Today we're heading to Slovenia, a country that somehow packs alpine peaks, emerald rivers, vineyard-covered hills, and a slice of the Adriatic all into one incredibly compact destination. It's one of Europe's most diverse landscapes, yet still feels refreshingly under the radar.
Joining us today t…Today we're heading to Slovenia, a country that somehow packs alpine peaks, emerald rivers, vineyard-covered hills, and a slice of the Adriatic all into one incredibly compact destination. It's one of Europe's most diverse landscapes, yet still feels refreshingly under the radar.
Joining us today to help unpack what makes this country so unique, are my partners in the region, Živa Vincetič and Mattej Valencic.
We chat about Slovenia's fascinating history and cultural identity, the landscapes that define it, from the Julian Alps to its famous karst caves, and of course the incredible experiences from outdoor adventure to wine and cuisine.
I hope you enjoy this inspiring episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
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Hear about travel to Slovenia as Chris talks with travel writer Sam Baldwin about an active, slightly off-the-beaten-path itinerary through one of Europe’s most underrated countries.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from Nerd…Hear about travel to Slovenia as Chris talks with travel writer Sam Baldwin about an active, slightly off-the-beaten-path itinerary through one of Europe’s most underrated countries.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here.
Sam has been visiting Slovenia since 2007, lived there for five years, and recommends a road trip that combines Ljubljana, alpine lakes, mountain scenery, rivers, wine country, and a few unusual cultural experiences. His experiences of living, working, and exploring the wildlife and wild places of this stunning country are told in his travel memoir book, Dormice & Moonshine: Falling for Slovenia.
Why should you go to Slovenia?
Sam describes Slovenia as beautiful, safe, compact, and surprisingly diverse. In a short drive, you can go from alpine scenery to Mediterranean-influenced landscapes, from lakes and mountains to wine regions and warm rivers. He also emphasizes that Slovenia feels much more Central European than many travelers expect.
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https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-slovenia/
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What are the best hidden gems and local experiences in Ljubljana, Slovenia, that some travelers completely miss?
Sharon Kaufman is a licensed local guide in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and founder of MyLjubljanaTour.com. Originally from Israel, she moved to Slovenia with her family on what was meant to b…What are the best hidden gems and local experiences in Ljubljana, Slovenia, that some travelers completely miss?
Sharon Kaufman is a licensed local guide in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and founder of MyLjubljanaTour.com. Originally from Israel, she moved to Slovenia with her family on what was meant to be a one-week vacation and ended up building a new life there. Today, she leads free and paid tours focused on helping travelers experience Ljubljana through local stories, food, and everyday culture.
In this episode, Sharon shares about her spontaneous family move to Ljubljana, how she built a life and business there, and her top hidden gems and local tips for experiencing the city like a resident, not a tourist.
If you’re planning a trip to Slovenia or curious about what makes Ljubljana special, this episode is packed with practical recommendations. Sharon walks us through lesser-known places to explore, affordable ways to get around, unique food experiences, art districts, scenic viewpoints, and easy nature escapes right from the city. You’ll also hear how her perspective as a local guide shapes the way she helps travelers connect more deeply with the city.
Which of these Ljubljana, Slovenia, experiences would you want to explore first? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
How a one-week family vacation unexpectedly turned into a move to Slovenia
What Sharon quickly learned about daily life, culture, and work-life balance in Ljubljana
How intuition and local conversations shaped her decision to stay
How she transitioned from online coaching to becoming a licensed local guide
One of the most affordable and fun ways to explore the city
Where to get sweeping views of Ljubljana without crowds or ticket lines
A hidden market area with local food and unique vending machines that most visitors walk right past
A hidden alley filled with public art, symbolism, and a secret pub
An alternative art district shaped by activism, creativity, and nightlife
A cafe locals love for great coffee, healthy food, and a relaxed vibe
An easy forest hike just minutes from the city center, plus what to eat at the top
The best times of year to visit Ljubljana and where to go beyond the city
And so much more
Resources:
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MyLjubljanaTour.com
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In Episode 120 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike Zaccheo and Angie Sparks cover Angie’s recent trip to Slovenia and Croatia, blending personal travel highlights with timely award travel news. Big community updates include the long-awaited announcement of the 2025 Chicago Seminars (Nov 7–9 at HR …In Episode 120 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike Zaccheo and Angie Sparks cover Angie’s recent trip to Slovenia and Croatia, blending personal travel highlights with timely award travel news. Big community updates include the long-awaited announcement of the 2025 Chicago Seminars (Nov 7–9 at HR ORD), changes to Emirates First Class award access for elites only, and generous summer promotions from Best Western and Marriott Homes & Villas. Hyatt also announced a cap on the number of awa...more
We explore Slovenia's Triglav National Park region and visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj on one of Kit's favorite European adventures!
