Eastern Europe, particularly Bulgaria and the Balkans, continues to be an up-and-coming destination, especially for travelers coming from outside of Europe. Before going, most travelers believe that Bulgaria is hard to travel in, due to things they hear about, like the country’s train system and the road signs being impossible to read. Many travelers are surprised after spending time in the Balkans about just how easy it is to move around. So why should travelers pay more attention to this South-Eastern corner of Europe? (Photo "Empty Cafe at Night" by Alexandra Zakharova)Why the Balkans?
The Balkans is the name given to the countries on the Balkan peninsula in south east Europe. They are: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro and Romania.
There’s a lot of choice in the Balkans, and every country offers something a little different to visitors on holiday. For example, Albania and Macedonia are famed for their beautiful churches and other ancient buildings, while a summer trip to Bulgaria will find you basking on glorious beaches and Montenegro is well-known for the natural beauty of its forests and the many winter sports opportunities.
How Much?
The great thing most people find about traveling around the Balkans is that the price of everything - from accommodation, to travel to food and entry to historical sites - is very reasonable. There’s little to no difference in price between each country. For example, in some Balkan countries, bus tickets can be free, or start at a very reasonable 50 cents, while the most expensive bus ticket in Croatia, is usually around $2.50!
When it comes to accommodation, prices will vary depending on what you book, and a private apartment will cost more than a shared room in a hostel. A central one bedroom apartment in Serbia will cost around $190 a week, while a central studio apartment in Macedonia can cost around $230 a week. Croatia is often the cheapest, and can go as little as $186 a week.
Food
The cuisine in the Balkans is as rich and as varied as the many countries and cultures that create it, and it has been described by more than one person as “deliciously inexpensive”. One thing you must try is a burek – a savoury pastry filled with cheese, meat or spinach, which is served in every Balkan country, they are very tasty, and can cost as little as 40 cents. You can also have more familiar foods, such as pizza or burgers in places like Belgrade, but go for local produce, as Serbian grilled meat and Karađorđe Steak tastes a lot better and costs much less than a McDonald’s meal!
The Balkans are still largely overlooked, but this region is a maze of wonderful sites, cultures and people that are just waiting to be discovered. Just as places like Thailand, Vietnam and Laos became a mecca for backpackers wanting to explore the remote places of Asia, so Europe has its Montenegro, Albania and Romania. Cities like Bucharest and Podgorica remain relatively untouched by tourism and offer something different to the well-trodden paths of Paris and Prague. And if you live or are traveling in Europe, there’s really no excuse not to grab a quick flight and see what everyone’s missing.
