Travel influencer Paul Taylor, who runs the popular YouTube channel Suitcase Monkey, recently explored a small European country that he believes deserves far more attention from tourists. During a six-day trip with his wife Chiaki, he discovered stunning landscapes and charming cities that left him deeply impressed. Taylor argues that Slovenia, with its population of just over two million, remains one of the continent’s best-kept secrets despite a growing number of visitors. His enthusiastic video highlights why many travelers unfairly skip this gem in favor of more crowded spots.
Taylor started his journey in Ljubljana, the nation’s vibrant capital. The city of around 300,000 people feels perfectly sized for relaxed walking tours. Its scenic riverside paths and winding narrow alleys quickly won him over. He especially praised how everything feels conveniently close together.
The standout landmark, Ljubljana Castle, dominates the skyline and offers rewarding views. Visitors can reach it by hiking up a steep path or taking a quick funicular ride. Inside, a captivating 4D film brings the castle’s rich past to life. Taylor also appreciated learning that modern Slovenia only gained independence in 1991 after the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
Next, the couple headed to Lake Bled, famous for its tiny island church and dramatic Alpine backdrop. Taylor found the simple pleasure of sitting and admiring the scenery utterly enchanting. The quieter western shore provided especially tranquil moments that lingered in his mind. He described the overall atmosphere as magical and restorative.
A major highlight came at Postojna Cave, where visitors ride an underground train through vast tunnels. The ninety-minute tour showcases an enormous network filled with striking stalactites and stalagmites. Taylor called it the world’s first cave railway, stretching nearly four kilometers. He marveled at the system’s impressive depth of 120 meters and total length of 24 kilometers.
Beyond gentle sightseeing, Slovenia delivers plenty of adventure opportunities. The brilliant turquoise Soča River attracts rafters and outdoor enthusiasts. Mountain areas offer thrilling canyoning experiences for those seeking adrenaline. Taylor emphasized that the country balances peaceful relaxation with exciting activities perfectly.
Recent figures show Slovenia’s tourism sector expanding rapidly. Visitor numbers grew by nine percent last year. Foreign tourists are expected to log about 7.3 million overnight stays in 2025. July alone welcomed nearly one million arrivals.
Affordable flights from several major cities make the destination surprisingly accessible. Budget options can start as low as fifty euros one way. Taylor’s trip felt both energetic and calming overall. He firmly declared Slovenia the premier overlooked country in Europe.
In his own words, “The city has about 300,000 residents. The riverside promenade is the obvious highlight, but it’s the abundance of narrow streets and that ‘everything within reach’ scale that make Ljubljana perfect for walking exploration.” About Lake Bled, he added, “Just watching the world go by from various spots was magical.” Regarding Postojna Cave, he explained, “This is the world’s first subterranean railway. Nearly four kilometers of track serve as an impressive entry to Postojna Cave—a vast network of passages and tunnels.”
Slovenia sits at the crossroads of Central Europe, sharing borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia while enjoying a short stretch of Adriatic coastline. Its diverse terrain ranges from high Alpine peaks to karst caves, lush forests, and emerald rivers. The country is celebrated for sustainable tourism and abundant green spaces. Ljubljana itself has earned recognition as one of Europe’s greenest capitals thanks to extensive parks and car-free zones.
Lake Bled remains the most photographed spot, complete with its medieval castle perched on a cliff. Postojna Cave draws millions for its dramatic formations and unique train system. The Soča Valley gained historical fame during World War I and now lures visitors with its vivid color and outdoor sports. Independence came swiftly and relatively peacefully in 1991 through the brief Ten-Day War, marking Slovenia’s entry as a stable and prosperous nation.
Have you explored Slovenia’s hidden charms or added it to your travel list? Share your favorite experiences or recommendations in the comments.
