The post COVID time has expanded the horizons of travel, as more and more people made journeys to lesser known places in order to explore, or embark on excursions that were thrilling and unusual. A spike in rural tourism has also been recorded, as people choose to vacation in little villages tucked in the countryside to get away from the hustle and the bustle of the city, in order to spend some time with nature.
01 Zell am See, Austria
A breathtakingly picturesque little town located in the Austrian Alps, Zell am See is nestled amidst mountains, surrounded by a beautiful lake. During summer, a variety of activities such as hiking or trekking in the mountains or swimming, boating or paddling in the lake could be enjoyed. However, winters are super fun as well with the town being famous for skiing. The town is home to a lot of historical sites which can be explored with the help of a tour guide. The highlight of the place is the Schmittenhöhe mountain, unveiled as the first art project on a mountain, making it Europe’s biggest artistic exhibition.
02 Choke Mountain Village, Ethiopia
Situated in the capital city of Ethiopia, Choke Mountain is the third highest mountain in the country, and probably the first in the world to introduce the concept of an ecovillage into the tourism spectrum. Choke Mountain village adopts sustainable resource and land management schemes which promote biogas and solar energy. The villagers are equipped with the knowledge to provide natural goods, harvested sustainably as a memoir for tourists. These include honey, vegetables, beer, etc. The villagers also practise fair trade systems and conduct community events in order to attract tourists. If you have watched Moana, then consider this cute little village to be something like Motunui from the film.
03 Sauris Zahre, Italy
The romance of an Italian village, consumed by the best of nature, offering the most stunning views, Sauris Zahre, as it was called in German dialect, is tucked into a green valley, within the confines of the Carnic Alps. The best part about this village is its beauty. The untouched little village is covered in thick woods, with large majestic pine trees dotting the land, while the lake changes colour to match the seasons. Truly a slice of paradise and a must-visit for some time off.
04 Rupit, Spain
A village which will make you feel like you travelled back in time, Rupit is a place adorned with ancient stone structures that have been preserved to capture the essence of the mediaeval times. The 1000 year old stone village is located in a beautiful natural environment with walkways leading to river views. There are many buildings that line the roads; structures that have been carved out of solid stone, containing immense historical value. A day trip in this beautiful place is a must if you are visiting Spain for the holidays.
05 Andermatt, Switzerland
Located within the picturesque setting of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt is a little quaint village, oozing rustic charm. The place is a hub for skiing, making it one of the best freeride destinations in the world. The village is dotted with cozy homes, and snow frosted roofs, cackling fireplaces and warm people, making it seem like something from a fairytale. As the village is surrounded by mountained, staying indoors is not an option. When summer arrives, the skiing scene escalates into a hiking, biking one as the village is abuzz with an air of excitement. This Swiss village is the best place to go to if you’re a nature lover.
