Have you caught yourself reminiscing about favorite destinations you’d like to revisit once it’s time to travel again? Whether or not we’ve put it down on paper, every one of us has a post-pandemic wish list of places we’re aching to experience all over again.

The sights and sounds and flavors of Europe might land toward the top of your list—and for good reason. Perhaps you’ve honeymooned in Spain, toured Great Britain with beloved friends, or explored beautiful Italy with your children.

Whatever the reason, your past travels there evoke warm memories. After being grounded at home for so long, you’re probably feeling nostalgic for a place outside your own four walls that’s both familiar and utterly invigorating.

Now is the perfect time to reminisce about those places you love—and to begin dreaming about new and exciting ways to experience them with fresh eyes. Consider staying a night or two in your favorite city before venturing off to center the rest of your time in a new region; you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Here, you’ll discover a few great ways to re-explore some countries you may already know and love, now from a slightly different point of view. Happy dreaming!

Italy: Puglia & Basilicata

If you’ve traveled to Italy, you’ve probably had the pleasure of exploring the wonders of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Mouth-watering food, rich history, stunning architecture. What’s not to love? Or maybe your travels took you to Milan, Tuscany, or Cinque Terre? Or the gorgeous trifecta of the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Naples.

For something new, consider centering your visit around Italy’s Puglia region. Located in the south of the country (the heel of Italy’s “boot”), Puglia boasts a picturesque coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It’s home to the cone-shaped trulli of Alberobello, mortarless limestone dwellings (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Puglia is also a major producer of olives, with some 50 to 60 million trees that produce 40% of Italy’s olive oil. You’ll love the delightful array of smaller locales like Ostuni, also known as “the white city” for its gleaming white houses, and Lecce, an incredibly charming spot known as the “Florence of the South,” thanks to its Baroque architecture.

Southwest of the region is Basilicata, another marvelous area that includes the city of Matera, home to gorgeous landscapes and the Sassi, a network of cave dwellings carved into the mountainside.

Spain: The Basque Country

Perhaps you’ve spent time exploring Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville. Each has its charms (and is certainly worth revisiting!), but for something a bit different, consider centering your next journey in the Basque Country of Spain.

This mountainous region on Spain’s northern coast is home to the rich culture and traditions of the Basque people. The Basque language predates the establishment of modern romance languages (like Spanish and Italian), and this historically significant region is one not to be missed.

San Sebastián, a gorgeous seaside town on the Bay of Biscay, just a short drive from the French border, is an absolute must-see. A picturesque bayfront promenade frames two of the area's beloved beaches, Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta. The cobblestoned Old Town offers wonderful pintxo bars, fantastic shopping, and plenty of sights to see. San Sebastián is also home to three Michelin-starred restaurants, and you’ll find an impressive 18 Michelin Stars within just a 25km radius of City Hall!

Bilbao is home to The Guggenheim Museum (yes, there’s one in Spain, too). The museum, completed in 1997, was designed by Canadian American architect Frank Gehry. The magnificent design exemplifies some of the 20th century’s most groundbreaking architectural styles that’s as imposing as it is seductive.

But where this region really shines is its food. The gastronomic experience in Bilbao is one of the best in the world, as evinced by several Michelin-starred restaurants. Bilbao is especially famed for fantastic pintxos (small plates), traditional Basque cuisine, and world-class seafood. One specialty is bacalao, dried and salted cod prepared with garlic and olive oil.

While you’re in the area, be sure to make time to visit La Rioja. This beautiful agricultural region, just south of Bilbao and San Sebastián, is renowned for its local wine industry. Whether you’d like to visit small, traditional cellars or major producers, there’s a wonderful winery experience here for you (and delectable food to go along with it!). Plus, La Rioja is just far enough off most travelers’ radar to feel undiscovered, so it’s a great place to slow down and immerse yourself in authentic Spanish culture.

France: Brittany

Dinan, a town in the Brittany region of France

No visit to France is complete without a visit to Paris, of course. And maybe you’ve even spent time on the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur). Maybe you’ve glimpsed the cliffs of Normandy, explored the natural wonders of Provence, meandered through the Loire Valley, or even toured some of France’s renowned wine regions.

If you love France as much as I do, you might consider a stay in Brittany. This hilly peninsula in northwest France is endlessly intriguing. Brittany’s Celtic and native Breton cultural influences and international connections to the Celtic groups of Cornwall and Wales make the region feel very distinct from the rest of France. The cities here offer plenty to explore, and the quaint small towns in between are not to be missed. In fact, cyclists will be happy to know that Brittany boasts an extensive network of cycling paths. Whether by bicycle, by foot, or by car, there is much to discover here.

