I learned of the palm trees first hand. Had a Eurailpass, no itinerary. Planned a trek from Zug to Locarno, "around the Alps," past Montreaux, to Domodossola, to Locarno. Got off the train at Domodossola, surprised at the need to switch railroads. By sheer chance, no planning, took the Centovalli Railway. Best train ride ever. Stunning. Then drop into Locarno and see palm trees!
No itinerary, no hotel. Ended up staying in a suite above the restaurant at one end of the square. Midnight "curfew," meaning we had to be inside the gate, but the bar would be open until we'd had enough. Suite was 40 Swiss Francs, in 1991, and had a balcony over the semi-outdoor dining area. Lucked out, all the way! Took a trip up to the Madonna del Sasso the next day.
My favorite part of the world, what parts I've seen so far - Northern Italy and southern Switzerland. Great food, ancient buildings, spectacular scenery.