A Sunny Spring Break in Europe: Discover Hidden Gems by Rail
Winter is finally giving way to spring, and what better time to shake off the cold and explore Europe's hidden gems? From coastal Mediterranean towns to southern European cities that come alive at this time of year, there are countless destinations waiting to be discovered.
So, where did you find your perfect spring break spot? Perhaps it was a tranquil train ride through the Italian countryside, a scenic hike in the Slovenian Alps, or a relaxing soak in a Budapest thermal bath. Whatever your destination, we want to hear about it!
For this week's "Tip of the Week" competition, we're on the hunt for travel tips that showcase Europe's best-kept secrets by rail. Share with us your favorite spring break spot and why you fell in love with it.
Keep your tip concise – around 100 words is perfect – and include a relevant photo if you like. Our judges will be looking for the most compelling story, so don't hold back!
To enter, simply fill out the form below and share your travel tale with us. You must be a UK resident to participate, but we promise it'll be worth it.
The competition closes on February 9th at 10am GMT, so don't wait – get planning your spring break adventure today!
Winter is finally giving way to spring, and what better time to shake off the cold and explore Europe's hidden gems? From coastal Mediterranean towns to southern European cities that come alive at this time of year, there are countless destinations waiting to be discovered.
So, where did you find your perfect spring break spot? Perhaps it was a tranquil train ride through the Italian countryside, a scenic hike in the Slovenian Alps, or a relaxing soak in a Budapest thermal bath. Whatever your destination, we want to hear about it!
For this week's "Tip of the Week" competition, we're on the hunt for travel tips that showcase Europe's best-kept secrets by rail. Share with us your favorite spring break spot and why you fell in love with it.
Keep your tip concise – around 100 words is perfect – and include a relevant photo if you like. Our judges will be looking for the most compelling story, so don't hold back!
To enter, simply fill out the form below and share your travel tale with us. You must be a UK resident to participate, but we promise it'll be worth it.
The competition closes on February 9th at 10am GMT, so don't wait – get planning your spring break adventure today!
anyone got a fave rail journey that's just, like, the perfect way to see spring? I've always wanted to explore those scenic routes through the italian countryside 
it'd be so chill to just sit back, relax, and watch the scenery go by...
. I did a road trip last year through Croatia and it was amazing, but if I'm being honest, my favorite part was the train ride from Rome to Florence 
. The scenery was stunning and we got to see some hidden gems along the way that most tourists miss. One place that stood out was this tiny village in Tuscany where they have these adorable little olive oil tastings 
. It felt so authentic and like a secret only locals know about. I'd love to share more about it if you want to enter the competition!
. There's something magical about watching the countryside come alive as the snow melts away. Last year I discovered this adorable coastal town in Croatia that's like a secret only us Europeans know about 
. The train ride was so relaxing and the food... oh my goodness, the seafood was to die for 
! If you're looking for a hidden gem, try the Pelješac Peninsula - it's stunning in spring when all the vines are blooming 
. Good luck with the competition, can't wait to see what others come up with 
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. I mean, isn't it a bit too touristy? Everyone and their grandma is always talking about it in February... it feels like a forced break from work/school rather than something people actually need 
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. I've been on those rail journeys before and they can be super crowded and noisy. Not exactly the relaxing getaway you're imagining 
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The old city walls, the turquoise sea... it's like a fairytale come true! And you can get there by train from Zagreb, which is a total game-changer. Plus, the food and wine are incredible - I'm talking peka, anyone? 
. Can't they come up with something more unique? I mean, how many times can you visit the same old cliché Roman colosseum or Eiffel tower? 
Instead, let's promote some of those lesser-known gems that are actually worth visiting. Like, have you ever heard of Lviv in Ukraine? It's a hidden gem with an amazing old town and medieval architecture 
. Or how about the Azores islands in Portugal? The landscapes are breathtaking and the vibe is so chill 
. Let's give these places some love instead of just sticking to the usual tourist trail.
, everyone's always talking about some tiny French village or Italian hill town like it's the only thing that matters. Like, have you ever tried visiting a big city in Europe during spring? They're actually really beautiful this time of year! Amsterdam's tulips are lit 
, and Berlin's streets are filled with people enjoying the sunshine and museums are packed. It's way more fun than some quiet train ride through nowhere 
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. My kids and I went to Croatia last year and took a train ride from Zagreb to Split - it was stunning! We saw so many beautiful villages and islands along the way, and it was great value for money too 
. The thermal baths in Split were also amazing after all that walking 
. I mean, sure, a train ride through the Italian countryside is pretty, but have you ever considered exploring the lesser-known parts of Eastern Europe? Places like Poland or Hungary offer just as much history and culture without the crowds 
. I'd rather spend my spring break trying some weird local food or visiting a quirky museum 
. Give me something with a little more edge than your average European tourist trap 
. Can't we just have a map of all the hidden gems and secret spots by rail? Like, what's the point of having a spring break if you're just gonna stick to the touristy trains? 
Wouldn't it be awesome to stumble upon this cool little train station in Croatia that only goes to a secluded beach town? That sounds like an epic spring break to me! 
. We hiked to a lake in Ljubljana and had a picnic, it was literally the perfect day. The trains were really comfy too! Anyway, I wouldn't say it was super hidden from tourists but still definitely worth visiting if you can get tickets 
. The Italian hills were just stunning, especially when they were all green and not frozen! 
. There's something special about watching the countryside roll by while you're on a journey, you know? I did that last year in Greece and it was amazing! 
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