Move over Spain. Beat it, Italy. There’s some competition over in Europe these days. While Spain, Italy, France
and the rest of Western Europe will always remain as some of the best
spots for European holidays, Eastern Europe is picking up steam and
grabbing the hearts of travelers around the world.Why holiday in Eastern Europe? For one, it’s cheap. Maybe not Southeast Asia cheap, but prices are significantly less than the western counterparts. Food is cheap (and seriously delicious), and in some countries, the price can be negotiated. Drinks are super cheap (less than $1 for a liter of beer!). Lodging, depending on your tastes and travel style, can cost around $10 a night for a shared room.
What’s more – Eastern Europe isn’t nearly as crowded as Western Europe. You can easily travel to places of interest without hearing your own language more than the native tongue. Sure, summer time on the Adriatic will still have packed beaches, and you will have to book lodging ahead of time, but for the most part, even those tourists aren’t Americans. Ironically, they’re Western Europeans headed away from their tourist-packed towns to their own secret enclaves.
There are plenty of towns in Eastern Europe worth a visit. They’re packed with history, beauty, culture, good food … and of course, aren’t pricey.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
While Croatia is one of the more expensive countries in the region, the Balkan city of Dubrovnik is also one of the most stunning. The old city, set inside enormous walls, is romantic. Complete with refreshing water to cool off in during the summer months and cliff-side bars to enjoy the pinks and reds of the sunset reflected in the azure Adriatic, this town has been described as “paradise.” Whether or not you agree, it’s worth a visit. Plus, there are plenty of trips you can take from there – up the coast to the seaside town of Split, which is where the ferries to islands operate, or down the coast to Montenegro (which is on the Euro, but very inexpensive).
Easily travel to Montenegro on a day trip from Dubrovnik
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
A blending of old and new happens in Sarajevo. A stroll through the heart of the city takes you through different periods in the town’s history – from its Turkish roots to Austro-Hungarian roots and to the sad reality of the ethnic cleansing that went on in the 1990s. It’s hard not to notice the pock-marked buildings, the red cement roses that signify losses of life on the street and on walls. But, more than the history, Sarajevo tells a tale of redemption. All around, life flourishes. Sidewalk cafes are packed all day. Museums proudly educate visitors on the country’s morbid past, and show off its present day accomplishments.Brasov, Romania
Located in the heart of Transylvania, Brasov is a perfect launching point for tours of the region. Nearby is Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle), along with the stately and ornate Peles Castle in Sinaia, Poiana Brasov, a mountaintop town. In town, there are plenty of places to explore, including taking a tram (or braving it and hiking) up the Brasov hill. From the top, you can see the entire town and the South Carpathian Mountains. Also be sure to check out Rope Street, perhaps the narrowest street in Europe, measuring approximately four feet in width. In the heart of the expansive town square is the Gothic and gorgeous Black Church. And while there aren’t any vampires here … you can imagine the spooky Transylvania depicted in the books.
Be careful at Bran Castle, there may be vampires lurking in the shadows... photo courtesy of jtriefen via Flickr
Goreme, Turkey
Home to the fairy chimneys and caves, Goreme, in Turkey’s Cappadocia region, is a sight. Treat yourself to a hot air balloon ride at sunrise and float over the amazing stone formations in Love Valley. Stay in a real cave hotel. Dine on authentic Turkish dishes served in clay pots. While the prices here are more expensive than other places in Eastern Europe, it is the only place to experience these stunning formations from your own point-of-view.Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Interesting houses along one of the many winding roads in Veliko Tarnovo - photo courtesy of aneye4apicture via Flickr
Adventure Traveler - Viator Team
