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European Airfare Rising Slower than Inflation

European Airfare Rising Slower than Inflation

New consumer data shows that the cost of traveling by air through Europe is rising slower than inflation. According to the International Air Transport Association, a trade group for European airlines, inflation in Europe has risen to 20% while the cost of airfare remains 3.6% lower. 

Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, explained that European air travel has made a strong recovery since the 2020 pandemic and prices have been kept low due to competition in the market. He called the levels “a significant achievement” despite the “extreme volatility of jet fuel prices and increases in workforce salaries.” 

According to the press release, European regulators play a crucial role in maintaining airline competition by allowing carriers to offer “tremendous consumer choice” and enforcing “slot regulation,” which helps create consistent schedules and gives new airlines opportunities. 

Walsh said that more competitive market conditions will result in more routes and airlines. “In total, last year saw 20 new airlines born in Europe. This is important because a more competitive air transport market will make Europe a more competitive place to do business,” he said.

The IATA, which represents 290 airlines, released the data this week in Amsterdam at Wings of Change Europe, an industry event for aviation leaders, regulators, and subject matter experts. 

5 Best Safari Tours In Zambia, Africa

Zambia has been my home for over 30 years and one of the things I love most about the country is its amazing safari destinations. With its pristine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exceptional conservation efforts, Zambia has emerged as one of Africa’s best safari spots. Whether you’re looking for the Big Five or just seeking the unspoiled African wilderness, Zambia has it all. 

Let’s head on an adventure together, through the heart of Africa, and explore five of the country’s top safari destinations. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Zambia. 

5 Best Safari Tours In Zambia, Africa

1. Lower Zambezi National Park

Game Drives, Fishing, And Canoeing 

The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Africa’s greatest wildernesses featuring 2,542 square miles of unspoilt nature. With no paved roads, it’s rare to encounter another safari vehicle, and night time here is all about sitting out by the fire, under a sky full of stars. 

The Zambezi, Africa’s fourth longest river, forms the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park.  The area is an incredible wildlife sanctuary — herds of elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and over 400 different bird species. Most of the wildlife is concentrated along the river, so a great way to experience the park is to board a boat, or drift silently past the riverbank in a canoe. You’ll see plenty of hippos peeking curiously above the water’s surface. Look out for the magnificent carmine bee-eaters who nest in the riverbanks from September to November. The river is also home to the coveted tiger fish — highly prized by serious sport fishermen. 

Where To Stay: Sausage Tree Camp is the epitome of bush chic, set in a stunning location along the Zambezi River right in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable; the rooms are well designed, opening onto private plunge pools that overlook the river; and the cocktails are so good you may never want to leave!

Giraffes in South Luangwa National Park
Giraffes in South Luangwa National Park
Photo credit: Wolfgang Kaehler / LightRocket via Getty Images

2. South Luangwa National Park

Game Drives

The 3,500-square-mile South Luangwa National Park is renowned as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations, with 60 animal species and over 450 different species of bird. Often referred to as “The Valley of Leopards,” the main predators here are leopard, lion, spotted hyena, and wild dog — with the leopard population among the densest in the world. Expect to see large herds of elephants, sometimes up to 70 strong. South Luangwa is also home to the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, and the near-endemic Crawshay’s zebra.

The best way to see South Luangwa’s wildlife is on a morning or afternoon game drive from your lodge. Expect early wake-ups as most morning drives set off at around 6 a.m. You’ll return to camp for a middle-of-the-day siesta and then head out again in the afternoon; the animals are more active at these cooler times of day.

Where To Stay: Shawa Luangwa is a small, eco-friendly bush camp overlooking the Luangwa River in one of the park’s most untouched areas with excellent year-round game viewing.

3. North Luangwa National Park

Walking Safaris

The remote, 2,880-square-mile North Luangwa National Park is synonymous with walking safaris. The beauty of this park is the opportunity to experience Africa as it once was — wild and untouched. No game drives are permitted in a majority of the park and access is primarily for walking safaris. You’ll leave the four-by-four game-drive vehicle at camp and set out on foot with your guide and an armed park ranger. You’ll walk among elephants, antelope, zebras, and even the occasional predator, always maintaining a safe distance from the magnificent wildlife. In addition to strong populations of buffalo and elephants, there’s a number of black rhinos, making it the only Big Five park in Zambia.

