Tag: Storybook

  • New Train Launching From London To This Stunning Storybook Town

    New Train Launching From London To This Stunning Storybook Town

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    Want to explore the UK without the crowds? We at Travel Off Path know just the place!

    London is undoubtedly one of the world’s most iconic cities, beaming with timeless marvels.

    In fact, it’s so captivating that many travelers skip over much of the UK’s charming getaways as they’re magnetized to London’s bright lights and famous landmarks.

    Stirling, Scotland townscape in spring

    But, there’s a new train set to change that ideal, as a storybook town you’ve likely never heard of before is so much easier to reach.

    Boasting storybook streetscapes with astounding castles and the aesthetics of a cobbled village like a medieval maze, plan ahead and mark your calendars for Spring 2026 for Lumo’s new route to Stirling, Scotland.

    Depart London Euston To One Of Scotland’s Best Kept Secrets

    Just about everything can be overpriced in London to the point you wonder how people make a living.

    Traveler at London Euston

    Grabbing $9 pints and $20 fish and chips from a local pub doesn’t have to be the case for leaving the city.

    To do so, you’ll want to head to London Euston, described in proper rail-speak as the ‘southern terminus’ of the West Coast Main Line.

    It’s known more for being a gateway to England’s overshadowed cities like Birmingham and Manchester, but in this case, it’s time to escape the city grind in favor of Scotland’s historic delights.

    Located within walking distance from the London Zoo and The Regent’s Park, Euston is centrally located, making for an excellent escape route when prices and/or crowds push you too far.

    Euston Station in London

    Arrive in Stirling (With Some Awesome Hidden Gems Along The Way!)

    Stirling is truly magical in fall, but to take Lumo’s new route, you’ll have to wait until spring — a time when this lesser-known stunner is set to be put on the map.

    Opening May 1, 2026, Culture Night will be one of the town’s most festive nights of the year, offering a nighttime cultural takeover through music, dance, comedy, art, crafts, and literature showcased through multiple facets, such as museums and galleries.

    Though there’s no official launch date for the train, our sources confirm ‘as early as Spring 2026′ to hopefully line up perfectly with this event.

    Pathway to Old Town Stirling, Scotland

    Otherwise, you can stick to the classics and still have a grand ol’ time flipping the pages back through a pastime era, where Stirling Castle was the key to Scotland’s throne and church bells of the Holy Rude echoed down below to one of the UK’s most vibrant Old Towns — all still standing the test of time and open to visit.

    Of course, a visit to such a storied city wouldn’t be right without stepping foot into a traditional pub to grab a local pint.

    The Settle Inn is Stirling’s ‘oldest alehouse’, holding rave reviews and reasonable prices for such a popular community staple.

    Castle in Stirling, Scotland

    Plus, you might want to be a little loosey-goosey visiting some of Stirling’s grim attractions like the Beheading Stone, a literal chopping block for treasonous citizens, dating back to medieval times.

    In the same realm, Old Town’s history boasts far more than what you see today. A guided ghost tour provides a deep dive into the city’s darker past with chilling tales of witch trials and grisly public executions.

    But, how about some happy news?

    Not only will this route stop in Stirling as the last stop, but there are 10 more delightful towns on the docket:

    Holy Rude in Stirling, Scotland
    • London Euston
    • Milton Keynes
    • Nuneaton
    • Crewe
    • Preston
    • Carlisle
    • Lockerbie
    • Motherwell
    • Whifflet
    • Greenfaulds
    • Larbert
    • Stirling

    What To Know About Lumo

    Lumo train in London

    Lumo is an all-electric, budget rail carrier. Some might say it’s the “Ryanair of rails” for England.

    You know — no first-class seating, bare bones amenities, tight luggage rules, etc.

    That being said, travelers do appreciate ample legroom, food cart service, wifi, and power outlets.

    Given its low prices, Lumo is a far cry from what you might expect out of London, but the new London-Stirling route has yet to go on sale since there’s no official launch date.

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  • This Underrated Storybook Town Might Be The Best Budget Destination in Europe This Summer

    This Underrated Storybook Town Might Be The Best Budget Destination in Europe This Summer

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    The good news: vacation calories don’t count. The bad news: this summer’s record-breaking tourist season might take some of the sweetness out of your gelato. 

    Summer 2023 promises overcrowded, overheated, and overpriced destinations all across Europe’s hotspots

    Old Stone Bridge in Prizren Kosovo

    According to Expedia’s 2023 travel trends report released last month, travelers are focusing on “the biggest culture capitals of the world” and flocking to favorites like Lisbon and Edinburgh. Flight searches for the June to August period are up 25%, while many airlines are forecasting price increases of 30% compared to previous summers.

