Top 7 Hidden Gems of Ljubljana, Slovenia + Moving Abroad After a One-Week Trip with Sharon Kaufman

·1 hr 5 min·6 clips

Sharon Kaufman moved her family to Slovenia with one suitcase after a flight delay and never returned home.

This episode of the Zero To Travel Podcast features host Jason Moore and guest Sharon Kaufman, a licensed tour guide who moved to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Sharon shares her personal relocation story and provides a curated list of local hidden gems. The conversation begins with Sharon explaining how a one-week family vacation to Slovenia turned into a permanent move after their return flight was delayed. She, her husband, and their two young daughters decided to stay with only one suitcase, never returning to collect their belongings from Israel. Sharon details how they evaluated Ljubljana as a potential home by researching kindergartens, work-life balance, and the widespread use of English. She cites Slovenia's ranking as one of the best countries to raise a family and Ljubljana's status as one of the world's safest cities as factors in their decision. The episode covers the Bicikel public bike-share system, which costs just one euro for a week of unlimited one-hour rides. Sharon highlights the Nebotičnik skyscraper, a 70-meter building with a terrace offering panoramic city views. She points out a unique section of the Central Market featuring vending machines that sell local eggs, cheeses, yogurts, and basic medical supplies. A surprising insight is that approximately 25% of Slovenians are proficient in five or more languages. Sharon describes Slovenians as reserved initially but deeply sincere and helpful once they open up. She explains that her transition from online life coaching to starting a tour company was driven by a desire for human connection and outdoor work. A memorable moment is Sharon recounting her parents' shocked reaction when she called to say the family was not returning from their vacation. The episode has a conversational and inspirational tone, blending personal narrative with practical travel guidance. Listeners interested in spontaneous relocation stories, family travel, or under-the-radar European destinations will appreciate this episode. Those seeking highly structured travel planning or in-depth historical analysis might find it less aligned with their interests.

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