Anita Hendrieka, Author at Travelling Balkans

How to Get from Bucharest to Transylvania + the best stops!

Romania’s landscape is a magnificent beast that deserves to be conquered and understood. Across this, open and rugged terrain are big modern cities like the capital of Bucharest, as well as the hundreds of medieval towns and villages found in Transylvania. On the journey from Bucharest to Transylvania, you’ll leave the big city behind and pass through historic towns and cities filled with medieval architecture, lined with cobbled streets, and surrounded by endless forests, fields, and hills. But how do you get from Bucharest to Transylvania? An[...]

26 Unique Things To Do in Montenegro

Montenegro is one of the smallest and newest countries in Europe. It declared its independence from Serbia in 2006 and is now one of the countries that many people want to visit. Two million people visit Montenegro every year and are always amazed at how much there is to do in the wondrously green and icy country. You can take on the fjords of Kotor or scale the mountains of Durmitor. You can even cross the Tara Canyons at Durmitor National Park. If you are planning a vacation to the Balkans, here are twenty-six unique things to do in Montenegro.[...]

25 Unique Things to do in Serbia

As with most of the countries in Europe, Serbia is full of many places to go and things to do. This list collates some of the unique things a traveller can do when visiting the historic nation. 1. Visit Tara National Park A noteworthy member of the Dinaric Alps, Tara National Park presents the visitor with some of the most scenic views that Serbia has to offer. The part features magnificent ravines, shimmering bodies of water, and forested slopes that go on for at least 220 km sq. The biggest attraction of the park is Drina River Canyon - the third[...]

7 Best Tips to Prepare for a Balkan Road Trip In 2026

The Balkans are a great place for a road trip, with endless opportunities to explore its natural beauty and history. It's filled with gems like the historic old town of Mostar, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ohrid, and countless hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. I've been lucky enough to live in the Balkans for over 7 years now and have explored SO many incredible places around the Balkan region. Whether you’re cruising along the Adriatic Sea or venturing through narrow streets of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a Balkan road trip is the perf[...]

The Best Traditional Slovenian Food to Try

A country once fairly ignored on the food front, the riches of traditional Slovenian cuisine is finally reaching the rest of the world. Slovenia has recently named over two dozen culinary micro-regions within its country and many dishes on this list are protected by the EU as speciality heritage dishes. Slovenia is fast turning into a hot destination for food lovers as they hunt down the best traditional Slovenian dishes to dig into. Notably, breakfast isn’t as big of a deal in Slovenia, as in neighbouring countries, with people generally preferring[...]

Planning a Slovenia Road Trip

A country like Slovenia with stunning natural landscapes, quaint towns and cities, and friendly people is perfect for a European road trip. There are so many perfect spots to jump out at and take pictures that it almost seems a shame not to hire a rental car and go for it. Although the public transport in Slovenia is undeniably excellent, it’s harder to reach some of the smaller towns or anything off the main tourist track with public transport. The freedom you’re offered by renting your own car is so worth it and you don’t have to be at the merc[...]

The Best Albanian Souvenirs to Buy!

When visiting Albania there is plenty of fantastic things you can take home in memory of your trip. Albania has some beautiful handicrafts which you won’t find anywhere else in the world. So, let’s get into the top Albanian souvenirs to buy on your trip! 1. Homemade ceramics One of the best things I have brought in Albania is a homemade ceramic vase with traditional Albanian patterns. You will find some workshops around the country, but I highly recommend visiting ZadrimArt. They have a shop next to Mrizi i Zanave, which is[...]

9 Best Things to do in Korca, Albania

Upon a recent trip to Korce, I was pleasantly surprised at how incredible it was, and confused as to why I hadn't visited sooner! The city is a popular weekend trip for Albanians who live in Tirana as it’s about a 3-hour drive from city to city. Korca is now being voted as one of the top places to visit in Albania but tourism is still relatively new to international travellers. The city is filled with great things to do from exploring the market, getting the best view of the city and eating your heart out on Qofte! 1. Get the best view of t[...]

Is Albania Safe for Tourists?

A common question for travellers coming to the Balkans is, is Albania safe? I have been travelling and living in Albania since 2017, so I feel I am equipped to answer this question! When talking about Albania there are so many negative misconceptions mainly coming from the movie Taken or events which happened in the 1900s. The movie taken was not filmed in Albania or based on Albanians. I have lost count of the number of times I have mentioned ‘Albania’ and the other person has said ‘Taken’. I have travelled as a solo female, I have travel[...]

When to Visit Turkey

Visiting Turkey is an unforgettable experience! It’s a country that straddles the line between East and West, with a culture, a cuisine, religions, and traditions informed by both Europe and the Middle East. Turkey is steeped in thousands of years of phenomenal history; here, you can visit ancient ruins and cities of a legend like the fabled Troy - a city with mythology larger than itself. Full of scenic beaches and rich food culture, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating country. Choosing when to visit Turkey can be challenging, it[...]