain – endless variety without needing to rush
Spain surprised me with how different each region feels from the next. Barcelona’s modernist architecture contrasts sharply with Seville’s Moorish palaces, while Madrid pulses with urban energy that smaller towns completely lack.
You could spend months here and barely scratch the surface. The late-night dining culture means dinner at 10 p.m. feels normal.
Tapas hopping became my favorite evening activity, trying new flavors in every neighborhood. With affordable trains connecting major cities, planning multiple trips back seems inevitable and exciting.
3. Italy – the ultimate repeat destination for culture overload
Holding the record for most UNESCO World Heritage Sites at 61, Italy practically invented the concept of too much to see. Rome alone could occupy weeks of exploration without exhausting its layers of history.
Florence dazzles with Renaissance masterpieces around every corner. Venice defies logic with its canal-based existence.
Then there’s the food, which changes dramatically from north to south. Each visit reveals something missed before, making Italy impossible to fully conquer. I’ll gladly spend a lifetime trying, though.
4. Greece – islands and inland history that most people skip
Most travelers hit Santorini and Athens, then call it done. That approach misses the real Greece hiding in lesser-known islands and mountain villages.
Meteora’s cliff-top monasteries left me speechless in ways the Acropolis couldn’t match. Smaller Cycladic islands offer authentic experiences without Instagram crowds.
Mainland regions like Peloponnese blend ancient ruins with stunning beaches. Greek hospitality feels genuine, not performative. The food tastes better when locals cook it in family tavernas far from tourist zones. I need more time here.
5. Croatia – Adriatic beauty beyond the headline cities
Dubrovnik and Split get all the attention, but Croatia’s magic lives in places tour buses rarely reach. Island-hopping along the Dalmatian coast revealed secluded coves and medieval towns frozen in time.
Plitvice Lakes’ cascading waterfalls create scenery that photos can’t capture properly. Istria’s hilltop villages serve truffle-infused dishes that rival Italian cuisine.
Prices remain reasonable compared to Western Europe, though that’s changing fast. The coastline stretches so far that multiple visits barely make a dent in what’s available to explore and enjoy.
6. Slovenia – small country, huge payoff (and easy to revisit)
Don’t let Slovenia’s size fool you into thinking there’s not much here. Lake Bled’s island church looks like something from a fairy tale, while Ljubljana charms with its dragon-adorned bridges.
Triglav National Park offers alpine hiking that rivals Switzerland at a fraction of the cost. Postojna Cave’s underground chambers feel otherworldly.
Everything sits close together, making weekend trips totally doable. Slovenians speak excellent English and take pride in their clean, well-organized country. I left wishing I’d allocated more days to this underrated gem.
7. Austria – cities that feel polished, plus quick access to nature
Vienna operates like a perfectly tuned orchestra, from its grand palaces to its efficient public transport. Salzburg balances Mozart history with mountain backdrops that beg for exploration.
Innsbruck serves as a gateway to Tyrolean peaks where cable cars lift you into alpine wonderland. Austrian cafes take coffee culture seriously, offering cozy spaces perfect for rainy afternoons.
Everything feels maintained and orderly without being sterile. The Christmas markets alone justify a winter return visit. Schnitzel and sachertorte became comfort foods I crave regularly now.
8. Switzerland – expensive, yes, but unmatched for mountains and trains
Your wallet will cry in Switzerland, but your eyes will thank you endlessly. The train journeys between cities showcase scenery so dramatic it feels almost fake.
Jungfrau region’s peaks pierce clouds in ways that make hiking feel spiritual. Lucerne’s lake setting combines natural beauty with medieval charm.
Swiss efficiency means trains run exactly on time and everything functions smoothly. Even simple grocery store sandwiches taste better with those mountain views. Despite the cost, I’m already saving for another visit because nowhere else compares visually.
