When people ask me for travel recommendations, they're usually expecting me to name the biggest cities I've visited.
London. Rome. Seattle. Dublin.
And while I've loved spending time in each of those places, I've noticed something after years of traveling: it's rarely the big cities that stay with me the longest.
Instead, it's the smaller towns. The places where shop owners remember your face. Where you can hear church bells instead of traffic. Where dinner lasts for hours and no one seems to be in a hurry.
I've learned that some of my favorite travel memories happened in places that weren't necessarily on my original itinerary. These smaller destinations became the highlights of the trip, and in many cases, I'd happily return there before revisiting the larger city nearby.
Here are three small towns that completely won me over.
Small Towns I Loved More Than Big Cities
Vancouver, Washington: The City I Didn't Expect to Love
I'll admit it, I underestimated Vancouver, Washington.
Like many people living in the Pacific Northwest, I'd driven through countless times on my way somewhere else. Portland usually gets all the attention, but after spending more time exploring Vancouver, I realized it deserves a trip of its own.
One of the things I loved most is how walkable the downtown area feels. Esther Short Park gives the city a welcoming heart, especially during farmers markets and community events. Just a few blocks away, you'll find locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, boutiques, and public art without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
The waterfront completely surprised me.
The Vancouver Waterfront has transformed into one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. Walking along the Columbia River with Mount Hood often visible in the distance feels peaceful in a way that's hard to find in larger cities. Whether you're grabbing coffee, watching boats pass by, or lingering over dinner on a patio, it's easy to slow down.
Another reason Vancouver impressed me is that it makes an incredible base for exploring southwest Washington.
Within a short drive you can visit waterfalls, wineries, hiking trails, and charming neighboring communities. It's close enough to Portland if you want a day trip, but far enough away that you can escape the traffic and higher hotel prices.
Sometimes the best destination isn't the one everyone is talking about.
Sometimes it's the city sitting quietly across the river.
Don't miss this post with more detailed information about visiting Vancouver, WA
Montepertuso, Italy: Positano but Without the Crowds
Positano is beautiful. There's no denying that. Colorful houses stacked dramatically against the cliffs, sparkling Mediterranean views, narrow streets lined with boutiques, it's every bit as picturesque as Instagram promises.
But after spending time there, I realized my favorite part of the Amalfi Coast wasn't actually Positano.
It was Montepertuso.
Don't miss this post for more information: The Best Place to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
Perched high above Positano, this tiny mountain village offers everything I loved about the Amalfi Coast with far fewer tourists.
Every morning began with incredible panoramic views over the coastline. Instead of squeezing through crowds, I could enjoy quiet streets, the neighborhood grocery store, and conversations with locals going about their daily routines.
That's one of my favorite parts of staying in smaller towns.
You begin to feel like you're experiencing real life instead of simply checking off famous landmarks.
Montepertuso is connected to Positano by road, local bus, and the famous staircase that adventurous travelers can hike. That means you can easily spend the day shopping, eating, or relaxing at the beach in Positano before returning to the peaceful atmosphere above town.
For me, that balance was perfect.
I could enjoy all the beauty of the Amalfi Coast while escaping the crowds each evening.
One of my favorite memories was simply sitting outside after dinner as the lights from Positano twinkled below. There wasn't much to do, and honestly, that was exactly the point.
Travel doesn't always need to be packed with activities.
Sometimes the destination itself is enough.
Montepertuso reminded me that slowing down often creates the memories we remember most.
Don't miss this: Visiting the Amalfi Coast with Teens
Killarney, Ireland: Where Every Night Ends With Music
Ireland has no shortage of beautiful towns. I've driven the Wild Atlantic Way, explored colorful villages, and discovered hidden gems throughout the country.
But if someone asked me where I experienced the best evenings in Ireland, my answer would be immediate and it would be Killarney.
Don't miss this post: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Pubs With Live Music in Ireland
During the day, Killarney makes an excellent base for exploring County Kerry.
It's the gateway to Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and the famous Ring of Kerry. Whether you're hiking, driving scenic roads, or exploring lakes by boat, there's no shortage of adventures nearby.
But what makes Killarney unforgettable begins after the sun goes down. Every evening the pubs come alive.
Not with polished tourist performances, but with musicians gathering together because playing music is simply part of life.
You'll wander into one pub and hear a fiddle. The next might have a guitar. You might find a group of young and old playing together. But the common thread is that you will always have people singing along as strangers become friends by the end of the night.
I visited several towns throughout Ireland, and nowhere did I consistently find the quality and quantity of live traditional Irish music that I found in Killarney.
Even if you don't drink, the pubs become community gathering places where everyone is welcome.
There's something incredibly special about ending a day of sightseeing by listening to talented musicians while chatting with locals and fellow travelers.
Those evenings became some of my favorite memories from Ireland.
Killarney also has enough restaurants, shops, and accommodations to make it comfortable without ever feeling overwhelming.
It strikes the perfect balance between convenience and charm.
Read more about Killarney and what we did while we were there here!
Why Small Towns Often Win
I've realized something after years of travel. Big cities impress me. Small towns connect with me.
The landmarks may not be world-famous. The museums may be smaller. There may not be endless attractions competing for your attention.
But what they offer instead is something I value more every year.
A slower pace.
Authentic conversations. Local restaurants where meals aren't rushed. Morning walks without crowds. The chance to become part of a place even if only for a few days.
These destinations remind me that travel isn't always about seeing more.
Sometimes it's about experiencing more.
How I Choose a Home Base
One lesson I've learned is to stop automatically booking accommodations in the biggest city. Part of this came out of necessity as I tried to fit our accommodation needs into our budget when we were traveling with our teenage kids. It actually became a bit of a happy accident and now I seek out smaller home base destinations when I can.
Some things to keep in mind. You do need to find out if you can still easily reach the attractions you're trying to reach. Will you have access to the things that you need {food, grocery stores, in home kitchen...}
Pro Tip: we are generally able to book these types of smaller off the beaten path destinations because we rent a car. Don't forget to look into accommodations that offer parking.
Don't Skip Small Towns
Some of my favorite travel memories weren't made in the places with the longest guidebook chapters. They happened while chatting with restaurant owners who recommended hidden viewpoints. Listening to live music that wasn't advertised. Watching sunsets from quiet streets after day-trippers had gone home.
That's the magic of small towns.
They're often overlooked, but they're rarely forgotten.
The next time you're planning a trip, don't just search for the biggest city nearby. Look a little farther.
You might discover that the place you remember most isn't the destination everyone else is talking about. It's the small town just beyond it.
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