Blogs

Shqip, the language spoken in Kosovo as well as neighboring Albania, is a unique branch of the Indo-European language family, written with Roman lettering and unrelated closely to any other modern language except for more recent loan words like muze/muzeu, hotel, restorant, and universitet). And for visitors, here´s a handful of essential Albanian words and phrases:

Hello - përshëndetje (pronounced "per-shen-DET-yeh")*

Hi (informal) - tung ("toong")

Goodbye - mirupafshim ("meer-oo-PAHF-sheem

Photos: David Paul Appell unless otherwise noted


Well, well, Shqipëria is back in the news these days - and not just because it´s become somewhat fashionable as a destination in recent years. I´d been intrigued by this very singular country for many years, since a freelance editing gig for a major U.S. travel guidebook publisher, which in 1993 handed me an assignment to work on its next Eastern Europe edition – with a very small section on this quirky little land of 2.75 million in the Balkans

Split is one of those rare destinations that feels almost too good to be true. Warm Adriatic waters, ancient Roman architecture, fresh seafood, and a buzzing nightlife scene all packed into one coastal city on the Dalmatian coast. Whether you are planning your first trip to Croatia or returning for another unforgettable summer, Split deserves a top spot on your itinerary. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect sunny getaway to this stunning Croatian gem

Park1036

When I lived in New York City many years ago, every so often I would take the subway down to the East Village and for a rib-sticking repast at a Ukrainian restaurant called Veselka, founded in 1954 in what was then Little Ukraine. It was always a treat, but when I mentioned it to friends and family, they would often assume Ukrainian cuisine was pretty much the same as Russian. But in fact it´s one of Europe’s richest and most distinctive culinary traditions — hearty yet nuanced, deepl

Saunas are more than just places to sweat; they're sanctuaries of relaxation, culture, rejuvenation, and wellness. From the ethereal landscapes of Scandinavia to the depths of Estonian tradition, each sauna offers a unique experience worth travelling for. Here we unveil some of the world's most exceptional saunas that redefine the art of sweating. 

Björholmens Marina, Sweden

In the little old fishing village of Björholmen on the charming west-coast island of Tjörn, an hour's drive from Gothenb

Bujar I Gashi


Europe´s newest independent country – just 18 years old – is small, youthful, and still something of a blank spot on the European travel map, without the polished tourism industry of neighboring Croatia or Greece. But that’s exactly a key part of its appeal: Kosovo feels real, raw, and a little bit undiscovered. Plus with a population of roughly 1.8 million and slightly smaller than Wales and the U.S. state of Connecticut, it´s compact enough to explore easily, yet varied enough

A First Look at Bulgaria’s Cultural Depth

Bulgaria is often overlooked when people plan a European trip, but that is exactly what makes it special. It offers a mix of history, culture, and local life that feels real and untouched. When you begin exploring, the first step is to understand its deep roots. Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe, and its traditions are still alive in daily life.

Start your journey in cities like Sofia or Plovdiv. Sofia introduces you to a blend of old chu

Francis Crisostomo

The Adriatic Sea coastline is a beautiful sailing destination, but also a living tapestry of history, culture, food, and traditions shaped by centuries of seafarers, fishermen, and island communities. When you sail Croatia, you experience the coast the way locals do: slowly, intentionally, and with respect for nature and heritage. This guide can bring you closer to the authentic Adriatic, from Dalmatian flavors and fishing traditions to ancient stone towns, local wines, and ti

Like pretty much every country where it gets nippy at this time of year, Hungary offers its own menu of delights both frosty and toasty. In fact, this central European country is a veritable winter wonderland, whether it’s ice-skating in fairytale castle grounds; browsing luminescent Christmas markets; warming your hands and mouth with roasted chestnuts and mulled wine; or bathing in a historic thermal spa. Check out these half dozen options and you’ll see what we mean:

Strap on Your Skates

W

For travellers seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe stand out as destinations that promise unforgettable experiences. From majestic fjords and serene lakes in the north to vibrant medieval towns and architectural wonders in the east, these regions offer a unique combination of adventure, culture, and scenic charm that appeals to every kind of traveller.