Where To Stay: Remote Africa Safaris operate two camps that specialize in guided walking safaris. For the more adventurous, the Samala and Ituba Community Camps offer self-catering, and for the intrepid, there’s the Amatololo Experience, a self-drive camping route.

The bats at Kasanka National Park
The bats at Kasanka National Park
Photo credit: Fabian von Poser / Getty Images

4. Kasanka National Park

Bats And Beyond

Kasanka National Park is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks. But it’s one of the country’s hidden treasures and has an incredible 480 bird species and 114 mammals; there is a lot for you to see.  

Kasanka is best known as home to the annual migration of straw-colored fruit bats — the largest bat migration in the world and, in fact, the world’s largest mammal migration. From October to December each year, about 10 million bats descend on a tiny patch of forest in the park. They migrate from thousands of miles away, some from as far away as West Africa. The migration is one of the natural world’s best-kept secrets; even scientists don’t know exactly where the bats come from or where they go when they leave the park. 

Beyond the bats, Kasanka gives you excellent opportunities to find and photograph one of Africa’s rarer antelopes, the shy, secretive, and semi-aquatic sitatunga. The park is home to more than 500 of them, making it Africa’s densest and most visible population of sitatunga! The elusive blue monkey and the little-known Kinda baboon also call Kasanka home. It’s unlikely you’ll encounter either of these species anywhere else in southern Africa.

Where To Stay: Kasanka has two basic lodges — Wasa and Luombwa — and a seasonal self-catering tented camp.

5. Liuwa Plain National Park

Wildebeest Migration

The 2,274-square-mile Liuwa Plains National Park in Zambia was once the traditional hunting ground of the Litunga (King) of the Lozi people. Liuwa Plain is home to the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa but yet it’s hardly known. Each year in November, with the start of the rainy season, massive herds of blue wildebeest, 45,000 strong, migrate to Liuwa Plains, often mingling with zebras along the way. It’s an incredible sight to witness.

Other unusual antelope found here include oribi, red lechwe, steenbok, duiker, tsessebe, and roan. Predators include wild dogs, lions, and hyenas. The bird life is abundant and the dramatic lightning and storms at the start of the rains make for spectacular views and fantastic photography opportunities.

Where To Stay: King Lewanika is the only permanent camp in Liuwa Plain National Park. It has six stylish, open-front safari tents that are the epitome of luxury.

As a safari destination, Zambia is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets — an amazing, game-rich, unspoilt destination. On safari in Zambia, you’ll get a taste of the real Africa: wild and untamed.

8 Fantastic Things to Do Near JFK Airport During a Long Layover or At the Airport Itself – According To a Pilot

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

Before I was an airline pilot and I heard the words “John F. Kennedy International Airport,” I imagined a place that was the gateway to the world. Merely saying these words evoked visions of glamor, travel, and excitement. Now that I fly around the world as a commercial airline pilot, I understand the important logistics of this airport for international travel.

Because international flights all leave at similar times and must go through quite the logistical dance when they arrive — customs/security checks, cleaning, maintenance reviews, catering, and swapping of flight crews — most international passengers connecting through JFK will have a layover of 3–6 hours. 

That said, there are many things to do at JFK. A little pre-planning can fill hours with entertaining activities, all the while helping to recharge your mind before your next long flight. Get ready to fill your senses with great food, visual eye candy, and soothing relaxation while you stop over at the gateway to the world.

Pro Tip: Here’s a tip to avoid long delays during peak vacation season. When traveling in the summer, it’s best to book your flight early in the morning due to chronic summer thunderstorms. Thunderstorms commonly happen later in the day east of the Mississippi River. Most “first-flights” of the day have a higher arrival time percentage, making your connection more probable.

TWA Hotel when viewed from walking path outside Terminal 5, JFK International Airport.
TWA Hotel when viewed from the walking path outside Terminal 5 (Photo Credit: Christy Karsten)

8 Fantastic Things To Do Near JFK Airport

1. Tick Tock, Tick Tock

Although this requires you to leave the secure area, head over to the TWA Hotel, just outside of Terminal 5. This amazing, hip blast from the past is a great way to stretch your legs while you stride back into the ’60s, a bygone era. 