9. The Netherlands – compact, culture-rich, and great for short repeat trips
Amsterdam’s canal rings create postcard scenes at every turn, but Dutch culture extends far beyond its famous capital. Rotterdam’s modern architecture contrasts sharply with historic Delft’s pottery heritage.
Biking becomes the natural way to explore flat landscapes dotted with windmills and tulip fields. Museums here punch above their weight, from Van Gogh to Anne Frank’s house.
Trains connect cities in under an hour, making day trips effortless. The Dutch directness feels refreshing after navigating more formal cultures. Weekend visits feel totally sufficient yet always leave me wanting more.
10. Norway – dramatic landscapes that don’t get old
Norway’s fjords create landscapes so stunning they border on unbelievable. Geirangerfjord’s waterfalls plunge from cliffs into emerald waters far below.
Northern lights dance across Arctic skies in winter, while midnight sun illuminates summer nights endlessly. Bergen’s colorful Bryggen wharf mixes history with coastal charm.
Prices rival Switzerland’s steep costs, but natural beauty justifies every krone spent. Hiking trails wind through scenery that changes dramatically with seasons. Each visit could focus on different regions since Norway stretches so far north. I’ll definitely return when funds allow.
11. Vatican City – iconic, but it’s literally the smallest country
As the world’s smallest sovereign state by area, Vatican City packs incredible art into a tiny space. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel justify the visit entirely.
Michelangelo’s ceiling leaves everyone staring upward in silent awe. The Vatican Museums contain enough masterpieces for a full day.
However, once you’ve seen the main attractions, there’s simply not much else. The entire country covers just 0.17 square miles. Most visitors finish everything in a few hours. It’s absolutely worth experiencing once, but repeat visits feel unnecessary.
12. Monaco – dazzling, but easy to “complete” quickly
Monaco glitters with wealth that feels almost cartoonish in its excess. Superyachts crowd the harbor while sports cars navigate tight streets carved into hillsides.
The casino and palace provide photo opportunities, but you’ll cover the entire second-smallest country by area within hours. Everything costs a fortune, from coffee to parking.
The Grand Prix circuit excites racing fans, though the actual race happens just one weekend yearly. Watching sunset from the harbor feels special, yet there’s limited reason to return. Day trips from Nice make more sense than extended stays.
13. San Marino – charming, but best as a short add-on
Perched dramatically on Mount Titano, San Marino offers medieval towers with panoramic views across Italian countryside. The fortress walls and narrow streets create atmosphere perfect for a few hours of exploration.
As one of the world’s oldest republics, it carries interesting historical significance. Souvenir shops dominate the compact historic center, catering to day-trippers.
You can walk the entire old town quickly, checking off the main towers and viewpoints. It makes a pleasant detour when visiting nearby Rimini or Bologna, but doesn’t warrant a dedicated trip or return visit.
14. Liechtenstein – pretty and peaceful, but limited in “must-do” variety
Squeezed between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein offers alpine scenery and a stamp in your passport. Vaduz Castle overlooks the tiny capital, though it’s not open to visitors.
Hiking trails wind through mountains that admittedly look spectacular. The country feels exceptionally safe and clean, maintaining that Central European orderliness.
However, you’ll exhaust the main attractions within a day easily. It functions better as a quirky checkbox than a destination requiring multiple visits. Neighboring countries offer similar landscapes with more variety and activities to fill your time.
15. Andorra – scenic, but for many people it’s a niche stop unless you’re there for specific activities
Tucked in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra attracts skiers with affordable slopes and duty-free shopping enthusiasts hunting bargains. Winter sports dominate the appeal for most visitors.
Summer hiking reveals pretty mountain trails, though neighboring countries offer equally impressive routes. The capital, Andorra la Vella, feels more like a shopping mall than a cultural destination.
If skiing or tax-free purchases aren’t your priorities, there’s limited reason to visit. The scenery pleases but doesn’t amaze. One visit satisfies curiosity about this micro-nation adequately.
