Although Eastern Europe isn’t most people’s first thought when they consider taking a holiday abroad, the countries that make up the region are definitely work planning into your itinerary. Not only are Eastern European countries cheap – especially when compared to Western Europe – but they are interesting too! Let’s take a look at some of the countries you should definitely consider visiting if you fancy taking a holiday to this unique part of the world.
Romania
Dracula's Castle, Transylvania
Romania is said to be the hidden gem of Eastern Europe and offers many exciting attractions to globe trotters. The country is probably most well known for Transylvania and the variety of Dracula museums and tours that can be found there however there is much more to Romania than may initially meet the eye. If you are a keen sports enthusiast Romania certainly won’t disappoint. The country is home to some amazing mountains which make the perfect place for hiking and mountain biking in the summer and winter sports activities in the winter. No matter where you choose to visit in Romania you will have the holiday of a lifetime.
Poland
Tatra Mountains, Poland
Like Romania, Poland is also an affordable holiday destination. Located right in the centre of Europe it offers something for every traveler no matter what time of year you choose to travel. Skiing and snowboarding are popular during the winter months and there are numerous slopes available that cater to people of all ages. Of course the history of the country is also quite dramatic and there are a variety of sites that can be visited depending on the area of history you are interested in. Other attractions include the salt mines that are located close to Krakow and the Tatra Mountains which make a great place to explore.
The Czech Republic
Prague Castle at night
The Czech Republic is quite often called a fairytale country due to the abundance of ruins and castles that dot the landscape. The cathedrals and castles are among the main attractions in the country however there is plenty more to see and do. Take in the dramatic past of the country at the Terezin Concentration Camp or head to the extremely large Zoo located in Prague. The country is quite small and easy to navigate too so whether you’d prefer to stay in one of the large cities like Prague or in the countryside you should find it relatively simple to travel from one location to another.
Latvia
Latvia Festival
With its captivating scenery, Latvia is a fantastic choice for a holiday destination. During the summer time the days are long (the country receives around 20 hours of sunlight a day) and whilst the winters are cold and short there is a soothing cosy feel to the country. Visit during the festival season and check out some of the latest new tunes or visit in the height of summer and spend your days partying on the white sand beaches. The summer also makes a great time for touring so hire a car or a caravan and take a road trip around the country, stopping off at the places that interest you for a day or two.
Russia
St. Petersburg, Russia
Russia is of course the largest country on earth and this means there are plenty of things to see and do. Spanning both the European and Asian continents even the fussiest member of your travel party will be impressed. The snow is magnificently beautiful all year round whilst the temperatures during the summer months may surprise you. The cultural heritage of Russia is nothing short of intriguing so take the time to immerse yourself in it if you can. Architecture, music, theatre, art: Russia has it all and you will find yourself counting the days down until your next trip away.
If you are planning on visiting Eastern Europe, you can look into caravans for hire and go on an amazing road trip. Eastern Europe is quite easy to travel around and it will be a holiday that you will never forget.
