Who and where — Lemay Fire Protection District Chief Neil Svetanics poses in front of a firetruck in Sotina, Slovenia, his family's hometown.

The trip — Neil and Judy Svetanics traveled through seven Adriatic countries in 11 days in November. In Slovenia, they helped the volunteer Sotina fire department decorate the town square for Christmas.

Travel tip — Judy Svetanics says the beautiful Slovenian countryside between Austria and Hungary is a don't-miss experience.