Slovenia may not be high on the bucket list of the average traveler, but it should be. This treasure trove of forests, lakes, mountains and precious little towns offers more charm than many major European destinations, with fewer crowds to get in the way.
That may be changing: Slovenia is gaining recognition as the homeland of first lady Melania Trump. Overnight stays by U.S. travelers were up more than 30 percent this March from the same time last year, Reuters notes. They say Trump is part of the cause.
Come to think of it, Slovenia could be the ideal place to settle if you’re looking to escape President Donald Trump permanently. Here’s why:
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Slovenia is home to the fairytale island of your dreams.
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A dramatic 99-step staircase leads up to the Gothic church on Bled Island, where couples can tie the knot in a real-life storybook setting. Boat right up and see it for yourself, then stay for a while: Bled is charming resort town with scenic walks and several beaches.
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There are mind-boggling caves...
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Ride a subterranean railway deep into Postojna Cave, a network of passages filled with stalagmites and funky animals. Christmastime comes with a special underground nativity show, too.
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...that lead to mind-boggling castles.
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Behold Predjama Castle, the world's largest castle built into a cave and a medieval haven in times of siege. You can visit the cave underneath, but only when its colony of bats isn't hibernating.
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This city riverfront will calm your soul.
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You may think such waterways exist only in highly-traveled parts of Europe, but the riverfront in Slovenia's capital of Ljubljana rivals them all. Take a boat ride, or simply stroll along the water's edge past collections of charming cafés.
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And the rivers are downright spectacular.
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Kayaking, rafting and canyoning are common fare on the stunning River Soca. Swim or zip-line to complete the experience.
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Wine tasting awaits.
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A neighbor to Italy, Slovenia has a beautiful wine scene all its own. Choose from a host of family-owned vineyards, and get your taste on in the rolling hills.
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And so do quaint cobbled streets.
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Ljubljana's historic city squares are pleasant collections of Baroque façades and medieval interiors. Think they're cute? Just wait until you see Slovenia's smaller villages and towns.
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The hiking is top-notch.
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The Julian Alps provide a stunning backdrop for long-distance hikes through peaks, valleys and historic battlefields. Join a tour group, or go on your own for a truly transcendent experience.
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And the skiing is perfect for beginners.
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You'll still find epic ski jumps here, but the novice-friendly terrain at Slovenia's many ski resorts is a true highlight. You can also try your hand at ski running, which is exactly what it sounds like.
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Did we mention nature?!
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The breadth of Slovenia's incredible natural countryside should not go overlooked. Triglav National Park, one of Europe's largest nature reserves, is home to forests, mountains, farms and lakes just waiting for YOU to come and explore.
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