10 Insanely Gorgeous, Under-The-Radar European Destinations

The value of the dollar against the euro is the highest it has been in years, making now the perfect time to take that trip you've been meaning to plan. But instead of the usual suspects (lookin' at you, London and Paris), why not try one of these under-the-radar spots that are far less crowded but just as beautiful?

Goreme, Turkey
The only thing better than seeing Goreme's stunning rock formations (into which enormous, beautiful churches have been built)? Experiencing them from a hot-air balloon, hundreds of feet overhead. View Panoramic.

Torun, Poland
This riverfront Gothic city is way less crowded than Warsaw and Kraków, has a thriving theater scene and--fun fact--was the birthplace of Copernicus. Another must-see? The gingerbread museum. (Which, weirdly, Torun is famous for.) View Panoramic.

Manarola, Italy
Go to Manarola, the oldest and second smallest of the Cinque Terre towns, for fresh ​seafood from the Ligurian Sea, sweet Sciacchetrà wine and some peace and quiet (no cars are allowed). To get there, take the Pisa Centrale train from any of the Cinque Terre towns, which costs less than $10 and runs multiple times per day. View Panoramic.

Related: Italy Off The Beaten Path

Ikaria, Greece
There must be something in the water on this Grecian island, where residents typically live to 100. Visit during the summer for panagiria, the huge festivals celebrating various religious holidays, which happen once or twice a week between May and October. View Panoramic.

Hallstatt, Austria
Sometimes called "the pearl of Austria," this picturesque village is essentially car-free and surrounded by salt mines, which make for fascinating tours. View Panoramic.

Alesund, Norway
While in Alesund, visit the Atlantic Sea Park at Tueneset, the biggest saltwater aquarium in northern Europe. Visit in December for next-level skiing in the Sunnmore alps. View Panoramic.

Kotor, Montenegro
The coastal town of Kotor is actually a submerged river canyon. It's super-secluded, surrounded by limestone cliffs and has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in the world. This little guidebook can help you navigate the ​local ​Austro-Hungarian fortresses.​ View Panoramic.

Piran, Slovenia
Narrow streets and Gothic alleyways wind through this historical Slovenian town sitting at the tip of a thin peninsula. Pack your ​flats: The town is so tiny, you'll want to make the 30-minute walk from end to end. View Panoramic.

Rovinj, Croatia
Located on the Adriatic Sea, Rovinj is an active fishing port (hello, amazingly fresh meals) and boasts incredible Mediterranean weather. Also nearby is the Brijuni Island National Park, where you can see ancient Roman villas and the remains of a Byzantine Palace. View Panoramic.

Porto, Portugal
Though it's the second largest city in Portugal, Porto is often overshadowed, tourism-wise, by Lisbon. A lively cultural scene and even livelier-colored buildings should make you reconsider. Check out the Mercado do Bolhão, a massive indoor market where you can pick up culinary delights from freshly-baked breads to fish that were probably swimming in the Atlantic hours earlier. View Panoramic.

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Top Five Off-Peak Destinations For Winter 2014/2015

Four Seasons Denver (Photo: TripAdvisor, LLC)

Don't let fear of cold weather cloud your vision of the perfect winter vacation. Low-season trips to spots where winter weather reigns are where it's at, for many reasons. An off-peak destination affords budget travelers the rare chance to splurge: Luxury accommodations and flight upgrades become within reach during winter at popular destinations around the world. Plus, crowds are sparse and deals are plentiful. Here are five awesome and affordable spots to consider visiting this winter.

Blue Lagoon (Photo: Icelandair)

Iceland

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, it may seem counterintuitive to head north for the winter. However, Iceland offers thermal refuge during the coldest months of the year thanks to its many geothermally heated springs and pools. A hike through the Icelandic countryside often yields the chance to submerge in steamy hot springs. And the celebrated bath-like Blue Lagoon is, arguably, best visited on a brisk winter day, when the toasty mineral waters and blood-warming cocktails offer a welcome thaw.

Airfares to Iceland during winter are notably lower than those in summer. Icelandair, which flies from eight U.S. cities to the Nordic country and beyond, is a great choice for low-priced winter airfare. We spotted flights from New York to Reykjavik for as low as $622 round-trip in early February, via a Hacker Fare on Kayak (combining flights on Icelandair and Norwegian Air). The lowest fares we found for June and July travel started at $837 round-trip.