View the "Connie" behind the glass at the lounge in TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport.
View the “Connie” behind the glass at the lounge in TWA Hotelhttps://www.travelawaits.com/2475592/jfk-twa-hotel/ (Photo Credit: Christy Karsten)

I think this is actually a destination, a mecca, for airline junkies! The hotel is steeped with historical, museum-quality displays, great music, and something new around literally every corner. It’s hard to miss the actual 1958 Lockheed Constellation “Connie” airplane located on the property. Be sure to have a snack in the actual “Connie,” served by a staff of ’60s themed flight attendants, go-go boots and all! It was named one of the best airline cocktail lounges in the world by Departures Magazine. 

If you want to work out, the hotel offers a day pass to use its 10,000-square-foot gym. I prefer to head up to the year-round heated rooftop pool, grab a snack, and look down at the ramp, watching the airliners come and go. Stop by the Herman Miller reading room and sit in a real Eames leather recliner chair, or sit at the modern desks and scroll through history books. And a visit to this historic AvGeek’s dream place would not be complete without leaving with a bag full of TWA souvenirs. 

Pro Tip: Take an Instagram shot and recreate the movie scene from To Catch a Thief in the iconic tunnel of the hotel, which joins up with Terminal 5.

2. Getting Around

Jump on the free monorail, also known as the “air-train,” that connects all six terminals. It operates every 2–5 minutes.

Delta Airlines and its affiliates operate the JFK Jitney shuttle bus between Terminals 2 and 4. Once on the bus, you shouldn’t have to re-clear security on arrival. Always double check with an agent to make sure you have enough time to catch your flight.

Times Square in New York City.
Times Square in New York City (Photo Credit: Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock.com)

3. To Leave Or Not To Leave

For the more adventurous who might have a longer layover, consider leaving the airport and heading to one of the greatest cities in the world, New York City. It’s as easy as renting a car or jumping on a bus or train.

There are a few ways to get to the city. If time is a concern, take an Uber or cab. Depending on the time of the day, it will run about $65. Taking the train or bus is slower and costs less: about $12. Plan for at least an hour into the city. If I were going to zip to the city, I would head to Times Square, also known as midtown, on the island of Manhattan.

JetBlue Loyalty Program Perk even takes its members from Manhattan to the airport in minutes and vice versa. Forty-second and Broadway is a great spot to get dropped off, walk around, eat some food, and see all the dazzling electronic lights of this iconic place. Times Square is in the Theater District, so it’s hopping at all times of day!

On a really long layover at JFK airport, you can visit Central Park, Queens Botanical Garden, the Empire State Building, or Even Ellis Island.

Pro Tip: If you are planning on leaving a secure area, be sure to get a boarding pass at the Customer Booking Center for your next flight, saving time and bypassing gate check-in. Proceed directly to security en route to your gate. Check with your airline to see if you can drop your luggage at their lost luggage area for an hourly fee. (Most luggage lockers were removed from airports after 9/11 for security reasons.) Consider getting a Clear pass, free for two months, for a faster security check-in.

Info cube with QR for food locations inside JFK International Airport.
Info cube with QR for food locations inside JFK (Photo Credit: Christy Karsten)

4. Let’s Grab Some Grub

The six terminals within JFK Airport offer different, and equally scrumptious, food options. From Turkish peynirli toast to Irish pub grub or a wine bar, there is something for everyone. All throughout the airport, you will see white, lit cubes. Located on the cubes is a QR code to scan, giving you access to food and shops in your vicinity. For those who wish to have some libations, there are a few nice wine shops and upscale restaurants to sip cocktails or wine. 

5. Spa-La-La

If getting pampered sounds like a dreamy way to spend your layover, you have come to the right airport. Consider a hot stone massage, pedicure, or full body massage. Be Relax spa, located in Terminal 5, is open 7 days a week to pamper your tired body. Consider trying their special oxygen or aromatherapy treatment with your service to enhance your wellbeing. I recommend you try the “anti-jet-lag” facial treatment.

6. Hit The Lounge

There are 23 airline lounges, of which seven offer single-entry passes for purchase. These passes are for people who don’t have access to the lounge through their credit card or aren’t booked in business or first class.

Aer Lingus, Air France, Alaska, American, Prime Class Lounge, and Wing Tips Lounge offer single-use day passes. Depending on your airline, some might have codeshare agreements with these lounges. Plan ahead and check to see if there is a discount to book your single-entry pass online versus paying at the door.

