Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[wakingdream]

We're considering heading off to visit with relatives sometime this summer. To get as much family visiting in as possible on about a 6 week trip, we would head out from S.E. Austria, through Hungary, Croatia, B.H., Serbia and the northern tip of Montenegro. I've done a slightly different route before over a period of 3 months in a car, but it was ages ago.

Soooo, for about a month, with no real specifics in mind besides the route, what do you figure is the best way to go about it all? Train, plane or automobile? Any ideas for a budget? We would be a bit tight on cash....Any must-sees I may have missed the first time 'round?

Also, I've got a hankering to get into Albania. Anyone been there that can tell me a bit about it?

Cheers. Appreciate any thoughts and advice.

[whereshegoes]

I have only been to Hungary so I can't give you too much advice. But make sure in Budapest you get to the baths and check out the bakeries. But walk everywhere because the food is so good, if you don't exercise you will gain a million pounds.

Also, Montenegro is the newest country in the world! That will be cool to visit!

[wakingdream]

But walk everywhere because the food is so good, if you don't exercise you will gain a million pounds.

I have a load of practise with this as my very Hungarian mother does not know the menaing of "full"!!

Montenegro is beautiful but I did not get to see as much as I wanted.
I'm really curious about Albania. From what I've read of other people's blogs, there seems to be some mixed feelings about it.

[qwi]

Hiya,

I was in Albanania back in 95 ish, think it was the 2nd year it was open. i was very much a novice traveller back then (think it was my 1st time abroad alone and maybe the 3rd-4th country i had been to ever ... ahh the memories

So cant really tell you much except i ended up delivering hairdresser supplies from greece to a guy whos name i didnt know and just had a photo of him ! (true story)

The people there were great, got lots of strange looks but was treated well by all, was a bit strange staying in a hotel run by the army though !

Im sure it has come on in leaps and bounds since then but the only real infomation i can give you is the only important bit ... the people were nice.

[wakingdream]

Im sure it has come on in leaps and bounds since then but the only real infomation i can give you is the only important bit ... the people were nice.

That's what I was looking for. if the people are nice, it's definitely worth a look. Thanks!

So cant really tell you much except i ended up delivering hairdresser supplies from greece to a guy whos name i didnt know and just had a photo of him ! (true story)

This is quite intriguing!! Was it like a 'drop'?

[His Royal Monkeyness]

I'm really curious about Albania. From what I've read of other people's blogs, there seems to be some mixed feelings about it.

I was just all around these parts last summer (balkans link). Albania was...ok. I only made it to a couple places though. Both Tirana and Durres were nothing special. As far as touristy things go, neither city had much to offer. Tirana did have a cool trendy area to go out at night. Prices were higher than I expected. The beach in Durres was quite polluted and smelled bad. I heard the beaches further south are nice (and the postcards I saw made them look pretty). Transport within the country is by bus. Getting across the border can be difficult (I got lucky). I met someone who did a daytour from Montenegro to Tirana. I wouldn't recommend that (what's the point?).

In Montenegro, definately go to Budva and Kotor. They're just across the border from Croatia (daily bus connections). I also made it out to Durmitor Nat'l Park, which was pretty.

Dubrovnik in Croatia tends to be overrun with tourists, but the old town is lovely. Split has a great old town and fewer tourists. The islands of Hvar and Korcula are good. Plitvice Nat'l Park is pretty. Get there early before the tour groups arrive.

Don't miss Sarajevo no matter what! One of the coolest cities I've ever been to. Also pay a visit to Mostar. Being in a country with clear remnants of war still around is eye opening.

Slovenia is the gem of the area. Lots to see and do packed into a little area. Beautiful outdoor scenery and some cute towns.

You'll have a great time. I brought a few of their recipes home with me (like shopska salad).

[wakingdream]

I was just all around these parts last summer (balkans link). Albania was...ok.

How would you describe the people?

Don't miss Sarajevo no matter what!
In Montenegro, definately go to Budva and Kotor.
Dubrovnik in Croatia tends to be overrun with tourists, but the old town is lovely

I have family in all of these parts, so won't be missing out, and will surely be subjected to some of the more touristy areas as well!

[His Royal Monkeyness]

I just watch Casino Royale last night and part of that takes place in Montenegro, but I didn't recognize where they were at. One of the towns they show an aerial shot of looks cool. I'll have to look into that.

The people I interacted with in Albania were all friendly and helpful. The people running the guesthouses were nice and I had a taxi driver that really went out of his way to help me out. Plus the guy in the town near the border that drove me all the way into Montenegro for euro5 (same price as bus) so I wouldn't have to wait 3 hours for the next bus (if it came). I didn't meet anyone that showed interest in where I was from, what I was doing in Albania, etc... Though I'm not good at just walking up to someone and making conversation, especially in a country where I don't speak the language. And I seem to "blend in" too well so I don't ellicit special notice or attention. (even in Turkey I had people walking up to me and ask directions or such in Turkish. I don't look Turkish!)