by The Balkans is a region situated in the southeastern Europe. It is very well-known for its rich and diverse history, gorgeous and breathtaking landscapes along with diversified culture.
It encloses countries like the Bosnia, Albania, Bulgaria, Herzegovina, Greece, Kosovo and more. Although there is a hefty price tag that is commonly associated with the Western Europe, the Balkans may offer an authentic experience in budget-friendly prices.
Below are some money saving tips if you are navigating through the Balkans.
- Choose the ideal time to travel
Selecting the right time of your trip can really impact the budget. The peak tourist influx in the Balkans is seen during the summer time (June to August). This is also when the costs for accommodation, flights and other activities may surge.
To stay in the budget-friendly range, you may consider traveling during durations of April to May or September to October. These months may be perfect for those who want to enjoy a pleasant weather, lesser crowd while staying in the budget.
- Budget-friendly accommodation options
Whenever you are travelling, you may want to separate a hefty amount or accommodation. However, this is not the case if you travel mindfully. The Balkans offer inexpensive solutions for people. Here’s how:
- Guesthouses: Many locals in the Balkans open their own houses for the tourists. These options may prove to be better for those on a budget. Moreover, the guesthouses provide a great cultural experience for the visitors.
- Hotels: There are numerous hotels throughout the Balkans. They offer wide variety of accommodation options, from dormitory-style to private rooms. In addition to this, you also get the golden opportunity of meeting other tourists from around the world.
- Camping: For those who love adventure, camping is highly economical. Camping provides a chance for the tourists to delve into the natural beauty of surroundings. There are national parks and campgrounds that offer the option of camping.
- Airbnb: If you are traveling in groups and intend on touring for a longer period of time, then Airbnb such as private rooms or full apartments may be ideal.
- Travel through public transportation
Public transportation is a cost-effective way to travel throughout the Balkans. Majority of the countries in this region offer extensive network of trains and buses that tend to connect the major cities along with tourist destinations.
Some ways you can get around the different cities in pocket-friendly prices are mentioned below:
- Trains
Although trains are slower than buses, it offers a very comfortable and smooth experience. In addition to this, if you love traveling through scenic views, then train may be the right option for you. Countries like Bulgaria have extensive train networks that make it really easy to get from one place to another.
- Buses
Local buses in the cities may be one of the cheapest ways you can travel throughout the city. However, they also offer convenience and therefore, are a great way to travel.
- Carpooling
In some Balkan countries, there are services like BlaBlaCar. These offer carpooling which is a budget-friendly alternative to the traditional traveling methods.
- Eat only local food
Eating like a local is both, a way to save money and also enjoy mouth-watering cuisine.
- Markets: You can prepare your own meals after buying fresh ingredients from the local markets such as cheese, bread, cured meat and more. This is a suitable idea if you have access to the kitchen.
- Street food: You can find numerous famous dishes of different the respective regions in street foods. You may be able to enjoy Cevapi in Serbia while gyros in the Greece.
- Local restaurants: Search local restaurants that are away from tourist hotspots. This can be a budget-friendly alternative to the high-end eateries. You may also get quality food for affordable prices.
- Don’t miss the free activities
The Balkans tend to offer low-cost or entirely free activities. These activities allow you to immerse in a specific region’s history, traditions along with the natural beauty. There is no harm in being a part of these activities as they are both entertaining and free.
- Hiking
Since tourism means exploring, there is no better way to explore the natural landscapes other than hiking. Explore different parks and natural reserves by paying just a small amount of entrance fee.
- Walking tours
Many countries provide the option of walking tours with local guides, for free. You get to learn about a specific area’s history and culture.
- Travel in a group
You can end up with significant savings if you travel with your friends or simply in tourism groups. You will also be able to avail group discounts on transport, activities and accommodation. Moreover, simply sharing expenses on rental, food, cars and different activities can really uplift the burden for an individual. You can make your travel experience enjoyable yet inexpensive at the same time.
