You don't always need a plane ticket to feel like you've truly gotten away. Sometimes all it takes is sliding behind the wheel, picking a direction, and driving toward something completely different from your everyday routine.
I love to travel, and if it were up to me, I'd hit the road almost every weekend. It's not the destinations thousands of miles away that pull at me the most — it's the places you can reach in a few hours of driving that still manage to lift you right out of daily life.
I've already been to three of the five spots below, and I've spent a lot of time reading about the rest — they landed on my bucket list instantly. There's a mountain hike, a seaside escape, a dramatic gorge, and a cozy Alpine village. What they all share: they're easy to reach by car, which makes each of them a brilliant choice for a long weekend.
Papuk Nature Park, Croatia
Say Croatia and most of us picture the coast — yet other parts of the country are just as full of natural wonders. Tucked into the Slavonia region, Papuk Nature Park is one of Croatia's most unusual hiking destinations and a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Jankovac Valley is the park's best-known corner, where forest trails, streams, and the Skakavac waterfall wait for walkers. Most of the routes aren't too demanding, which makes them ideal for anyone who just wants a pleasant day out in nature.
The local food is tempting, too. It's worth sampling the Slavonian specialties — the regional cured hams, sausages, and wines. The next time we drive down to Croatia, this is a region we'll definitely work into the trip.
Low Tatras, Slovakia
When it comes to mountains, the Low Tatras are hard to beat. In summer, the area around Chopok is easy to reach by cable car, and hikers can choose from a huge range of routes, from gentle strolls to longer ridge treks.
After an active day, you can unwind in a wellness or thermal spa, so the adventure and the recovery balance each other out perfectly.
In the local restaurants, don't skip the bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep's cheese), a hearty cabbage soup, or a filling mountain lunch.
Sigmund Thun Gorge, Austria
On one Austrian trip we got a little lost and ended up at the Sigmund Thun Gorge. I fell for the place immediately, but unfortunately we didn't have time to explore it — that day we'd planned to discover the Mooserboden reservoirs near Kaprun, and soon after we had to head home.
Mooserboden alone was unforgettable: the turquoise reservoirs nestled between towering peaks and the stunning Alpine scenery make for a truly special sight. If you're planning a multi-day trip to Austria, I think it's well worth combining the Sigmund Thun Gorge with the high-mountain reservoirs at Kaprun into one journey.
The Sigmund Thun Gorge is one of Kaprun's most striking natural attractions. Wooden bridges and walkways wind between the narrow rock walls while the roaring waters of the Kapruner Ache stream keep you company along the way. Cool and shaded, the gorge stays pleasant even in summer, and after the walk it's worth lingering a while around the nearby Klammsee. Next time we're in the area, this remarkable spot is going straight onto the plan.
Opatija, Croatia
I've been to Opatija once, and it's been one of my favorite Adriatic towns ever since. It has a far more elegant, laid-back feel than I expected before I arrived.
The clear, blue-green sea invites you in for a refreshing swim in more than one spot, and the town is packed with charming restaurants.
A good seafood dish, a great coffee by the water, and a long walk along the Lungomare promenade — that's what makes a summer day in Opatija complete for me.
Ellmau, Austria
Ellmau only recently made it onto my bucket list. Many will recognize the village from the long-running Alpine TV drama The Country Doctor (Der Bergdoktor), as many scenes are filmed here. If you're a fan of the show and you visit, you'll surely spot a few of the village's iconic locations.
Sitting at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser mountains, this Tyrolean village is a summer favorite among hikers — but it's just as perfect for anyone who simply wants to slow down for a few days.
Cable cars make the higher trails easy to reach, and the mountain meadows open up onto a fantastic panorama. After the hike, you can relax at the KaiserBad spa, which offers outdoor pools and a wellness area.
The Tyrolean cuisine is another reason not to miss it: Kaiserschmarrn (shredded caramelized pancake), local cheeses, and traditional Alpine dishes are the perfect way to round off an active day.
Adventures you could still squeeze into this summer
I love the places you don't have to board a plane to reach, yet that still feel like a complete break from everyday life. A good hike, a refreshing dip in the sea, a delicious lunch on a lovely terrace, or a coffee with a beautiful view sometimes gives you far more than a long vacation ever could.
If you love spontaneous road trips too, it's worth adding these destinations to your summer bucket list — you might just find the perfect plan for your next free weekend.
How far are these destinations from Hungary by car?
All five spots are within a few hours' drive, which is exactly what makes them ideal for a long weekend rather than a long vacation.
Are these places good for beginner hikers?
Yes. Papuk's trails are mostly gentle, and both the Low Tatras and Ellmau offer cable cars plus a wide range of routes, so you can pick something easy or more challenging.
Which destination is best if I just want to relax by the sea?
Opatija is the pick for a seaside reset, with clear blue-green water, charming restaurants, and the scenic Lungomare promenade to stroll along.
Can I combine two destinations into one trip?
Absolutely. The Sigmund Thun Gorge pairs beautifully with the high-mountain reservoirs at Kaprun, making them an easy duo for a multi-day Austrian getaway.
