I’ll admit, I was a bit shocked at just how expensive Dubrovnik was. I loved every second of my time there, but as a budget traveler, I had to be more careful to make sure my money didn’t vanish into thin air. After leaving Greece, I was enjoying a more budget-friendly galavant around the Balkans.… Read More Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Complete 2026 Travel Guide
The city of Shkoder, often known as the gateway to the Albanian Alps, is an essential stop on any Balkan travel itinerary. To reach the mountainous national parks of northern Albania, one must pass through the charming city of Shkoder. Backpackers tend to skip big cities, but thankfully, Shkoder is much more than just a… Read More The Backpacker’s Complete Guide to Shkoder, Albania
Ahh, Santorini — does it really need an introduction? Greece’s most famous island gets a lot of hype. Honestly, rightfully so. I truly had my doubts before I visited Santorini, even considering skipping over the island entirely. In my budget-backpacker mind, I envisioned honeymooners, infinity pools, tourist crowds, and prices I could never hope to… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Santorini, Greece | 2026
Though growing in popularity, Montenegro remains an under-the-radar destination for backpackers and travelers seeking something a little off-the-beaten-path. This tiny country in the Balkans is oozing with natural beauty, from its sparkling Mediterranean Coastline to monstrous snow-capped summits. Backpacking in Montenegro was a wild experience, although admittedly, riddled with a lot of roadblocks. As a… Read More The Backpacker’s Crash Course Travel Guide to Montenegro
I fell in love with Florence over the years without ever having set foot in the city. Through books, movies, video games, and more, Florence captivated my imagination. It felt like I knew the city before I ever went, yet nothing prepared me for seeing the city for the first time. I cried actual tears… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Florence, Italy | 2026
It did not take long for the lively Greek capital city to win me over. Athens has been a city I dreamed of visiting ever since I was a little kid nerding out over Greek mythology and the legendary figures of Ancient Greece. As far as I was concerned, Athens was a legend in itself.… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Athens, Greece | 2026
While Barcelona has built a reputation as a tourist trap and even overrated, I am the furthest thing from one of those people. Perhaps I hold a fondness or nostalgia towards Barcelona as the first European city I ever visited, but it is a destination that I love coming back to time and time again.… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Barcelona, Spain | 2026
I’ve sometimes used the term “love at first sight” to describe the cities I’ve traveled to. For Lisbon, it was quite the opposite. My love affair with Lisbon was more like a slow burn. The longer I spent in Lisbon, the more I grew to love its diverse neighborhoods and mix of historic charm and… Read More The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Lisbon, Portugal
Georgia, known as Sakartvelo in its native language, was one of the biggest surprises of my travels. From trekking through its breathtaking, snow-capped Caucasus Mountains to taking in its vibrant culture and rich history, this country is truly a hidden gem. I was blown away by how friendly and welcoming the people were, inviting us… Read More The Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide to Traveling in Georgia
Armenia is a small country tucked away in the Caucasus Mountains of Eurasia. It is a destination that is often overlooked by travelers. The few who make it are rewarded with gorgeous mountains, pristine national parks, and well-preserved historical sites. Armenia is a budget-friendly destination with a plethora of unique attractions and a relatively sparse… Read More The Backpacker’s Crash Course Travel Guide to Armenia