Tell us about a trip to the lakes and mountains of Europe

The phenomenon is multi-faceted, driven by a confluence of factors including the increasing impact of climate change, which has seen Mediterranean temperatures soar to uncomfortable levels during peak summer months, coupled with growing concerns over overtourism in popular coastal hotspots. Travellers are actively seeking destinations that offer tranquility, cooler climates, and opportunities for outdoor pursuits away from the bustling crowds. Whether it’s embarking on an exhilarating walking holiday through the dramatic landscapes of the Tirol, unwinding in a serene lakeside cabin stay amidst the breathtaking fjords and forests of Scandinavia, or experiencing the unparalleled majesty of a spectacular train journey winding through the iconic peaks and valleys of the Alps, the options for a memorable mountain or lake escape are as diverse as they are captivating.

This evolving travel landscape presents a unique opportunity for seasoned adventurers and casual explorers alike to share their most cherished experiences. The Guardian Travel section is inviting readers to contribute their favourite European lake and mountain getaways, highlighting the hidden gems, practical advice, and unforgettable moments that make these destinations so special. We’d love to hear about your favourite experiences, from a challenging hike rewarded with panoramic views to a peaceful afternoon spent by a crystal-clear lake.

The rise of these alternative destinations is not merely anecdotal; industry data supports this significant pivot. Reports from major travel agencies and tourism boards across Europe indicate a consistent year-on-year increase in bookings for mountain and lakeside regions. For instance, countries like Switzerland, Austria, Norway, and Slovenia, traditionally known for winter sports or niche nature tourism, are now reporting record summer visitor numbers. This trend is further fuelled by the post-pandemic craving for wide-open spaces, fresh air, and holidays that prioritise well-being and active engagement over passive relaxation. The shift also aligns with a broader movement towards sustainable and responsible tourism, as many mountain and lake regions are at the forefront of eco-friendly initiatives, appealing to environmentally conscious travellers. They offer opportunities to engage with nature in a low-impact way, supporting local economies and preserving pristine environments.

To encourage this exchange of invaluable travel wisdom, The Guardian is running an exciting competition. The best tip of the week, meticulously chosen by none other than Tom Hall of Lonely Planet, the renowned travel guide publisher and expert, will win a fantastic prize. Tom Hall, a seasoned voice in global travel, brings a wealth of experience and a discerning eye for authentic, inspiring, and practical travel recommendations. His criteria for a winning tip often revolve around originality, clarity, actionable advice, and the ability to transport the reader to the heart of the experience, offering genuine insight that goes beyond typical tourist brochures. What truly sets a tip apart for an expert like Hall is often its ability to reveal a lesser-known facet of a popular destination or to brilliantly illuminate an entirely overlooked gem, coupled with practical details that empower other travellers to replicate the experience seamlessly.

The coveted prize for the winning submission is a generous £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property. Coolstays is a highly regarded accommodation provider renowned for its curated collection of unique and stylish properties. With a portfolio boasting more than 3,000 extraordinary accommodations worldwide, Coolstays specialises in offering stays that are anything but ordinary – from quirky glamping pods and luxurious treehouses to historic conversions and contemporary architectural marvels. Many of their properties are nestled in stunning natural environments, making the prize perfectly aligned with the theme of European lake and mountain escapes. A £200 voucher could fund a significant portion of a unique weekend break or contribute to an unforgettable longer stay, allowing the winner to experience the "cool" factor of these distinctive accommodations firsthand.

The selected best tips will not only earn their contributors a fantastic prize but will also gain prominent exposure, appearing in the prestigious Guardian Travel section and on its widely read website. This offers contributors a platform to share their passion for travel with a broad audience of fellow enthusiasts, inspiring countless future adventures.

When submitting your travel tip, please keep your entry to about 100 words. This concise format encourages contributors to distil their experiences into their most impactful elements, focusing on the essential details that make a destination or activity truly stand out. While brevity is key, ensure your tip includes all the crucial information: the exact location, an indication of price (e.g., budget, mid-range, luxury, or specific costs for activities/accommodation), and a relevant website for further information or booking. These practical details are vital for other travellers planning their own trips, transforming an inspiring anecdote into an actionable recommendation.

If you have a relevant photograph that beautifully captures the essence of your experience, do send it in. Visuals can powerfully enhance a story, offering a glimpse into the beauty and atmosphere of your suggested destination. However, it’s important to remember that it’s your words we will be judging for the competition. The quality, originality, and utility of your written tip will be the primary criteria for selection, ensuring that the competition remains focused on the richness of personal narrative and practical advice.

For legal and logistical reasons pertaining to competition regulations and prize fulfilment, we are sorry, but you must be a UK resident to enter this competition. We appreciate the enthusiasm of our international readership and encourage everyone to follow the Guardian Travel section for inspiration and insights, but only entries from permanent residents of the United Kingdom can be considered for the prize.

Mark your calendars: The competition closes on Monday 3 August at 10 am BST. Ensure your tip is submitted well before this deadline to be considered. We eagerly await your entries and the incredible stories they will bring.

To help guide your submissions and provide inspiration, we encourage you to have a look at our past winners and other tips. This archive offers valuable insight into the kind of detail, tone, and originality that has been celebrated in previous competitions, giving you a benchmark for what makes a truly outstanding contribution. Furthermore, before submitting your entry, please take a moment to read the terms and conditions here. Familiarising yourself with the full rules will ensure a smooth submission process and clarify any queries regarding eligibility or prize details.

To make sharing your valuable insights as straightforward as possible, we’ve provided an intuitive online form. Share your travel tip using the form below. The form requests specific details to ensure your tip is complete and actionable for other travellers. You’ll be asked to ‘Enter your tip (maximum 100 words), including details of location, price and website’, ensuring all critical information is captured. There’s also an option to ‘Add a photograph if you wish (but it’s the words we’ll be judging)’, reminding you of the competition’s focus. We also require your name (first name only if you prefer), your place of residence (‘Where do you live?’ – with a reminder that ‘This competition is only open to UK-based readers’), and your email address for communication purposes.

We understand the importance of privacy and data security. Your responses, which can be anonymous if you prefer to withhold your full name, are secure as the form is encrypted, and only the Guardian has access to your contributions. We will only use the data you provide us for the purpose of this specific feature, and we commit to deleting any personal data when we no longer require it for this purpose. For alternative ways to get in touch securely, please see our tips guide. By submitting your response, you are agreeing to share your details with us for this feature, under the terms outlined.

If you’re having trouble using the form, please don’t despair; technical issues can sometimes occur. You can click here for an alternative submission route that will take you directly to the form on Formstack. Additionally, for complete transparency regarding our digital operations, we advise you to read our terms of service here and our privacy policy here. These documents outline how your data is handled across all Guardian platforms and services.

The collective wisdom of our readers is an invaluable resource, and we are excited to uncover the next wave of inspiring European lake and mountain adventures. Your unique perspectives and practical advice will not only guide fellow travellers but also celebrate the enduring appeal of these magnificent regions. We look forward to reading your stories and discovering the incredible experiences you’ve had exploring Europe’s stunning natural landscapes.