Slovenia

Travel has been a passion for me ever since I was a student. It fires my curiosity about the world, inspires my creative and design work and allows me to take on physical challenges such as mountain climbing. 

For me, travel always has to be with a purpose. I’m definitely not a sun lounger type of girl. One of my favourite trips of 2024 was to Slovenia. This mountainous country sandwiched between Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary is much underrated in my opinion. 

Easy to get to (Both BA and Easyjet fly to the capital Ljubliana in just over 2 hours), Slovenia is a small but pristine country of immaculate green Swiss like landscapes, crystal lakes, forests and farmland. The mountains are both stunning and if you want, challenging. Mount Triglav is 2864 meters and a bracing climb to put it mildly! 

The capital Ljubljana is a most charming medieval town of narrow streets, waterways, cafes and restaurants. Well worth a day or two, and a perfect prelude to a few days in nature. The Slovenian countryside is perhaps the cleanest I have ever seen anywhere, the roads are in excellent condition and there is a wide variety of accommodation. It’s the perfect place for walking, wild swimming and mountain or electric biking. Food in the countryside is inspired by local ingredients and of a high standard - where we stayed in the Vila Planinka in the Jezersko valley, the food was of Michelin rating. Lake Bled is another utterly charming destination, with castles and aqua blue water to enchant and delight. 

In my opinion Slovenia is one of the loveliest and most unassuming stars of Europe. It has everything - history, stunning nature, excellent food and great communications both national and international. I would choose it over some of its more obvious neighbours any day of the week - you won’t be disappointed.