I asked Chat GPT where I should travel next…
Planning a vacation can be overwhelming, even for someone who plans vacations for a living—or perhaps especially for someone who does. When planning for myself and my friends, I feel a lot of pressure to find really unique destinations, ones as fabulous as our Active Escapes! So when my bestie came to meet me for some hiking in Switzerland, I felt a little stumped on planning the second leg of our trip. So, I asked ChatGPT for suggestions:
My friend and I are staying in Interlaken, Switzerland, for a few days at the end of August. Can you act as a travel expert and suggest another destination for us to explore from there? We want gorgeous scenery, hiking, and really good food. We are open to other countries, and we can take a flight anywhere in Europe.
Its response: Lake Bohinj, Slovenia!
While tickled that ChatGPT chose one of our Active Escape destinations as a top choice, it was also gratifying to see Slovenia receive well-deserved accolades as an “it” destination. Slovenia has topped numerous “must-visit” lists this year, including Travel + Leisure, Travel + Tour World, and Wanderlust magazine.
American tourists have yet to discover Slovenia, but it is often cited as a favorite destination among Europeans. It’s family friendly, with soaring Alpine views, stunning lakes, and a burgeoning foodie scene…plus, they take wine very seriously. In fact, there is one vineyard for every 70 people!
This Central European country debuted as an independent nation in the early 90s, officially making it part of the millennial generation. Keeping true to its millennial roots, Slovenia invested heavily in its eco-tourism efforts, establishing itself as a leader in travel sustainability.
What exactly does that mean? In 2015, the country launched the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST) to help lead its hospitality and tourism businesses toward a sustainable future. By developing the Green Slovenia brand, companies enable tourists to experience their homeland's natural beauty while maintaining it for future generations to enjoy. Within two years, National Geographic named Slovenia the “World’s Most Sustainable Country.”
Slovenia’s eco-tourism leadership is driven by:
Their rigorous national‑level sustainability certification (SLovenia Green)
Prioritizations of green urban development and limiting mass development
Strong biodiversity protection through low-impact tourism
Community-inclusive participation in decision-making, and
Culturally rich travel experiences
It’s a no-brainer to prioritize your environmental efforts when three-fifths of your country is forested. Slovenia is a nature lover’s paradise for all seasons, offering outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. The cherry on top of having access to all that beautiful natural beauty? Being the host of 1% of global biodiversity on just 0.004% of Earth’s surface, making Slovenia a biodiversity hotspot!
Slovenians’ warm and helpful nature encourages visitors to fall in love with their home. Their “Ask me, I am a local” initiative not only helps visitors find answers to their questions but also makes them feel more connected to the community, rather than looking down at their phones for guidance and reassurance. Slovenia’s compact size, accessibility, and high rankings in safety and cleanliness make it a perfect destination for international traveler newbies.
Visiting Slovenia offers a rare chance to experience unspoiled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and forward-thinking sustainability. Whether you're kayaking through turquoise alpine rivers, sipping organic wines in sun-drenched vineyards, or exploring car-free medieval towns, every part of your journey supports a country deeply committed to preserving its environment and community values. For travelers seeking meaningful, low-impact adventures, Slovenia is not just an option—it’s a standout choice!