Travelling in Europe is full of scenic views, interactions, and experiences, especially when exploring the Balkan region. Unique and exciting from A to Z, this area will leave an indelible mark on your travelling experience.
But don’t expect it to be a five-finger exercise.
Travelling through the Balkans isn’t the same as in the European Union. I can’t say it’s worse; it’s just different and has challenges.
But under no circumstances should it affect your Balkan journey. How do you overcome them?
Well, this is what this article is about. Let’s dive into how to plan a trip in the Balkan region, prepare for potential roadblocks, and tackle them at ease.
At A Glance
6 Must-Know Balkan Travel Tips
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
How To Build An Itinerary
First off, how do you build your journey?
Do you visit countries scattered in the region, or is it best to construct a one-way route?
While it’s easy to go here and there in Europe, the Balkans are entirely different.
From my experience, detailed planning is crucial when visiting the region simply because it’s quirky and sometimes nasty.
As much as you may love spontaneous, go-with-the-flow travels, I wouldn’t advise it unless you aren’t restricted in time. Then you could do an impromptu and roam around the area.
It’s not as tough as it may sound, but it has a few challenges you want to be prepared for.
The biggest one is the connection. If you don’t travel by car, knowing there is a way you can get from point A to point B is crucial.
Otherwise, you can get stuck in the middle of nowhere like me when I went from Skopje to Ohrid and couldn’t get back as quickly as I wanted. It was a superb trip, no doubt about that.
I took lots of photos and converted them into postcards, collages, and wallpapers with a photo size changer once I got back home. Still, I was stressed, and who knows how long I’d stay there but for a passing car with a German family rushing to an airport.
So, 2 tips: ensure to move in one direction, and check if any buses are going between places you’d like to visit. I’d suggest starting your trip from Romania and moving through the following cities:
- Bulgaria
- Greece
- North Macedonia
- Albania
- Montenegro
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Croatia
- Slovenia
You can start from the bottom and move up the list as well.
Bus Is The Only Way To Travel
Double decker bus in London, UK
I’ve been emphasising travelling by bus for 1 simple reason: it’s the most convenient way to travel in the Balkans. Besides, it’s the only option.
What about trains, you might ask. Well, there’s hardly any train passing through countries because of geographical constraints. Belgrade to Bar is surely a scenic train route, but that’s about it.
Other routes are either short-haul or available during the summer months only. Many countries are surrounded by mountains, so all you get is to travel by bus.
You can, of course, try renting a car. I didn’t do that because it seemed a bit problematic. Besides, a local friend told me, “Good luck renting a car in 1 country and exploring the entire Balkan region” (it’s impossible).
The best you can do is to rent a vehicle for domestic travel, but it only makes sense with bigger countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Bosnia.
The planes aren’t the most viable option, either. Travelling between Balkan states via air isn’t available. So, as you see, buses are your only way to go.
Generally, buses are abundant in the Balkans, and you can easily move between big cities.
There are 3 primary ways to buy bus tickets: at the counter, on the web from local bus companies, and via Flixbus.
Purchasing tickets from the counter is a good option, especially if you know the local language, as there are more options than on Flixbus.
Alternatively, you can use Google Translate, but ensure the translation is accurate and specific, as I know people who tried to purchase tickets at the counter and bought the wrong ones. So make sure you stay connected everywhere you go.
They managed to swap them for the correct ones, but that was sketchy, which is why I’m not too fond of this option. That’s why I never bought tickets this way.
Neither did I buy tickets from local websites. I found it even more dubious, as you have no idea who you pay for. Besides, many services require printing tickets before getting on board, and finding a copy shop is the last thing I want to do when travelling.
And now I’m segueing into the last option, Flixbus. Flixbus is your way to go, and you may already see why. It’s not as good as elsewhere in Europe, especially in Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia, but it’s still decent.
Flixbus fleet often doesn’t differ from local buses (they aren’t green, and you can barely see the logo, if at all), so you’ll need to keep your eyes open and ask around. Even with those nuances, Flixbus is your best bet.
For me, the best thing was that you could buy the ticket through the app and show it to the driver without printing. Some drivers would even rewrite my ticket number to the notebook; it was hilarious.
You can also find and redeem ticket vouchers for cheaper travel. My Polish friend sent me a handful of 10% vouchers, so I saved a buck in the long run.
I don’t like having cash in a local currency, as dollar bills have always gotten me from anywhere. But I’d recommend converting a buck or two into the local currency in Montenegro and Bosnia.
You’ll have to pay a processing fee at the bus station to get on your bus, even if you present your ticket (it’s weird, I know).
Before embarking on the trip, remember there is no rush in the Balkans. Don’t be surprised if it takes hours to cover a short distance.
I spent half a day going from Split, Croatia, to Sarajevo, Bosnia, even though the distance was around 100 miles. The roads are narrow and lean around mountains, so ensure to download some podcasts or books for some quality time.
Embrace The Unexpected
One of the most enriching aspects of travelling through the Balkans is the element of surprise. Unlike more predictable destinations, the Balkans offer a kaleidoscope of experiences that often come unexpectedly.
Whether it’s a sudden change in weather, an impromptu festival in a small town, or a hidden gem of a café tucked away in an alley, be ready to embrace these moments.
They often lead to the most memorable parts of your journey. For instance, I stumbled upon a local music festival in a small Montenegrin village, which turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.
The key is to keep an open mind and a flexible schedule, allowing these serendipitous encounters to unfold.
Local Connections Matter
Developing connections with locals can greatly enhance your Balkan adventure. The warmth and hospitality of the people in this region are unparalleled. Engaging in conversations, even with a language barrier, opens doors to authentic experiences.
For example, a local in Sarajevo invited me to a traditional Bosnian dinner, providing insights into their culture and history that no guidebook could offer.
It’s not just about ticking off tourist spots but immersing yourself in the local culture, whether it’s chatting with surfers at sunset in Tamarindo or discovering hidden beaches known only to locals in Puerto Escondido.
Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or directions; these interactions often lead to discovering hidden treasures and understanding the local way of life more deeply.
Respect The Rich History and Diversity
Stari Most, Bosnia
The Balkan region is a tapestry of diverse cultures, languages, and histories. Each country has its unique identity, shaped by a complex past. It’s essential to approach your travels with respect and curiosity towards these differences.
Visit historical sites, museums, and monuments to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s turbulent history. In countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, the remnants of recent conflicts serve as poignant reminders of the past.
Meanwhile, the ancient ruins in Greece and the Ottoman influences in Albania tell stories of centuries-old civilizations.
Understanding this rich tapestry adds a profound layer of meaning to your journey, making it not just a trip but a truly educational experience.
Savour It
While there is so much else to recommend, let me conclude with the last but not least tip: do as much as you can when in a specific place.
I’ve met terrific people in different countries and cities, making stunning photos I can’t help but cherish. Balkan people are unique and fun. They’ll tell you amazing stories you’ll never read about on the web and blogs.
Best of all, they’ll let you immerse yourself in the Balkan culture and traditions; that’ll be an eye-opening experience.
Taste local food, especially homemade, have a sip (or two) of handcrafted drinks, and let yourself unwind for a moment, indulging in something truly outstanding.
While these Europe travel tips provide a solid foundation for navigating the Balkan region, it’s essential to remember that Europe offers a diverse range of destinations beyond the Balkans.
So, don’t hesitate to explore stunning beaches of the Mediterranean, picturesque towns, and vibrant cities across the continent.
