When Jerry Kobiske decided to visit Slovenia, he actually didn’t know much about it—but the decision to book on a whim opened his eyes to a beautiful, friendly country that he’s now glad to have on his radar. Learn why he calls Slovenia a “hidden gem,” the perks of having a local guide, and where he’s going next in this traveler interview.
My wife and I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively, seizing every opportunity that our budget and schedules have allowed for over four decades. Now that I am retired, and my wife is nearing that exciting chapter, our travel frequency has happily increased over the past couple of years. I can proudly say that I have visited all 50 U.S. states, a significant milestone, and much of our travel, both now and in the years to come, is focused on international destinations. We cherish the times when we can travel with our three children, creating lasting memories together whenever the opportunity presents itself. When we reflect on our favorite travel destinations, New Zealand, Ireland, Tasmania, Cuba, Tanzania and Scotland immediately come to mind, each holding a special place in our hearts.
I would characterize our travel style as one that values “variety over familiarity.” We possess an insatiable curiosity to see and visit as many different places as possible, immersing ourselves in new environments and experiences. While we appreciate comfort and don’t necessarily “rough it” on our travels, we are certainly not adverse to adventure! We thoroughly enjoy meeting new people from all walks of life and experiencing different cultures, broadening our perspectives and understanding of the world.
Truthfully, Slovenia was not initially on our radar as a must-visit destination. We included it in our travel itinerary quite serendipitously because our son was visiting a friend there, and we are incredibly grateful that we did. It turned out to be a truly hidden gem, an unexpected treasure. We arrived in Slovenia without any preconceived notions or expectations, and we were completely taken aback by the spectacular natural beauty of the country. The picturesque countryside, the genuine friendliness and warm hospitality of the people we encountered, and the exceptional local guide we had for a short two-day tour of the country all contributed to an incredibly memorable and enriching experience. We discovered that Slovenia had so much to offer, exceeding all of our initial assumptions.
We had the pleasure of indulging in two distinct wine tasting experiences during our time in the Soča Valley. The first was a more traditional winery experience—something akin to what one might expect in Napa Valley, for example—with a focus on established winemaking practices and a sophisticated ambiance. The second wine tasting experience was much more local and intimate, offering a glimpse into the region’s smaller, family-run vineyards and traditional winemaking techniques. We enjoyed both of these experiences immensely, finding value in each. Staying overnight at the first winery in Goriska Brda was a luxurious respite, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the tranquil vineyard setting. The small, family-based wine tasting was spontaneous, intimate, and filled with fun, offering a unique perspective on the local wine culture and the passion of the winemakers.
Having a local guide for a portion of our trip undeniably enhanced our overall experience. Our local guide was truly excellent, going above and beyond our expectations. Not only did he ensure that we arrived safely at our planned visit points, navigating the unfamiliar roads and terrain with ease, but he also showed us hidden areas and local gems within the country that we would have easily missed if we had been navigating on our own. He served as a great source of information about the country’s history, offering valuable insights and perspectives that enriched our understanding of Slovenia’s past. We learned a great deal about the country’s rich heritage and cultural traditions. He also introduced us to the authentic local life in Slovenia, providing us with opportunities to engage with the community and experience the unique cuisine.
We have discovered through our recent Africa trip, as well as this one to Slovenia, that having a knowledgeable and engaging local guide is very enriching to the overall travel experience. With only a couple of days to explore Slovenia, having the assistance of a local guide maximized our ability to see and do as much as possible without wasting precious time figuring out the logistics on our own. The guide’s expertise and local knowledge allowed us to delve deeper into the country’s culture, history, and hidden gems, making our trip even more rewarding.
Yes, we definitely would recommend a trip to Slovenia to other travelers without hesitation. We were only in Slovenia for five days this time, but if we could do it again, we would have stayed for at least a week to fully explore all that the country has to offer.
Our next adventure is scheduled for June: a river cruise down the Danube from Budapest to Bucharest, allowing us to visit five different countries along the way and immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of the region. Furthermore, in November, we are booked on a Southeast Asia tour that covers Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, promising an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant sights, exotic flavors, and ancient wonders. We are excited to embark on these new journeys and continue exploring the world.
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