I’ve visited 89 countries and hundreds of cities. My favorite place is an underrated European gem that outshines Paris and London.

• John Lovell is knowledgeable traveler who has lived in or visited 89 international locations worldwide.

• Of all locations, he advised Enterprise Insider that Salzburg, Austria, is his absolute favourite.

• He stated the world’s pure magnificence, tradition, and heat welcome from the locals make it price visiting.

This as-told-to essay relies on a dialog with John Lovell, 60, who has traveled to 89 international locations and lots of of cities in his lifetime. Lovell is the president of Travel Leaders Network, a firm that sells luxurious journey, cruises, and excursions.

This interview has been edited for size and readability.

Over time, I’ve visited 89 international locations and lived in lots of cities. There is not a single nation I’ve visited that I didn’t like — however some I simply occur to love greater than others.

I have been to remoted locations like Tahiti, house to a few of the most stunning seashores and unimaginable overwater bungalows. I’ve additionally been to smaller international locations just like the Vatican and traveled to South Africa, which has a few of the world’s finest vineyards and recreation preserves.

I’ve additionally visited extra widespread and well-known European cities like Paris and London, the place I as soon as lived. I really like each cities, and if I had to decide on my high 5, they’d each be on there. Nonetheless, if I may dwell wherever full-time, it could be in Salzburg, Austria.

Salzburg is on the high of my listing as a result of it is smaller and extra intimate. There are fewer vacationers than in London or Paris, so it is simpler to expertise the town and its tradition — plus, the individuals are extremely welcoming.

Salzburg’s pure magnificence is breathtaking

Salzburg is situated in Central Europe, proper on the foothills of the Alps. The panorama is inexperienced and plush, and the surroundings is really beautiful. The town is surrounded by lakes, with rivers flowing by means of its coronary heart.

Whereas the winters could be a bit chilly for me, the general local weather is sort of nice, much like upstate New York, so pretty temperate for probably the most half.

Salzburg is wealthy in historical past, has great museums, and is the birthplace of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is also identified for its Gothic and baroque structure and delightful catholic church buildings.

Salzburg can be well-known as a result of elements of “The Sound of Music” had been filmed there. Within the 1965 movie, the von Trapp household — based mostly on an actual Austrian musical household — escapes Nazi-occupied Austria. A well-liked scene within the movie, the place governess Maria and the kids sing “Do-Re-Me,” was shot at Mirabell Gardens and the Pegasus Fountain.

There’s one thing for everybody

The town is not overly costly, partly as a result of it is a bit off the overwhelmed path. Most lodges vary from mid- to high-end, with costs usually between $100 and $400 per night time. Visiting will not essentially break the financial institution for a lot of vacationers.

Salzburg can be a well known getaway spot if you happen to’re into snowboarding and related winter actions. Whereas there is no skiing proper within the metropolis, it is only a quick journey into the mountains.

For the youthful crowd, you may discover choices if you happen to’re into nightclubs and dancing. There are additionally loads of nice eating places. So, although Salzburg is not a large metropolis, it nonetheless has loads to supply.

The locals make you are feeling welcome

Salzburg has many cultures. Many individuals communicate English, German, and typically French.

I feel it is an ideal place to get a real sense of European tradition in a midsize city.

Of all European cities, I might examine Salzburg to Prague or Edinburgh — however these cities do not have the sheer pure fantastic thing about the mountains and rivers surrounding them.

The individuals of Salzburg really embrace vacationers. You’ll be able to stroll into an area pub, have some schnapps with them, and by the point you end your drink, it feels such as you’ve identified them eternally.

The primary time I visited Salzburg, I met some individuals from Florida. One was an older, retired gentleman who owned a house in Austria. He invited me to go to him and his spouse and keep at their home.

They launched me to individuals in the area people, confirmed me round, took me to eating places, and hosted me on a ship journey. I fell in love with the world and have returned to that metropolis 4 instances.

I’ve by no means had a foul interplay with anybody there. It is all the time been very constructive — everybody is useful and genuinely occupied with you: the place you are from, why you are visiting. It is such a pleasant feeling to be so welcomed, and that is why I hold returning.

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