Seoul Stopover and Alpine Adventures: Expert Travel Advice

Planning a multi-destination trip requires careful consideration of stopovers, day trips and maximizing your time in each location. This week, the Tripologist addresses questions about a five-night stopover in Seoul, a driving tour of the French Alps, and finding unique Komodo dragon tours in Indonesia, as well as offering advice for a Croatian road trip.

Seoul Stopover: Beyond the City Limits

I have a five-night stopover in Seoul. Can you suggest what to do? I am keen to leave Seoul for a few days, but don’t want to fly.

Seoul offers a compelling blend of modern and traditional attractions. Begin with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and the surrounding Bukchon Hanok Village, providing an excellent introduction to traditional Korean life. Explore Namsangol Hanok Village, a recreated traditional village in the city center. For a contrast, visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a neo-futurist landmark designed by Zaha Hadid. Don’t miss the bustling local markets such as Namdaemun, Gwangjang and Dongdaemun.

For an escape from Seoul without flying, consider Sokcho, a coastal town three hours by express bus from Seoul, which serves as a base for Seoraksan National Park, offering hikes, mountain views, and waterfalls. Alternatively, Jeonju, a two-hour KTX express train ride away, is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy known for its hanok village, traditional inns, tea houses, and stone-pot bibimbap.

Stylish mid-range hotels in Seoul include Hotel the BOTANIK Sewoon Myeongdong, Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong and Hotel Peyto Gangnam.

French Alps Road Trip: Tour de France Inspired

Following an international dragon boat festival in France’s Aix-les-Bains, my husband and I are thinking of hiring a car and, over a week, driving to some nearby alpine towns. He is a big fan of the Tour de France. Any tips or suggestions for essential sites?

In Aix-les-Bains, visit Lake Bourget and nearby Chambery, take the cruise to Abbaye d’Hautecombe and drive up Mont Revard, a classic cycling climb featured in the Tour de France.

A one-week drive should include a visit to Annecy, known as the “Venice of the Alps.” Explore the medieval town, take a cruise on the lake, or cycle around it, visiting villages like Talloires or Menthon-Saint-Bernard. Drive the Col de la Forclaz, a mountain pass with dramatic views. Continue to Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, for mountain scenery and hikes. Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car for panoramic views and sample Savoyard specialties like fondue and cured meats. Spend time in Megeve or Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, alpine ski towns with chalets and hiking trails. The drive back to Aix-les-Bains will take less than two hours.

Consider quieter lakes such as Aiguebelette for less crowded options. Summer driving in the Alps is straightforward, but check parking and seasonal restrictions.

Komodo Dragon Adventure: Tailored Itineraries

From Labuan Bajo, on the Indonesian island of Flores, I’d like to do a two-night boat trip to see Komodo dragons aboard a boat that does not follow the usual routine. As a single traveller, my goal is to identify a single sleeping space without paying double. Any suggestions for a company, operator or agency that could help find last-minute, unsold cabins?

Most live-aboard cruises from Labuan Bajo are three days, two nights, visiting Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo Island and Manta Point. Cruises typically depart on Fridays. Sharing a cabin with another solo female traveler can save money. Larger vessels such as Neptune, Vinca Voyages and Elbark offer shared-cabin options.

For a more adventurous itinerary, consider smaller, local boats that can tailor trips based on weather and interests. Contact operators directly, especially for unsold cabins and negotiations. Try Maika, Wunderpus or Vinca Voyages. Mention you are solo and would prefer a single cabin at a fair per-person rate.

Croatian Road Trip: Islands and Mainland

I’m spending two weeks driving through Croatia in May. Would you include islands and if so, which or just concentrate on the mainland’s old cities and national parks? Nature and scenery are high on the list of priorities.

Two weeks in May is ideal for exploring Croatia. Given your preference for nature and scenery, a blend of mainland national parks and islands is recommended. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-see, with waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and walking trails. Krka National Park is also worth visiting for its river scenery and quieter trails. Coastal towns including Rovinj, Zadar and Split are well worth a visit. The coastal drive from Zadar to Dubrovnik is scenic.

For islands, Mljet is a top pick, with a national park covering half the island, offering a quiet and restorative experience. Hvar has a glamorous side, but the interior is peaceful and rustic. Choose a base outside Hvar town for serenity.