One of the highlights of Scandinavia is its breathtaking natural land

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the Balkans’ most intriguing and emotionally rich destinations. Often overlooked by mainstream travellers, the country offers a deeply rewarding experience shaped by centuries of cultural influences, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality. From historic cities and spiritual landmarks to rivers, mountains, and quiet villages, Bosnia & Herzegovina invites visitors to slow down and discover a land where history and everyday life exist side by side.

One of the mos

Arto häkkilä, Scotch Mist

Every year since 1985, the cultural grand poobahs of the European Union have designated one to three of the continent's cities as Capitals of Culture, focusing not only on their own cultural offerings but also allowing them to organize a series of wider cultural events (many with a strong pan-European dimension) - which bring in considerable additional revenue; foster urban renewal; and raise their international profiles and images. Since the first was Athens (then Gre

dragunoff

by Felice Hardy

Apart from those who want to try something a little different, the main reason for choosing Eastern Europe for a skiing/snowboarding holiday continues to be value for money whilst still enjoying decent quality. Lift passes, for example, are almost a quarter of the cost of those in French or Swiss resorts, while après-ski prices are pleasingly low. You can expect to pay around £2 for (67 US cents) a local beer and £6 (7.75 USD) for lunch on the mountain. Ski tuition is f

pawel.gaul

One of Eastern Europe´s most handsome cities, Hungary´s capital is packed with remarkable architecture and historical landmark such as the House of Parliament and Buda Castle, as well as plenty of cool things to do – most notably luxuriating in its atmospheric hot-springs bathhouses, which date back centuries. And here´s a quintet of the best districts for exploring these and more:

Time Travel in the Castle District

Over on the Buda side of the Danube River, Várkerület (also known as Bu

This small Balkan country of packs an abundance of unforgettable experiences into its 43,000 square miles (111,000 sq. kilometers), from tranquil as well as and lively  coastal towns to breathtaking mountain retreats, tasty cuisine, compelling historical and cultural heritage. It´s also considered one of Europe´s most affordable destinations for visitors and foreigners who choose to live here part- or full-time (for example, very affordable real estate opportunities make Bulgaria the perfect p

I´m excited to introduce you to one of the foremost gems of Croatia´s Dalmatian Coast on the beautiful Adriatic Sea: the island of Hvar. It´s true paradise that captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes, fascinating history, vibrant nightlife, and gourmet cuisine.In 2023 it placed in the top 10 of Condé Nast Traveler´s Readers´ Choice Awards, and last year it placed first on Forbes´ list of "European Island Destinations To Visit This Year," with writer Alex Ledsom writing that it´s "best

kasto80

The capital of this little jewel of an Alpine country is a charming, untouristy treat with a poulation of just over 288,000, gracious architecture, lovely green spaces, laid back vibe, tasty cuisine - and very affordable prices. And long under the radar, Ljubjliana starting to gain wider notice among travellers, and is on many lists of hot destinations for 2025. So let´s dig in a bit, shall we?

YayaErnst

First off, once you're here, one thing you can't help but notice is dragons, dragons e

Fani Kurti


Interested in a highly rewarding destination in Europe that´s a little “different” and off the beaten track (and which probably no one else you know has visited)? Check out one of Iberia´s newest destinations, the intriguing capital of Albania (Shqipëri in Albanian), the small, mostly Muslim in the Balkans with an impenetrable language which spent 46 years of the postwar 20th century isolated under the secretive and Stalinist totalitarian dictatorship of Enver Hoxha. After a rough f

Adam Jones

For several years in the early 1990s, in the wake of the breakup of Yugoslavia, this small country in the Balkans was constantly in the news because of the brutal civil war it suffered between the Muslim Bosniaks and the Orthodox Christian Bosnian Serbs. It has been at peace since December 1995, and more travelers have been discovering its myriad natural, historical, and cultural appeals. But others come for "dark tourism," a trend which involves visiting places associated with trage