These lounges are wonderful places to recharge, relax, and fuel up with complimentary food and drink. They are places to rest, recharge your electronics, or work in designated areas. JFK Airport is the sixth-busiest airport in the country — it services 61 million passengers annually — and utilizing these plush lounges can really benefit your mind and mood! 

There is also a USO Lounge for military members and their families located in Terminal 5.

Shopping options at JFK International Airport.
Shopping options at JFK (Photo Credit: Christy Karsten)

7. Shop Till You Drop

Every terminal offers a variety of shopping options for the world traveler. Terminal 1 offers high-end stores such as Coach and Juicy Couture. Head over to Terminal 2 if you need tech items you might have forgotten at home. (Consider purchasing noise-canceling headphones which can drown out a crying child in the row behind you!)

Step over to Terminal 4 and stroll through Duty-Free to get a great price on fancy colognes or makeup.

Over in Terminal 5, check out The New York Times Store and catch up on the latest top-selling books.

You can also experience the luxury of the newly renovated Terminal 8 and indulge in some airport shopping before you fly with a wide range of shops. Terminal 8 offers a unique shopping experience over nearly 60,000 square feet with authentic local eateries and a variety of Fifth Avenue retailers.

8. Drop And Give Me 10

If you are like me and constantly want to work out, consider finding a quiet, small area off to the side and squeezing in a workout. There are many free exercise videos online to use to stay focused, burn off some stress, and keep your heart healthy. Consider speed walking through the air-conditioned terminals. Make a goal to walk 10,000 steps and reward yourself with a healthy drink from the Shake Shack.

If you want to be active and have fun, JFK even has a curling rink that you can try out.

Coming Soon: Slumber Away

Terminal 4 will soon become host to Minute Suites, a new respite with clean, private suites for weary travelers. Lucky JFK travelers will get to experience the seven new suites with a bathroom and shower. These suites are extremely sanitary and are available for hourly rentals or overnight. Clean linen and pillows are provided for napping. Netflix and DirecTV are available, or you can pipe your own tunes through their TV.

FAQs

Can I Connect with Nature at JFK?

Yes, you can, but the options are scarce. There are not many things to do at JFK Airport to keep in touch with nature, but there is still something you can do while waiting for your flight. If you’re flying out of Terminal 5, check out JetBlue’s T5 Rooftop Garden, with a variety of plants and flowers.

What Is the Most Budget-Friendly Activity to Pass the Time at JFK?

Watch Planes Take-Off and Land: JFK Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and watching planes take off and land can be an exciting experience. JFK Airport has several dedicated viewing areas where you can watch the taking-offs and landings. The rooftop parking lot of Terminal 5 has unobstructed views of the airport runways.

Where to Entertain the Kids at JFK?

With the variety of climbing structures, slides, and interactive games, The T5 Kids Play Area in Terminal 5 is the ideal place where children can blow off some steam before or after a flight. JFK Airport also has a range of kid-focused dining options to satisfy your little ones’ appetites. Also, stroller movement throughout the airport is smooth with wide corridors, spacious elevators, and accessible ramps You will even find designated stroller parking areas.

Can I Worship at the JFK?

Yes. There’s an Interfaith Alley in JFK Airport at Terminal 4. Getting in touch with your spiritual side can be a great way to get away from the chaos of the airport. At JFK Airport there are four places where you can worship that sit side by side – a Jewish synagogue, a Protestant chapel, a Roman Catholic church, and an Islamic center. Whatever your denomination or nationality, you can find tranquility here during your layover at JFK Airport.

What is the Best Hotel For Business Travelers Near JFK?

The Crowne Plaza JFK Airport New York City is the best accommodation for business travelers. At a price of around 200$ for a standard room, you get a huge business center, amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking services, a fitness area, and an American cuisine restaurant that will make your stay enjoyable. The hotel also provides its guests with free shuttle rides to and from the John F. Kennedy International Airport.

88.4% Jump in Complaints About Airlines, Ticket Agents

The Department of Transportation saw a drastic increase in consumer complaints about air travel in the first quarter of this year. It was so drastic, in fact, that the department had to delay the release of the data because of the “continued high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents.”

According to last week’s Air Travel Consumer Report, the DOT received 24,965 complaints in 2023’s first quarter, which was an 88.4% increase from last year. Because of that increase, the department said it received an $8 million grant to help improve complaint processing. 

“The Department anticipates that its new modernized system will be operational in January 2024 and will be further enhanced with (Technology Modernization Fund) funding in the coming years,” the DOT said in the report, adding that it has implemented a temporary fix in the interim. 