Brittany is home to some of the world’s oldest standing architecture, dating back to the 5th millennium BC. Art lovers, in particular, will love Gaugin’s paintings of this region and the life here. The coast is marked by many cliffs, capes, and islands, a delight for anyone who enjoys spending time by the sea. In terms of cuisine, Brittany is home to a number of special Breton dishes, including crêpes, galettes, and the traditional kig ha farz, a dish consisting of stewed pork or beef with buckwheat dumplings. The traditional drink of Brittany is cider, and the region is the second-largest producer of cider in France.

Great Britain: Wales

London is an essential stop for travelers to Great Britain, of course. And perhaps you’ve taken day trips to Oxford, Cambridge, or even Canterbury. But right next door, in Wales, there’s a treasure trove of experiences not to be missed, especially if you love active adventure and the outdoors (just consider a stop in the Cotswolds along the way).

From the towering mountains and breathtaking waterfalls of Snowdonia National Park to the scenic coastlines of Pembrokeshire, Wales has something for every traveler looking to venture off the beaten path. And with its ties to Celtic culture and a rich language all its own, Wales is utterly charming at every turn.

For a trip back in time, visit the walled market town of Conwy in northern Wales. Visitors can walk atop the 13th-century castle walls for wonderful views of the surrounding town and countryside.

Caernarfon Castle in Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In the south, be sure to make plenty of time for a walking tour of Snowdonia National Park. While the rugged peaks here may not be as tall as many in the U.S., the sheer scale and expansiveness of this region will leave you breathless.

Enjoy touring the sprawling valleys and imposing peaks of Brecon Beacons National Park. The 45,000-acre park is perfect for active adventures, with ample opportunities for walking, cycling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hang-gliding. On the eastern edge of Brecon Beacons, you’ll find the delightful Abergavenny Market which is especially lovely if you visit Wales during the holiday season.

History lovers will enjoy the many opportunities to tour fascinating ruins throughout Wales. From the 12th-century Tintern Abbey and Chepstow (Britain’s oldest surviving stone fort dating back to the 11th century) to the medieval Bishops Palace, there is plenty of history and architecture to discover here.

Ireland: County Galway & County Sligo

There’s no denying that a lot of us get nostalgic for Ireland. It may be the distant family ties, the beguiling people, the bucolic landscapes, or a hundred other things. Whatever the case, Ireland has our hearts.

And sure, Dublin is marvelous. And plenty of folks trek to County Cork to kiss the Blarney Stone. But the less-visited regions of northwest Ireland are absolutely worth a visit for a fresh, exciting new experience of the Emerald Isle.

County Galway is home to some seriously stunning coastal scenery. Here, you can take a cruise to the Aran Islands (and buy one of those famously warm cable-knit sweaters). On a clear day, you’ll even be able to take in the spectacular Cliffs of Moher from the boat. Or charter a private tour of Galway Bay on a Galway hooker, a traditional fishing boat specifically developed 400 years ago to withstand the strong seas along Ireland’s west coast.

Back at shore, be sure to snap a few photos of the colorful row homes along Galway Bay. Stop into one of the many jewelry shops that specialize in traditional Claddagh rings. These symbolic rings represent love, loyalty, and friendship and make a great gift for yourself or a loved one back home.

North of County Galway, you’ll find the charming coastal seaport of Sligo. It’s a wonderful destination year-round, known for its stunning beaches, scenic walking trails, and warm community of about 20,000 people. (And if you’re a fan of Sally Rooney’s Normal People, you’ll know Sligo as Marianne and Connell’s home county.)

Sligo is a particularly special delight in the summer months when the town hosts the South Sligo Summer School, a weeklong gathering of families from all over Ireland and beyond. Everyone from kids to grandparents is welcome to take classes in traditional Irish singing (in the Irish language), instrumental music, dancing, and more. Enjoy concerts and recitals, and after hours, all the pubs in town host music circles that start around ten and just keep growing until the wee hours of the morning. You’re welcome to watch but even more welcome to join in on the fun. It’s a marvelous time for all, especially if you plan to travel as a family.

The Takeaway

Wherever you’ve traveled in Europe, there’s always more to explore, even in the places you think you know best! There’s still so much to discover, and I can help craft an itinerary that will introduce you to the hidden gems you’ll love best.

Here’s a reminder of our favorite out-of-the-way destinations—with personalities all their own—that deserve a spot on your European travel wish list:

Puglia & Basilicata in Italy
Spain’s Basque Country
Brittany in France
Wales in Great Britain
Ireland’s County Galway & County Sligo

Start Dreaming Today

It’s never too early to begin dreaming about your next dream destination, whether in Europe or elsewhere! Not sure about dates? No problem! We’re now working with clients on “dateless” travel planning so that you can start dreaming and planning (preliminarily) without committing to an exact timeframe.

Go ahead. Give yourself something amazing to look forward to.

Now is the perfect time to schedule your complimentary consultation. And for all the latest Wandermust discoveries, sign up for our newsletter, The Wandermust Journal.