That's one of the main reasons why I stay away from popular tourist destinations and famous European capitals unless I'm traveling through them.

The best travel experiences in Europe are decent sized towns you just pick on a map and go spend a week there.

My first trip happened that way by chance and I've been returning to it for over 30 years. I've been to weddings, christenings, I've even been made a godfather. And I always have a place to stay....