While I was backpacking the Balkans region of eastern Europe I spent the most time in Zagreb because I renewed my U.S. Passport at the embassy. I discovered a number of wonderful things to do in Zagreb, during my time here. The moment I stepped out of the bus station...
While Western European capitals swarm with tourists from around the world, neighboring Eastern European cities, just as beautiful and historic, remain calm and quaint. Off-the-beaten-path Eastern European cities are vacation destinations that are sure to delight all...
Croatia has been a hot destination for decades due to its beautiful architecture, natural wonders, and its islands, and tourism continues to boom. Between the coastal towns of Split and Dubrovnik lie a multitude of islands, perfect for crafting a Croatia...
The Balkans are an extraordinary group of countries, located just a quick flight or bus ride away from popular Western European destinations. Because of their small size and connected history as former Yugoslavia (most of them, anyways) it’s easy to travel...
Croatia, or Hrvatska as it’s called by the locals, provides a great introduction to a region in Europe that was once overlooked by tourists: The Balkans. Two weeks in Croatia allows you to experience beautiful beaches and islands, bustling towns and villages,...
Before I started my journey in the Balkans, I asked backpackers which country was their favorite in the Balkans. Their answers almost always included Montenegro (with Kosovo often a close second). It’s for good reason that this small country tops everyone’s lists. And...
Traveling to Bosnia & Herzegovina is a must, if you ever find yourself in the Balkans or neighboring Croatia. Many people only know of Bosnia as a country with a recent war-torn history, but there’s a lot more to be discovered. Spend five days in Bosnia and...
Kosovo is a hidden gem within the Balkans, a region in Europe that’s already hugely underrated. With a rich history, beautiful architecture, friendly locals, and cheap prices, Kosovo is a Balkans itinerary must-see. If you’re planning a trip to the...
One main highway runs from Bulgaria to Turkey, connecting Sofia to Plovdiv to Istanbul. Travelers cross this border in troves every day, from Bulgaria to Turkey, or the opposite, from Turkey to Bulgaria, overland. The landscape along this highway changes drastically,...
When I set out on my journey across the Balkans, I only found itineraries explaining how travel bloggers had road-tripped by car. I’m glad to have discovered for myself just how easy it is to travel the Balkan countries by bus!Benefits to BussingThere are many...
I distinctly remember the last time I renewed my American passport in 2014. I was 20 years old, and in a rush to renew my passport so I could get a visa to India for over the summer. In the application, I consciously checked the box for the option to get a 27-page...
Mountain views from Theth village There’s a beautiful and highly recommended through-trek that’s popular with backpackers in northern Albania. It runs between two tiny mountain villages, Theth and Valbonë, and takes about 6-8 hours to complete.The journey starts and...
ABOUT ME
Hi Everyone! I’m Erika van ‘t Veld, and I’ve been traveling around the globe since I quit my corporate America job in October, 2017. I hope to inspire others to travel by showing how cheap and easy it can be. You can read about my own experiences on my blog page too!
