As a travel planner, I rarely recommend Paris or Rome. Instead, I swear by these 5 European gems.

Salzburg, Austria, is a stunning destination — especially if you're a "Sound of Music" fan.

There are plenty of prearranged tours to iconic filming locations where you can dance around the Pegasus fountain like Maria and the children, visit the "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" gazebo, and tour the stunning Basilika St. Michael, where Maria was married to Captain Von Trapp.

In the summer and fall, there's even a "Sound of Music" bike tour.

If you're not into musicals, there are plenty of other activities. Young children might like the Salzburg Zoo, and music lovers can explore Mozart's birthplace and residence.

Sitting atop a hill, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest castles in the area and boasts great views of the city. To get another stunning view, take the Untersberg cable car.

Liverpool, located a little over four hours from London by train, is a must for Beatles fans.

All four band members grew up in the English city. Different levels of excursions, from buses to full-day private tours, immerse you in the sights and sounds of the band's legacy.

Liverpool also houses theaters, art galleries, and museums and is becoming a hot destination for shopping and unique culinary experiences.

Football, American soccer, is a way of life, with two clubs, Liverpool and Everton. Fans of the game can take a LFC stadium tour for a behind-the-scenes look.

Cinque Terre is one of my favorite cities — or, more accurately, my favorite five towns.

Nestled along the Italian Riviera, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are only accessible by train, ferry, or foot. Each town has a distinct style, and hikers flock to this region to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Vernazza, my favorite town, is the gem of this region. I love wandering the cobbled streets to shop, snack, and explore. You can also visit the Castello Doria or the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia.

Monterosso has a popular beach club. In the summer months, tourists sunbathe on the beach or take a dip in the sea. For a history lesson, visit the remains of Castello Fieschi or the Church of St John the Baptist and the Capuchin Monastery.

In Manarola, take some time to watch the locals cliff jump into the marina. I also suggest taking a wine tour through the town to taste some of the local specialties. Be sure to try Sciacchetrà, a sweet but strong dessert wine produced in Cinque Terre.

Riomaggiore is also home to a castle and churches dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The center of the town is great for wandering, shopping, and eating.

Corniglia is probably the quietest of the five towns. Climb the Lardarina staircase for beautiful views of the coastline. Spend some time enjoying local life, or take a boat tour to fully enjoy the area's beauty.

Just three hours from Lisbon by train, Porto has some amazing architecture, dining, and drinking.

Many visitors enjoy exploring the Ribeira neighborhood. During the day, check out the Luís I Bridge, walk along the Douro River, and visit the adorned Church of São Francisco. At night, the area comes alive with lively dining and entertainment options.

Other popular activities include visiting one of the nearby white sandy beaches, taking a wine tour, or booking a river cruise to see the city from another vantage point.

I'd be remiss not to mention the delicious food available in the city. I think everyone who visits Porto should try francesinha, a traditional sandwich stuffed and topped with things like ham, Portuguese sausage, steak, cheese, and spicy sauce.

Strasbourg, located two hours east of Paris by high-speed train, is a beautiful city along the border of France and Germany.

Every trip should include a visit to the gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg. Try to plan your day around arriving there at 12:30 p.m. to see the wooden figures dance around the clock.

After your cathedral visit, stroll through Petite-France, explore cheese shops, and take a break to sip a glass of wine at one of the canal's many cafés.

At the end of the year, Strasbourg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets, dating back to the late 1500s. The Christkindelsmärik is truly magical, with over 300 vendors selling their holiday best.