Reviewing a holiday in Slovenia.

One of those nations that makes you wonder why you even scheduled that two-week trip to Italy to wait in line for gelato is Slovenia. Though it's apparently not so hidden, with everyone on Instagram photographing themselves by Lake Bled, it's like Europe's best-kept secret, tucked closely between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. That lake, indeed. The one with the little island and a church that seems plucked directly from a Disney film. Pro tip: Instagram likes the 99-step ascent to ring the wishing bell, but if you skipped leg day, it's terrible for your thighs.

The capital, Ljubljana, resembles that friend who is naturally cool without exerting too much effort. Perfect for wandering while pretending you're soaking in culture, the city centre is a pedestrian paradise. Though somehow it works, the design is a strange fusion of modern, Art Nouveau, and Baroque elements. If you're fortunate, you could even see a couple of dragons. Yes, indeed, authentic dragon sculptures. Local people tell me they are nice, but I wouldn't put it to the test.

Then there is the cuisine, which is perhaps the greatest-kept secret in Slovenia. Forget your preconceived ideas about Central European cuisine, which often stresses meat and potatoes. Fresh, regional ingredients will become your love affair here. From creamy potica rolls to trout fresh from the rivers, it's the sort of food that makes you really rethink your dedication to your everyday lunchtime sandwich. Oh, also the wine. Slovenia makes more than just a few bottles that, after a couple of glasses, will have you feeling dangerously sophisticated.

People who enjoy nature will feel like they have found themselves in a Disney wilderness. The crown jewel is Triglav National Park with its hiking paths that make your Instagram feed seem like a National Geographic spread. Yes, the pictures convey its beauty in reality. The turquoise waters of the Soča River are ideal for kayaking, rafting, or simply staring longingly, wishing you had brought your GoPro if you are an adventure seeker.

in Slovenia, caves are pretty important, mainly because there are thousands of them. Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves are the big attractions with stalactites and stalagmites that make you feel like you've unintentionally walked into a Tolkien story. Although there's always that one person in the group who treats it like a horror movie and shouts at every drop of water, walking through them is somewhat enjoyable. Probably you will be that individual.

Visiting Slovenia is like finding your cool, nature-obsessed cousin who has been living right next to you all along, quietly working here. It's beautiful, quaint, and full of surprises that make you wonder why you didn't put it at the top of your bucket list sooner. You'll be telling yourself you'll return, probably sooner than later, since no matter how many lakes, castles, and mountain routes you visit, there's always more to discover.