Iceland is also the perfect place for a winter stopover if you're heading to Europe. Check out Icelandair's free stopover package and take advantage of those affordable low-season airfares.

Hotel Monaco, Philadelphia (Photo: TripAdvisor, LLC)

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is an ideal winter destination because so many of its top historical attractions are indoors. It doesn't really matter how cold it is outside when you're taking in a Matisse at the Barnes, exploring Independence Hall, or fiddling with hands-on exhibits at the newly renovated Benjamin Franklin Museum. Plus, there'll be far fewer crowds to contend with while you're learning about Mr. Franklin's affinity for musical inventions and printmaking.

Not all Philadelphia properties offer clearly discounted seasonal rates. Still, it's common to see comparatively lower prices at many hotels during winter, and it didn't take us long to unearth a few examples: At the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, we found rates in late December for as low as $135 per night, compared to June, when the lowest nightly rates amount to $189. At Rittenhouse 1715, nightly room rates start at $219 during January; in spring, those prices bump up to $239.

(Photo: Bucharest via Shutterstock)

Bucharest

Bucharest made our list of 10 Places to Go While They're Still Cheap this year. It's almost always inexpensive to visit Bucharest, compared to other major European cities. Better yet, it's an even more affordable place to visit during winter. From airfares to hotel rates, prices drop sharply with the temperature. This winter, you can get from JFK to Bucharest on Turkish Airlines for as little as $724 round-trip, with a stop in Istanbul. (Try a free stopover and get two cities for the flight price of one.)

Hotels are cheaper too, naturally. At Hotel Christina, the number-one rated Bucharest hotel according to TripAdvisor (our parent company), prices are the lowest all year during winter months. In February, for example, nightly rates come to €50 (about $63). In June, though, rates jump to €70 (about $87) per night. At Hotel Epoque, the best available rate in June came to €170 (about $212). In January, you can grab a room at this historical and luxurious property for as little as €128 (about $159) per night.

(Photo: Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka Photography)

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is achingly beautiful in wintertime. Whether seen from the ground by sleigh, snowshoe, or dogsled or viewed from the comfort of a fire-warmed room, the park's snow-dusted mountains and turquoise lake appear dreamlike against a pale winter sky.

Banff is full of well-known luxury properties that can cost an arm and a leg come spring and summer--but we found rates dropping by almost half during winter. For example, let's look at the local Fairmont resorts: If you want to stay at Banff's iconic and luxurious Fairmont Banff Spring, go soon. During winter, rates fall as low as $359 CAD (about $317) per night. Comparatively, the best available rate in July is $609 CAD (about $539). Same goes for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Grab January rates starting at $299 CAD (about $265). In June? Those prices skyrocket to $559 CAD (about $495) nightly. Moreover, both properties are offering a range of deals during winter, from free nights to complimentary resort credits with your stay.

(Photo: Denver via Shutterstock)

Denver

It's rare to see a U.S. ski destination offering lower seasonal rates during winter. There's an exception, though: Denver, Colorado. Though it isn't exactly a ski spot itself, the Mile-High City makes an ideal base for winter sports. It's close to Winter Park Resort and Loveland Ski Area. Plus, Rocky Mountain National Park, about an hour away, offers non-downhill activities, from hiking to snowshoeing to cross-country skiing in pristine park wilderness. Rent a car, take a few day trips, and return to Denver after the sun sets to enjoy the city's fabulous nightlife and restaurants. The best part? You'll save money on accommodations, and you can fly right into Denver International.

There's a general uptick in Denver room rates when the weather gets warmer. At theFour Seasons Denver, for example, weekday winter rates start at $525 per night in January. Comparatively, weekday nights in June cost $100 more. Denver's Magnolia Hotel offers weekday January rates from $215 per night. In June, those rates rise to $242.

Contributed by Caroline Costello, Smarter Travel

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What Nobody Tells You About Your Favorite Tourist Attractions

We've all felt the blow of a travel letdown and ridden the high when a place far exceeds our expectations.

Before your next visit to a major tourist attraction, brace yourself -- for better or for worse -- by learning what you're really in for.

The Great Wall of China is STEEP.
One trekker recalls ascending 4,000 stairs just to get to the lowest possible entry point for a walk along the Wall. Sure there’s a gondola, but that’s beside the point -- we would just wish someone had told us what a monster the thing was before we decided to hike it. 

