Eastern Europe is becoming a hotspot for tourists because of its beautiful architecture, hotels, snowy mountains and beaches. If your vacation days fall during winter time, Eastern Europe is perfect if you plan on taking a trip. There are lots of activities that involve the use of snow that can guarantee a fun time. Trips to Eastern Europe are not only done in the winter, summertime also brings about a large percentage of tourists.
Europe is a hotspot for travellers. However, the majority of tourists do not visit Eastern Europe, often ending their trip without attempting to find out the beautiful sceneries it offers. Western Europe often draws the attention of most tourists, with many only visiting Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Turkey. They are unaware that Eastern Europe also has a lot of beauty to offer. For example, they are missing out on the breathtaking architecture that the beautiful city of Budapest, Hungary has to offer. For a memorable and safe trip around Eastern Europe, here are some helpful tips to guide you.
Plan Ahead
Before embarking on the trip, it is best to know the particular reason for which you are visiting Eastern Europe. If you plan on backpacking with friends, your preparation would be quite different from someone going on a vacation. For vacation goers, it is advisable to use a travel agency. Certain travel agencies offer an Eastern European package that takes them to many of the tourist attractions. They also cover transportation and accommodation for each country visited. As a tourist, all you have to do is relax and enjoy your trip.
If you don’t want to use a travel agency, plan ahead and identify the countries you want to visit. Make necessary accommodation preparations by calling hotels before arriving so you won’t get stranded.
Have all your Travel Documents at Hand
Border crossings in Eastern Europe could be quite strenuous, especially if you are not an EU citizen. Many tourists often run into issues at the border because they do not have the right documents. European and North American citizens can access most of Eastern Europe without a visa. However, for safety purposes, it is best to have proper documentation on hand. Every traveler should ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months before they arrive in any country.
Change Your Currency
Most European countries accept Euros, but it is advisable to change your currency to that which the country operates.
Tourist hotspots are known for accepting foreign currencies, especially Euros and US dollars, and card payments are also possible. Even if you plan on paying with your card, it is advisable to have some hard currency with you at all times. Below are currencies used in Eastern Europe
- Bulgarian Lev (Bulgaria)
- Czech Koruna (Czech Republic)
- Hungarian Forint (Hungary)
- Romanian Leu (Romania)
Other Eastern European countries like Croatia, Serbia, Lithuania, and Slovakia use Euros as their primary currency. Tourists who love sports gambling can bet using a variety of currencies at Betamo. Simply choose your preferred currency type and fund your account.
Use a Language Translator App
Different languages are spoken all around Eastern Europe. It is one of the most diverse continents in the world in terms of culture and language; it’s rivaled by probably only Africa. In Eastern Europe, the languages most common are mostly Slavic languages.
However, most teens and young adults do speak a decent amount of English. To mitigate the language barrier, you can use a language translator app or site. There are some top options in the app store that you can install for free or pay for. The paid version usually contains a lot more features and languages, so choose whichever best applies to you.
Protect Your Personal Belongings at All Times
It is common for tourist locations to be filled with pickpockets whose sole duty is to target unaware travelers. Be always vigilant, especially when in crowded spaces, and if possible, move in groups or pairs. Safeguard your belongings when using public transportation, and avoid showcasing expensive jewelry and gadgets. It is also advisable to have a valid means of identification with you at all times, like your passport. If possible, make photocopies of all vital documents and keep the original at the hotel. However, it is common for break-ins to happen at hotels filled with tourists, so ensure you stash away your vital belongings before leaving your room. For this reason, you should never compromise on quality when choosing a hotel. Go for the ones who prioritize the safety and security of their customers.