In a complaint, a consumer is asked to complete an online form that asks for a list of preliminary data, such as name and contact information, as well as flight information. The consumer is also asked to describe his or her problem, question, or comment about the flight.

‘Off the Beaten Path’: American Express Travel Publishes Annual List of Unique Destinations

The credit card company American Express published its annual list of “Off the Beaten Path” travel destinations to serve as alternatives to some of the world’s most visited places. For the list, Amex collected input from its team of 7,000 travel consultants and sought out ideal destinations for both Millennials and Zoomers wanting adventure and new experiences. 

Off the Beaten Path Destinations

Adelaide Hills, Australia 

Adelaide Hills
Adelaide Hills, Australia. Image: Amex
Photo credit: Image: Amex

Instead of the Blue Mountains, Amex suggests Australia’s Adelaide Hill because the fabled wine region, which is just a three-hour flight from Sydney, has charming villages and a “bustling” culinary scene. 

Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum, Turkey
Bodrum, Turkey. Image: Amex
Photo credit: Bodrum, Turkey. Image: Amex

Instead of Instabul, Amex recommends Turkey’s Bodrum because the city of 50,000 people is like a “Little Istanbul,” so just like the former Constantinople, it features bazaars, fresh seafood, active nightlife, and sparkling blue beaches along the Aegean Sea.

Niseko, Japan

Niseko, Japan
Niseko, Japan. Image: Amex
Photo credit: Niseko, Japan. Image: Amex

Instead of Sapporo, Amex suggests Japan’s Niseko for fresh powder and a “slopes-froward alternative.” The area is equipped with four resorts and is home to more than 2,000 skiable acres. 

Porto Cervo, Italy

Porto Cervo, Italy
Porto Cervo, Italy. Image: Amex
Photo credit: Porto Cervo, Italy. Image: Amex

Instead of Amalfi Coast, Amex recommends Porto Cervo. The journey to the tiny town on the Costa Smeralda offers you world-class beaches, celebrity glamour, and delicious cuisine. 

San Miguel De Allendea, Mexico

San Miguel De Allendea, Mexico
San Miguel De Allendea, Mexico. Image: Amex
Photo credit: San Miguel De Allendea, Mexico. Image: Amex

Instead of Riviera Maya, Amex suggests Mexico’s San Miguel De Allende for the non-beach person. It’s described as “one of the world’s most colorful and stimulating cities.”

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico. Image: Amex
Photo credit: Santa Fe, New Mexico. Image: Amex

Instead of Sedona, Amex recommends Santa Fe, New Mexico for its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. 

Seychelles

Seychelles
Seychelles. Image: Amex
Photo credit: Seychelles. Image: Amex

Instead of the Maldives, Amex suggests traveling to Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. Located just 1,000 miles off the coast of Kenya, it’s described as a similar paradise with remote beaches, expansive biodiversity, varied topography, and multicultural vibrancy. 

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis. Image: Amex
Photo credit: St. Kitts and Nevis. Image: Amex

Instead of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Amex recommends visiting the laid-back vibes of St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean Sea because the two-island nation has sparkling waters, friendly locals, and a fun-in-the-sun culture. 

Udaipur, India

Udaipur, India
Udaipur, India. Image: Amex
Photo credit: Udaipur, India. Image: Amex

Instead of Agra, Amex suggests India’s Udaipur because it’s an “uber-romantic city” filled with lakes and palaces. “The sense of the historical grandeur is just as magical” as Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. 

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, Switzerland. Image: Amex
Photo credit: Zermatt, Switzerland. Image: Amex

Instead of the Dolomites in Italy, Amex recommends Zermatt if you’re planning a European ski vacation. It’s described as a “traditionally charming” ski town where everything runs like clockwork. 

7 Alpine Villages In Europe That Make You Feel Like You’ve Stepped Back In Time

Sweeping panoramic views of snow-capped mountains perfectly frame quaint alpine villages filled with medieval character. Alpine villages are synonymous with fairy-tale towns in Europe. Simply walking the charming cobblestone streets in one of these small towns will transport you to another time and place. Take a minute to slow down and experience the half-timbered buildings, pristine lakes, and medieval town centers that will envelop you in the rich history they hold close.

Below are a few of my favorite alpine villages and towns. For simplicity, they are presented in alphabetical order.