    Altogether, it’s not a pretty picture for travelers planning a summer trip to Europe.

    So if you don’t love the idea of getting packed like sweaty sardines into a Venetian alley or blowing an entire year’s travel budget reenacting Emily in Paris, what can you do?

    The lesser-known town of Prizren, Kosovo offers a relaxing and affordable European holiday this summer.

    Why Prizren, Kosovo Is A Top Destination This Summer

    Prizren is the true hidden gem of the Balkans. 

    Nestled in the southwest mountains of Kosovo near the Albanian and Macedonian borders, this under-the-radar storybook town promises a picturesque Europe holiday.

    With minimal crowds, affordable prices, and plenty to do, Prizren is a true goldilocks destination.

    Prizren Kosovo Old Town and Mountains

    No Crazy Crowds

    Prizren is one of the best-kept secrets in Eastern Europe. Even in the peak June to August season, you won’t find its cobblestone streets overcrowded. In fact, travelers are unlikely to see any large tour groups at all. 

    The exception to this southern Kosovar town’s peace and quiet is the Docufest film festival every August. Still, the festival’s visitors feel that the high-energy creative environment is worth sharing this fairy tale location with a few more people.

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    Prizren Kosovo Empty Cobblestone Street with Fountain

    Affordability

    Prizren is one of the cheapest cities in Europe. 

    Even in the summer season, you can find a lovely 4-star hotel room for two for $40 per night. Rental cars start at $15 per day and parking at $5 per day. Buses to and from regional cities like Tirana and Skopje range from $8-15, while taxis around the city cost $3-8.

    Nice multi-course meals average $9, or you can enjoy simple local street food like burek and pide for $2. Since cappuccinos are only a dollar, you can enjoy as many lazy coffees by the river as you like. 

    European Hotel with Flowers

    Nightlife is just as inexpensive. A pint of local beer will cost you less than $2. Local Vranac wine from Kosovo’s Rahovec region goes for as little as $4 a glass and is absolutely worth every penny. 

    Of course, it wouldn’t be the Balkans without dirt-cheap rakia. Kosovar versions of this strong homemade liquor are usually made from grapes or walnuts. Expect to pay $1-2 per shot, depending on quality. (Even though this stiff fruit spirit is deceptively served in a shot glass, remember: sip, don’t shoot.)

    Some of the rakia on your trip may even be free! It’s a customary welcome drink, so hosts and tour guides sometimes offer it out of hospitality. 

    Best of all, Prizren’s historical sites and attractions are completely free.

    Beer and wine in bar

    Lots to Do

    • Explore the picturesque Prizren Old Town. This was the historical heart of Kosovo during Ottoman times, and remains a cultural and social center today. Take a stroll down the picturesque cobblestone streets on both sides of the Old Stone Bridge and take in the view.
    • Enjoy local specialty dishes like Tavë Prizren (baked lamb and vegetables with rice and yogurt) or Krempita (custard tart).
    • Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, Our Lady of Ljeviš Church, and Church of St. Savior. These beautiful historical sites are free of cost and crowds. There are plenty of other small mosques and churches all over the city to discover and find your own favorite.
    Mosque in Kosovo
    • Climb up to Kalaja Fortress at sunset. Only a 30-minute walk from the river, Prizren’s 5,000-year-old citadel has the absolute best view in the city. Locals suggest bringing a picnic of regional Sharr cheese, fresh baked bread, and seasonal fruits to enjoy on the grassy areas all around.
    • Trek the Sharr Mountains. Only an hour west of Prizren, this national park has everything from day hikes like Oshlak to more challenging multi-week treks stretching into Albania.
    • Visit Mirusha Falls. This chain of a dozen waterfalls and pools is a great way to cool off in the summer. A car is required since there are no bus routes here. Google Maps isn’t quite accurate on the trailheads yet, so the best route is to start at Mirusha Hotel and ask for directions. 
    waterfall

    Easy To Get In and Around

    Prizren is easily accessible by bus or car from the airports in both Skopje and Tirana (2.5 hours). These smaller airports shouldn’t be too crowded this summer compared to other European capitals.

    Lufthansa, LOT, Austrian Airlines, and Air Serbia run regular flights from the US to these cities.

    Lots of great Balkans destinations are just a few hours’ drive from Prizren:

    • Shkodër 
    • Theth-Valbonë trek 
    • Tetovo
    • Lake Ohrid

    Prizren is the best solution for travelers trying to beat the crowds and high prices of this record-breaking travel summer in Europe.

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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