There's a Pizza Hut at the Pyramids. 
...and it's right on top of a KFC, which means the views of Giza are priceless. Watch out for the camel handlers outside, though: they've been known to pitch a modest price for a ride, then make you pay exorbitant amounts to get down from the camel. 

The "Mona Lisa" plays hard to get. 
A line divider keeps visitors far from the painting itself. Stuck behind hordes of camera-wielding tourists, you'll be even farther.

You can touch stuff at Pompeii.
If the "Mona Lisa" is so off-limits, you'd think ancient ruins would be encased in a massive glass box. Yet you can touch, stand and sit on many of Pompeii's remnants. 

Dead Sea salt will fry your eyeballs.
"Fry" might not be the correct medical term, but it will indeed burn like crazy. The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, so you should avoid shaving your legs a few days before your dip and make sure you don't dunk your face -- it'll hurt. And "if you swallow seawater, request help from the lifeguard."

Iguazu Falls can be... brown?
When imagining "one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world," cascades of turquoise blue likely come to mind. But be warned: the water is closer to the tone of rich Brazilian coffee in some spots due to deforestation and during times ofheavy rainfall. 

There's a quicker way up the Eiffel Tower.
Ascending the Parisian jewel is no easy experience: it's not unusual to wait hours for an elevator. Sneaky shortcuts include buying tickets online to pre-book an arrival slot or climbing the stairs to the second level instead of taking a lift from the bottom like most tourists.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa isn't "leaning" as much anymore.
"Straightening out" is the more appropriate verb -- the tower recovered almost an inch of its vertical incline between 2001 and 2013. Visitors also complain that there's not much to do in Pisa itself (though some would disagree). Most guided tours drive you in, let you snap some photos, and bus you right back out.

Lady Liberty is exclusive.
You must reserve a spot ahead of time to enter the Statue of Liberty's headpiece. There's a maximum of four crown reservations allowed per order and only one reservation per person during any six-month period.

The Gardens of Versailles are better than the Palace.
This isn't the dinky plot of flowers behind most castles -- the gardens and park spill over almost 2,000 acres of fairytale-ish fountains, grottoes and pathways. Don't skip them!

You can't just "go see 'The Last Supper.'"
Da Vinci's famous painting is in the refectory (aka dining hall) of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent in Milan, but don't you dare think it's possible to just saunter in. You'll need to reserve a visitation time up to two months in advance, and you can only stay inside the refectory for 15 minutes. If tickets are sold out, risk it by going standby, or consider joining a guided tour that includes the painting as a stop.

Old Faithful isn't very faithful.
You could wait around for almost two hours before that big guy erupts. 

Photos are forbidden in the Sistine Chapel.
Even sneaking a shot is near impossible.

The Grand Canyon doesn't take drop-ins.
It's a stunning sight from the rim. But if you're craving more, don't count on a casual jaunt to the Canyon floor. The National Park Service warns there are no easy trails into or out of the Canyon: "the difference between a great hike or a trip to the hospital is up to you." Day hikes exist, but can be long and might include unpaved trails, icy conditions or a total absence of water stops. Don't forget thatcoming up takes twice as long as hiking down.

Solo shots at the Trevi Fountain are RARE.
Photos come easy for Lizzie McGuire, but you'll have to fight for yours. Do you SEE those crowds?!

 |Contributed By Suzy Strutner,The Huffington Post 

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Interlaken Switzerland: Autumn Experiences And Winter Magic

 

The golden autumn and the first winter days in Interlaken open up new perspectives for you: after a hike led by an expert guide, you’ll suddenly see the incomparable region between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz through completely different eyes: folklore societies reveal themselves from an unusual angle and give an insight into their rehearsals. The view from the new vantage platform on the Stockhorn mountain sweeps across Lake Thun and the Swiss Mittelland as far as the Jura and the glass floor lets you gaze down into the rocky depths. These and other experiences are waiting behind the scenes for you to discover them.

A backstage look at folklore

In Interlaken, yodelling choirs and national-costume groups are a natural part of any fest. Listening to the perfectly pitched voices and watching the nimble-footed dancers, it’s easy to forget that a lot of work goes on behind the folklore scenes. This work can now be seen: from September to November, singers, dancers, flag throwers and alphorn players invite you to visit their rehearsals and get a glimpse backstage.

