Hello! Since I started this blog back in August, you’ve heard me go on and on about how wanting to take another trip. Well, I’m ecstatic to report that the ticket for my next escape is BOOKED! That’s right yall! Freaking finally. I am beyond excited to strap my backpack on again and head out onto the open road. I mentioned that I wanted my next trip to be 3-5 months–or longer–if I could swing it.
The reality is that I will have to do another travel nurse assignment to save enough money before I can take a trip of that length; however, I can afford to take a six week trip. Six weeks should be enough to quench my raging wanderlust and quiet my restless soul–for a little while, anyway. So, where am I going?
Eastern Europe and the Balkans!!! After finishing university, I went to some of Western Europe and, while gorgeous, exhilarating, and fun, I found it to be stupid expensive and completely overrun with tourists. Eastern Europe is cheaper, steeped in history, and just as, if not more, beautiful. I’m leaving shortly after my contract ends in mid April, and I’ll be there for just about six weeks. I’ve only booked my flight and the first three nights in a hostel, but here are the places that I hope to visit while I’m there:
PRAUGE, CZECH REPUBLIC
I’m an avid follower of Drew’s, and he absolutely raves about Prague on his blog. I’m going to look at his blog for inspiration on what to do, eat, see, and drink while in Prauge. So far, I know that definitely want to walk along the Charles Bridge and take in the culture in Old Town Square.
KRAKOW, POLAND
Poland has been on my list for a long, long time, ever since I first watched Schindler’s List. Visiting Krakow, as well as Auschwitz concentration camp, will be a real life history lesson, albeit an emotionally draining one. That extent of human evil is truly terrifying.
LVIV, UKRAINE
Lviv came onto my radar after reading Silvia’s post about her visit to the city. Lviv is in the Western part of Ukraine, so it will be safe to visit. From Silvia’s post, Lviv sounds like a gorgeous, yet gritty, European city. I already have a Couchsurfing host here, a fourth year medical student, and I can’t wait to explore the city and hopefully learn about the Ukrainian healthcare system as well.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest will be another history lesson brought to life! I want to cruise the Danube and soak in the thermal baths.
BELGRADE, SERBIA
Ahhh, Belgrade. I want to do absolutely anything and everything in this funky capital city. This is another city that so many people rave about, and I can’t wait to see how it lives up to the hype (because I know it will).
MONTENEGRO
I’m not sure exactly where I want to go in Montenegro, but my reason for visiting here is to take in the beauty of the bay of Kotor, and take a dip in these idyllic waters.
SARAJEVO, BOSNIA
Bosnia’s period of war as actually pretty recent, and can still be observed when walking around the city. Sarajevo is supposed to be oozing with culture–think: Jewish, Muslim, and Christian houses of worship in the very same neighborhood.
SLOVENIA
Number one on my Slovenia itinerary is Lake Bled. I mean, how could this picture even be real? It’s straight out a fairytale.
After Slovenia, I will make my way back to Prague, possibly via Austria, to catch my flight home. Depending on my funds at this point, I would love to go to the Austrian alps. So that’s my Eastern European/the Balkans “plan”. I may deter from what I have here, but I don’t have the luxury of time like I did in Asia, so I know that I have to make it a priority to see and do most of what I have listed here. The non-negotionables are Prauge, Krakow, and Belgrade.
I’m looking forward to sharing more of my travels with you all. I 99% won’t be blogging from the road, but I will share all of my adventures when I get back!
Have you been to any of these cities/countries? If so, tips and advice are appreciated!
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