Liechtenstein

Hi ! Yes, I was thinking about it. I am searching for a quiet place with less tourists. This article I found mentioned less traveled locations.

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/articles/these-stunning-countries-are-the-worlds-least-visited/

I just can't take the crowds anymore.

"Has anyone gone here?* - Yes. If you take the main train route from Switzerland to Austria (Zürich - Innsbruck - Salzburg - Vienna) it actually goes through Liechtenstein, but doesn't stop there. You can get to the capital (Vaduz) from either the Swiss or Austrian side by bus. Not much to see when you get there, indistinguishable from the surrounding parts of Switzerland and Austria.

"Is it safe for a female solo traveler?" - Why do people ask this question? What do they expect to happen? Maidens being dragged off to castle dungeons and fed to dragons? It is the same as any small town / rural area, but with above average percentage of bankers.

"Any recommendations for further research?" - Official tourist site here: https://tourismus.li/en/

Thank you so much for your reply.

You will find it very quiet there, mostly because there is virtually nothing to do. Most of the tourists you will see will be trying to collect another country for their collection and to buy a passport stamp.

If you search these Forums, you will find several similar answers.

You posted the question in the Beyond Europe Forum. Between Switzerland, Austria and Germany, and effectively part of Switzerland other than politically, it most definitely is part of Europe. Most people put questions about it in the Switzerland Forum, some in the Austria Forum.

I would not waste your time there in Liechtenstein.

Years ago, I too stopped briefly for the passport stamp, which was the highlight of my time in the country. It was like any other town, get off the highway, park, walk up to the little booth where people got passport stamps, stand there, look around 360 degrees, nothing looked particularly interesting. Jumped back in the car, off to Austria.

I am really trying to stay away from big touristy places.

Good instinct, you're just applying it in the wrong place. If you want the uncrowded Europe of your dreams, head to somewhere much further east. Consider any of the former "communist" countries in central/eastern Europe, now recovering nicely from their Soviet years. There you will find the good stuff, without being surrounded by huge tour groups and hundreds of idiots waving selfie sticks.

In terms of the rural character, a couple of stats - Vaduz, the capital, has a population of under 5,500, about the same as Interlaken in Switzerland, or just a smidge under Roackaway NJ (6,400)... The entire population of the entire Principality is under 38,000.

Really appreciate all the feedback. I have decided not to bother. Such marvelous replies from you all in the forum. I have such respect for the people in this forum. You never steered me wrong.

They do produce a lot of postage stamps for collectors. Going to the post office and buying what they had was the highlight of my visit there. Not much else to remark about.

Oh David ! that was such a hilarious reply. It gave me such a hearty belly laugh. Thank you so much. That was really funny.

I meant Mark.
And thank you Nigel for helping me better understand the forum and which categories to use. It should have realized if Rick Steves does not mention it really, then there is no point. But the replies received were well worth the question, even though I won't go.

Interesting viewpoints. I haven't been before, but a good friend who retired from the US State Department has friends around the world. She spent a week there toodling around in her car and visiting friends she had met years prior and loved it. Perhaps her benefit was having lived in multiple European countries, and also knowing locals. She is great at learning country's histories and finding gems almost anywhere. Clearly, a 'your milesge may vary' type of place.

I should have realized if Rick Steves does not mention it really, then there is no point...

Well I would take issue with that assumption. Rick Steves does a fantastic job covering many places. But he does not cover countless other places that are still wonderful, despite (or in part because of) the lack of touristic attention they currently enjoy (or suffer from). Just because someplace is not a Rick Steves tour destination, or in one of the books, don't assume it's not worth visiting.

Some of my favorite places and best trips have been to places never mentioned in anything Rick produces. Granted, Liechtenstein is not one of those. :)

Consider any of the former "communist" countries in central/eastern Europe, now recovering nicely from their Soviet years. There you will find the good stuff, without being surrounded by huge tour groups and hundreds of idiots waving selfie sticks.

But if you go to Prague, you might still have to dodge a few selfie sticks.

But if you go to Prague, you might still have to dodge a few selfie sticks.

True. Prague, Krakow, Dubrovnik, Tallinn...those are definitely on the Mass Tourism Map, with plenty of crowds in those cities. I'm sure there are a few others scattered across eastern Europe. But it's true in general - if you want to avoid huge crowds, go east.

My wife, son and I spent one day there in May (2018) It was excellent and I highly recommend it. We stayed in Balzers, a small town with a castle, and lots of cows with bells! We stayed at hofbalzers and it was excellent.
Lichtenstein is about 2 hours +/- from Zurich airport.
The country is only about 10 square miles. We went to the capital, which was nice to visit, but Balzers was nice, small, quaint and only about ten minutes from the capital, and no bus loads of tourists.

Thank you world traveler. I am going to research the town of Balzers. Sound like you had a grand time. Thank you for wiriting

Ye David, you are correct. Point taken.

Total agree with David, to avoid crowds go where there are no guide books or no guide books in English! Vast areas of France, Italy and Spain😁

Hello Caro,
Where would one begin to find the unchartered areas of France? I would absolutely love to do that. But can you shed some light on a beginning point for the research? And which provinces in France do you think? This is so intriguing and promising. I long for witnessing and being part of the rhythm of a simple French life. I would probably choose an area and stay there for 10 days to relish in the luxury of no itinerary and no plans. Just savor the land, the people, the culture, the language and feel blessed for the immersion of natural beauty and less technology. Please give a suggestion.

Hi,
Next destination top secret! Look at the areas that popular guides specialize in, like the Dordogne, Provence, Paris, Brittany and Normandy, then look at a map of France, those areas probably only cover half of the whole country. There are stunning small cities and market towns every where. Use Google image and Google Earth to have a close look. I can't promise that there wont be tourist, but there wont be the hordes that you will find in Menerbes, Sarlat, Honfleur etc. You should be able to sit in village cafes and watch the world go by, shop in stunning markets, walk through beautiful country side and have loads of opportunities to practice your French! Go for it, and have fun :-)

Dear Caro,
The adventure begins !! Researching and planning is also such fun. I feel so energized inside about this plan. This is it !!! You have truly recognized what I was looking for all along. I cannot thank you enough. Truly !!!!!

It is no problem at all. France and its people are amazing. Have a great trip and one piece of advice would be to try and learn a few phrases in French, it will really help you. Caro

oh absolutely. I love France so very much. This weekend I am off to Barnes and Noble to start my adventure right from here. You really made my weekend !!!