Stockhorn – as far as the eye can see

Right next to the Panorama Restaurant, a tunnel leads to the new panorama platform in the Stockhorn north face. The spectacular new vantage platform with a glass floor provides some thrilling moments. It offers up a magnificent unimpaired view of Thun, Lake Thun, the Aare and Gürbe valley, the Swiss central plateau through to the Jura and, on clear days, right to the southern Black Forest.

Kunstnacht (Art Night) Brienz, 2 November 2013

The Brienz Rothorn Railway depot becomes a gallery, the cinema screens art films instead of blockbusters and the woodworking and carving workshops are on overtime. Cultural creativity in Brienz is in the spotlight during the Kunstnacht, enhanced by an enthralling mix of traditional and modern music.

Touch the Mountains, 1  January 2014

On the day after the traditional end-of-the-year activities Interlaken likes to put on yet another dazzling display! A spectacular firework display is lit on the Höhematte. Folklore groups, bell ringers and various other festi-vities drum up a wonderful atmosphere along Interlaken’s  promenade. There is also an open-air concert featuring first-rate performers.All in all – a great way to usher in the New Year!

For details about visiting Interlaken please visit: www.interlaken.ch.

10 Crazy Laws That Could Get You In Trouble When You Travel

Contributed By Lisa Miller, Huffington Post.

You know the basics when it comes to staying safe and out of trouble while traveling.

But there are some pretty crazy ways to break the law abroad that probably have never crossed your mind.

1) Chewing gum in Singapore

Singapore likes to keep its street clean. Chewing bubble gum has been banned in Singapore for over two decades. While the only penalty is a fine, it's probably best to respect the city's wishes and keep your gum at home.

2) Dying in Sarpourenx

We're not exactly sure how this one is enforced... In the village of Sarpourenx, in southwest France, Mayor Gerard Lalanne has forbidden residents to die. In 2008, he issued an ordinance stating that "all persons not having a plot in the cemetery and wishing to be buried in Sarpourenx are forbidden from dying in the parish" and if they do, "offenders will be severely punished."

3) Feeding the birds in Venice

While it was once a tradition for tourists to turn themselves into human bird perches by holding out a handful of birdseed, the practice is sadly illegal. According to Europe Up Close, those who violate the rule can be fined up to $700.

4) Getting comfy in Buenos Aires

The Argentine government doesn't want you to get too comfy. Featherbeds were officially made illegal because lawmakers believed "such an indulgence induces and encourages lascivious feelings," according to the Argentina Independent. Apparently all other beds are safe.

5) Lighting up in Bhutan

If you're a smoker, don't plan on buying cigarettes in Bhutan -- or bringing them in either. The small Himalayan country is notoriously harsh when it come to the nation's smoking ban. There is a 100% tax on tobacco products at customs and smoking in public will cost you a hefty fine. Selling tobacco products is grounds for imprisonment.

6) Running out of gas in Germany

The autobahn highway famously has large stretches with no posted speed limit, allowing drivers to go as fast as their hearts desire. But don't use all your gas up and get caught with an empty tank. While it's not technically illegal to run out of fuel, it is unlawful to stop for any reason other than an emergency. Running out of gas is not considered an emergency.

7) Wearing heels in Greece

If you show up to an ancient Greek site in high heels, you'll have to tour barefoot. In order to preserve the sites, the government has banned shoes that could injure the monuments.

8) Eating during Ramadan in Dubai

It's a given that you should respect the local customs while traveling abroad. But if you plan on being in the United Arab Emirates during the period of Ramadan, you should plan on observing the holiday, which forbids eating during the day. Travelers who do not honor the tradition and choose to eat, drink or smoke in public will be issued a warning, and if the offense is repeated they could land themselves in jail.

9) Frowning in Milan

There's not much to be sad about in Milan -- there's prime shopping and plenty of pizza. However, should you feel down while touring the city, be warned, you should keep a smile on your face. It is a legal requirement in Milan to smile at all times, with funerals and hospital visits being the exception. 

10) Going commando in Thailand

Thailand has a bunch of eyebrow-raising rules, but perhaps the strangest is the one that prohibits leaving the house without underwear on, so make sure you pack enough undies to last your whole trip. It's unclear how they enforce this, but we don't recommend finding out.