We hike the base area of the Julian Alps from Kranjska Gora. We bike from there to Lake Bled. We raft the Sava River, and learn about kayaking Lake Bohinj and the…We explore Slovenia's Triglav National Park region and visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj on one of Kit's favorite European adventures!
We hike the base area of the Julian Alps from Kranjska Gora. We bike from there to Lake Bled. We raft the Sava River, and learn about kayaking Lake Bohinj and the Savica Falls.
In Ljubjiana, Slovenia's capitol, we take a food tour, a history tour and a day tour to Škocjan Caves, the Lipsic Stud Farm, and the Predjama Castle.
Learn all about this beautiful, fun and relaxing active adventure on today's show.
COMPLETE SHOW NOTES See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about hiking, backpacking, and paddle packing Isle Royale National Park.
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Resources
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In this episode, Mike and Angie dive into highlights from the week, notable travel deals, and the emotional rollercoaster of post-trip sadness. Angie returns from India, sharing updates on her upcoming plans for Slovenia and a possible return to France. Meanwhile, Mike prepares for taking his daught…In this episode, Mike and Angie dive into highlights from the week, notable travel deals, and the emotional rollercoaster of post-trip sadness. Angie returns from India, sharing updates on her upcoming plans for Slovenia and a possible return to France. Meanwhile, Mike prepares for taking his daughter to Taylor Swift’s concert in Toronto, detailing his booking process and challenges with finding the right hotel. The highlight post of the week focuses on the Scandinavian Airlines “1 Million ...more
The co-author of Rick's Central Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the charms of Slovenia's laid-back capital. Then a tour guide from Munich shares her insider tips for becoming a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest, and a naturalist with a knack for adventure explains why even …The co-author of Rick's Central Europe guidebook and a Ljubljana-based tour guide discuss the charms of Slovenia's laid-back capital. Then a tour guide from Munich shares her insider tips for becoming a temporary Bavarian at Oktoberfest, and a naturalist with a knack for adventure explains why even the creepiest critters deserve a little respect.more
Writer and avid hiker Peggy Orenstein is exactly the kind of person you should send off into the wilderness with an iPhone and a pair of hiking boots. And for this episode, we did just that. In October 2022, Slovenia rolled out the 167-mile Juliana Trail, a route that circles Slovenia's Triglav Nati…Writer and avid hiker Peggy Orenstein is exactly the kind of person you should send off into the wilderness with an iPhone and a pair of hiking boots. And for this episode, we did just that. In October 2022, Slovenia rolled out the 167-mile Juliana Trail, a route that circles Slovenia's Triglav National park and the Julian Alps and takes walkers back in time. Peggy tackled a portion of the trail and along the way, she found:
Well-preserved remnants of World War I.
A rich farm-to-table cuisine.
Cultural legacies, including a lengthy history of beekeeping.
Fantastic hiking, that leads along the Sava River and through icon spots like Lake Bled.
Don't miss these moments!
2:37: An interview with Peggy.
8:15: Her first day on the trail.
11:27: How the Juliana Trail came together.
14:33: Exploring Slovenian culture along the trail.
19:31: Visiting Lake Bohinj.
21:08: Losing her phone on the trail.
26:47: Toasting with a septuagenarian on a mountaintop.
30:58: The last day on the trail.
34:16: Peggy's ode to American pop music
In the episode, you'll understand what it's like to hike the Juliana Trail, the trail's highlights, and how Peggy faced down her inner overachiever.
Resources
Read this episode’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode.
Learn more about the Juliana Trail and plan your own hike.
Read Peggy’s other AFAR stories: hiking the Kumano Kodo trail in Japan, horseback riding in Wyoming, and exploring Yunnan, China.
Buy Peggy’s latest book, Unraveling: What I Learned About Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World’s Ugliest Sweater.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Unpacked, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week.
And a special thanks to our season four Travel Tales by AFAR sponsor, Avalon Waterways, who shares our belief in the transformative power of travel.
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