Vacation

architecture, Colmar was flip-flopped between French and German occupation between 1871 and 1945, providing a perfect blend of the two cities in culture and appearance. The quaint buildings even inspired the artists at the beloved Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli, to set one of its magical films, Howl’s Moving Castle, in the city’s centre with some buildings being directly transferred into the film. To catch the hot weather, its warmer season takes place in July and August.

Taormina instead of Maldives

Though Taormina is a relatively popular city in Sicily known for its holidaymakers, the city is not nearly spoken of often enough. Yes, nowhere can replace the once-in-a-lifetime holiday of the Maldives, but Taormina will give you a run for your money. Maldives reminiscent, Taormina is great for snorkelling in clear blue waters or for laying on white sand beaches. At this beautiful mountainside town visit the ancient ruins, Teatro Greco – an ancient

Greek outdoor theatre which provides a spectacular backdrop of the vista over the mountainside.

Ljubljana instead of Florence

Capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana is a beautiful ornate European city. With plenty of arts and culture activities such as the National Art Gallery, Ljubljana Castle, and the National Museum of Slovenia. Ljubljana is an ode to the aesthetic of Florence or Prague with its ornate bridges and clustered terracotta roofed buildings. Don’t worry about not speaking Slovenian, Ljubljana is used to tourists so several service providers will speak some English – just don’t pronounce the cities name wrong! It’s pronounced: loo-bee-aa-nuh! The capital also makes for a great home base to explore other parts of Slovenia, most notably the gorgeous Lake Bled notorious for its otherworldly deep blue waters.

Albania instead of Croatia

Croatia used to be a wellkept secret for cheap travel, but now word’s gotten out,