Often, the best trips are the last-minute getaways, we plan for those spare weekends when we want to get away for it all for just a couple of days. Weekend breaks are a great way to take time out with friends and family whether you are looking for a weekend of culture, rest and relaxation or simply one to break up the working week. Below you’ll discover five of the best destinations for the spontaneous weekend away. Bulgaria An … [Read more...]
Top 5 Backpacking Destinations In Europe
Backpacking is one of the best ways to explore Europe. Not only is it cheaper than booking into expensive hotels weeks on end, you learn to appreciate more (and also become a pro packer)! You’ll make some lifelong friends along the way. No matter what country you visit, you’ll find backpackers that have travelled across the world to be where you are. If you’re travelling around Europe soon, make sure you visit www.ehic.co.uk to ensure you’re … [Read more...]
5 Affordable Ski Holidays in Europe
Ski season is already under way tempting passionate skiers worldwide to the snowy slopes of the most popular resorts in the Alps. Those of you who have already spent a few seasons skiing in award-winning ski tourist hotspots know that a weekend’s holiday may be financially draining. To those who are planning their first ski trip, the grand total in most ski resorts across Europe may seem daunting and worth giving up on the whole idea. However, … [Read more...]
Rila Monastery – November 2014
Rila Monastary is located about 2 hours outside of Sofia, the capital city. You can hire a taxi (be sure to bargain - and note that hiring taxis from public transportation places such as bus or train stations are usually higher in price), take a bus or go with a number of Bulgarian based tour companies that visit the monastery (Traventuria, Tandem Travel, Bulgaria-Guide). The road past the small village of Rila is narrow and winds up a river … [Read more...]
Vulgar Wheat: A Trace of Thrace Bugaria
John M. Edwards chows down on subpar "Vulgarian" grub and survives a dangerous dispute over a restaurant bill in the Balkans. Oh well, there is always the region's lip-smacking yogurt. . . . Bulgaria has by far the best yogurt in the world, partly because they invented it. They also are (supposedly) responsible for the regional cuisine shared by many of its neighbors: Bulgar wheat, stuffed grape leaves, baklava, kebabs, goat cheese, and … [Read more...]
Secret slopes: Europe’s hidden ski villages
If you have always assumed that a skiing holiday is out of your price range, or you've been on a trip but were put off by busy slopes and over-crowded restaurants, then think again as there might be another option. Go 'off-piste' with your choice of resort. Mainstream does not suit everyone, and whilst the big famous resorts are well-established and set up with great facilities, by their very nature they bring in a lot of tourists at peak … [Read more...]
A Trace of Thrace: Balkan Adventure
In Plovdiv, Bulgaria, John M. Edwards snitches on the mystery-shrouded Balkans’ best-kept secret: an ancient (and enduring) heresy I was on the way slow train from Budapest through the Balkans, on my way to Bulgaria, chainsmoking and guzzling Egri Bikavier (Bull’s Blood) wine, when the train came to a juddering halt and was boarded by heavily armed Serbian soldiers. A Serb with an impressive handlebar moustache and an assault rifle demanded … [Read more...]
Fun in the Sun in Bulgaria
Packed with culture, heritage and beautiful scenery, Bulgaria is a holiday destination that's fast becoming the next big thing in the summer holiday brochure - and it's not hard to see why. Its beautiful coastline boasts miles of Blue Flag beaches, many of which feature bubbly holiday resorts, gorgeous golden sands and lovely warm shallow waters. There are plenty of family-friendly areas along Bulgaria's coastline, many of which offer … [Read more...]
Skiing in Romania This Season, Guest Post
Many people looking to ski on a budget are turning to Eastern European countries as their destination of choice. The neighbouring countries of Romania and Bulgaria in particular, are up and coming ski destinations. Since their entry into the EU, the infrastructure has improved and getting around has become a lot easier than in the past. Romania is being talked about as possibly the cheapest ski destination in Europe, but does that make it one of … [Read more...]
Greetings from Sofia, Bulgaria
The image blazed in my mind of my several stays in the Bulgarian capital from the past few weeks comes from several sightings of a wheelchair bound heavily bearded homeless man. I first came across him several weeks ago - he was perched on the sidewalk surrounded by metal garbage containers and piles of trash all around him. The stench was tremendous. His wheelchair contained a large tray and on it was quite a spread of people's half eaten … [Read more...]