Annecy, France
Annecy, France
Photo credit: Manfred Gottschalk / Getty Images

7 Alpine Villages In Europe That Make You Feel Like You’ve Stepped Back In Time

1. Annecy, France

Cobblestone streets lined with charming cafés and stylish shops fill the center of Annecy’s old town, Vieille Ville. As you criss-cross over the canal on medieval bridges and along small alleyways with ancient walls, you are transported back to when villages were ruled by a count or marquis.

Wind your way past the canal and through the adjacent park where you will find locals and tourists gathering to enjoy a scrumptious gelato on a beautiful summer day.

2. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc sits at the base of Mont Blanc, where the Alps create a junction of France, Switzerland, and Italy. Chamonix is renowned for its fantastic skiing. To fully appreciate the town’s surrounding mountains and stunning panoramic views, you must take the Panoramic cable car to the top of Mont Blanc. Jump on the Le Petit Train that spins around the city offering open-air views of colorful houses in this fairy-tale destination.

Built in true alpine style, the Hotel Mont Blanc is an experience unto itself. Dine at the onsite restaurant Le Matafan and explore sumptuous, seasonal cuisine.

3. Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy

Mention a trip to the Dolomites to any ski enthusiast and they are ready to hop on the next flight. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a ski resort in northern Italy, part of the Dolomiti Superski area, and perfect for an on-the-slopes vacation. Events from the 1956 Winter Olympics were held in Cortina and will be again for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

Cortina’s alpine beauty and long history is reflected in its nod to traditional Tyrolean cuisine. A must-try is the canederli — a Tyrolean knödel made with dried bread, milk, and eggs.

A rustic home in the village of Èze, France
A rustic home in the village of Èze, France
Photo credit: John Greim / LightRocket via Getty Images

4. Èze, France

Perched on a mountain top in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France, Èze has a picturesque old town with winding cobbled streets, stunning Mediterranean views, and two exclusive five-star hotels. The old town must be reached on foot; no motor cars are allowed in this mountaintop village. Since there has been no “urban renewal,” the medieval architecture is completely intact and imparts a dreamy, slow-vacation fairy-tale destination feeling.

At the very top of this pedestrian old city are the ruins of a medieval castle that offers hearty climbers a most precious panoramic view of the French Riviera coastline. The castle grounds have a beautifully landscaped garden offering guests a chance to stop and soak up the magnificent view, the sweetly aromatic flowers, and the glorious Mediterranean sunshine.

5. Grindelwald, Switzerland

Grindelwald is a picturesque village in the Bernese Alps and the perfect spot for skiing and hiking in the Jungfrau region. A quintessential alpine village, Grindelwald is equally stunning when covered with snow drifts or cheery fields of wildflowers. The village center is filled with half-timbered houses and gives way to rolling hills and magnificent mountain peaks.

And not only skiers will enjoy this charming little region. Sledging (sledding) is a popular winter pastime and many downhill slopes have sledging runs. Locals, and a few intrepid tourists, can also be found winter hiking down the slopes. Everyone wants to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh alpine air in Grindelwald.

Lake Mondsee in Austria
Lake Mondsee in Austria
Photo credit: Igor Golovniov / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images

6. Mondsee, Austria

If you are a fan of The Sound of Music, then you may have heard of the charming little town of Mondsee. The lakeside oasis is so stunning, it is a much desired and picture-perfect wedding destination. It is also home to the Basilica of St. Michael, the movie setting for Maria and Captain von Trapp’s wedding.

7. Val D’Oingt, France

The labyrinthine streets climb up, up, and up in the little hidden gem of Oingt. Located in the Beaujolais vineyards area of the Rhone (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region), Oignt is an enchanting medieval town filled with fairy-tale charm. Little shops and cafés line the cobblestone streets and are accessed by slanted steps and low doorways.

The medieval streets are lined with stone houses made with a local honey-colored stone giving the town a soft, ethereal glow when kissed by sunshine.

Alpine Cities, Towns, And Villages

Picture-perfect scenes are the hallmark of historic alpine cities, towns, and villages. Many of the most charming spots have luxury accommodations for overnight travelers. Alternatively, you will certainly find one or two just a day trip away from any major European alpine city.

Carve some time out of your next visit to the Alps region to explore one of the enchanting sights. Their history, cuisine, shopping, and natural beauty will transport you to a simpler time. 

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