Why the Balkans should be your next Backpacking Destination

I will be completely honest with you: the goal of this blog is to convince you to add the Balkans to your list of travel destinations, especially if you are a young and budget-conscious backpacker like myself.

In the past few months, I've read many blogs about backpacking through Europe and Southeast Asia. While both of these destinations are rich in culture and history, offering many things to see and do, there are also many other parts of the world that deserve a chance to be explored – the Balkans being one of them.

I feel I have the qualifications to speak about these places, having visited seven of the eleven Balkan countries. As a solo female traveler and budget backpacker, I can tell you that these countries will not disappoint.

The Balkans are also a newer option to visit; from 1991 to 2001, these countries were part of the former Yugoslavia and heavily affected by war, meaning tourism was not an option. However, a new era has begun, along with a thriving tourist industry. While these countries are a bit off the beaten path, they are entirely worth visiting.

First of all, the diversity in this region is incredibly rich, with various languages, cultures, and history. The impact of the war in the 1990s was significant, but there are also traces of the Roman times and the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, which have left behind monuments and stunning historical sites to take in.

There is also the natural beauty of these countries. Slovenia is home to the Julian Alps, while the stunning Adriatic Sea coastline stretches through Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania. Accompanying it are crystal clear blue waters and various islands just off the coast. You will also find various medieval villages and cities sprinkled throughout each country.

Beyond the natural beauty, there is the warmth of the people and their rich hospitality. During my time in the Balkans, I made friends from various cities. The people I met on the street were also warm and always willing to share their culture and history with me.

If the natural beauty, history, and hospitality haven't convinced you to add this to your bucket list, I'm not sure what will. However, another point to consider is the affordability of these countries. Compared to Western European countries, the cost of transportation, food, lodging, and activities is often half as much.

Along with this, the Balkans are off the beaten path, meaning they are much less crowded than the western countries of Europe. This makes it easier to experience the authentic culture and relax by the sea. I must note, though, that Croatia is gaining popularity, especially in cities such as Split or Dubrovnik, which were quite crowded when I was there in the summer of 2022. But don't let that stop you from visiting, as both cities are stunning in architecture and nature.

As for all the solo female travelers reading this, I have an extra note for you. Before going, I was apprehensive about these countries. I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about my safety. However, during my seven weeks traveling through these countries, I never once felt like I was in danger. Of course, I stuck to all the usual safety precautions, but never felt threatened.

Lastly, for those who are dreaming of these far-off and beautiful Balkans, I want to add one last thing. The Balkans have attracted more tourists in the last year, and since the war, they have improved their infrastructure, making travel more accessible to foreigners. The wounds of the war are still very fresh. If you choose to visit these stunning countries, please be respectful of the residents and the pain they still carry from the conflict. Please educate yourself before going, just to be aware of the issues and the culture.

All this being said, I hope that you feel a passion for these countries and that you begin to ponder a backpacking trip down the coastlines of the Adriatic Sea and wander through the lush landscapes.

~A Fellow Wanderer