The phrase “grandma’s way” is currently ubiquitous as many enjoy hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, baking bread and gardening, which inspire a slower and more mindful lifestyle. More than a third (34%*) of Croatian travelers choose to travel to slow down their pace of life, replacing nights out with crafting, baking bread and enjoying nature.
For travelers who want to discover more about their newfound favorite hobbies Booking.com has scoured history books to find destinations where such hobbies are deeply rooted in the culture.
Whether it's learning to crochet in Tunisia or exploring the beautiful gardens of Giardini Naxos in Sicily, these destinations encourage discovery and creativity and allow travelers to indulge in the charms of a slower pace of life.
///When I remember Krka – the smell of bread
Valladolid, Španjolska
The World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship, taking place in Valladolid from September 15 to 22, attracts puzzle enthusiasts from all over the world. Jigsaw puzzles are a timeless pastime that is often associated with older generations and evokes nostalgia. Jigsaw puzzles, regardless of the time it takes to complete, have been shown to improve memory, improve mood, and slow cognitive decline.
In addition to its puzzle-solving competition, Valladolid is known for its medieval architecture, including the Valladolid Cathedral and the Plaza Mayor. It is a small and lively city, and this walking tour allows travelers to explore the most recognizable buildings in Castile and León, including the Iglesia de San Benito El Real and the Academia de Caballeria military academy.
Where to stay: just a few minutes' walk from the city center, travelers can find Zenit El Coloquio. This peaceful property with a modern and elegant interior, with both an outdoor and indoor terrace, is the final piece of the puzzle for travelers attracted to a slower pace of life. Located near numerous restaurants, shops and historical attractions, including the Palacio de Santa Cruz, this property meets the needs of all types of travelers staying in this beautiful city.
Hammamet, Tunis
Known as the “Saint-Tropez of Tunisia,” Hammamet is known for its beautiful coastline and vibrant arts scene, and has long been a center for the traditional Tunisian art of textile making, including crochet. The art of knitting is an important component of the city’s local crafts and cultural identity, and the look of the beautiful knitted items is often not achieved with other crochet techniques. The Tunisian art of crochet, which has North African and Mediterranean roots, combines techniques from Arab, Berber, and European cultures by combining simple and knitted stitches. If travelers are looking for beautiful, colorful textile crafts to take home with them, this tour of the medina in Hammamet and the spice market in Nabeul will enable them to acquire the most elaborate embroidered handicrafts, just like other regional products, including copper, leather and wooden handicrafts.
Where to stay: object Dar Hammamet Guest House & Hammam, which is just a few minutes' walk from the beaches of Hammamet, offers accommodation in a white setting that highlights the blue and green elements of the interior design typical of Tunisia. The entire property is decorated with tiles with beautiful floral patterns, detailed with crochet patterns. With terraces overlooking the city, a hammam and excellent spa facilities, this hotel offers guests a pleasant and relaxing stay.
Mansfield, Teksas, SAD
Pickling can have therapeutic benefits, and with almost anything now available, the possibilities are endless. And there’s no better place to do it than Mansfield, Texas, home to the largest pickle manufacturer in Texas and the third largest in the U.S., Best MaidⓇ Pickles. So it’s no surprise that the pickle capital of Texas hosts an annual pickle parade during the spring break in March.
The free event, which the whole family can enjoy, includes a grand parade with floats and marching bands, a pickle-themed five-kilometer run, and a barrel race. While there, visitors can explore the Man House Museum, the oldest building in town, and visit the Farr Best Theater, a true gem of Mansfield history. For those looking to further explore Texas and discover hidden foodie spots, this Dallas tour exploring secret food spots offers an exceptional dining experience. Experience true Southern hospitality and discover their famous barbecued beef brisket, award-winning Texas chili, and homemade bagels with butter and, of course, pickles as a side dish.
Where to stay: object SpringHill Suites by Marriott Dallas Mansfield offers spacious units with a seasonal outdoor pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a shared lounge. The breakfast buffet includes a variety of options, while nearby restaurants and shops offer additional options for pickle lovers to explore.
Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italija
Gardening and being outdoors are great for improving your mental and physical health, and 47%* of Croatian travelers are likely to visit a new location to spend more time outdoors. So instead of a buffet, try something new and enjoy the peace, quiet, and creativity of gardening. The town of Gardini Naxos, which translates to “Gardens of Naxos,” on the southeast coast of Sicily is known for its lush gardens dotted throughout the island. While there, nature-loving visitors should explore the Giardino Pubblico, a beautiful oasis of plant life, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. At another location, surrounded by a different kind of greenery, travelers can relax while sipping Italian wine at this private tour of Taormina with a visit to the winery in Eta with a beautiful view of the vineyards and nearby mountains.
Where to stay: object B&B Villa Vittoria, located in the heart of Giardini Naxos' old town, within walking distance of excellent bars and restaurants, is just a few steps from the peaceful Sicilian coast. In its green oasis, guests can enjoy the flowers and greenery on the terrace with a glass of chilled wine from the local vineyard.
Giza, Egypt
Is there anything better than freshly baked bread? Making bread is a great stress reliever and a great skill to master, but a visit to Giza can help baking enthusiasts learn more about the roots and culture of baking. According to archaeologists and historians, bread making became widespread around 5000 or 6000 years ago in ancient Egypt. The oldest baked goods in Giza were similar to chapatis and tortillas because the Egyptians were the first to discover yeast and use it to make leavened bread. On a break from learning about the history of baking, visit sights from the Great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue built to protect the nearby pyramids, to the Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Of course, make sure you leave time for this one local food exploration tour with Egyptian bread served with other delicacies.
Where to stay: object Comfort Giza Golden It is within walking distance of the Giza Pyramids and offers a beautiful view of the historic site. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, which serves African, American and Argentinian dishes and, of course, a variety of breads, after a day of exploring the Great Sphinx and Cairo Tower, which are only a few minutes away from the hotel. short drive.
*The research was commissioned by Booking.com, and was independently conducted on a sample of adults who, during the last 12 months, were on a private overnight trip, plan to travel during 2024, and are involved in travel planning. The sample consisted of 32.300 respondents from 32 markets (2000 from the USA, 800 from Canada, 1800 from Mexico, 800 from Colombia, 1800 from Brazil, 800 from Argentina, 1800 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 800 from Spain, 800 from Italy, 1800 from France, 1800 from the United Kingdom, 1800 from Germany, 800 from the Netherlands, 500 from Denmark, 500 from Sweden, 400 from Croatia, 800 from Switzerland, 800 from Belgium, 800 from Ireland, 800 from Portugal, 1800 from India, 800 from China, 500 from Hong Kong, 800 from Thailand, 800 from Singapore, 500 from Taiwan, 800 from Vietnam, 800 from South Korea, 1800 from Japan and 500 from the United Arab Emirates), who were surveyed in January or February 2024
