Many travelers often ignore small places in Europe, but there are some hidden ones that offer impressive architecture and natural scenery. Here are four places in Europe that are worth a visit.

If you want to see a perfect French village, go to Eguisheim. It has beautiful half-timbered (露明木架的) houses, stone streets and churches in the Middle Ages. You can also visit a lovely Christmas market in December. Be sure to check out the Chapelle Saint-Léon IX. which has painted ceilings and colorful windows with scenes from Alsace.

Lauterbrunnen is a beautiful town with wooden houses and small village churches. But its towering rocks, high mountains, and some of the tallest waterfalls really stand out in Europe. And please don’t forget this fun fact that J. R. R. Tolkien was ever inspired by Lauterbrunnen when he was writing about the Rivendell valley in The Lord of the Rings.

If you dislike the crowds, enter Český Krumlov, an incredibly pretty town. This charming town in the South Bohemia region has red-roofed houses, attractive fountains in the squares, and a well-known castle where you can have a view of the Vltava River. And you can explore the town in less than half-an-hour walk.

Afonso Henriques, the country’s first king, was born in Guimarāes. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has great examples of Portuguese architecture with beautiful tiles (瓷砖) from 600 years ago. Even though Guimarāes is a bit bigger than the other places on this list, it still has a charming feel with small shops and open areas.

Traveling alone can be daunting. I have traveled by myself many times but, on every occasion, there was someone to meet me at the other end of the bus, train or plane journey. This time was different.

Last week I had a holiday from work, but none of my friends had the same week off. I decided that I still wanted to do something, so I booked a train ride to Toronto and reserved(预定) a bed in a hostel for one week.

One week by myself. Would I be lonely? Would I be bored? Quite the opposite. In fact, there are many benefits that come from traveling alone. Firstly, I was able to do whatever I wanted. I spent hours in museums that would have seemed boring and dull to some of my friends. I walked all around the city, which some people may have found too exhausting(令人疲惫的). Instead of relying on someone else to remember directions or to suggest activities to do, I discovered my independence and developed map-reading skills that I didn’t know I had. I could get up and go to sleep when I wanted and I didn’t have to wait for anyone else to shower and get ready every morning. Being in the safe environment of a hostel with like-minded travelers also gives a great opportunity to meet new people from all over the world, which can help combat loneliness.

In spite of the benefits, I found that there were also some disadvantages of traveling alone. I missed having someone to talk to and to bounce(探讨) ideas off. Experiences are often more enjoyable if they are shared, and part of the fun of traveling is the memories you have afterwards. Without a travel partner, I won’t be able to laugh about and remember my Toronto adventure with a friend of family member in years to come.

In addition, eating in a restaurant or cooking in the hostel was less fun on my own.

I am very proud of myself for traveling alone, and I had a fantastic time in Toronto. However, in the future, I think I will always prefer to travel with another person or in a small group. Though, maybe it depends on who you travel with—I would rather be by myself than with someone who is lazy, difficult and argumentative(好争论的).

Summer is the best season to experience the world's beauty. Here are some of the best destinations that you can't afford to miss in the world.

Maui , Hawaii

Maui is a volcanic island. If you love snorkelling, you must see the rainbow of coral and tropical fishes. Stay the day in the park and witness its wonderful sunsets. The island consists of a few micro-climates and weather varies drastically depending on where you are. The tropical weather can even vary day-to-day with extremes such as sunshine and thunderstorms, so pack accordingly.

Corsica t France

This small island, also called the “isle of beauty”, displays astonishing natural landscapes. Shocking cliffs drop sharply down to clear waters which elsewhere are fringed（带边饰的）with sandy beaches. Plan at least a week in Corsica to discover its secrets!

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is popular with tourists for its luxurious resorts（度假胜地）. One of the best hotels is the five star Four Seasons hotel. Surrounded by beaches of white sand and blue water protected by a coral reef, it is a really nice place to snorkel and dive. The most impressive sight of the island is in the center of Mount Otemanu where there is a sleeping volcano.

Saint John Island, Caribbean

Life moves at a slower pace on Saint John Island. The National Park covers more than half of the island. With countless bird, dolphin and turtle species to spot, it's no surprise that this is a destination that draws nature lovers. Peace and quietness are abundant, making this an island where relaxation is always on the agenda（议题）.