Share a tip on a city break in Europe

In response to this growing challenge, and to champion more sustainable and enriching travel experiences, we are inviting our readers to look beyond the well-trodden paths. We want to hear about your transformative trips to Europe’s less well-known cities and towns – the hidden gems that captured your heart and offered a refreshing alternative to the tourist hordes. This is an opportunity to share your insider knowledge, providing invaluable tips that can guide fellow travellers towards authentic encounters and support local economies in places often overlooked.

We are particularly keen to learn about the specifics that made your visit memorable. Tell us about the inviting hotels or charming guesthouses where you found comfort and hospitality. Recount your discoveries in captivating museums, showcasing local history, art, or unique cultural narratives, far from the queues of the Louvre or the Uffizi. Share details of the vibrant clubs or cosy bars where you experienced the local nightlife and connected with the community. And, crucially, let us know about the delightful restaurants and quaint cafes that refuelled you, offering authentic cuisine and a true taste of the region, often at more accessible prices than their counterparts in capital cities.

Whether it was the Renaissance glory and quiet elegance of Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Italy known for its well-preserved medieval walls and Este Castle, or the bustling, half-timbered streets of Rennes, the vibrant capital of Brittany in France, with its lively student population and rich history, that truly won you over, please share your unique tips. These personal recommendations are invaluable in painting a picture of these destinations, highlighting their distinct character and the unique experiences they offer.

The stakes are high for the most insightful contribution. The best tip of the week, meticulously chosen by the esteemed Tom Hall of Lonely Planet, a globally recognised authority in travel guidance, will be rewarded with a fantastic prize: a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property. Coolstays is a company celebrated for curating a collection of over 3,000 unique, stylish, and often quirky accommodations worldwide, ranging from boutique hotels and luxury glamping to charming cottages and unconventional abodes. This prize offers the winner a chance to embark on another extraordinary adventure, perhaps to yet another hidden gem. Beyond the monetary value, the most compelling tips will also gain significant exposure, appearing in the Guardian Travel section and on its popular website, reaching a broad audience of discerning travellers seeking inspiration and authentic advice.

To ensure fairness and allow for a concise, impactful delivery of information, we ask you to keep your tip to approximately 100 words. This word limit encourages entrants to be succinct and focus on the most pertinent and appealing aspects of their chosen destination. While a relevant photograph can certainly enhance your submission and bring your story to life, it is essential to remember that it is your words – their descriptive power, originality, and practical value – that we will be judging for the competition. The narrative you craft, the details you highlight, and the passion you convey will be the deciding factors.

It is important to note, due to legal restrictions, this competition is exclusively open to residents of the United Kingdom. We appreciate your understanding in this matter. The submission window is time-sensitive, so mark your calendars: the competition officially closes on Monday 24 August at 10am BST.

For those seeking inspiration or curious about the calibre of past entries, we encourage you to have a look at our past winners and other tips featured in previous competitions. This can provide valuable insight into what makes a winning submission. Additionally, before entering, please take a moment to read the comprehensive terms and conditions here to ensure full compliance with all competition rules.

To share your invaluable travel tip, simply use the form provided below. We welcome stories from individuals aged 18 or over, and you have the option to share your experience anonymously if you prefer. For more detailed information regarding data usage and privacy, please consult our terms of service and privacy policy.

The online submission form is designed to be user-friendly, guiding you through the required information. You will be prompted to enter your tip, ensuring it adheres to the maximum 100-word limit and includes essential details such as the location, any relevant price indications (e.g., affordable, mid-range), and website links where applicable. There is also an option to add a photograph, though, as reiterated, the judging criterion remains the written content. You will also need to provide your name (first name only is acceptable if preferred), your place of residence to confirm UK eligibility, and your email address for communication purposes.

Should you encounter any technical difficulties while using the online form, a direct link is available here for an alternative submission method. We strongly advise all participants to familiarise themselves with the Guardian’s terms of service and privacy policy to understand how your shared information will be handled.

This initiative is more than just a competition; it’s a movement towards more mindful and rewarding travel. As global tourism continues to recover and evolve, there’s a growing recognition of the need to diversify visitor flows and alleviate pressure on traditional hotspots. Experts in sustainable tourism, such as those from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), consistently advocate for the exploration of secondary cities and rural areas. This not only disperses economic benefits more widely but also allows for a more authentic cultural exchange, fosters local entrepreneurship, and reduces the environmental footprint often associated with mass tourism.

By focusing on lesser-known destinations, travellers can often experience a deeper immersion into local life, escaping the generic tourist traps. These cities frequently boast a slower pace, more welcoming local interactions, and a distinct character preserved from the homogenising effects of global tourism. Imagine strolling through the quiet, cobbled streets of Lecce in Southern Italy, admiring its Baroque architecture, or discovering the vibrant street art scene in Porto, Portugal, rather than navigating the throngs in Rome or Lisbon. Consider the culinary delights of Bologna, Italy, often hailed as the country’s gastronomic capital, or the medieval charm of Ghent, Belgium, with its canals and castles, offering a quieter alternative to Bruges. The potential for discovery is vast and incredibly rewarding.

This competition champions the idea that true European exploration lies beyond the postcard-perfect landmarks and crowded plazas. It encourages a spirit of adventure, curiosity, and a desire to connect with the genuine heart of a place. Your tips will not only inspire others but also contribute to a broader conversation about responsible tourism and the incredible diversity that Europe has to offer. So, delve into your travel memories, articulate your experiences, and share your secret European city break with the world. Your insights could not only win you a fantastic prize but also help reshape the way we all travel.